Hiring a birth photographer isn’t just about finding someone whose portfolio you love.

Of course, you want to love the photographs. But you’re also inviting someone into one of the most personal, vulnerable and unpredictable experiences of your life.

Your birth photographer may see you laugh, cry, shake, sweat, lose your patience, find your strength and completely surrender to the moment.

That’s why I believe getting to know each other before your birth matters so much.

Before I ever walk into your labor and delivery room, there are some things I want to know.

Not because I need to control how your birth unfolds.

Birth doesn’t work that way.

I want to know because the more I understand about you, the better I can quietly document your story while respecting your boundaries.

Tell Me About Your Previous Births

If you’ve given birth before, I want to know about that experience.

Was it wonderful?

Was it difficult?

Was it traumatic?

Did you feel supported?

Did you feel like your wishes were heard?

Did something happen that you don’t want repeated?

You don’t have to share anything you’re not comfortable sharing. But if there are parts of a previous birth that affect how you feel about this one, I’d rather know ahead of time than have you try to explain it while you’re in labor.

Your birth history can help me understand what may be particularly meaningful or sensitive for you.

Tell Me What Makes You Comfortable

Some people don’t mind being photographed at all.

Others are much more private.

Some moms want lots of photographs.

Others want their photographer to be almost invisible.

Some people are completely comfortable with documentary images of labor.

Others have very specific boundaries.

There is no right or wrong answer.

During your consultation, we’ll talk about what you’re comfortable with so you don’t have to worry about communicating all of that while you’re in labor.

Tell Me What You Don’t Want Photographed

This is just as important.

Maybe you don’t want certain parts of labor photographed.

Maybe you don’t want specific medical procedures documented.

Maybe there are people you don’t want included.

Maybe you want the first few minutes after birth to be private.

Tell me.

I would much rather know your boundaries beforehand.

Your birth photography experience should never feel like you have to give up your privacy to have your story documented.

Tell Me About Your Partner

Your partner is a huge part of the story too.

I want to know a little about them.

Are they emotional?

Quiet?

Funny?

Nervous?

The type who wants to be involved in everything?

The type who might need a little direction?

Understanding the dynamics of your family helps me anticipate the moments that matter.

Because sometimes the most powerful photograph from a birth isn’t of the person giving birth.

It’s the look on their partner’s face.

Tell Me Who You Want There

Who will be part of your birth?

A partner?

A doula?

A midwife?

Parents?

Siblings?

Friends?

And just as importantly, who won’t be there?

Knowing who is part of your support system helps me understand the people who are important to your story.

Tell Me What You’re Hoping For

You may have a very specific birth plan.

Or you may be taking things one moment at a time.

Either is completely fine.

I don’t need you to promise me that your birth will happen a certain way.

I simply want to know what you’re hoping for.

Maybe you’re hoping for a peaceful birth.

Maybe you’re hoping your older children can meet the baby shortly after delivery.

Maybe your partner cutting the cord is incredibly important to you.

Maybe you want photographs of your baby’s first latch.

Maybe you want a photograph of your parents meeting their grandchild.

Those details help me know what to watch for.

Tell Me What You’re Nervous About

This is one of the most important conversations we can have.

Maybe you’re nervous about being photographed during labor.

Maybe you’re nervous about how you’ll look.

Maybe you’ve had a difficult birth before.

Maybe you’re nervous about how quickly things might change.

You don’t have to pretend you’re completely confident.

Tell me.

There is a huge difference between knowing what someone wants photographed and understanding what they are feeling going into their birth.

What Your Birth Photographer Should Know About Your Care Team and Location

Where you’re planning to give birth matters.

A hospital birth, birth center birth and home birth can all look very different.

Your care team’s policies matter too.

I’ll want to know where you’re planning to deliver and any photography policies you’re aware of so we can be prepared.

Of course, birth can change locations and plans can change too.

That’s okay.

We’ll adapt.

What Happens If Everything Changes?

This might be the most important thing to understand about birth photography.

Your birth photographer isn’t there to document your birth plan.

I’m there to document your birth.

Those aren’t always the same thing.

Maybe you planned an unmedicated birth and end up getting an epidural.

Maybe you planned a vaginal birth and need a cesarean.

Maybe labor takes much longer than expected.

Maybe everything happens incredibly quickly.

Maybe your baby needs extra care after birth.

The story can change.

And if it does, my job is to adapt with you.

Why These Details Matter to Your Birth Photographer

My consultation isn’t a checklist that I rush through so I can get you on my calendar.

It’s part of the experience.

I want to know the person I’m going to photograph.

I want you to know me.

I want you to feel comfortable enough that when your birth day comes, you don’t feel like there’s a stranger standing in the room with a camera.

You should be able to forget about the camera.

You should be able to focus on your baby.

Your Birth Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

There is no perfect birth.

There is only your birth.

And sometimes the most meaningful photographs aren’t the ones where everything went according to plan.

They’re the ones that show the reality of what you experienced.

The strength.

The uncertainty.

The tears.

The laughter.

The people who showed up for you.

The moment you realized your baby was finally here.

That’s the story I want to preserve.

Looking for a DFW Birth Photographer?

If you’re looking for a birth photographer in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I’d love to hear about your plans.

At Poppy+Blue Photography, every birth client receives a personal consultation where we get to know each other, talk about your birth history, discuss your comfort level and go over the details that matter to you.

Birth photography is currently $1,450.

You don’t have to have everything figured out before you reach out.

You can simply tell me when you’re due and what you’re thinking.

We’ll take it from there.

Your job is to have your baby.

My job is to tell the story.