GAUTENG BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY
What is birth photography and how does it work in South Africa?
Birth Photography is a very unique genre of photography, and fairly new in South Africa. It is a specialist field and requires huge commitment and respect. Birth photography includes both Caesarean birth and Vaginal birth. We are privileged, here in Johannesburg, to have earned some respect in the medical fraternity, whereby we have access to some hospital theatres and maternity wards. This ground is fragile and requires respect from photographers. This is why, when you decide to hire a birth photographer, it is imperative that your photographer is a professional birth photographer.
So, if you are considering hiring a photographer to document your special day, why choose me?
I too, have been there. I too, have given Birth. I know your space and where you are at. I understand Birth from a personal level. I am a trained professional Doula, have photographed births for the past 5 years, and I love births and all that goes with it!
Birth is beautiful, and CAN be portrayed beautifully, discreetly and tastefully.
Your birth matters.
Below, I have answered a few questions you may have about Birth Photography.
What is birth photography?
Birth Photography is the coverage of a birth event. From Labour to Birth to Bonding. I document everything possible (within your limits) – The labouring Mom, the Dad, the support person/s, baby’s first breathe, baby’s first hour and the brand new family together for the very first time. All photographs are taken in the labour room or theatre (with relevant hospital and Gynaecologist’s permission), as well as in the post natal ward.
Do you take pictures of the whole labor and birth?
I photograph a section of the labour which is termed Active Labour – from 4 – 6 cm dilation to Birth. With regards to a caesarean section, photographing commences 1 hour before csection to 1-2 hours post csection.
What happens if you do not have theatre access?
Your birth story consists of many aspects. Theatre access is but only one small part. Images will taken one hour before and 1-2 hours after your caesarean. Family that is present can also be photographed with the new baby. The Dad can take the three important images (baby being born, the new family together and baby being weighed) in theatre, and this can be used to complete your birth story.
Will you post the photos on the internet?
Only with both parents consent. All photographs posted will be tastefully selected and will not show private parts in any form.
Can we meet before the birth?
Yes, most definitely. It is important that the couple is comfortable with me in the delivery room. It is a very personal and intimate time and I do like to be well aquainted with my clients.
When do you arrive?
When Mom is in ‘Active Labour’ – about 4-6cm, regardless of the time. If the Mom has a vaginal check, I would prefer to arrive at 6cm dilated or when contractions are 5 minutes apart.
With a cesarean section, I arrive one hour before your caesarean.
How long will you stay? What if I have a long labor?
I photograph until Baby is born, regardless of time. With a caesarean, I photograph up to 2 hours post operation.
What if I have a short labor, will I get any of my money back?
Unfortunately not. There is risk involved in photographing a Birth. I am on stand-by for about four weeks (two weeks prior and two weeks post the due date). Last minute plans and arrangements need to be made in order to be present at the birth.
What if I have a c-section?
In the event of an emergency C-section:
There is a chance that I may not be permitted into theatre. I would then photograph some periods of the labour prior to the c-section and would stay up to 2 hours afterwards to photograph the new family in the ward (provided all is well). No refund is given.
If hospital allows Operating Room access, full coverage of the C-section will take place.
In the event of a planned C-section:
Full coverage will take place under condition that permission be obtained from the Gynaecologist and Hospital four weeks prior the birth.
Will I have to get approval from my hospital?
Yes, in both vaginal and Cesarean births. This is the clients responsibility. I provide a form to be presented to the caregiver and hospital.
What if you miss the birth?
In the event that I miss the birth due to fault of my own, a full refund is due to client. Two hours notice is required for me to be present at the birth – should the notice be shorter than this and I miss the actually birth, photographs will be taken post birth and no refund is due. I use the services of a backup photographer should the need arise.
When should I book you?
As soon as you decide you want your Birth Photographed. I require full payment four weeks prior to your due date/caesarean date.
Do you offer discounts or take payments?
There are no discounts, unless there is a special on offer at the time. A 50% booking fee is required on booking and full payment due 1 month prior to Due Date or Caesarean Date. Part payments can be arranged on request.
Unfortunately I cannot accept credit cards.
Do you use a flash? What if I want my birth dark?
In general, Flash is not used. I will adjust my settings as far as possible, however one needs to understand that images can be negatively affected in low light. I will request to use my flash if necessary to get the images that you require.
In the event of a Caesarean, flash is not used.
How many photographs will I get?
Minimum of 100 edited photographs, including a selection of Black and White images.
How long will it take to get my photographs?
Four weeks.
What if I want a video of my birth?
If you decide you would like some video at your birth, you can have full videography or video snippets along with photography. This is incorporated into a (+-) 5 minute video or video-slide show.
Will they be color or black and white?
You will receive colour images with a selection of Black and White images.
Do I get a CD of all my images? What if I want prints?
All edited images are provided on memory stick in high resolution for printing use and low resolution for web or email use. Video DVD is supplied, if selected. Photo books and prints can be arranged at an extra fee.
Contact details:
Natalie Gornall
Cell: 072 646 3935
Email: natalie@creationography.co.za.
For Package info click here or contact me by filling in the form below.
Warm Regards
Natalie
