documentary birth photography 

As birth photographers, we take on a limited number of families, working closely with each client to document birth with reverence and care. Our presence is quiet, intuitive, and deeply respectful of the sacred nature of birth. Read below to learn more about our booking process and what it looks like to invite Bending Willow Birth into your birth space as your photographer.

What’s included:

Pregnancy

• One intentional prenatal meeting where we connect, discuss your hopes and vision for your birth photos, and walk through what documentation looks like during labor and birth. This is a time to answer questions, and ensure our presence feels aligned and supportive.
• Unlimited communication throughout pregnancy for questions, timeline updates, or shifts in your birth plans. Through this support our goal is to build a meaningful connection before your birth unfolds and to support you as you journey closer to meeting your baby.

Birth

• Your photographer will be on-call from 38 to 42 weeks and will join you once active labor is established. We document labor, birth, and the first sacred moments with your baby in a way that is unobtrusive and honoring of the birth space.
• Our approach to birth photography is rooted in deep respect for physiological birth, family autonomy, and the spiritual significance of this moment. We move quietly, follow the lead of your birth team, and prioritize preserving the intimacy of your experience while capturing the raw, powerful, and tender moments as they unfold.
• You can expect thoughtful, story-driven documentation that reflects the strength, emotion, and beauty of your birth—without interference or direction.

Postpartum

• We remain present for the first 1hour after birth to document those early moments of connection—meeting your baby, the first latch, skin-to-skin, and the settling of your family into this new chapter.
• You will receive a carefully curated gallery of hand-edited images that tell the full story of your birth, delivered through a private online gallery. A small selection of sneak peeks will be shared within 48 hours so you can begin reliving these moments while they are still fresh.

Investment $2,000

Your investment honors more than photographs—it honors trust, presence, and the care we bring into one of the most sacred moments of your life.

We accept no more than two families per month to ensure we can be fully present and responsive when you call. This is not event photography; it is birth work approached with reverence, intuition, and experience. Flexible payment plans are available.

Optional add-ons

• Maternity and Newborn Photography — $350
  Two one-hour lifestyle sessions documenting your growing family. Includes candid, connection-focused imagery, a private online gallery, and approximately 90 hand-edited images with full print rights.
• Placenta Encapsulation — $300
  A traditional practice that honors the placenta’s role in pregnancy and birth, transforming it into nourishing capsules that some women choose to consume postpartum. Often chosen to support healing, energy, and balance during the early weeks after birth.

Interested in working with us? Here’s how it works:

1. Schedule your complimentary clarity call to ask initial questions and explore whether we’re a good fit. You’ll be invited to complete a short questionnaire and select a time that works for you.
2. After your clarity call, you’ll receive an email to schedule your in-person or virtual meet-and-greet. This is a space to connect more deeply, talk through your birth vision, and ensure our presence feels aligned and supportive. Partners are encouraged to attend.
3. If you choose to move forward, you’ll receive booking information via email. Booking includes signing an agreement, selecting a payment plan, and submitting your deposit to reserve your on-call window.