Nashville Birth Photographer + Videographer | The Top Questions Families Ask About Birth Videography (And Honest Answers!)

Welcoming your baby into the world is one of the most powerful, emotional experiences of your life. Many families want to remember every precious moment…but also be fully present in it. That’s where birth videography + photography comes in.

If you’ve been thinking about hiring a birth videographer, you probably have questions (lots of them!). Below are the most common questions families ask, along with honest, reassuring answers to help you decide if birth videography is right for you.

What Exactly Does a Birth Videographer Do?

As a birth videographer + photographer, I capture the real, unscripted story of your baby’s arrival…labor, delivery, and those first moments meeting your new baby. I want you to remember how you were supported, what the waves of labor were like for you, and how you overcame all of it for the sake of your child. It is impossible to be the mom in labor and be able to fully experience your birth. You turn inward and as a result, miss out on a lot. This lets you experience it both ways.

Why Hire a Birth Videographer Instead of a Family Member?

While it might seem easier to hand your phone to a partner or relative, or even a doula … but you will need them to be apart of your team. I have seen births where mom expected to people to be able to sit around, but actually everyone was needed. Either for warming the tub or getting towels, etc. Also, if they are taking the video, then they will then be missing from the story.

As a professional birth videographer and photographer, I know how to capture the emotion and beauty of your birth without disrupting the moment. Plus, I use experience, lighting, and editing skills to create a meaningful, high-quality keepsake you’ll treasure forever.

How Is Birth Videography Different From Photography?

Both capture this incredible moment in your life but in different ways. Photography freezes single moments, while video brings them to life with movement and sound: your laughter, your baby’s first cry, your partner’s voice whispering encouragement. Many families choose to have both for a complete memory of the day. Luckily, with me you get photos too!

When Do You Arrive and How Long Do You Stay?

Births don’t run on a schedule! I am to arrive once you’re in active labor around 6-7 cm and stay through the first hour or two after delivery. The goal is to document the full story without rushing….no matter how long your labor lasts.

What If My Birth Is Really Fast (or Really Long)?

Every birth is unique, and flexibility is key. If your labor is short, I will get there as quickly as possible once you call. If it’s long, we stay in touch, pacing coverage to ensure your story is complete without adding stress to your experience.

Do You Film in Hospitals, Birth Centers, and Homes?

As of now, I only offer birth videography and photography to clients having home births or birthing at Vanderbilt Birth Center. I only take 6 births a year.

What’s Your Filming and Editing Style?

My work revolves around the emotional aspects of giving birth rather than the physical. I want to tell the story how you labored, how people supported you. The thoughts that you had and voiced to your team. What they told you and how discussions about your options went. Then, when you finally give birth, the grit you had bringing baby into the world and then meeting your baby and the emotions you had - what you said when you met your baby, how you and your husband reacted to meeting your baby and maybe even finding out it’s gender!

Do You Include Sound in the Film?

Yes, most birth videos include ambient sound…the words of encouragement, laughter, and first cries that make the story feel alive. I love to use alot of audio that significantly enhance the story. Hearing moms and birth team talk really helps to explain what is happening.

How Long Is the Final Video?

Edited films typically range from 5 to 15 minutes..just long enough to relive the emotion without losing focus. It just depends on so many variables, but I make it long enough to tell the story and keep viewers engaged.

How Do You Handle Privacy and Modesty?

This is an area that makes me unique. Im not aiming to capture where the baby exits your body. I don’t actually think that plays a role in the story. We all know where babies come out. I believe the story lies in the emotional connection between you and your husband and the birth team. All of that is where the story is, and THOSE parts will be the parts you want to remember. You’ll be so attached to your birth team and want to relive how incredible they were at getting you through the hardest thing you have ever done.

Will My Video Be Private?

Always. Your video belongs to you. I will never post or share it publicly without your written permission.

When Should We Book a Birth Videographer?

The earlier the better, as I book up and I only take 6 births a year. I don’t take competing due dates. Because I truly want you to have ME at your birth. I want time to meet you and know we are a match prior to booking as well.

In the End: Your Story, Beautifully Remembered

Birth videography isn’t just about recording the day…it’s about preserving the emotions, connections, and strength that define it. Every cry, every squeeze, every tear of joy becomes part of your family’s story. Your kids will see this birth film and it will show them how amazing birth is and how strong mom was and it will shape their idea of birth for their future marriage and births.

When you look back years from now, you won’t just see the moment your baby was born…you’ll feel it all over again.

Nashville Newborn Photographer | The Best Doulas in Nashville, Franklin, Spring Hill, TN and Beyond!

As a Nashville Birth Videographer and Photographer, I am blessed to be able to attend many home births. As such, I get to see so many birth providers and doulas and midwives support women in their journey of bringing their newborn into the world.Hiring a doula is such an integral part of your birth plans. I did not have a doula with my first birth and it turned out the epidurals do not work on my body (they gave me 3 and all 3 failed). So for my 2nd birth, I attended Bradley Method Birth Classes and hired me a doula!It was 2012, and the birth world wasn't what it is today. I found a few and interviewed them but ultimately chose a woman named Beulah (Man, if she wasn't 70 and was starting her business today, what a marketing campaign for Beulah the Doula!). She was amazing. Calm and centered. and I adored her. (I would recommend her, but I don't think she's practicing much these days!). All that to say, I truly know the importance of having a doula that meshes well with you and can stand up for you, plus support you WELL.Here are my top faves!!!

1. Viergeni White.   I have attended a few births with this lady and she is hands down the BEST doula. You know, being the best doula doesn't really have to do with WHAT they do? It's how they do it. It's their presence. Their soul. any doula can "do all the right things" but it really comes down to that plus their spiritual self and presence in the birth space. This sweet lady has such a deep connection with her moms, she prays audibly, shows up so happy to be there. She is so in tune with mom. Is just amazing.

2. Lyss Moore. I have not yet gotten to be in a birth with Lyss, but I have heard many MIDWIVES rave about her. She holds women well in their time of need and has a big heart for birth.3. Kimberly Williams. Kimberly is amazing. She's a gentle soul and loves the lord. She is an incredible doula with a peaceful presence in the birth space. 4. Amanda Githaiga. I have not yet had a birth with this doula, but she comes highly recommended by doulas on this list! She is who other doulas would hire for their birth - which speaks volumes. She is crunchy and Christian, which matters to many.5. Lauren Glass. I had a long VBAC with this lovely doula. She spent many hours with this momma, supporting her and helping her, mentally and physically. Mom even got transferred and Lauren's energy never waned. She is fierce and loving - an amazing combination for a doula.   

Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer | The Birth of Owen Jesse

Jessie hired me with some slight risk attached to it. She was due around the time I would be in Tampa Florida for a family film. But it was her 4th baby and she always goes later.... so we took the risk. When a client hires me for birth, we talk about the chance I don't make it to their birth. They basically get a credit for the amount they spent for future film and photography. She and I both entered into this willingly and hopeful. Well, a hurricane hit Florida, so I was in fact here and she did in fact go later as well.on the day she gave birth, she sent me a few texts about things potentially starting. It was breakfast time so I simply got ready in case I got the call. She goes fast and lives 35 minutes away. I started to get a feeling around 11 am and went into town to be closer to her. I texted her midwife (she and I are friends) to ask if she was the one on call. and She was! (Lauren Drees of Haven Birth and Wellness). Not only that but she was grateful for the heads' up (Jessie had not yet contacted her) so she could get showered and ready since she knew she would be on video! I ended up hanging out a friend's house for a bit when I got the call to come. I was all of 7 minutes away. We all arrived about 90 mins before baby arrived 🤣🤣🤣 So I think we all played our cards right!Jessie is so funny in birth. She's very chatty in between contractions and there are very few signs she's about to give birth. Her doula of 4x was there and let us know "this is how she is all the way up until pushing!" I don't think Jessie had more than handful of contractions in the tub before baby was arriving earth side!Day time births are my specialty it seems. After the tub birth, Jessie moved into a guest room for her postpartum. The light was OUT of the world!!! Just breathtaking. I loved editing this birth and making the prayer from Grandpa included. It is so special and I wanted them to always remember it.If you want your birth captured on video and photos, please let's chat!  

Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer | The Birth of June

In June, I had the honor of filming and photographing a birth for a client whom I have worked with many times in the past few years. She first hired me to capture the home birth of her 2nd child, a boy a few years back. She has since done annual family films and each baby has had a newborn session. This was my first birth client to have hired me for a 2nd birth, which was really exciting. Both of her home births were daytime and just gorgeous. She hired Haven Birth + Wellness both times. I love that I get to be at many Haven births each year. I have grown close to the entire midwifery team and just love when we get to share the same birth space.My favorite part of how Erin moves through the journey of labor and birth, is how she verbalizes. It just makes her birth films have so much more story to them, and I love it. She verbalizes her fears and anxieties and what she is feeling physically. I love the story of her feelings and how her birth team really supported her. If you think you want your home birth filmed, you can contact me here. You can watch her film below: 

 

Nashville Birth Photographer | The Birth of Shiloh Owen

Being hired to video and photograph the most important days of a family's live.... it's just beyond words. It's a gift, and honor, and I truly never take it for granted.

Krista reached out to me about filming her birth. She and her husband are former wedding videographers themselves. There is no greater compliment than when other photographers and videographers choose me.

I was incredibly blessed to be able to come to Krista's birth of her 3rd baby, during the day time. We had such gorgeous weather for her March Birth. Her home birth team was incredible. Krista's labor progressed so fast, we worried the midwife would not make it! Baby was born within 10 minutes of the midwife arriving. It was fast, but incredibly beautiful.

Krista and Patrick did not find out the gender of their baby until he arrived. It was such an incredible moment as she found out he was a boy!

Doula: Kimberly Williams of https://growingyournest.com/

Midwife: Cameron https://libertymidwife.com/

The Birth of Shiloh PG from Jennie Pyfferoen on Vimeo.  

4 Benefits of Delayed Cord Clamping | Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer

In my 3 years of birth photography and videography experience, I have been drawn to so many elements presented before me in the birth space. Because of my decision to niche and only offer my services for home births, I frequently see similar birth plan decisions play out in the birth space. One of those being delayed cord clamping. I have yet to see any babies not delayed. I wondered what the benefits were, as this wasn't a known thing when I had my own babies in 2009 + 2012. As a person with a BS in developmental psychology, anything that affects a baby's health or development interests me. I thought I would share with you what I found.

According to the American College of obstetricians and gynecologists, here are 4 benefits of delayed cord clamping.

#1 Blood Benefits

In full term newborns, delayed cord clamping increases hemoglobin levels at birth and improves iron stores in the first months of life, which in turn can affect development. I know both of my boys had "low hemoglobin" and I remember  wondering how and why, as I was nursing. My 2nd baby, I even went so far as to serve him liver for one of his first foods and he still had this issue.

#2 Circulation + preterm babies

Delaying cord clamping was associated with SIGNIFICANT neonatal benefits in PRETERM babies. It improves their circulation, then better establish red blood cell volume.

#3 Premature Babies Benefit

In Premature babies, there is a lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (a severe complication within the intestines in premature babies).

#4 Reduced risks for preterm babies

Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping also decreases the need for a blood transfusion and decreases risk of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants.

If I were having a baby today, I would have a doula ready to keep the hospital from clamping too early especially if I went into labor early.

If you are thinking about having your birth filmed and photographed, please reach out! 

Birth Photography + Videography FAQ's

#1. What can you expect from your birth videographer + photographer? (aka me!)

I am a professional birth videographer and photographer who believes in throwing 150% of myself into each and every birth. My goal is to give you the best photos and video I can from the day of your birth. I believe in building a relationship with my clients (especially birth since it is such a sacred space!). This is why I not only meet you before we go through the booking process, but I meet you at your home. I want to see your birth space and see the vision you have for your birth. My goal is to bring you back to the very moment your baby entered the world for years to come.

#2 How soon should you book your birth photographer + videographer?

Immediately. I know that you have to go through the process of hiring a midwife and possibly a doula and getting insurance in order to pay for your home birth, but don't be afraid to start the conversation while you are getting your ducks in a row. I only take on 6 births a year, so availability is extremely limited.

#3 When do I arrive at your birth and how long do I stay?

I aim to arrive 2-3 hrs before delivery, around 6-7 cm (all a guesstimate, as we know!) and stay approximately 2 hours after birth. I am aiming to capture all of your transition phase of birth as well as immediately after birth as you have skin to skin, cut the cord, latch for the first time. I will also capture daddy holding baby for the first time, baby getting weighed and measured during their newborn assessment and then if applicable, the siblings meeting their little baby sibling.

#4 What happens if I miss the birth?

I give my clients the option of either having me call in a backup or converting their fees to other types of photography. Most often, clients don't want an unknown person walking into their birth space, so most often we plan to convert it to a credit (this has never happened by the way!). Clients can then use it for a family film or photography sessions.

#5 Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, I do! I can divide it up into 4-6 payments, depending on your preference. As long as your invoice is paid in full by 36 weeks, all is well!

Nashville Family Photographer | Full Circle: Maternity, Birth, Newborn Photography + Videography For The Lush Family

Any time a client hires me to photograph their family or create a video of their family, I am BEYOND honored. I know that's cliche, but its also HONEST. But when a family hires me more than once a year (I have several who do!) its just a compounded emotion. I bond with my clients, its the perk of my job. We become friends. We chat parenting and exchange wisdom. Anytime Malary has had a baby, she has hired me for maternity, newborn, baby and family photography. Once I added film, she began to get films too... for newborn/family sessions... But now I offer birth videography and photography, so she added that 😂😂😂 Which was AMAZING.

When I'm with The Lush Family, I feel their bond - these boys are SO closely bonded. I feel their love and passion for raising a close knit family. I feel the power of a mother who is determined to have the best damn life together. I feel her sentimental nature and love for things meaningful.

I think I did a great job of creating films that brought them back to this very moment in time. What it was like during her labor and delivery (film will not be posted) and what it was like to have a newborn baby boy, baby #5. I think the boys will rewatch it and remember what it was like, too. Im starting to get emotional when Im with them, because her oldest  is starting to morph into a teenager and I can see it is around the corner. I tell her to hold on to him, he is changing. Little Wyatt is almost gone, and in his place will be a man looking child 😂 Its a sad and beautiful transition.

Let's walk through The Lush Family sessions from this year.

Here is a sneak peek from Malary's Birth:

Newborn Film:

The Lush Family | June 2023 | Short Version from Jennie Pyfferoen on Vimeo.

Photos from their Newborn Family Photography and Film Session: