What to Ask When Hiring a Birth Photographer

A gentle guide to choosing the right person for your birth space

Choosing a birth photographer is one of the most intimate decisions you’ll make during your pregnancy. You're not just hiring someone to take photos—you’re inviting them into one of the most vulnerable, transformative moments of your life.

As a birth photographer based in Wellington, I’ve worked with many families who have never even considered hiring someone for this kind of storytelling—until they saw the value of what it means to remember it all.

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So how do you know if someone is the right fit for your birth space?

Here are the questions I encourage every family to ask:

Birth photography isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. I personally follow your lead. We’ll have a consult around 36 weeks where we talk about what kind of presence feels right for you. Some families want extra emotional support, others want as little interaction as possible. I honour both.

1. WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY?

Are they hands-off and quiet, or more interactive and supportive?

Birth photography isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. I personally follow your lead. We’ll have a consult around 36 weeks where we talk about what kind of presence feels right for you. Some families want extra emotional support, others want as little interaction as possible. I honour both.

I go on-call for you from 38 weeks until your baby is born, 24 / $7. That means my phone is always on, my camera bag is packed, and I’m ready to go when you are.

2.ARE YOU ON CALL? WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T MAKE IT?

Birth is unpredictable. Ask your photographer when they go on-call and what backup systems are in place.

I go on-call for you from 38 weeks until your baby is born, 24 / $7. That means my phone is always on, my camera bag is packed, and I’m ready to go when you are.

I’ve documented home births, hospital births, and birth centre stories throughout Wellington and the Hutt Valley and Far North. I work respectfully alongside midwives and medical staff, always putting your safety and comfort first.

3.HAVE YOU CAPTURED BIRTHS IN THE SETTING I AM PLANNING?

Home birth? Hospital? Birth centre? It helps to choose someone familiar with the environment you're planning for.

I’ve documented home births, hospital births, and birth centre stories throughout Wellington and the Hutt Valley and Far North. I work respectfully alongside midwives and medical staff, always putting your safety and comfort first.

I will never share your photos without clear, written permission—and I always give you full control over what (if anything) is shared publicly. For many clients, these images stay completely private, and that is 100% okay.

4.HOW DO YOU PROTECT OUR PRIVACY?

Your birth story is sacred. Make sure your photographer respects that.

I will never share your photos without clear, written permission—and I always give you full control over what (if anything) is shared publicly. For many clients, these images stay completely private, and that is 100% okay.

I have three packages, all of which include full labour coverage, all high-resolution digital images, and a pre-booking and pre-birth consultation. I am on call for you from 38 weeks. Some of the additional things I offer are film highlights, short videos, and discounts on newborn sessions. I offer gentle payment plans and always keep communication open throughout your pregnancy.

5.WHAT DOES YOUR BIRTH PACKAGE INCLUDE?

Birth photography is an investment. Ask what’s included and what the process looks like.

I have three packages, all of which include full labour coverage, all high-resolution digital images, and a pre-booking and pre-birth consultation. I am on call for you from 38 weeks. Some of the additional things I offer are film highlights, short videos, and discounts on newborn sessions. I offer gentle payment plans and always keep communication open throughout your pregnancy.

For me? It’s about holding space for one of life’s most powerful transitions—and offering you a way to look back and say: “Wow. I did that.” Birth deserves to be remembered. Your story deserves to be honoured. That’s what I’m here for.

6.WHY DO YOU DO THIS WORK?

This might be the most important question of all.

For me? It’s about holding space for one of life’s most powerful transitions—and offering you a way to look back and say: “Wow. I did that.” Birth deserves to be remembered. Your story deserves to be honoured. That’s what I’m here for.

Looking for a Birth Photographer in Wellington?

If you’ve been wondering whether this is for you, I’d love to talk. No pressure. Just a real conversation about what it could look like for your birth story.

📍 Milestone Photography – Birth Photographer, Wellington
Serving Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Kapiti, Porirua, and the greater Wellington region.