Birth Photography is an Investment in Your Family's Story
Are you interested in birth photography, but you're worried about the cost?
I get it, birth photography can be expensive, and it's important to understand why.
Let's talk about it!
Birth photography requires a specialized skill set and experience.
As a birth photographer, I'm not just a skilled photographer, but I also have a deep understanding of childbirth and the birthing process. I know how to work with low light situations, respect your privacy and intimacy, and most importantly, I know how to capture the moments that matter most. I have gone through extra training to become a birth doula as well because I wanted to make sure that birthing mamas felt educated, prepared, loved on, heard and supported. I want to make sure that you're well taken care of whether I'm your birth story documentarian or your birth support doula (or both!).
Birth photography takes a lot of time.
Births can last a few hours or even up to a day or more. As your birth photographer, I'm on-call 24/7 leading up to your due date, and I'll often spend several hours editing and processing the photos after the birth to ensure that the final product meets my high standards and your expectations. When video is added on (which I highly recommend) I'm creating a keepsake birth film that tells the birth story of your little love and shows the amazing process you went through to birth your child. You can see some Birth Film samples here.
The cost of birth photography includes more than just the time spent at the birth and editing the photos.
It also covers the cost of professional-grade camera equipment, including cameras, lenses, and editing software (including a computer that can handle all of that). Additionally, as a birth photographer, I invest in ongoing training and education to improve my skills and stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and trends. I also teach others because I believe that we're not suppose to hoard our gifts and knowledge but we're called to share them.
How much is birth photography in Los Angeles and Orange County?
The cost of a birth photographer can vary depending on experience and the services and products offered. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 for a birth photography package that includes digital files with a print release (which means the ability to print an unlimited number of images at the lab of your choice).
Birth is a life-changing experience that you'll never forget, and having professional photos to look back on can help you remember all the emotions, details, and love that surrounded you during that special time.
These photos are not just for you; they're a gift to your child. They will show them how loved and welcomed they were from the very beginning, and these images will be cherished by you, your child, and your family for generations to come.
I also strongly believe the birth images and birth film will help you process your story. As someone who has birthed numerous children and supports and documents women regularly, I can tell you, you won't be aware of what's going on around you. You won't see the side stories that unfold even right in front of you. And that's ok, because you're not suppose to. That's what I'm there for. So you'll be able to re-live the moments that you might have missed or were too focused or too exhausted to appreciate.
I want to make sure that everyone who wants to capture their birth story through photography has the opportunity to do so. That's why I offer payment plans to make the investment more manageable. I'm committed to making sure that you can have access to the beautiful, timeless images that you deserve!
Birth photography may seem expensive, but it's an investment in preserving memories, celebrating life, and honoring the birthing process.
So, if you're considering birth photography, know that it's worth every penny and more!
Don’t just take my word for it ;) Here is what some of my clients had to say about their investment:
Alaina is INCREDIBLY talented and brings her deeply calming, grounding presence to any birth space. Her photos and video helped me remember and process my birth story, which didn't go as planned (does it ever?! ) so I was worried the photos wouldn't be amazing. THEY WERE! I am also so glad we added the video in our final month, because I look back on it most and shared the edited version with family and close friends. The video definitely helped me remember moments that I'd forgotten and we will cherish it forever. I only wish I'd hired her as a doula too! Next time...
Kassidy
Alaina is a beautiful soul! She brought a peaceful presence to our home birth experience while taking amazing photos of treasured moments before, during, and after birth. If you are looking for someone who wants to support you from the sidelines in a way that’s graceful … Alaina is your gal! She is super discreet when doing birth photography - we saw pictures that we didn’t remember her taking because she is good at what she does with the camera. Also very thankful for the video footage she caught of our first born son and the adorable things he was saying to the baby. Get the video package so you can have some of those special moments captured. Loved that she caught us all singing happy birthday to our newborn. So if you are concerned that having a birth photographer won’t give you as intimate of an experience - think again and interview with Alaina.
Jamie
Alaina captured my second and third births and I will forever treasure the photographs. Our births are something we will never forget but I absolutely love looking back at all the little moments and of course the newness of my babies! Alaina is so wonderful to work with and she is so full of love for her clients. Her work truly is priceless!
Ryan
I wrote a post a while back about Why I'm a Birth Photographer and why you might want to hire one, whether that's me or someone else.
I hope this post was helpful and answered some questions about investing in Birth photography and you came away with some tips.
Blessings,
