Nashville, Tennessee Birth Photographer + Videographer | Why is birth photography so important
WHY SHOULD YOU HIRE A BIRTH VIDEOGRAPHER + PHOTOGRAPHER...
...INSTEAD OF JUST HAVING YOUR PARTNER/MOM/DOULA/FRIEND-WITH-A-GOOD-CAMERA TAKE PICTURES FOR YOU?
A birth film is an amazing cinematic film telling the story of the day you gave birth. My goal is to tell THE WHOLE story. The story of who was there for you, how they supported you. How emotional your journey was bringing your baby into the world and how meeting your precious baby was a huge emotional experience.
Here are some of the reasons you should hire a birth videographer and photographer.
- To help you remember. The moments you are in labor and delivering your baby, make it impossible to be present AT your own birth. Many times, your eyes are close. You are focusing on getting through each contraction and pushing a baby out. So while, there is an amazing experience, you don't get to also have the bird's eye view of what happened. Even for Dad, depending on how delivery goes, he might want to remember as well.
Given that your birth experience is an intense journey, your memory will be lacking. Having a film to retell the story of your birth team and how they supported you as well as your bond with your husband and how impactful he was in your birth is such a treasure.
Being able to relive your baby's first cry and your first moments together. There is nothing more valuable.
For one, you cannot really comprehend the experience you are about to have. Its beyond anything you can ever prepare for.
You can't really grasp how important these moments...until AFTER baby is here .
As much as you believe your memory will not fade, it will. Between sleepless nights and nursing and diapers, the memories will fade as new seasons in your life come.
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Being able to revisit the most important seasons of your life, through video and photos, will be a cherished treasure.
Capturing the love that poured into your birth, how connected you were to your spouse. The first words spoken to your baby.
It's beyond words to have these captured on video.
Many mothers get these done in subsequent pregnancies. Why? Because they come to understand. They usually wish they had done a video and photos with their first baby.
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With modern technology, we are able to capture a lot on phones. But giving a husband or family member a phone to capture some video and photos, keeps them from experiencing the birth themselves.
They cannot be fully present for you.
It is also a lot of pressure to be responsible for capturing video of the birth, while simultaneously experiencing emotions themselves.
When you hire a birth photographer, you delegate the photos to a professional and let your partner do what they are best at, which is support you.
Wouldn't I be better off with a photographer who is also a doula?
This is a question I see often.
I fully believe in your ability to make that decision for yourself and fully respect it.
However, I have often wondered how anyone can do both effectively.
Especially with videography, I cannot possibly be in a deep focus on the story of your birth while managing to effectively support you through doula services.
In my professional opinion AND as a mother who had a doula.... I do not know how anyone can do both job simultaneously and truly show up in that role. Each one requires full focus and ability to adapt and be fully in that head space.
If one is doing both, they are not doing each job to the best of their ability.
I could go get trained as a doula, so I could offer it and compete. But at the end of the day, my #1 job is not being competitive. It's showing up for my client in the best way possible. I know my job is to tell your birth story and I know I need to be fully present in that role to do that WELL.
I work with so many second and third time moms who tell me that their number one regret from their first birth was that they didn’t hire a birth videographer + photographer. It’s normal to feel uncertain about the birth process when you haven’t gone through it, but one thing that seems consistent is that most moms say that their birth was one of the most powerful days of their life...and that it was also a blur.
There is so much happening physically and emotionally when you give birth, and there are so many little and big moments that you, your partner, and your children will want to look back on in the years to come. Much like your wedding day! As a professional birth photographer, I’m highly trained to read your non-verbal cues and to recognize the different stages of the birth process. My presence is often incredibly calming and reassuring to the families I work with. But most importantly, I provide my families with timeless images and sacred video of some of the best moments of their life.
If you are thinking about having a birth film done for your birth (with photos!), please reach out, I love doing a few births a year and would love to chat with you!
You can also learn more about Birth Videography and Photography here!
Below are some of my birth testomonials from past birth clients!
Nashville Family Photographer | Are professional family photos worth it?
Let’s talk about family photos! I feel like family photos have turned into something to check off the list for the year. Check! Family photos for the Christmas card! Social media has driven family photos from being something that told a story to something we just do out of social obligation.
The beautiful thing about documentary family photography (ahem, what I do!) is that you don't have to get a wardrobe together and then get everyone dressed up and drive somewhere and fake a bunch of shots for the camera for an hour. Documentary family sessions are the easiest session of your life. Not only that, but they will leave you with a heart of gratitude because you actually captured your real life.
Life is filled with tiny moments that happen between the time we wake up and fall asleep that we are often too tired and busy to fully appreciate. We completely toss these memories aside when we ask for a formal posed and or lifestyle family session for Christmas Cards.
Your life changes every minute of everyday.... month to month. Six months from now your son might actually outgrow LEGOS. I know, it's hard to imagine. But trust me, it does happen. At times you feel eager for that moment so you can stop stepping on Legos, but I promise you... You will miss this version of him.
None of my clients EVER regrets having photos or family films... They are often SO incredibly grateful for the unique experience and opportunity to have their family life truly captured.
My approach to capturing families is very relaxed and observational as opposed to traditional and directed.
It's not about getting the perfect photos, or everything being just right. It's not about everyone looking happy all the time, or wearing incredible outfits. Plenty of other photographers offer those things.
Documentary Family Photos are worth every penny. They are also worth being vulnerable enough to have them done. It won't matter if your house was midway through a remodel, or you haven't hit your goal weight. Your children just want to connect with you. When they see photos, they want to see their childhood memories, their mother and father and siblings. Just as they were.
In my ten + years in photography, I have learned 3 things: your kids don't care if you haven't lost the baby weight, you deserve to be seen for the amazing parent you are, and you have to make time for the things that matter most in life.
My work consists of real moments. Real life. Real stories. It celebrates both the joys, and the struggles of parenthood.
This session will be relaxed and unforced. You don't even have to look at the camera!
To learn more about a documentary photography experience, start here! I look forward to working with you!
You can also contact me here.
Franklin, Tennessee Maternity Photographer | Are professional maternity photos worth it?
I get a lot of inquiries about maternity photography. Typically, the client is interested in maternity, newborn etc. So I send them over all that information. Most fall in love with my films and want a family film after baby has arrived. Some also want their birth captured. That's a lot!Because of this, we talk about maternity photos. If budget is an issue I often times recommend taking cell phone photos. I know - crazy, right? But let's dive into why I say this! (Now, if you have the budget to do it all, its totally worth it!)What is going to matter the most in 20 years? It won't be professional maternity photos. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE capturing maternity photos! But as a mother of two boys - who had maternity photos done, newborn photos, birth videography and family photos and video.... Maternity photos come last on my list of importance. Save your money for when the baby comes! Those moments are going to be FAR More meaningful than maternity.Speaking of maternity photos... let's chat about the trends we see going on. You already know what you see when you think of maternity photos. She's wearing a dress standing in a field of some sort... I get it, I offered this work for many years until I kind of awakened to the REAL purpose behind photography.Here is my own personal opinion about maternity photos. What story will they tell to your child when they are grown? What will it say about what it was like for their mother to carry them? I tell you this, standing in a field in a dress won't tell much of a story.I prioritize having time stamps in photos. Let me explain what those are. If you were to look at a photo of you as a child, you would see objects in the photo that might speak to that decade etc. Maybe there is a velvet green sofa and when you see the photo, you and your siblings say "remember that green sofa?!" and then maybe that elicits a lot of stories from that time period.Maternity is not really about the baby much at all, its about the couple and wanting to capture "the bump" - and I get it, I would never tell you they are BAD in some way, I just want to shed some thoughts that help you make your own decision for yourself. If you want a dress in a field, girl go get it! But if you read this and it enlightened you and now you want to tell more of a story, then you're saying "oh my gosh, you are SO right" and you are so glad I decided to write this blog!Here is a great story telling maternity session. Feel free to connect with me to book yours!
Nashville, Tennessee Birth Photographer + Videographer | Why is birth photography so expensive
Why is birth photography and videography so expensive?
Filming and photographing a birth is like shooting a wedding, except my client will call you at an unknown time on an unknown day. I make sure all of my equipment is ready and on me at all times, so I can drop everything and get there as fast as I can. Once I am at a birth, I could be there for 2 hours or 12, it's hard to say. But I'm ALL in, so I will stay for as long as it takes. I am on call from 37 weeks until 42 weeks. During that time, I cannot travel or even get into a kayak and go down a river. Because I have to be able to drop everything and go at any moment. Even if it's my son's birthday or soccer game.
Birth Photography and Videography is so unique.
Birth photography and video is unlike any other genre. I mean, we are capturing the most intimate possible milestone in a person's life. But in terms of cost, it compares to high end wedding videography and photography (which you usually get one person who does video and one who does photos, rather than one who does both!)
It takes a lot of skill to learn the craft of filming and photographing a birth. I need to be able to capture the birth in any light situation, be able to be a fly on the wall as to not disturb the birth space, and be able to beautiful tell the entire story - not just clicking a button on a camera.
After I come home from a birth, I have to sort through hundreds of photos and video clips. Video editing is extensively time consuming. There are so many pieces that go into editing a film. I never edit to just get it done, I take my time and make sure the music and the way I piece it all together tell the story of how mom labored, how her support team and husband helped and loved her through her labor and then how she was able to fully get baby out. After birth, mom holds and nurses baby and no one rushes baby from mom (since I do only home births)... so I hang around until baby is weighed and daddy gets to hold the baby. Sometimes, if it is day time, I get to capture siblings meeting for the first time. I get to capture these first beautiful hours as a family. The first latch, the first cry.... it's all so incredible.
You can divide up payments
This is true with any family film session or photography session or birth. As long as your total is paid in full by your session date or by the day I go on call, you can divide up payments in any way you want. I'm a big fan of letting you do it how you want and making it work for you. I am just so excited you are prioritizing these memories and I Cannot wait to work with you!
To learn more about my birth videography and photography, click here.
Here are a few things clients have said about cost...
Franklin, Tennessee Family Photographer | How do I get authentic family photos?
Over the years, photography has been slowly moving away from posed family photography... But in replace of that, it has moved to "lifestyle" family photography. Lifestyle can be done indoors or outside, but it is another form of staged work. While the outcome can be beautiful AND meaningful... Is it capturing the family as they really are? From my experience with many photographers ... No.
What Lifestyle Photography Misses out on...
Lifestyle photography is another form of cookie cutter photography. Most photographers have a shot list. They follow that list for every family. (Hey, I'm not bashing it, I used to do it!)
But what I realized when I found family films was that a shot list misses out on capturing REAL MEMORIES.
Maybe not every family snuggles in their master bedroom? So why do we do this in every in home lifestyle photo session? I know most family certainly dont snuggle on a quilt in a field.... so why do we do this every fall for family photography sessions? What does a quilt in a field have to do with your family memories? Nothing...
Your life is absolutely beautiful. Even if you have weight to lose or your home needs remodeled. And if you are waiting on those things to be perfect, you will miss out on all of these beautiful moments in the meantime.
I get to know my families.
Me and my clients get to know each other. I want to know what your favorite moments are RIGHT NOW. I want to know what crazy things are happening every day that may even drive you crazy but you know you will miss (hello, stepping on legos!)
I want to know how you met your spouse and what your favorite memories were when you were kids! I want to know all of the weird parts, the messy parts and the best parts. Because to me, its all absolutely amazing. The story is beautiful.
When you choose a lifestyle session rather than a documentary session (unposed, real life)... You are actually ignoring memories. I remember when my first documentary session happened in my home and the photos came back. A photo of my son laying on his belly, on a bench, reaching behind him putting on his shoe made me cry... Why? Because I almost lost that moment by choosing perfect photography sessions over real life. (and for the record, when he acts silly putting his shoes on in the weirdest way, it does drive me crazy! But the kids will grow up and learn to properly put their shoes on, so I try to soak up the moments anyway!)
There are moments you may not even see.
Inevitably, there will be some really fascinating in between moments on your session. I see these tiny fleeting moments that you might not even see because you are busy living your life.
That's why you hire me. So that I can capture those for you and you can revisit them for years to come. Whether you hire me for documentary photos or a family film and photo session, Im going to spend a lot of time with you. Don't worry, the sessions are easy. Dads LOVE sessions with me, they say it's the easiest session ever, because I do not force posing or inauthenticity. If a child is uncomfortable, you can trust that I am going to give them time to warm up. I know how to back off and wait. and it has never failed. It helps that I have two degrees in child education and psychology. I never force children. That is the #1 way to ruin an authentic family session.
If you want to try this type of family session, please ... let's chat! I would love to talk it over with you.
Franklin Tennessee Family Photographer | What time of year is best for family photos?
Okay... Everyone knows the answer to this... its FALL. Technically. But is it?
The best time for family photos is ANY TIME OF YEAR!
Weather has NOTHING to do with your family memories.
What is meaningful about fall? NOTHING. Fall photos were created for Christmas Card photos. They are a social contagion that was exacerbated by Social Media. As everyone began posting their fall family photos, everyone else wanted fall family photos and well, now we don't even know the REAL reason behind our photos anymore.
So let's talk about meaningful memories and why they are SO important.
Maybe you are like me... you have an almost 11 year old and you know what is around the corner. The END of his childhood self and the beginning of his transition to man. That can't wait until Fall, because he could grow TWO inches by then.
Maybe you have a 4 year old and you know that any day, her little voice won't sound so little anymore. That can't wait until Fall.
Maybe you just got pregnant with your second but want to remember what it was like to have one child. That can't wait until Fall.
The Truth is... There is no better time to get family photos (or video too!) than RIGHT NOW. Perfect timing doesn't exist. But imperfect moments that we will miss... DO exist.
Nashville Family Photographer | Why are family photos so stressful?
You booked your session months ago and now its DAYS away. You don't have your wardrobe chosen, your kids have snotty noses, and you feel like you cannot keep up with your to do list.
Family photos... POSED family photos (which includes "lifestyle") are SO STRESSFUL. Choosing wardrobes that match but not too matchy .... knowing you have invested money and time into this little hour session that MUST GO WELL OR ELSE.... which leads to bribes and threats and an overall BAD experience.
I have the answer for you that will remove at least 90% of that stress.
STOP DOING THEM. Why?
They are not all that meaningful... they do not capture the snuggles you get first thing in the morning, or the toddler babble your two year old speaks throughout the day. They do not capture the way your nursing infant loves to play with your hair... or the voice of mom reading her child's favorite book. They miss the moments where your 5 year old catches a frog and has the dirtiest hands. Or what about the sound of laughter that fills your walls? All of that is missed... and for what? So you can have a Christmas card photo and check the box for annual family photos? That express fake happiness because in reality you were so stressed and sweaty from wrangling all the kiddos for the shoot.
Just stop doing it. You won't miss those photos, I promise. And if you do, you can always grab a mini session, they're literally on every corner!
Okay, it all sounds good in theory, right? Let me show you what clients have said about the ease of their family film and or photography session (I offer both!)
Check out my family films here! And if you are not quite ready for a video and photos session, learn more about documentary photography here!
Nashville Family Photographer | 5 Reasons to get a family film
- To remember your children in the season they are in now. But it is not just about remembering your children, it’s also about your children’s memories as they grow.
2. You deserve to be in the frame too. Someone has to be behind the camera, and as a result, someone is missing from the family album and family movies. I’m giving you the ability to slow down and connect as a family. To unplug and reset. I will show you the moments that you didn’t even know you needed to see.3. Your film becomes the thing that you treasure most.
4. Your film feels like stepping into a memory of your family's story as you are right now. A time capsule for you to treasure forever.
5. You never know what tomorrow holds. We are not promised forever. and at the end of our lives, we will not wish for more money or things, we will wish for more time. When our loved ones pass, we hold on to them through photos and videos.