The Experience
What is Birth Photography?
honest
quiet
documentary
respectful
unobtrusive
present
real
Birth photography is the art of documenting your birth as it naturally unfolds... the big moments, the quiet ones, and everything in between.
We typically join you at the hospital or birthing center once labor has progressed to a certain point. From there, we work quietly and unobtrusively, often described as being a “fly on the wall.” We’re there to observe and document rather than direct or interrupt, allowing you to stay focused on yourself, your baby, and the people around you.
We may photograph the atmosphere of the room, your support team and partner, the progression of labor, comfort measures, emotional moments, anticipation, and those small in-between moments that you may not even notice happening at the time.
Our goal is to tell the story of your birth honestly and respectfully — so when you look back at your photographs, you remember not just the moment your baby arrived, but everything that surrounded it.
On-Call Nature of Birth Photography
Birth is unpredictable, and attendance can never be fully guaranteed. That said, we will absolutely make every reasonable effort to provide coverage.
Transparency is extremely important to us, and we never want families to feel surprised by the realities of birth work scheduling.
Please keep us updated:
When labor begins
When contractions become consistent
When leaving for the hospital
Upon admission
Delivery &
Immediate Postpartum Coverage
When it comes time for delivery, your preferences matter most.
Some families want the actual moment of birth photographed in full detail. Others prefer more modest angles that focus on emotion and connection rather than anatomy. Some prefer no active delivery images at all.
You are always in control of:
How much is photographed
What angles are used
What moments remain private
Which images are ultimately shared publicly, if any
Depending on your preferences, we can document:
First cries and reactions
Cord cutting
First skin-to-skin contact
Weighing and measurements
First family moments
Breastfeeding/latching if desired
The Process
1. Reach out
Fill out the inquiry form and tell us a little about yourself, your due date, and your birth plans.
2. GET TO KNOW US
We'll connect, answer your questions, talk through what you're looking for, and make sure we're a good fit.
3. YOU'RE BOOKED
Once your contract is signed and retainer is paid, you're officially on our calendar. We'll stay in touch throughout your pregnancy and as your due date approaches.
4. prepare for birth
Around 37 weeks, we're officially on call 24/7 until your baby arrives. We'll talk through when and how to contact us when labor begins.
5. BABY DAY
When the time comes, we'll coordinate with you and head to your hospital, birth center, or home when appropriate. One of us will quietly document your birth as it unfolds.
6. Your Story, Delivered
After your birth, we'll carefully edit your images and deliver your finished gallery so you can relive the day from a perspective you couldn't have experienced yourself.
Questions We Will Discuss Before Birth
Prior to your due date, we typically like to discuss:
- Your birth preferences
- How much you want photographed
- Previous labor experiences
- Any complications or medical concerns
- Current dilation/progression updates
- Your hopes and priorities for documentation
This helps us serve you better and photograph your birth in a way that feels respectful and personalized to your family.
You are always allowed to ask for privacy.
At any point during labor or delivery, you may ask us to:
Step out of the room
Pause photographing
Give you space
Leave temporarily or permanently
No explanation is ever needed.
Your comfort comes first, always.
Your Final Gallery
Included:
- Full-resolution digital downloads
- The complete story of your birth day
- No strict image maximums
- Emotional storytelling images and details
Every gallery is different because every birth story is different.
You only get to experience this day once.
We document what you couldn't see while you were living it.
Follow us on Instagram
@the_arrivalcollective
