Birth

Your birth is a moment you'll remember for the rest of your life. Time will pass, babies will grow, memories will fade. 

But birth.

You'll always remember the first time you saw their face.

The first cry.

The first time you breathed them in.

The first sigh that says, "At last. I've been waiting for you."

Let me come by your side. Let me capture those firsts. Allow me to silently sit by while your body prepares you for the biggest change in your life. I will capture the raw emotions, the real beauty, and the bond that is just beginning.

 

Includes:

~Being on call within the month surrounding your due date

~Sitting by your side, whether in your home or the hospital after you reach active labor

~Documenting labor, birth, and 1-2 hours after birth

~Password protected image sharing gallery with over 100 hand edited images for downloading

~Prints available separately via an online gallery from professional printing lab

~A $50 credit toward prints

$450

 

Want a little more? Learn more about our Motherhood Packages here.

payment plans accepted

 

Note: I never want you to have to choose your favorite images and I never want to restrict the images I edit and place in your gallery. My style of photography results in a collection of images that speak to your families unique beauty and connection. You session fee includes the on location session experience, usually around an hour and all the high resolution digital files from your gallery to keep for life and print and use as you see fit. Sessions can take place in your home (always for newborn) or at one of the many beautiful outdoor locations Roanoke  has to offer. You will receive all the digital files, edited by me, from your session in both color and black and white, delivered by way of direct download. Your images will be displayed in a private online gallery for viewing, sharing, and optional a la carte print and canvas ordering. 

 

 

Roanoke, VA Birth Photography - Elizabeth Farnsworth Photography

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Birth Photography

What is birth photography?

Birth photography is allowing me to tell your story. Capturing the firsts of it all. Birth photography documents the first cries, first kisses and the first glimpses. As magnificent as birth is, Mom will be so focused on delivering & Dad will be overwhelmed with his awaiting arrival that it's easy to let those invaluable details be missed and forgotten. As your photographer, I can document you first "hello" and your last "just us".

Birth photography isn't gross and doesn't need to be graphic. It can be tasteful, modest and still capture the deep connections of birth. The true beauty of birth photography is the emotions. Sure, some parents request that "crowning shot" but most don't. What I promise is integrity and intimacy.

Elizabeth Farnsworth Photography is a member of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers.

I like the idea of birth photography, but I'm concerned about keeping my body private.

Absolutely! Birth photography is about capturing emotion. My goal is to document your transition to motherhood with dignity, modesty and intimacy. Some clients prefer to have the entire birth fully document from all angles. Most clients are entirely content with capturing alongside Mom's head, offering the entire birth story without an inch of immodesty. My goal is to deliver your birth images within your limits.

When do I call you?

I ask that you send a text when labor starts to show signs. Even if it ends up fizzing out, no problem! That's normal! A text when labor starts, when water breaks, when you decide to head to the hospital, birth center or call the midwife! I will join you when you reach active labor (4-6cm, depending on specific circumstances).

What if you miss the birth or my baby arrives prematurely?

In the rare case that I am unable to arrive to the hospital in time due to my unavailability, I will offer a Fresh 48 session and the difference of $250 will be available for a future session. If the birth is missed because of a fast delivery, I will come and photograph the first few hours after birth.

What do you do during birth?

Because each family, labor and birth is different, I will always do my best to remain a silent observant in the shadows. My goal is to do my job without any distractions to the natural flow of labor and birth. I'll always lend an open ear and calm spirit when invited, but will tend to have an implicit cheer from the sides. I work hard to preserve the birth environment.

How do you handle it if I decide I don't want you in the labor room for a period of time?

I get it. Labor can be tough. It's exhausting, exhilarating, overwhelming and exciting. I understand the need for some time with your partner, midwife, doctor or just yourself. I am there to offer my services however they'll best suit you and your situation. Taking a break is not a problem. Honesty is necessary and welcomed!

How long will you be at the birth?

My services include  labor, birth and an hour or two after birth. Labors often go at different rates, and it is entirely normal for a labor to stall. It's possible I will join you, but in the event of a stall in labor, may take a break and join you again when labor picks up again.

How about scheduled c-sections?

Absolutely! Make sure to check with your doctor on the hospitals limit of guests in the operating room. Some doctors prefer just one person (your partner) and others are willing to have a silent by stander, such as your photographer, and your partner.

Do you use a flash?

No! I do not want to disturb Mom, the doctors and nurses or you new, little peanut. I have the technical ability and high end gear to take images in low lit rooms.

How many images do I receive?

You will receive over 100 images that are hand edited and delivered via an online viewing gallery. You will be able to directly download the images. USBs and prints will be available at an additional cost.

When should I book you?

As soon as possible! Only 4 - 6 births are scheduled for each month. I won't chance overlapping births, so tend to fill up quickly. Make sure you book your due date month before it's filled!

Will you post all of my images online?

I am careful to choose images filled with emotion and intimacy, while maintaining privacy and modesty for all.

Will my images be in color or black and white?

My photography style is definitely focused on light and color. Some images may best be shown in black and white, to hide some of the natural fluids that are a part of birth. Though, the majority of the images will be in color that boost emotion and intimacy.

How far will you travel?

I offer my services for areas within 20 miles of Roanoke. I would be happy to travel, but there will be a traveling fee required, plus possible expenses such as lodging, if necessary. Please chat with me for more information.


Roanoke, VA Birth Photographer // Salem, VA Newborn Photographer // Roanoke Maternity Photographer // Virginia Photographer // Roanoke, Virginia Photographer