FAQ

Starting with labor, all the way through delivery, up to baby taking their very first breath, and meeting mom, dad, and family members, birth photography tells the miraculous story of your baby’s birth day. Having a professional photographer at your baby’s birth will allow everyone to concentrate on what’s most important and free up your birth partner to support you during your labor and delivery. Similar to hiring a photographer for your wedding, having professional photographs of your baby’s birth will serve as an amazing reminder of one of the most important events in your life.

This type of photography is a documentary style. My roll is to act as a “fly-on-the-wall” and I’m not generally an active part of your delivery. My job is to capture your story as it unfolds without much interference.

Additionally, I am happy fetch water bottles, nurses, and anything else that’s needed so your support team can stay by your side.

When you are ready to book, let me know & I will email you the information I need to create my contract. Once the contract is emailed, I will put a soft hold on your date for 72 hours to give you time to sign. At the time of signing – 50% of your entire birth package cost (travel fees included) is due to secure your date in my calendar. The second half of your balance is due at 38 weeks, when I go on-call for your birth. I accept credit cards for your convenience, and can also set up autopay for weekly/monthly installment payments so that the second half of your balance is paid off slowly over time if that is preferred.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

Getting to know one another & talking about your birth vision together is a very sweet & connecting time – and – I do not hold any dates in my calendar for potential clients until they have signed my contract & paid the non-refundable 50% retainer. This is to guarantee a professional, organized & present experience for all my clients.

I try to meet with all of clients at least once before their birth, and oftentimes before they even decide to book with me. It is very important to me to build a relationship with my clients and understand their birth plan. I want to ensure you are completely comfortable with me and my shooting style, and that I understand your desires for your birth.

I am happy to travel within 90 minutes of Wichita, KS for births. Locations outside a 25 mile radius will be .75/mile, each way, and will require consistent communication during the laboring process to ensure that every effort is made to make the delivery.

I typically deliver a minimum of 150 images, though that number may vary depending on the length of your birth. Faster labors naturally result in fewer photos, but I often stay a bit longer afterward to ensure you have a full and meaningful gallery. I’ll return all usable images—if it’s beautiful, honest, or tells part of your story, you’ll get it. I have no reason to hold anything back.

You should book me as soon as you know you would like to hire me for your baby’s birth. I cannot be at two births at once, so I book a very select number of births! Please reserve me for your birth early in your pregnancy.

Yes. I happily accept payment plans. I believe in the importance of documenting birth and don’t want financial constraints to keep you from birth photography. Please contact me to set up a payment plan that works for you.

Every effort will be made to make the birth, but unlike scheduled events, babies often have a mind of their own and labor is unpredictable. If, for any reason, I am unable to make the birth, and you have communicated with me throughout the laboring process, all fees paid to date will be refunded. Sydney Dodd Capturing Birth cannot be responsible for any fees outside of what has been paid for your session.

I bring with me two cameras, multiple back-up batteries, and back-up memory cards -- you never know how long a labor will be.

If you choose my photography + videography package, I will also bring two different tripods for video recording. Ideally, I will be able to set up one camera to record from one angle which frees me up to move around and photograph different angles. I don't want to miss any detail!

I even bring my own step-stool! Which comes in handy in the hospital when I need to see up and over medical staff. I am very committed to not missing a shot and not being in the way of your delivery team.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: if you want the videography package, please check with your care provider whether their policy will allow video recording. We will discuss all the variables of video recording at your consultation, I am happy to answer any questions or concerns you have.

I completely understand.

Birth is a very sensitive and an unpredictable time in life, and you need to make sure you feel comfortable with who is in the room during your birth. May I suggest meeting in person for a coffee? Or meeting for coffee over a video call?

This would give you a chance to meet me, feel my energy, hear my approach to birth photography and share any concerns or questions you may have. After meeting in person (or video call if that’s easier for you), and getting to know me, you may find it easier to make a decision. I am always happy to set up a meeting to introduce myself.

My hope is that you feel comfortable, confident and alive while I’m documenting your birth, and that you walk away with images that are meaningful to you.