As an artist and birth photographer, I often encounter inquiries that revolve around the cost of my services. It's understandable—birth photography is an investment, and the price tag reflects more than just “some photo” or one day’s work. Here's a glimpse into why birth photography costs what it does… and why it's worth every penny.
1. Specialized Skillset:
Birth photography requires a unique set of skills. It's not just about having a good camera, having an eye for photographic exposure and composition, or even having a degree in photography (which I do); it's about knowing how to exist in a vulnerable, high emotion and sometimes even medically critical space. You are paying for someone to know how to flow from “invisible fly on the wall” to “calming sturdy presence” to “joyful cheerleader”, while capturing the raw emotions, fleeting moments, and beauty of the birthing process. The expertise developed through networking and experience contributes to the premium associated with this specialized craft.
2. 24/7 On-Call Commitment:
I can’t emphasize this one enough… Birth is unpredictable. I commit to being on-call for my clients 24/7 during the weeks surrounding their due date. This means not going to weddings, on trips or making conflicting personal or professional commitments so I can be ready to rush to the birthing location at any hour, regardless of plans or the time of day.
3. Equipment and Backup Systems:
Quality photography equipment is a must for capturing the essence of birth. Additionally, having backup systems and redundancies ensures that technical failures won't compromise the once-in-a-lifetime moments I am there to capture. This includes a main camera, a back up camera, multiple lenses, physical storage, online storage, software fees, etc. Thousands and thousands of dollars.
4. Post-Processing Time:
The job doesn't end after the last contraction. Hours of post-processing are dedicated to refining each image, ensuring that the final collection is a stunning representation of the miraculous event.
5. Professionalism and Reliability:
Clients are not just paying for photographs; they are investing in professionalism and reliability. My commitment to both aspects sets the experience apart.
8. Customization and Personalization:
Each birth is unique, and so is the approach to capturing it. Tailoring my services to meet the specific needs and desires of each client ensures a personalized experience that goes beyond simply taking pictures. What you want captured, what you don’t want captured, what you need from me. It’s all important and I honor it to the best of my ability because this is YOUR story.
In essence, the cost of birth photography is a reflection of the time, dedication, skill, and priority invested in doing this work. It’s not for everyone but for those drawn to it, I believe it is so so worth it.