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 Birth Videographer + Photographer | The birth of Faye Susan

The Birth of Faye Susan. Baby girl #2 for the Phamvan Family. Just a small warning, there is a lot of intimacy in this video.

Baby Faye arrived 2 days after her due date. Everyone patiently awaited her arrival with the anticipation of a home birth. Around Thanksgiving, it was discovered that Faye was breech. This caused some concerns but the birth team remained positive that baby would turn. A version was

scheduled for December 1st. Stresses were starting to rise. But a few days prior to the appointment, baby finally turned! The family could move forward with the planned home birth. We all rejoiced and went back to our patient waiting.

Erin (momma) has fast babies. There is always a concern that baby might come before myself or the midwife can arrive. But, thankfully, everyone arrived right around 8 cm. Great right? we have time? HA! Baby arrived within 15 minutes of my arrival! Momma was in the shower for 5 or

so of those minutes. I was working on my settings in between walking out of the bathroom to defog my lens. I was still working on getting my settings adjusted to the bedroom light when she says "I'm bearing down!" When baby is literally coming, you have to settle in on your camera

settings and just shoot and pray. Her scene was set for birth, with low light and lots of ambiance. Peaceful music and and warm calm environment for baby's arrival. That can make focusing and having a brighter film difficult, but thats the reality of filming in real life. Some birth

photographers and videographers will bring lights or a flash, but I feel thats too disruptive to the birth environment. I have labored naturally and environment is everything.

After Faye was born, I spent the next few hours filming and photographing their family together, as big sister came to meet Faye and as baby was weighed and measured. I love that they planned champagne together afterwards, it was such a perfect ending to this birth video.

Having your birth videoed and photographed is one of the most amazing decisions a mother can make. They forever keep that first moment as her baby was born, her first words she spoke when she saw her baby for the first time... That first cry. There is nothing else like it. I had my 2nd

birth filmed and photographed and it is the most precious gift. Memories quickly fade after birth and recalling the moments becomes harder and harder. I just wish I had my first son's birth also on video. Don't miss the opportunity! Reach out to me and let's talk about capturing your birth.

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