Questions About Birth Photography | Calgary + Okotoks Birth Photographer
- katherinepersson
- Mar 11
- 5 min read
Hey mama!
If you’re here, you’re probably curious about birth photography—what it is, how it works, and whether it’s right for you. First of all, I just want to say that I get it. Birth is one of the most intimate, life-changing experiences, and inviting someone in to document it is a big decision.
I’ve been where you are, wondering if I really needed it, and if it was worth the investment—whether I'd regret not having it for myself (spoiler alert: I absolutely do!). Every single time I photograph a birth, I see just how powerful and meaningful these images become for families. They’re not just photos; they’re proof of your strength, the love in the room in your family, and the moment everything changed.
If you’re on the fence or just want more information, here we go with Birth Photography FAQs that I get most often—by interested clients and skeptics alike. I hope it helps make your decision a little easier!
And if you still need time to think it over, pin this photo to Pinterest to refer back to when you're ready.
11 Questions About Birth Photography
Q: What is birth photography?
Birth photography is all about documenting your baby’s arrival in a way that feels real, raw, and emotional. I capture the big moments—your hardest contractions, first look at your baby, your baby's first cry—and the in-between moments you might not even realize are happening. These photos tell the story of your baby’s birth day in a way no words ever could.
Q: Why should I hire a birth photographer?
I hear this one a lot—why hire a professional when your partner, doula, or a nurse could snap a few pictures?
The simple answer: because birth is your moment. You should be fully present, not worried about whether someone is remembering to grab their phone or hold it still enough or remember to adjust the lighting. You deserve (and will likely really need) focused attention and concentration from all your support people who are there to help you with the actual birth.
Having me there means you get a full story of your birth, captured with care and experience. It means you’ll have beautiful, high-quality images that bring you right back to the moment, every time you look at them.
Q: When should I book a birth photographer?
I recommend booking by your second trimester, just to make sure I have space in my schedule! I can only take a limited number of births per month to ensure I’m available when your baby decides to arrive. That said, no matter how far along you are, if you're just starting to look, please reach out—I might still have availability and I would hate for you to miss out because you felt like you couldn't ask.
Q: What if my baby comes early or late?
No worries—I fully expect that! Part of the service of hiring a professional is having them on-call! I will be on-call for you starting at 38 weeks and stay available until your baby arrives—whether that’s early, right on time, or a little fashionably late. I keep my schedule flexible so I can be there when you need me.
Q: Will you be taking photos of everything?
Only what you’re comfortable with! Every mother is different, and every birth is different, and I respect your privacy completely. Before your birth, we’ll talk about what you do (and don’t) want photographed. Some moms want everything documented, while others prefer I focus on emotions, details, and first moments after birth. It’s entirely up to you!
Q: How long will you be there?
I typically arrive when labor is well-established, and stay until about 1-2 hours after birth, so I can capture those precious first moments—skin-to-skin, the first latch, siblings meeting their new baby, all of it. If your labor is longer, don’t worry—you take your time, and I'll be there!
Q: What kind of photos can I expect?
You can expect a beautiful mix of storytelling images—tender, emotional, powerful. I’ll document the intensity of labor, the moment your baby arrives, the first time you hold them, the love and support from your birth team, and all those little details you never want to forget.
After your birth, I carefully edit your images and deliver them in a private online gallery, where you can view, download, and share them however you like.
Q: Can my photos be kept private?
Absolutely. Your birth story is yours. I never share images without your permission. If you prefer to keep your gallery completely private, that’s totally fine—I respect whatever feels right for you. If you book a birth photography package in 2025, you will receive a 10% discount for signing a full model release—and even then, I’m mindful of keeping things tasteful and respectful. You can take a look at photos I've shared from past clients here.
Q: Do you offer maternity or newborn sessions too?
Yes! Many families book birth photography along with maternity and newborn sessions to capture their full journey. If that’s something you’re interested in, let’s chat—I offer bundle options so you can get everything you want while saving a little at the same time.
Q: How much does birth photography cost?
I know this is an investment, and I never take that lightly. My pricing reflects the time, skill, and on-call availability needed for birth photography, as well as the care I put into documenting your story. I offer flexible payment plans to make it as manageable as possible. If you’re interested, take a look here at what I typically offer, and if you need to create a more custom package, I’d love to chat with you in more detail—just reach out!
Q: How do I book you?
I’d love to chat and answer any other questions you have, and I always like to make sure you feel confident that I am the right person for this tender job before we create any solid booking! Here’s what the booking process looks like:
Reach out to me – Send me a message through my website or to katherineperssonphotography@gmail.com, and let’s just start a conversation—no commitment yet.
We connect – We’ll talk about your birth plans, what you’re looking for, what your preferences are, and make sure I’m the right fit for you.
Secure your spot – Once you’re ready to book, I’ll send over a contract and invoice. A deposit secures your place on my calendar, and I’ll be officially on call for your birth!
Still Have Questions? Let’s Chat!
I hope this helped answer some of your questions about birth photography, but if you’re still unsure or just want to talk things through, I’d love to connect. No pressure, no obligations—just an honest conversation about what feels right for you.
Birth is your story. I’d be honored to help you remember it forever.
Let’s talk soon!
Katherine
You can also check out Lena's kind words about her birth photography experience with me here
