Understanding the Cost: Is a Birth Photographer worth it?

As a birth photographer, I tend to get asked quite frequently why my birth photography costs vary so much from my lifestyle photography rates. The answer is quite simple: There is a lot more time, training and planning that goes into birth photography. 

Before you start shopping around for a birth photographer, it’s quite important to understand this fact. Not only to understand why the costs might be higher than other photography packages, but also to make sure that you are getting a good photographer on your side for your birth experience. 

I think it is important that everyone understands what goes into a Birth Shoot, so let’s jump into it. 

Birth Photography is a specialised field of photography, and requires a specialised skill set. 

On top of being a good photographer, it is also very important to have a solid understanding of labour and birth. It's not just about capturing a good photo but about reading the room and all the emotions that everyone is going through. You are - for lack of a better term - in a medical environment, and you need to respect that process and know what that entails as well. 

My background as a birth doula has helped take the step into birth photography with ease. I understand the different emotional states that a mother will go through during labour and birth. I understand how to add to a calming environment, and I respect your privacy and understand the intimacy of what you are going through. It is because I understand labour, that I know how and when to capture the important moments without disrupting this truly life chaning moment for you.  

Birth is unpredictable, and this means your Birth Photographer needs to put in a lot of time. 

I’ll start at the beginning.  Other than the in-depth intake call, I also like to have another call with mom-to-be close to the end of her pregnancy.  I find this is very important to continue building trust, and it allows me to understand what is important to you.  This allows me to add that extra detail into my photos. 

Then, I go on call for 24/7 from 38 weeks of pregnancy, meaning that for 2 to 4 weeks of your pregnancy, I need to be ready and drop any- and everything when I get that call. 

Birth itself is unpredictable.  On average birth is considered to last 12 hours, but I’ve seen births that last only a few hours to births that last a few days, and there is no way to predict how your birth will go beforehand.  I’ve also been in situations where I was called to a birth, which ended up not being labour at all, and the baby was only born a week later. These are all things I consider when I price my packages and book my clients. 

Birth Photography is more than just taking photos and editing.  

Being informed and educated is something that is very important to me. I invest in ongoing training for both my doula and photography work, to make sure that my skills are up to date. 

A professional birth photographer also needs to make sure that they can cover the costs and maintenance of their equipment, if they want to be able to continue offering top quality photos. Think camera, lenses, lighting, software, a reliable car - yes, technically not photography equipment, but this is my way to get to you in time. Whenever I go on call for a birth, I make sure my car is filled up and that my services and checks are up to date.  When I started as a birth photographer and doula, I also opted for car insurance that covers me with a backup car as soon as possible. 

What can you expect to pay for a Birth Photographer in Rotterdam? 

If you look up birth photographers in Rotterdam, you will find that the price, on average, varies between €1195 to €2500.  This price will depend on the experience of the photographer, as well as what is included in the package. 

So, is it worth the cost? 

If I had a penny for every time a woman told me “I wish I invested in a birth photographer.  The only photos I have of my birth....  

• is blurred 

• is so unflattering 

• has a finger in it 

• What photos? We forgot to take any 

With birth there is no do over, you will only give birth to this child once.  If ever there was a once in a lifetime moment worth capturing, this is it!  And if not for you, for your child.  For them to see their first hours in this world.  Their first cry, first nappy, first feeding. The first cuddle with mom and dad.  Maybe even the grandparents if they are lucky enough to be there on the day.  They will be able to cherish these photos and show it to their children and their grandchildren. 

 
It is my dream that everyone who wants to have a birth photographer and capture their birth story, has the opportunity.  That is why I offer a few Birth Portfolio Building Packages at a massive discount every year.  I also offer payment plans, if you don’t feel comfortable going with the Portfolio packages, to make payment more manageable.  I am even open to Barterdeals every now and again, if the deal feels right for both of us.  So never let the price put you off, there are always options worth discussing. 

Yes, on paper a birth photography might seem expensive, but I hope that after reading this you understand that it is worth every cent, and more.  You are preserving memories and celebrating life for generations to come. 

You don’t just have to take just my word for it, read here what some of my clients had to say about having me as their birth photographer: 

“The feelings that I got from looking at the pictures are indescribable.. full of love and emotions in every photos that she took. 
Her experience as a Doula made me feel she brought an energy and presence that was respectful, supportive and caring too.. 
When I was in labour, she was also giving me positive words and affirmations that also helped me during the difficult moments. 
We are so grateful to be able to met an amazing person like Madi! 
My recommendation to those who are wondering if they should hire a birth photographer or not, definitely you should!! You won’t regret it and Madi is a perfect candidate!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️” - Melissa

“Everything about the delivery of our son went different than expected and hoped, and through it all Madi was the calm and reassuring presence I needed. I usually hate being photographed and never really believe the ‘fly on the wall’ thing, but Madi managed to both be there for us and be almost invisible at the same time... I guess what I’m trying to say is: don’t hesitate to hire Madi as your birth photographer, it is totally worth it.” - Elsbeth