ATLANTA BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY

Atlanta Birth Photographer | The Importance of Discretion

I had a client ask me a question today when they came to the studio for their consultation for The Birth Session. It was a simple question. They asked me, "What makes you different from other birth photographers besides your shooting and editing style?" Obviously, there's not just ONE answer to that question, but I wanted to touch on one of the answers that I gave them because I think it's so important that anyone considering birth photography take the following into consideration - whether they're here in Atlanta looking for a birth photographer or not! 

When you hire me as your birth photographer you can take comfort in the fact you are hiring someone who understands the importance of discretion and respects your privacy - and places that at the forefront of your entire experience from beginning to end. 

(1) I won't share identifiable images of you or your baby online unless I am specifically requested to. I never identify clients by a searchable name on my website. Some of the names that I use aren't even the real names! It's a very small world. Would you want a future potential boss of yours or your husband to see your labor and delivery or private moments between your new family? These are things that new expectant parents don't think about. Once it's out there on the Internet, you can never erase it. 

(2) Your baby's private parts will never be shown in a photo, even if it's unidentifiable. Unfortunately, we live in a world where we have to worry about this. I see far too many birth photographers sharing photos with baby bits prominently shown. I am a mother of two little girls, so needless to say - seeing images violating the privacy of a minutes old baby saddens and angers me. 

(3)  I do not require a model release to hire me. There are some birth photographers that will NOT accept you as a client unless you sign a model release. This is their right as a business owner to require, but it's also your right as a client to have privacy. So, if privacy is important to you, make sure that a model release isn't required and that they will not share any images without your express permission. 

The truth is: I have so many amazing and emotional birth images that I would love for potential clients to see - but it's not my birth. It's yours. You, your partner, and your baby deserve the utmost privacy, respect, and discretion. Did you know that roughly 75% of my births are not shared online anywhere in any form?

(4) I never share links and passwords to birth films with inquiries or people who ask. I can tell you that I have run into midwives and doctors who were in attendance that ask if they can see the photos or video. I inform them that they must ask their patient and that I am not at liberty to share. Additionally, all potential clients who inquire must come to the studio to meet with me for a consultation.  These potential clients can then view birth films that I have been given permission to share - and they view them sitting right next to me on my iPad. There is no danger of your private moments being stolen and shared with the world. 

Ready to book your birth session? I am completely booked for 2015 and have already filled my calendar through March 2016!  Contact me today to schedule a consult for The Birth Session, and watch this short 1.5 minute film to see what the experience of working with me is like. I can't wait to meet you and capture one of the most amazing days of your life!

Lily Sophia Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, and birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Birth Photographer | The Waterbirth of Brooks at Atlanta Medical Center with Intown Midwifery

The lead up to this birth was an exciting one! Atlanta experienced a wild ice storm, and I was on pins and needles hoping that baby boy would hold off his arrival so that I could make it to the birth. As an Atlanta birth photographer, snow and ice aren't something I have to contend with very often! I had my backup plan of taking MARTA or just walking to the hospital if necessary. The main concern was that his parents would be able to make the trek to the hospital from their home! Baby boy decided to cooperate with all of our hopes, and I got the call the evening of January 29. It was a little icy on the roads to the hospital, but nothing I couldn't handle. 

This couple was a Bradley couple expecting their second child. They were patients of Intown Midwifery, and delivered at Atlanta Medical Center in a waterbirth. When I arrived, mom was laughing and smiling and continued to do so all the way up to transition. Her husband was a wonderful support to her, and it was awesome to watch them labor together. She was a rock star as she managed to work through her contractions and hold off of pushing long enough to finish her antibiotics. Once that IV drip was done, she wasted no time in delivering her sweet boy! Baby Brooks was born at 10:46 PM and was an 8 pound bundle of squishy perfection. 

If you are considering reserving The Birth Session, contact me right away. I meet with all interested couples in my studio for a no obligation consultation for about an hour. Fill out this form here to get started. Birth photography is a personal experience and an investment: be confident in your choice! 


Atlanta Birth Photographer | Kaelen's Waterbirth

This birth was such a special one because it was out of state, and because the couple chose to wait until their baby was born to find out if they had a son or daughter! I love births when the parents don't know because it's so exciting to find out at the end if it's a boy or girl!

I got the call that mom was in labor, and drove 4 hours from Atlanta to Fort Mill, SC to a free standing birth center to photograph this birth. I arrived right after mom and dad did at around 2 PM, and mom was already in the tub laboring. She was in the zone managing her contractions, so I quietly set up and starting taking photos.

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This was a Bradley couple and they had also hired a doula to assist them. Dad was super supportive of mom and was in and out of the tub holding her, putting cold washcloths on her head and neck, and just being a strong and silent supporter. I was so impressed with the love and dedication he showed to his wife as they worked hard to deliver their baby. In the births that I have attended, I would say this one was probably one of the most difficult labors I have seen, but this couple rocked it!

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Women in labor are so, so, so beautiful to me. They are doing one of the most physically difficult yet most rewarding things a woman can do. They're bringing a new life into the world. As a birth photographer, to be present in the room documenting this process always humbles me. It's such an honor to be invited, and I don't take it for granted.

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The contractions were very strong in mom's back, so it was not a comfortable labor for her. Since her water had not broken, baby was taking time to descend. Eventually, mom left the tub to labor outside of it for a while, and her water broke then, finally bringing the baby down. After 4 hours of pushing, mom delivered at 6:30 PM, and found out she had a SON! A beautiful 9 pound 11 ounce baby boy measuring at 21 inches long. The name they chose was Kaelen, which means "Warrior". He's too little to know if he'll live up to the meaning of his name, but his mama certainly was! 

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If you are considering reserving The Birth Session, contact me right away. I meet with all interested couples in my studio for a no obligation consultation for about an hour. Fill out this form here to get started. Birth photography is a personal experience and an investment: be confident in your choice! 

Lily Sophia Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, and birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

 

Atlanta Birth Photographer | 5 Reasons to Hire a Birth Photographer

One of my fantastic colleagues in the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers wrote an article titled "5 Reasons to Hire a Birth Photographer". I thought it was perfect to share with anyone considering birth photography! If you're looking for a birth photographer in the Atlanta area or just have questions, please contact me! 

 

Lily Sophia Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, and birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.