Pregnancy
About Me
Hi! I’m so glad you are here. I’m Jill Matthews, a birth photographer located in Cincinnati. When I tell someone about my profession, I’m usually called crazy or asked why I do it. For me, I love witnessing the electricity in a room between families. But the best part is documenting a life-changing moment; when a family grows! Watching a woman give birth is the most incredible, empowering, messy, yet wonderful experience in my life thus far. This moment in time for parents can never be duplicated. I want to remind you of what your baby’s feet look like at just 10 minutes old. I want to focus on the small details that go unnoticed in the room for you. My purpose is to capture raw emotions and connections between families for you to cherish for years to come.
10 Tips To Prepare For Your Birth Photography Session
You might have the baby-jitters and may not comprehend all the things you should do to prepare for your birth photography session. I can help! There are simple things you don’t want to overlook. Here are some quick pointers:
• Breathe. Prepare yourself and have in mind that your birthing session can change at any given minute. This means your photography can change in a quick notice, too. I am prepared for anything and will be here as your cheerleader!
• Treat yourself to a manicure. Take time out for yourself before the baby arrives and relax. Some photos will be up close during labor and delivery, so you will want those looking polished (pun intended)!
• Choose a professional salon to schedule a bikini wax. Tidy up and get rid of stubborn, hard to reach hairs. These waxes last awhile, so even after your child is born, you will still be fresh and smooth.
• Many websites offer stylish hospital gowns nowadays. They even have them to match pillowcases! Choose a floral, polka-dotted, patterned, cartoon print, or any fashionable gown.
• Check with your labor and delivery unit or birthing center to make sure they allow photography. Some places do not allow it, while others have certain restrictions. Of course, there are no photography rules in the comfort of your own home!
• If planning a natural birth at home, prepare your space. Whether it be a bed or tub, make sure it is ready and set up a few weeks before your due date. Grow comfortable with knowing you will have photos done in this setting. • Want to wear makeup? Start swapping for waterproof or long-lasting products.
Waterworks are entirely normal, and you do not want a smeared, runny face in your images!
• Limit accessories. A baby might get caught on an earring, or you might scratch them with a ring. It is one less item to remember anyways!
• Two words: dry shampoo. You might become sweaty during labor! Dry shampoo is a lifesaver. The ingredients in it soak up natural oils and grease. Go ahead and spray it in before the day or night begins and watch it last!
• If allowed, hydrate! Drinking plenty of water and fluids allows your skin to become plump and keep dryness at bay. Besides, you will need the energy!
The Pro’s Of A Birth Session vs. The Pro’s Of A Fresh 48 Session
It can be overwhelming with the seemingly endless variety of options for you to choose from while selecting which baby photography sessions are for you. While I cannot tell you which is right for you, I broke it down to my top two favorite types! Here, I will show you the benefits of fresh 48 and birth sessions!
The Perks of a Birth Session
This is for those parents who want raw and emotional images. These are photos you can look back on years to come and remember how you felt in those moments leading up to delivery. You and your significant other want to be in the moments, not focused on capturing them. Having a dedicated photographer allows you both the chance to be involved and not worrying about taking cellphone pictures and missing out on these crucial, life-changing memories. You can have these photographs to always reminisce on those first euphoric moments of your child’s life. Upon delivery, what better way to send an announcement than having a high-quality, gorgeous photo of your new little love?
The Perks of a Fresh 48 Session
This type of session basically takes place in the hospital or birthing center. After the whirlwind of labor, have a photographer come in to snap some shots of enjoying your first moments with your baby. It’s very easy-going with limited posing, and not so up-close and vulnerable like a birth session. The photographer will strive to get those tiny details of small toes, little button nose, and downy hair. The first moments pass quickly and in the blink of an eye. You don’t want to forget these precious times!
Both sessions are very different. Parents often book me for both, and this gives them two very distinct sets of photographs to showcase their new little one. Why Is Birth Photography Pricey?
Birth photography is so unique and unlike any other field of photography. In terms of cost, it is similar to high-end wedding photography. It is not for the faint of heart and requires serious dedication and skill.
I knew when I chose this for my profession, that I would someday miss a holiday, anniversary, or party. I commit and blackout a specific month from vacations, concerts, shows, and other events. I can’t book two sessions a day, let alone in one week. For 3-4 weeks, I am on call at any given time. There have been times where a labor and delivery session lasted one hour, and there was also a time where it lasted 36 hours. Instead of planning for a regular shoot, I have to find childcare for my children with a very short notice for an unknown amount of time.
My life is put on hold while you become my top priority. My ringer on my phone is on loud and on my side at any given moment. With my top of the line equipment, I can shoot in any given lighting situation. Not every photographer is comfortable with live birth. I plan on seeing and smelling blood, vomit, and feces. At the same time, I know my place with you, your partner, and the hospital staff. I am honored to share this experience with you and give it the respect it deserves.
Nine months, that's all you have. In these nine short months, your body will change more than it ever has before. Nine months to prepare to fall in love for a lifetime. I'm Jill Matthews, and I am super delighted that you have chosen me as your maternity photographer. As a wife, I have personally experienced the miracle of pregnancy and carrying my own child. You are creating, growing, and giving life. It is incredible! When we had our first baby, I didn't take many photos. It just wasn't as common as it is now. I look back at my few sporadic photos scattered throughout my pregnancy and wish that I had taken more. Lucky for you, it is so common and easy to do now. I will take breathtaking pictures of you, all while you experience these moments to bond and connect with your baby. Thank you for choosing me to capture this amazing time in your life.
My Gown Closet
Save some worry and come see what I have inside. I understand it can be hard to shop for yourself right now. You want something to make you feel comfortable and beautiful. But when you come to (studio) I can assure you, you will find the perfect outfit. When you take a look inside my closet, I have everything you could ever imagine. With a new body to become accustomed to, it might feel nerve-racking. The outfits I have are flattering to every shape, every little (or big!) bump. The closet features over 75 high-end maternity gowns ranging from sizes 024 so that every mom has an option to pick from. This is entirely complimentary to you! Trust me. I get it. Tight bank, tight schedule. Before your session, we will consult and meet up at the studio, or your place, to try on and select the gown of your liking. This way, it saves you from the hassle of losing any session time. Typically, we do this a week or two before your photo shoot so I can steam, press, and have your outfit set to go!
The VIP Treatment
Let’s glam you up, queen! This day is literally all about you. Let us take care of you here at (studio name). We know that once the baby arrives, you will have minimal time to take care of yourself. That is exactly why you deserve a full day of spoiling. When you first walk through our doors, treat yourself to a hot tea or cold iced coffee. Girl, this is just the beginning. Our makeup artists will meet up with you and create a customized look. From natural to glamourous, the choice is yours. Our experienced hairstylists will design any desired look. When your final touches are done, we begin your session! You will shine with pregnancy glow in these stunning pictures.
Why You Should Book A Maternity Session
Nine months goes by so soon, trust me. I know from my own mommy experience. Back whenever I was pregnant, there was really no such thing as maternity photos. I might dig out just one or two from an old scrapbook, but that is it. Oh, how I wish I had more taken. Let me convince you why you need this session done.
• You will want to look back on yourself carrying your blessing. Your body is so strong and accomplished a lot in a small time frame. • Your child will ask to see these photographs of you pregnant with them. When you show them, watch their sweet expressions come across their faces.
• Spoil yourself. You look wonderful. Have your hair and makeup done and feel how beautiful being pregnant really is. Your body is telling a story right now, and you should capture it.
• Sometimes, it is hard to remember pregnancy. Some pregnant women are sick most of the time, some are exhausted, all while the months are counting down. You will want to look back and see just how incredible you truly are.
• I know you might be on the fence about booking a session. It might be the last thing on your mind right now with preparing for a big arrival. I get it, I really do. This is a beautiful time in your life that you will want to remember.
