Birth portraits by Caitlin Frank

As a storyteller and someone who deeply values the power of meaningful moments, I believe birth portraits are among the most profound investments you can make for your family. This isn’t just about documenting the arrival of your baby; it’s about honoring the transformative experience of bringing life into the world. Birth is raw, it’s powerful, it’s beautiful, and it’s unlike any other moment in your life.

Imagine being able to look back at the exact moment you met your child—the emotion in your face, the awe in your partner’s eyes, the first time tiny fingers wrapped around yours. Birth portraits preserve these fleeting moments with authenticity and care, capturing the depth of connection, strength, and love that define this life-changing day.

For your child, these portraits tell the story of how they came into the world, surrounded by love and wonder. They become part of your family’s legacy, a visual narrative that can be cherished and shared with future generations. Imagine sitting with your grown child one day, flipping through these images, and sharing with them the overwhelming love and strength it took to bring them into the world. That’s something truly priceless.

I approach birth portraits with the utmost respect and sensitivity, working to blend into the background so that I capture the moment as it unfolds naturally. My role is to create timeless, emotive images that allow you to relive the day—the quiet moments of waiting, the powerful moments of birth, and the joy that follows.

To my most ideal client, I know you value the beauty of raw, real experiences, and you see the importance of preserving life’s most meaningful moments. Birth is not just an event; it’s the beginning of your family’s most sacred chapter. Birth portraits are your opportunity to freeze time in its most honest form—to remember not just what it looked like but what it felt like.

These aren’t just photos. They’re your story, your strength, your love—preserved forever. If that resonates with you, let’s talk about how we can capture this incredible chapter of your life together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Birth Portraits

What are birth portraits, and why should I consider them?
Birth portraits document the powerful and emotional journey of welcoming a new life into the world. They capture the raw beauty of labor, delivery, and those first precious moments with your baby. These images become a timeless reminder of your strength, love, and the beginning of your child’s story, providing a legacy to treasure for generations.

How do you ensure privacy during such an intimate moment?
Your privacy and comfort are my top priorities. I work discreetly, blending into the background to capture moments as they naturally unfold without intruding on the process. We’ll have an in-depth consultation beforehand to discuss your preferences, boundaries, and the type of moments you’d like photographed.

What permissions are necessary for birth photography?
Depending on the location of your birth (hospital, birthing center, or home), permissions may vary. For hospital births, you may need approval from your doctor, midwife, or hospital staff. Some hospitals have specific policies about photographers in the delivery room, so it’s important to check with them in advance. I’m happy to provide any required documentation, such as proof of vaccination or business liability insurance. For home births or birthing centers, it’s typically a matter of discussing with your midwife or doula.

What happens if things move quickly, or I need a cesarean section?
Births are unpredictable, and I am prepared for that. We’ll discuss a plan for when to call me so I can arrive in time, and I remain flexible to adapt to the unique flow of your experience. For cesarean births, I’ll work with your medical team to capture moments as allowed. Some operating rooms may restrict access, but I can document the moments leading up to and immediately following your delivery, such as your baby’s first cry, weighing, and skin-to-skin contact.

Will having a photographer in the room disrupt my experience?
Not at all. I am highly experienced in working discreetly during emotional and intimate moments. My goal is to support your experience by capturing the beauty and power of your birth story without interrupting it. Most clients tell me they barely noticed I was there.

What if I feel unsure about being photographed during labor and delivery?
This is completely normal, and we’ll have open communication to address any concerns. Birth photography isn’t about looking “perfect”; it’s about capturing the authenticity, strength, and love of the moment. We can customize the focus of the session to align with your comfort level, such as capturing your partner’s support or the baby’s first moments.

How do we prepare for birth portraits?
We’ll have a consultation before your due date to discuss your birth plan, your preferences, and any must-have moments you’d like captured. I’ll also stay on-call around your due date to ensure I’m available when labor begins.

What if I go into labor in the middle of the night?
As part of the birth portrait process, I am on-call 24/7 for two weeks before and after your estimated due date. Whether it’s the middle of the night or early morning, I’m ready to document your journey as soon as you call.

How much of the process do you photograph?
That’s entirely up to you. Some clients want coverage of the entire journey, from labor to the baby’s first feeding. Others prefer key moments, such as the delivery or first family embrace. We’ll tailor the experience to your wishes.

How soon will I receive my photos?
You can expect to receive your full gallery within 4-6 weeks, depending on the season and the scope of the session. I also provide a few sneak peeks within a week of your session so you can relive those first precious moments right away.

Can I share these photos publicly?
Absolutely! These are your photos, and you are free to share them as you wish. I also respect your privacy, so any images I share for my portfolio or social media will require your explicit permission.