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Birth Photography Service and Pricing

Birth story photo of a newborn baby looking at her mother by Birth photographer and labor doula, Leona Darnell

Where words fail to capture the depth and gravity of this moment, the photograph preserves.

When you hire me to document your birth story, I do so with dignity, love and respect. It is a privilege to take this journey with you. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly. These images will likely be your greatest treasure.

No matter how many births I photograph, the depth of this breathtaking event never gets old. I am amazed beyond words each and every time I enter a birth space.

What is Birth Photography?

Before contemplating who you will choose to document your birth, it is important to understand what a birth photographer actually is. It may seem obvious, but I assure you it’s a bit more than what it appears to be. I have written a short blog post (seriously, it’s only like a one minute read) explaining it.

As Your Birth Photographer

As your birth photographer, I arrive when you are in active labor (5-6 centimeters or when you call your midwife). I remain as long as you are in labor and up to 90 minutes postpartum or after baby’s exam.

I do not over document. This means, you will not feel like I am the paparazzi. Rather I photograph with intent. I have been doing this long enough to know how to move around a birth space. I do use flash, but am cognizant about how to use it. Most birthing families do not notice it at all. However; if you would rather not, that is completely ok too. I can photograph without it.

I have outlined below the two birth photography packages I offer and what comes with each.
Birth photography image by Leona Darnell. This shows a partner supporting his wife during labor in a hospital.
color birth photography image by Southern California birth photographer, Leona Darnell, showing a mother holding her baby in a birth pool.

Birth Photography Package 1 │ 1900.

I take a limited number of births per month. A 25% retainer ($475) is required to be put on the calendar with the balance is due by week 37.

Payment plans are available.

If you are planning a shower (or even if you’re not) and would like friends and family to be able to contribute to the cost of birth photography, a gift registry can be set up for you.

Your birth photography package includes everything outlined below.
A meeting to learn about one another and your expectations

These meetings are where we learn about one another, what birth photography is and what your expectations are. We go over timelines and different scenarios so there is no confusion. I encourage you and your support person to use this time to ask me anything that is on your mind. My preference is to meet in person, but I am open to meeting via Skype, Zoom or the telephone.

A complimentary petite (mini) maternity session

This is a great way for us to get to know one another. These are an hour long Monday-Friday either in studio or a location of your choice. I do have a selection of lovely dresses or you can bring your own. You receive five high resolution, hand retouched images of your choice sent to you via digital download.

On call from week 38 until your child enters the world

This means I do not schedule anything that cannot be rearranged in my personal and professional life. It means that I am available for your labor to begin day or night 24/7.

While my home base is Burbank, I also have a base in Huntington Beach to serve southern families. Depending on where you give birth, I can be at either location ready to go when you call.

75+ edited images with a stunning heirloom keepsake box

I hand edit your gorgeous images in both color and black and white and put them on a custom flash drive.

Your custom heirloom box can hold 100 5×7 prints of your baby’s birth. I include 50 beautiful professional prints from your day.

A Highlight Reel set to music

I put together a highlight reel set to licensed music that has been purchased specifically for your story. See samples here.

A qualified back-up Birth Photographer

In the exceedingly rare case (it’s never actually happened) I cannot get to your birth due to illness or emergency, I have qualified birth photographers on standby to photograph your birth. I edit all images.

Want more customization?

To customize your birth photography package further, please see the Add-On page. These add-ons are at a deep discount to compliment your Birth Photography Package.


crowing image of a birth in San Diego county by Leona Darnell.

Birth Photography Package 2 │ 1600.

This package is very different and offered for those on a tighter budget, but still value birth images. A deposit of 25% ($400) is required with the balance due via Zelle when I arrive for your birth. In the event I am unable to photograph your birth and you have called when labor begins, the deposit will be refunded to you via Zelle.

Your birth photography package is outlined below. Please read it carefully as it is not the typical “on call” scenario.

A meeting to learn about one another and your expectations

These meetings are where we learn about one another, what birth photography is and what your expectations are. We go over timelines and different scenarios so there is no confusion. I encourage you and your support person to use this time to ask me anything that is on your mind. My preference is to meet in person, but I am open to meeting via Skype, Zoom or the telephone.

On call status

With this package, I do not go on call. When you make the deposit, I do my best to have a clear schedule around your due date. However; I may not be available when you baby decides they are ready. I do not have a backup birth photographer for this package.

75+ edited images

I hand edit your gorgeous images in both color and black and white. The images will be sent via WeTransfer for you to download. There are no film/video clips for this package. This is a stills only package.