Editorial & Fine Art Photography
Documenting the first year of life is a meaningful way for parents to capture and preserve the precious moments and memories of their child's early days. It allows families to celebrate milestones, create lasting bonds, and reflect on the journey of parenthood.
AS TIME PASSES, MEMORIES OF THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE CAN FADE. DOCUMENTING THESE MOMENTS ALLOWS PARENTS TO REFLECT ON THE EARLY DAYS OF PARENTHOOD AND REMEMBER THE JOYS, CHALLENGES, AND TRIUMPHS OF RAISING A NEWBORN.
1st year Portfolio
Heirloom keepsake
Each Portrait Collection includes a Professionally Designed Heirloom. These keepsakes are guaranteed to solidify and store your memories for a lifetime. Digitals fail us, technology evolves. The one true keepsake is a print.
One custom designed product is included in every Collection. collect all 6 volumes for a full set!
The PRocess
 
 
 
 
Let's make sure we have availability before we go any further! Simply click below and fill out the form and I will be in touch within 24 business hours.
 
 
 
 
I. INQUIRE.
II. CHAT.
This can happen over coffee or even a quick phone call, but it gives us a chance to connect on the important stuff; discuss our Collections + Creative Services, ask questions, make sure we are the team for you! Some things to consider - do you like our editing style, do all our services meet your needs?
Customizing a collection that suits your needs and your budget allows us to be intentional in the preparation process. Once we've determined your needs, I will send over a Proposal outlining the collections we discussed.
III. BOOK.
Now you're completely confident that we're your team and already know the package you want! Time to book. Simply review and complete the proposal & Voila! We're booked!
Immediately following the booking process, you'll start receiving step-by-step directives guiding you all the way through the process. Our goal is to take the 'work' out of it, so you can merely ENJOY the process!
What is Birth Photography?
Birth photography consists of artistic, documentary-style images taken throughout your labor and your child's birth and the immediate postpartum period in the most unobtrusive manner. I understand how to work discreetly to capture your story while respecting your birth space and the working space of the birth team.
Why Should I Hire a Birth Photographer
1. Birth deserves to be celebrated
In the hospital or at home, a planned C-section or unmedicated water birth — however it happens, birth is remarkable! You feel the weight of their warm body against yours and kiss that damp, fuzzy head. Where words fail to capture the depth of this moment, an artful photograph preserves all the emotion of your first minutes together.
Birth photography provides evidence of your incredible strength — and you may need that reminder during the grueling newborn days ahead.
2. Birth photography enhances family connection
Some people fear that inviting a photographer into their birth space will disrupt the intimate connection between a birthing couple and their new baby. I find quite the opposite to be true. Hiring a birth photographer allows your partner to be completely present with you throughout labor and delivery, and especially in those precious bonding moments after birth.
Give your partner the gift of experiencing this day fully, without worrying about getting a good picture.
3. Birth is unpredictable
There are no do-overs. Hiring a professional birth photographer means securing someone with the specialized equipment and knowledge to handle all the challenges a birthing situation can present. You want the person documenting this momentous event to have the technical skill and artistic ability to make art in the most unpredictable circumstances.
You didn’t trust your cousin to photograph your wedding — don’t leave her in charge of capturing the moment you become parents.
4. Birth is a team effort
A birthing mother deserves to be surrounded by people who know her, believe in and support her. Birth photographers are intimately acquainted both with the families they serve and also the birthing process itself.
People hire me not just for photographs, but also for the calmness I bring to their birth experience. A good birth photographer knows when to offer words of reassurance, when to quietly hold space, and how to artfully tell the story of your delivery as it unfolds.
How do I know you won't miss my birth?
We understand Birth Photography is an investment. While nothing is guaranteed, we want to be there as bad as you want us there. Birth Photography is not just what we specialize in, but it's our passion.
As one of the only photographers in the area who specialize in birth, we offer an in-house backup photographer. That means you have 2 of us on-call. In addition, I don't travel the weeks leading up to your special day and I'm reachable 24/7. Just like the doctors and midwives.
With that said, if I was to miss a birth due to my own personal circumstance, you are covered in the contract to receive a full refund. If you're still unsure, I'm happy to cover more in our consultation.
Why is birth photography so expensive?
Due to the unpredictable nature of birth photography, time is not limited to an hourly fee. In addition, it includes on-call service, travel, backup photographer fees (so we don't miss your day), childcare if needed, as well as the selection and editing of generally 100+ images. Like your wedding day, you want to capture every detail to relive every moment. Memories fade, but they don't have to. Take it from me, you don't want to miss the opportunity. For that purpose, we have created cost alternatives. Ask me how you could literally pay nothing!
Will we meet before the birth takes place?
Of course. It is vital that you are comfortable during your birth. I offer the most unobtrusive, professional approach to documentary photography. Comfort allows for the best quality imagery.
Do you offer a payment plan?
We do. A non-refundable deposit is required at booking, then you are welcome to make payments up to 38 weeks gestation. These are details we will discuss at our consultation.
What about my privacy?
Your comfort and privacy are my number one priority. Each of my clients fill out a contract with an extensive model release, granting me permission to share (or NOT to share) your birth story online. As my client, you always have the option to keep your photos completely private. While many of my clients find joy in sharing their story with the world, many others keep those images just for their own family. Whatever you choose, I'm behind you 100%.
I like the idea of birth photography, but modesty is important to me..
While birth photography is an impressively physical process, it's equally an emotional transformation. Some clients want the powerful, physical content, while others prefer the more modest, emotional approach. We are trained in many ways to respect your level of modesty. Those limitations are discussed during our consultation process and taken very serious. I will be as honest as possible if I think certain limitations would hinder the outcome of your birth story.
I know it can feel overwhelming to allow someone in your birth space, but as a professional birth photographer my goal is to make you feel safe and secure.
I'm not sure birth photography is for me. Do you recommend any other service?
I understand birth photography is not for everyone. Fresh 48 or a documentary newborn session would be a great alternative. Contact me for details.
What if I have to have a C-section?
Every birth story is worth being told through photographs. Even if you have a c-section or have a scheduled c-section, there is plenty of activity surrounding a C-section to tell your story. If I am not allowed in the operating room, I will be there leading up to and waiting as soon as you are in a postpartum room. Be sure to check your hospital’s policy on who is allowed in the OR.
Another option I offer is dialing in my settings and sending it in with your partner to capture these uncharted moments. It's empowering for our partners to be involved as well.
We can talk more about this during our consultation.
What Others Are Saying
From the moment I met Kortney, I felt like we had been friends forever! The way she captures images, specifically birth, is what brought me to her. She was so professional + kind throughout the entire process. She even went above + beyond to help in ways outside of her “photographer” role! What a blessing! We got our images back in a very timely manner + will treasure them forever! If you are looking for someone who understands the beauty of birth AND knows how to document it emotionally..she's your girl!
I was so happy to find someone that was just as excited as I was about photographing the birth of my baby girl. Kortney was amazing! She made you feel very comfortable with everything that she did and was very respectful of any personal wishes. I would absolutely recommend her!!
Kortney goes above and beyond for you. She make you feel like family and I just absolutely adore her! She finds the prettiest spots and works with you so well! I've used her for maternity pictures and now family! She's amazing!
Joplin Birth Photographer | Southwest Missouri Birth Photographer | Springfield Birth Photographer | Kansas City Birth Photographer | Northwest Arkansas Birth Photographer | Home Birth Photographer | Rogers Birth Photographer | Bentonvillle Birth Photographer | Branson Birth Photographer