What Birth Photography Really Costs (And Why It’s Worth Every Cent)

Let’s talk about the money stuff.
Because birth photography is an investment—and I know that word can feel a bit weighty, especially when you’re already navigating pregnancy expenses, baby gear, and possibly time off work.

But here’s the truth:
Birth photography isn’t just about photos.
It’s about preserving a moment you’ll never get back.
And the value of that? It lasts far longer than the newborn phase.

So, what are you paying for when you book a birth photographer?

Unlike a typical session, birth photography is totally unpredictable.

I go on call for you 24/7, from 38 weeks until your baby is born. That means:

• No travel

• No big commitments

• No phone on silent
  …for weeks.

When I get the call, I drop everything. I come to you—no matter the hour—and I stay for the entire active labour and birth, whether that’s 2 hours or 12.
That’s a huge amount of time dedicated solely to you.

Birth is fast, dark, unpredictable—and it doesn’t wait for the light to be perfect.

You need someone who can:

• Handle low light and movement

• Read emotional moments intuitively

• Document discreetly without disrupting the flow

• Know when not to shoot

This takes training, deep care, and specific gear. Not every photographer is a birth photographer. It’s a special kind of storytelling.

After your birth, I go through hundreds of images—sorting, carefully editing, and curating a gallery that truly reflects the story as it happened.

Your final gallery includes high-resolution digital files, often with an option for prints or albums. You’re not just receiving photos. You’re receiving a visual time capsule.

These images?
They’re the ones you’ll come back to again and again.

• When your baby turns one.

• When they ask, “What was it like when I was born?”

• When you need to remember your strength.

So, What Does It Actually Cost?

At Milestone Photography, birth coverage begins at $1,250.

That includes:

• 24/7 on-call coverage from 37 weeks

• Full labour + birth coverage

• Pre-birth consultation at 36 weeks

• All high-res digital images in a private online gallery

• Preview images

• Optional payment plans available

The option to upgrade is available and some of the extra services I include are:

• Video highlights

• Studio family newborn session at a discounted rate

• Maternity session at a discounted rate

Birth photography isn’t cheap—but it’s not supposed to be.
Because the service isn’t cheap.
The care, time, and heart that goes into it is immense.

And I promise you this:
You’ll never regret having these memories captured.
But you might regret not doing it.

If you’re ready, or even just curious, I’d love to talk more about what your birth story could look like through my lens.

With love,
Maddie x
Milestone Photography – Birth Photographer, Wellington
madison@milestonephotography.co.nz