Nashville Birth Photographer | Should I hire a photographer who doubles as a doula?
I gave birth to my 2nd son in 2012, and had a doula and a midwife at my birth at Vanderbilt hospital in Nashville, TN. I loved them both and could not imagine my birth without them. My doula, made a HUGE difference in my labor pains. In fact, when she left to go to the bathroom, I was so upset she wasn't working on my back because it made such a difference and I had a contraction while she was in there.I also had a filmmaker at my birth and have been obsessed with my birth film since. It is absolutely one of my most treasured possessions.There is no way I could have had one person fill these roles. Each one had their own very complex job that required a lot of brain work and I could not have gone through a contraction without my doula, and therefore, she also could not have been photographing and or videoing my birth for me.Years later, as I have stepped into the role of Birth Videographer and photographer, I have seen sweet well meaning people in the industry of birth, offer both as a package. I have explored this idea for myself and also what my opinion of it was. I have talked to mothers who have had doulas and I have spoken to many birth workers themselves and they all say the same thing... One person cannot do both jobs well. I have also heard from birth workers that they have witnessed these individuals in person and that they were not able to be there for the client as a birth support because they were too busy trying to capture their birth. I have a friend who is both a doula and a birth photographer, she said she offered the combo twice and that "it was terrible" and so she never offered the combination again. She made them hire her for one or the other and then hire another person.You, are the mother. This is YOUR birth. This is your choice. But because it is so important for the birth space and experience, I felt compelled to share my thoughts in a blog. I will never put the ability to book clients because I sold them a package deal to beat my competition or to make my brand look better, over the ability to provide the BEST footage of their birth. My clients come first, not my profits. But also, I do not know the intentions of these sweet meaning people and have no idea why they decided to offer both. My only assumption is to provide a package deal. But if the package deal does not serve the client, then it should not be offered.To learn more about Documenting Birth, click here.
Franklin Tennessee Family Photographer | The Roberts Family
THIS FAMILY, ya'll! The last time I had a session with them (Film + Photos)... they BLEW IT OUT THE WATER. Well of course, they rocked this one too. SUCH a beautiful meaningful session.Alan, the father, really wanted to capture his time working on his Jeep with his 3 sons. This Jeep and this time with his boys means a lot to him. and I mean... A LOT. The way Alan interacts with his children brings me to tears. And after 2 sessions, he sings my praises a lot - and that means the world to me!This family centers around all things music. Their film also had video of them dancing and playing guitar. They come alive when they are dancing and singing. It truly is the coolest thing. and I am 100% here for it.
Nashville, TN Family Photographer | my top 5 client testimonials
Being invited into a family's home to capture them not only for photography but also videography is something I cherish deeply. I am so honored to be able to bear witness to a family's most vulnerable moments. I wish I could tell you every family film was absolutely peaceful and easy and just a walk in the park! And for some families, it is! most have a mix of moments ranging from boisterous to hilarious! Some are quite calm and sweet and some feel like absolute chaos (to the family - Im not bothered by any of it!). But every single one turns out an amazing film. Why? Because I don't need a lot of clips to make the film. I also can't use most of what I shoot to make a 3-5 minute film! I also have a trained eye and know where the best moments are. I can predict them most times and am ready to film it! But regardless of what happens during your session, I'm there calm and poised.
You see, None of it phases me. I see it all as beautiful life. and Life is truly filled with all range of emotions and behaviors and moods. It is what makes life so amazing! Below I wanted to share my top 5 Reviews from previous Film Clients! But first, here are 2 images showing a huge range of interactions during a film.
OOPS! I did SIX! I am just SO in love with this gig of family photography and film making. I truly cherish EVERY client. Giving them this treasure is an enormous gift. I cannot wait to see what the rest of this year unfolds.
If you are thinking about hiring me to capture your family, you can download my family photography and film client guide to learn more here!
Nashville Baby Photographer | Graham is 6 Months old!
Baby Graham came to see me for his sitting up milestone session! We had so much fun making him smile. I just love naked sitting babies! He's such a happy baby, so curious and observational. He was so fascinated by all of my fabrics and textures and loves finding his toes! It seems like not long ago, I was photographing his newborn session!Thank you, Heather, for choosing me as your newborn and baby photographer!Warmly,
Franklin Newborn Photographer | Baby Kate's Session
Im itching for Spring! You can tell in this very yellow newborn session I did recently. Kate slept like a dream. She has such beautiful features, I just love her cheeks and long lashes! My job is always such fun! I have to pinch myself from time to time, because I just can't believe this is my "job"! Its been FIVE years since I began photography and I can honestly say, its been an amazing ride!To another FIVE years! Thank you, Erin, for choosing ME to photograph your sweet girl!Warmly,
Nashville Baby Photographer | Newborn boy Jackson
Sweet Jackson was in for his newborn session. I loved meeting his parents at their maternity session and then watching them become parents. The love in their new family is so strong. I cannot wait to watch Jackson grow over the next year. He was a strong newborn so Im betting hell crawl early!
Thank you, Laura for trusting me with your sweet boy.
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Baby Photographer | Baby Catherine is 9 Months old!
I cannot believe how quickly these babies grow! Catherine is officially walking and getting so big so fast! I love her cheeks and lips and those blue eyes! plus, the curls just send me over the edge....
Thank you Michelle for letting me photograph your children since the first was born 5 years ago!
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Maternity Photographer | Heather's Elegant Maternity Session
Heather was divine! Not only is she gorgeous and confident, but she was so fun to pose too! I loved working with her in the creek and getting creative in the gorgeous flower field. I finally was able to use this gray and white dress Ive been drooling over for a while now. She totally rocked it :) I truly love my job with all of my heart and my clients are the reason! I love how comfortable they are with me before even meeting me for the first time.
Heather, Thank you for letting me photograph this amazing time in your life! I cannot wait to meet that sweet baby :)
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
