Twin Cities Birth Photographer - How I Chose a Birth Photographer

In my last post I discussed Why I chose to hire a birth photographer.  I will now tell the tale of how I found, and Chose my birth photographer.

Professional birth photography is a relatively new idea.  Because of this, the search for a good birth photographer can prove a little difficult.  Among those photographers who might be interested in photographing a birth,  few are capable of being on call 24/7 - so it isn't even a plausable option for them.   And even if you are lucky enough to find a willing and capable photographer, there is still that very important question...is this the sort of person I will be comfortable having at my birth?

It is always important to feel comfortable with any photographer you hire (this is key to getting good images!), but it is particularly vital in the case of birth photography - and understandably so!

When I started looking for a birth photographer, I knew that I needed someone whom I could trust fully.  Someone I could trust to be both tasteful and discreet with the images, as well as other aspects of the event.  But probably just as important - I needed someone I could like! Someone I could like as a friend.  Because birth is hard enough without adding personality concerns to the mix.  She (and yes, it must be a she) had to be someone I felt so comfortable with that I could entirely forget at the birth.

As a birth photographer myself, I knew what I was looking for - but I still had to find it.  I started and ended my search with birthphotographers.com.  Though I did some googling and asking around as well, I found this website to be the most helpful go-to resource for my area.

Lucky for me, birthphotographers.com listed several photographers in my area.  And all of them do some really nice work!  But having never met them (something I intend to change soon!), I had only their websites to go on.  It was based on what I saw of her on her website, that I decided to interview Erika Laurice - first on the phone and later in person.  I really liked her photography style, loved that she was a mom of two kids, and surmised that she might be my sort of "comfortable".  After meeting with her in person I felt even more confident with my choice - I could just chill with her and we actually ended up talking for quite a while - no worries!  Among various topics (but more on point) we discussed the upcoming birth, what I was looking for in a photographer, as well as the images I expected (or did not want)...and that was that. I signed the contract (she signed a confidentiality agreement) and sent in the retainer.  Simple as that, she began to anticipate my call.



Erika turned out to be fabulous at the birth.  So fabulous that I barely noticed her until the baby had finally arrived!  She did great with the photography and captured some great moments that I will cherish always.  I am so happy with my choice and now truly view her as a friend (life-changing events do that to people :-)  ).  Thank you so much, Erika! You rock!!