“I don’t understand these people who want Birth Photography. I gave birth and there is nothing about that experience I want to look back at!”

“You take pictures at births?! Like, people have a baby and want you there?! That’s weird.”

“OMG. Who would want pictures of them giving birth?! Hey honey! I’ve got an idea for this year’s holiday card!”

Birth Photography and Newborn Photography for D.C. Parents.

When I hear these phrases - which, I often do - I think to myself, “What a wonderful way to have experienced birth.” Because I am surrounded by parents who have struggled for years to become pregnant in the first place. Parents who have been told they would never have children. Parents who know their child will likely not survive long after birth. Parents who had no idea there was anything about to go horribly, horribly wrong.

I often see, unless you’ve been intimately touched by death, how the assumption of a healthy birth can be taken for granted. Photographs don’t matter.

But for those who have lived, or even had the scare, of a child’s life shortened, I am there. To celebrate with you. To love with you. To breath that sigh of relief with you. And, for some, to cry with you.

I often hear myself say, “Birth Photography isn’t for everyone”. Certainly, this is true. But for the parents it is for, I am proud, honored, and humbled to be at your service.

xo

Teresa

After birth, family bonding. The first family portrait. Birth Photography, D.C.

Teresa Robertson received her Bachelor’s of Fine Art degree in Photography and Fine Art Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. After serving as a volunteer for several years with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, she became interested in Birth Photography and Birth Doula (DONA) work as well. She soulfully resides on the island of Oahu, is passionate about preserving the land and culture, and is proud to serve on The Queen’s Court.

Communication is a practice I not only hold dear to me in my personal life, but in my Photography business as well. I recognize that hiring a Professional Photographer is not something people do on a regular basis, but that each business is often run so differently that the ‘rules’ can easily change.

A very common question I receive is, ‘When should I hire a Photographer?’ No matter if you are looking for a Photographer for maternity, birth, newborn, baby, children, or family, my answer is pretty much the same across the board.

The Baby Whisperer - Alexandria Newborn Photographer

I think the best way to look at this is before you hire anyone, first jot down some basics:

• What am I looking to have photographed?

• When?

• When I look at photos of a similar photographed people, are there similar things I love? Black and white, lots of style, candid, etc?

• What is my budget?

• How important is this to me?

You don’t have to spend much time on these questions, whatever comes quickly to mind. It’s no secret that there are a many options to choose from regarding photography, so knowing a little more about what your specific desires are will help you narrow down your options right off the bat.

After that, reach out to a few Photographers you like, share your list if you’re comfortable (they should be able to honestly agree if they can meet your expectations), and then ask to speak with them a bit more. If you have children, does that Photographer seem to be good with kids? Are you a private person that needs your Photographer to have a calming presence? If you have a million questions, will they be happy to patiently answer each one for you or are you simply part of an assembly line of other clients?

Infant Snuggles - Alexandria Birth Photographer

Going back to the original question, I would say it’s never too early to being looking for, talking to, or meeting with the person you think is best for you. Once you are comfortable and you are confident your needs will be met, that is the best time to hire your Photographer.

If you think you may be hiring a Photographer in the future and would like to chat more, please reach out to me! I’d love to talk about what you have coming up and how you can best be served.

Xo

Teresa

Teresa Robertson received her Bachelor’s of Fine Art degree in Photography and Fine Art Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. After serving as a volunteer for several years with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, she became interested in Birth Photography and Birth Doula (DONA) work as well. She soulfully resides on the island of Oahu, is passionate about preserving the land and culture, and is proud to serve on The Queen’s Court.