If you have a question about one of the session, there is good chance you will find it on this page. If this is not the case, then please email me. If you are a (birth) photographer and you have a question about my camera or lenses, or another question to help you with your first session, then you can find the answers on the bottom of this age.
Maternity photography
1. What is the best time to do a maternity session?
How the pregnancy develops varies from woman to woman. You start showing sooner with your second child then with your first. Theoretically, the best period to do a maternity session is between 32 and 38 weeks. After 38 weeks, your baby often has descended and some women retain moisture. When you contact me we can discuss what will be the best period for you.
2. Do you have a studio?
No, I don’t have a studio anymore. I love going outdoors or come to your home to take gorgeous photos.
Birth photography
1. Can I tell you what I really want to have documented and what not?
During the first meeting we can get acquainted and you can indicate what you would like and what you definitely don’t want. I’ll take your wishes into account as much as possible while taking pictures and I try to grand all your wishes! Of course I can’t guarantee anything, since birth is unpredictable. It is certainly not my intention to take photos when you are feeling really bad. On the contrary, the birth of your baby is an incredibly special event, there is so much emotion and love and that is precisely what I want to capture! Your partner who supports you as you labour evolves, the first time you see your baby, or your partner cutting the umbilical cord. These are the moments I find important and that I try to capture! I shoot mostly in black and white, so any potential blood doesn’t look so “scary”.
2. Does it matter for the price if my baby is born at night, in a weekend or in a holiday?
No, the price remains the same, regardless of the day or time. There are no additional costs. Included in the price are: an introductory meeting, being on call 24/7 from the 38th week, photos of the entire birth and shortly after birth, a USB with a selection of at least 150 post-edited photos, a mini album with 4 photos and a photo album with 15 spreads of 20x30cm.
3. What happens if there are any complications?
We will of course assume that your labour goes smoothly. If complications do occur however, it depends on the nature how we proceed. When you give birth at home and you should unexpectedly have to go to the hospital, then I will go to the hospital too and continue the session there. In the event of a caesarean I need the gynecologist’s consent to take pictures in the OR. For more information see the next question.
4. I have to give birth by caesarean section …. can I also have a birth session?
During my training as a midwife, I attended several caesareans. This is also very special! Whether I am allowed to take pictures depends on the gynecologist. It is important that you discuss this with the gynecologist if possible beforehand. It does help to mention that I have attended several caesareans and I know how this works. If the gynecologist gives permission, I will be there that day! If necessary I will meet the gynecologist in advance and answer any questions he or she might have.
5. Will my photos be published on your website?
I really like publishing birth stories with some photos on my blog, but I’ll fully respect your wishes if you don’t want your story published. When you indicate that you don’t want any photos published, your photos will of course remain private.
9. What if someone is giving birth at the same time as me or you are sick?
Birth Photography is quite new in the Netherlands and I was the first photographer who is specialized in this type of documentaries. Meanwhile I gave many photography workshops and there are a few photographers who could be a back-up. I’m also part of the professional association of birth photographers If you would like to use a backup you can tell me when we meet. I am almost never ill however, and to minimize the chance of 2 births occurring simultaneously, I take on a maximum of 4 births per month. During the first meeting we fix everything on paper and also define what happens if I cannot come or if I’m late.
Newborn photography
1. When is the best period to book a newborn session?
Once you know that you are interested you can contact me. I’ll take down the due date in my agenda and once you have given birth you contact me again. We then make a fixed appointment when I can meet you newborn baby.
2. What is the best time to do a newborn session?
Newborn lifestyle sessions are done in the first month after birth.
3. Where will the newborn session be?
They will take place at your home.
FAQ – Birth Photographers
Because I receive so many emails with the same questions about birth photography, I made this page. Here you find the FAQ birth photography including an answer. Cannot find your question? Sorry! 🙂 If you like to learn more you can sign up for a workshop birth photography.
1. Do you use a flash during a birth?
No, I never use a flash. There are photographers who do so (they bounce their flash), but personally I find it disturbing for the mom and dad during labour, and for the baby once it’s born. It’s a thought-out decision.
2. What gear to you use?
I have two camera’s. Both a Nikon D750. Both are full frame. Besides those cameras I use a 50mm 1.4, a 35mm 1.4, a 24-70 2.8 and a 105 macro 2.8.
3. What’s the maximum of ISO you use?
Whatever is necessary but I try not to go above 8000.
4. What program do you use for editing?
I work with Lightroom
Would you like extra tips about documenting a birth in the hospital? Read this article Tips for birth photographing | Documenting a birth in the hospital
Marry Fermont