Birth photography in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio is a relatively new phenomenon, but it’s one that is growing in popularity! While it’s not everyone’s cup of (red raspberry leaf) tea, birth photography offers expecting families a meaningful way to document the special moments surrounding a new baby’s arrival.
But, choosing a photographer for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion requires thoughtful consideration. Here are some valuable tips to guide you in finding the perfect photographer for you and your family.
What to look for in a photographer
First things first, when choosing a birth photographer in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio you want to check out their portfolio to make sure their style aligns with your vision and birth plan. As a birth photographer myself, I always want to make sure my clients have viewed my work and can envision me capturing their birth before we work together.
Consider the photographer’s experience level. While newer birth photographers may be more budget-friendly, experienced professionals bring a wealth of expertise. Look for someone who has captured several births and ask for examples of their work.
Choose a photographer you connect with personally. This is someone who will be in the room with you during one of the most intimate moments of your life, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with them. I like to meet with all of my clients beforehand—either in-person or on a video chat—to make sure we’re a good fit.
How to find a birth photographer in Cleveland
Hey! You’re on the website for one right now 🙂 but here are some tried and true ways to go about finding a reputable birth photographer that serves your area.
Explore local mom-focused Facebook groups or seek recommendations from friends and family; trusted first-hand experiences can really help guide your decision. Online searches and reviews are also valuable resources for finding a birth photographer. Take the time to read reviews and browse portfolios before making a final decision.
Additionally, certified birth photographer directories like The Beauty in Birth®, Birth Becomes You and International Association of Professional Birth Photographers offer reputable choices. Certified birth photographers have gone through training in not only photography but how to behave in a birth space, so you can rest assured you’re hiring a true professional when you hire a certified birth photographer. I am certified through The Beauty in Birth and am currently working toward certification through Birth Becomes You.
What to expect from your Cleveland birth photographer
Your chosen birth photographer should be professional, compassionate, and discreet. It is always my top priority to make my clients feel comfortable and relaxed, while still being able to capture all of the special moments of their labor and delivery.
Most importantly, you should trust and expect your birth photographer to be there for you—day or night—to document one of the most important days of your life. When I take on a birth client, I am on-call and ready to drop what I’m doing for my client as soon as labor begins.
When you meet with a birth photographer for a consultation, here are some questions you could ask:
- How many births have you photographed?
- Have you received training as a birth photographer?
- What’s the plan if you miss my birth?
- Is there a time limit for your presence during labor?
- What packages do you offer, and what’s included?
- Can I review a copy of your contract?
- Are you comfortable shooting in low light?
Tips for working with your photographer
There are a lot of unknowns in birth photography, which makes it even more important to discuss expectations with your birth photographer beforehand!
Be clear about what you do and don’t want captured. Is there an image from their portfolio you’re hoping to get for your birth? Make sure to tell them! Is there something you’d rather not have photos of? Communicate that, too.
I always have a consultation meeting with any potential clients to walk through all of these things and make sure I have a full understanding of their hope and expectations for me capturing their labor and delivery.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a birth photographer is to trust your gut. Go with someone whose work you admire and who you feel you can be yourself around. With the right photographer by your side, you’ll be able to look back on your birth story with joy and pride.
I hope these tips have helped you in choosing the perfect birth photographer in Cleveland to document this amazing moment in your life. Birth photography is a unique and wonderful way to honor the beauty and intensity of labor and childbirth.
Hey there and thank you for stopping by! I’m Mackenzie, owner of Mackenzie Romagni Photography, a birth, newborn and family photographer serving growing families in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. I hope you found my “How to Find Your Cleveland Birth Photographer” blog post helpful.
Are you expecting a new baby and hoping to hire a birth photographer for your hospital, birth center or home birth? Contact me here to connect! Not quite ready yet? No problem! Follow me on Instagram or join my email list here to stay in the know.
Mackenzie Romagni is an award winning Cleveland and Northeast Ohio birth, newborn and family photographer. She offers documentary birth and natural and relaxed lifestyle newborn and family photography.
Mackenzie is based in Cleveland and serves all of Northeast Ohio, including the following counties: Lorain, Medina Summit, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake & beyond.
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