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 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.
Nashville, Tennessee Birth Photographer + Videographer | Crystal's Birth Video
Up until recently, I haven't been able to offer Birth Films or Photography. We dont have family that lives in the area and my kids were too young. But our lives have shifted. My husband's job is more flexible to be able to leave and come home midday if needed. My boys are now 9&12 and can stay at home for limited times.
For the past 4 years, I have had my dozen or so doulaand midwife friends beg me to do births. But I resisted for the reasons already mentioned, plus I really needed my sleep.
Crystal is amazing. I was crying as I was filming. I was in awe of her calm and bravery. Crystal has 2 girls and this was her 3rd. Her first two were hospital inductions. She’s a nicu nurse as well and dreamed of her home birth.
After Presley (her 3rd baby girl) was born, she said home birth unmedicated was significantly easier than hospital induction.
I was at her house for about 2 hrs before baby arrived earth side.
What I found most fascinating about this home birth was the lack of interference or commentary. Never did anyone announce how close to birth she was. How dilated she was. They were very hands off. They knew momma could birth. And they simply allowed it.
At one point crystal said “for a second I thought I could push but it went away” and the midwife replied “okay then don’t push”
Basically. Trust yourself.
Trusting your self is 95% of everything. And 100% of how a baby is birthed.
Crystal's Birth Midwife: https://www.sararosser.com
Crystal's Doula: https://www.rebirthingwellness.com
Crystal's Placenta Encapsulation: https://www.instagram.com/the.mamadoula/
Crystal took the time to write a review on my google page: "Jennie is so amazing!!! What she captured during my daughter's birth is absolutely priceless! Watching her video afterwards was such an empowering, whimsical, and spiritual experience!!! There were moments that had just happened days before that I had already forgotten, until I saw the video! My 2 yo, who was present at the birth, requests to watch the video frequently, she absolutely loves it. I can not wait for my youngest to be able to see the moment she came into this world! My only regret is not having any of her videos before now! If I were to ever have another birth, setting aside and prioritizing funds in order to have her there will be a must for me! I look forward to having her do family films for us in the future! Hands down she is THE BEST in the business! Her passion and talents are a true gift! And she truly cares about each and every client! Having her at our birth was absolutely a blessing from God! If you don't hire Jennie, you will regret it!"
Big Sister was there for her momma a lot. Both girls were in the room and absolutely not panicked about what was happening. Kids often have an internal sense of what is happening. It is so neat to watch.
This bottom image of dad, mom and baby ripped me to shreds emotionally. Just an absolutely amazing moment. Raw emotion. I would love to capture your birth! Let's chat.
xoxo
Jennie
Nashville Newborn and Maternity Photographer | Mr. Handsome
This one was all boy. Those pouty lips are just awesome! And I'm so happy I caught that gorgeous smile. It was one of those photographer's magic moments :)
If you want your family captured, contact me here! 
Warmly,
Nashville Maternity Photographer | Peach Grove Mama
Shooting in a peach grove can now be crossed off my bucket list :) Such amazing backdrop for this lovely lady. And I'm so glad we braved those woods, because I adore the shot of her in the trees.
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,