Capturing Your Birth Story: Understanding the Cost of Birth Photography | Tucson Birth & Newborn Photographer

Are you interested in birth photography, but you're worried about the cost? I get it; birth photography is expensive, and it's important to understand why. Let's talk about it!

And if you’re asking yourself why someone would choose a birth photographer in the first place, check out 4 Reasons to Hire a Birth Photographer.

When I first learned about the cost of birth photography, I was a little nervous about providing it as a service. Is this feasible for families? Would I want to pay for this service? But once I learned more about everything that goes into the cost, and the value of this unique service, it all made so much sense!

Birth photography requires a specialized skill set and experience. 
As a birth photographer, I know how to work with low light situations, respect your privacy and intimacy, preserve the specialness of your birthing space, and most importantly, I know how to capture the moments that matter most. As a mother, I understand the birthing process and the life-changing moment of childbirth.

Birth photography takes a lot of time.
 Births can last a few hours or even more than a day. As your birth photographer, I'm on-call 24/7 from 37 weeks until your child’s birthday. You might compare it to the work that goes into photographing a wedding, without knowing exactly when that wedding will take place! I spend several hours (more than a several, if you’re asking my family 😉) editing the photos after the birth to ensure that the final product meets my high standards to become heirloom quality keepsakes for you to treasure forever.

The cost of birth photography includes more than just the time spent at the birth and editing the photos. 
It also covers the cost of professional-grade camera equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting, and editing software. As a photographer, I invest in ongoing training and education to improve my skills and stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and trends.

How much is birth photography in Tucson, AZ?


The cost of a birth photographer can vary depending on experience and the services and products offered. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 for a birth photography package that includes digital files with a print release (which means the ability to print an unlimited number of images at the lab of your choice).

Birth is a life-changing experience that is often a hazy blur, and having professional photos to look back on can help you remember all the emotions, details, and love that surrounded you during that special time.

These photos are not just for you; they're a gift to your child. They'll show them how loved and welcomed they were from the very beginning.

I want to make sure that everyone who wants to capture their birth story through photography has the opportunity to do so. That's why I offer payment plans and gifting registry options to make the investment more manageable. I'm committed to making sure that you can have access to the beautiful, timeless images that you deserve!

Birth photography may seem expensive, but it's an investment in preserving memories, celebrating life, and honoring the birthing process.

So, if you're considering birth photography, know that it's worth every penny and more! 



Learn more about my birth photography services in Tucson, AZ

Part 2 | Two Weeks to Go: A Quick Guide to Prepping Your Home for Your Newborn | Tucson Arizona Birth & Newborn Photographer

Did you catch part 1 of my newborn prep guide? If not, head on over to read the first couple of tips!

Sarah Kiser Photo

3. Put together a supply basket

You’ll often find yourself “nap trapped” under a sleeping baby without the supplies you need! A supply basket can solve that for you. It’s simply a container you can keep in each room of the house that has all the essentials for baby so you’re not running around from room to room getting the things you need.

Usually, the baby care basket includes diapers, wipes, burp cloths, extra clothes, pacifiers, and anything else you might need for the baby frequently. Also think about including things for mom like nipple cream, breast pads, lip balm, snacks, hydration packs, and a phone charger.

In addition to keeping you from running from room to room, a supply basket will help you stay organized and keep your home clutter free.

4. Light your home the right way

 Maybe this is important to me because I’m a photographer, but lighting is one I don’t see talked about too often! Proper lighting can help create a calm and comfortable atmosphere for both you and your baby.

First, look at the rooms you’ll spend the most time in (typically kitchen, living room, bedrooms). You'll want to consider the type of lighting you have in each room.

• Do you want to add a lamp option (yes, even in the kitchen)?

• Under cabinet lights?

• How about a dimmer switch for the overhead lights?

• What about small wall plug-in lights to help light the way in the halls for the middle of the night?

• Maybe even some battery powered candles for ambience without creating a fire hazard for sleepy parents?

The right lighting can help frustrating or overly stimulating situations feel much more calm and peaceful. I have such nostalgia for late night feedings and pump sessions lit by the dim lights in my kitchen.

Sarah Kiser Photo

 5. Prepare YOUR wardrobe

We’re thinking a lot about how to prepare for the baby, but don’t forget about yourself!

 Preparing your wardrobe for the first 2-3 weeks postpartum is an important step in getting ready for the arrival of your new baby. Comfort and functionality are key during this time! You'll want to focus on loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that can accommodate changes in your body shape and allow for easy breastfeeding access if you plan to breastfeed.

I spent a lot of time looking for nursing tops, but a simple t-shirt or button down can be easy to pull up or aside, and they’re so much cheaper than a lot of nursing gear! Nursing bras are a must-have, though. Consider investing in a few nursing bras, loose-fitting pants or leggings, and comfortable tops that are easy to pull up or down. Some women also find it helpful to have a couple of nursing-friendly dresses on hand for a dressier option.

A lot of comfy post-partum clothes can feel a lot like pajamas. To feel a little more put together, grab some athleisure for daytime and keep the pajamas for nighttime only.

One of my favorite items of clothing for nighttime was a shrug (think early 2000s mini cardigan!). I bedshared with both my babies, and wearing a tight shrug helped to keep me warm while safely bedsharing without blankets and loose fabric, and I was able to easily breastfeed at night. (Some of my favorite resources on safe co-sleeping are the Safe Sleep 7 and Cosleepy.)

Photo by Sarah Kiser Photo

 Another thing to keep in mind is that you will likely still be bleeding for a few weeks, so having a few pairs of comfortable and absorbent underwear or postpartum pads on hand is a good idea.

The key to preparing your wardrobe for the first few weeks postpartum is to prioritize comfort and practicality. By doing so, you can focus on bonding with your new baby without worrying about your clothing or physical discomfort!

Which of these tips are you going to do first? Did you learn something new today? Let me know in the comments!

I hope reading Part 2 of Two Weeks to Go: A Quick Guide to Prepping Your Home for Your Newborn has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a  Tucson, AZ Birth and Newborn Photographer, learn more about my birth photography and newborn photography packages.

Two Weeks to Go: A Quick Guide to Prepping Your Home for Your Newborn | Tucson Birth & Newborn Photographer

Are you expecting a new baby in the next few weeks? The anticipation can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. I’ve been there, and I’ve got you! As a mom who's been through the newborn phase a couple of times, I've gathered some unique ideas and tips that you might not have thought of before!

1. Declutter your home

Decluttering your home can sound like a daunting task, especially when you're expecting a newborn! But it's easier than you think to get your home ready for your newest addition. I know that I feel SO much better when I declutter my space, and it is always worth the effort for me!)

The 'Five Things Tidying Method' from the book How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis can help make easy-ish work out of decluttering your space before baby arrives.

Choose two or three rooms that you frequent most often (most likely this will be your living room, kitchen, and bedroom). Think about where you will be feeding, changing, and snuggling your baby. Room by room, follow these steps.

Photo by Sarah Kiser Photo

Step 1: Grab a trash bag and collect all the garbage in the room. Don’t take out the trash just yet, as more trips out of the room leave more opportunity for distraction and not finishing your task.

Step 2: Gather up all the dirty dishes and place them in the sink, or in a bin if you’re in a room other than the kitchen. Don’t wash the dishes yet – see step 1.

Step 3: Use a laundry basket or hamper to collect any laundry in the room. To eliminate decision fatigue, don’t worry too much about if it’s clean, kind of clean, or dirty. Start fresh and put it all in your basket to deal with later.

Step 4: Put back the items that have a place. If the items belong in another room, just place them in a basket and set next to the door to deal with later.

 Step 5: Gather all the things that don’t have a place. This is when we make 3 piles, “Keep, Donate, Toss” and put everything into 1 of those piles. Organize the “keep” items, throw away the “toss” items (or recycle if possible) and give away the “donate.” I love using my local Buy Nothing group to rehome items.

Don’t forget to throw out the trash, do the dishes, and start a load of laundry! Move on to the next room and feel the peace that a decluttered home brings.

Ask a friend to come over and help. They’re less attached to your things and can give you some helpful feedback. (Shoutout to my friend and Tucson, AZ doula, Ellie Anderson with The Motherhood Chapter, who helped me reorganize my space and gave me the tough love I needed to rid my home of unnecessary items!)

By following these simple steps over the course of just a few days or a weekend, you can quickly create a stress-free and comfortable newborn-ready environment in your own home.

Sarah Kiser Photo

2. Batch cook

The thought of cooking a ton of food in one go can be intimidating, but batch cooking is a lifesaver, especially when you're getting ready to welcome your newborn into the world. You'll thank yourself later!

Here are a few simple steps to follow to get started:

Step 1: Plan out your meals. Choose recipes that are easy to make in large quantities, and make a list of all the ingredients you will need. Soups, casseroles/pasta bakes, beans, breakfast burritos, muffins, pancakes, and waffles all freeze beautifully.

Step 2: Go grocery shopping. Try to do this a few days before you plan to start cooking, so you have everything you need on hand.

Step 3: Set aside a block of time to cook. Depending on how much you want to make, you may need several hours or even a full day to get everything done. Consider getting the help of a friend or family member to make it more fun!

Step 4: Cook in batches. Prepare one recipe at a time, and portion it out into individual servings. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and be sure to label everything with the name of the dish and the date it was made.

Step 5: Freeze your meals. Once everything is cooked and portioned out, place the containers in the freezer. They will keep for several months, so you can have a variety of meals ready to go whenever you need them.

By following these steps, you can create a stockpile of nutritious, homemade meals that will make the first few weeks with your newborn a little bit easier!

If this feels daunting, may I suggest a fill the freezer party? Have a few friends make their favorite freezer friendly recipes in as many batches as there are friends (if you have a group of 5, everyone makes 5 large batches of their favorite recipe). Everyone swaps their recipe, and then you have a stocked freezer but you only have to make 1 big recipe.

I have even more tips for you to get ready for your baby’s arrival, so read on to part 2 of this post!

Sarah Kiser Photo

I hope reading Two Weeks to Go: A Quick Guide to Prepping Your Home for Your Newborn has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a  Tucson, AZ Birth and Newborn Photographer, learn more about my birth photography and newborn photography packages.

9 Things I Wish I Knew About Childbirth Before I Gave Birth | Tucson Birth Photographer

If you’re pregnant, chances are that you might be feeling a little overwhelmed with all the information about giving birth. I’ve given birth twice, and I still learn more all the time about what choices I could have made differently. So don’t worry, I’ve got you!

Here are 9 things I wish I knew about childbirth before I gave birth.

1. You don't have to give birth in the hospital.

Giving birth at home or in a birth center offers a relaxed and intimate setting, allowing for a more personalized experience. These options are generally safe for low-risk pregnancies, with outcomes similar to hospital births. If you’re not quite sold on being at a hospital and want a little more care than at home, you may consider a hospital with a birthing center and midwives, providing access to hospital resources for emergencies (like Tucson Medical Center here in Tucson, AZ!). I personally had two hospital births and had good experiences, but I didn’t even know I could ask about alternative birthing locations!

Question for your doctor: Would he/she support you and work with a home birth midwife if you decided to go this route?

This beautiful birth took place at a midwifery center attached to a hospital.

Sarah Kiser Photo

2. Epidurals are not the only form of pain relief available during labor.

Epidurals are a common form of pain relief during labor (raising my hand as a two-time epidural recipient!), but they are not the only option available. Other forms of pain relief include nitrous oxide, spinal blocks, and natural methods such as hypnobirthing, acupuncture and massage. These options can provide a more natural and less invasive form of pain relief. I learned about acupressure combs after my own births and wish that I knew about them as a tool in my toolbox.

Question for your doctor: What pain relief options do they see often that are effective, other than an epidural?

During Ellie’s labor, her doula, Ashley, massaged her lower back during almost every contraction. Watching Ashley support Ellie was incredible!

Sarah Kiser Photo

3. You can personalize the delivery room with music, essential oils, and lighting.

Okay, I knew about this one, but I love seeing women make their delivery rooms cozy! All of these factors can have a powerful impact on our emotions, and it can help create a calm and soothing environment for you during labor. Some facilities will let you bring your own diffuser for essential oils, while others may ask that you use an aromatherapy inhaler instead. You might also bring twinkle lights and battery-powered candles to give your birthing room all the vibes.

Question for your doctor: Can I bring music, essential oils, and/or my own lighting to the birthing room?

Candlelit birthing tub at a midwifery center in Tucson, AZ

Sarah Kiser Photo

4. Birthing pools can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during labor.

Warm water can help ease the pain and discomfort of contractions, and it also allows you to move around more easily, which can help the baby move down the birth canal. Not to mention, birthing pools/tubs make for absolutely gorgeous photos, if you’re choosing to have a birth photographer present. (Check out 4 Reasons to Hire a Birth Photographer to learn more!)

Question for your doctor: Are there birth pools at the hospital/center or another way I can use water to relax?

This second-time mama labored in the tub alongside her husband and doula. 

Sarah Kiser Photo

5. There are many different birthing positions that can help make the birthing process easier.

Various birthing positions can help make the birthing process easier, such as standing up, sitting down, on your hands and knees, or even lying down. Experiment with different positions to find what feels most comfortable for you. Ask your nurse, doula, or midwife for their suggestions! During my labor with my second child, I wasn’t making much progress until an incredible nurse helped position me on my side with a peanut ball. Within minutes, I was ready to push!

Question for your doctor: In what positions are you willing to help me birth my baby?

6. Doulas are a great support and aren’t only used for birth.

A doula is a professional trained to provide emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum period. A doula can help you with relaxation techniques, provide emotional support, and advocate for your wishes during birth. I’ve worked with amazing doulas who get. 👏 it. 👏 done.👏

Question for your doctor: Do you work with doulas often? Are there any you recommend?

7. You can eat and drink during labor, if you want to.

Having a light snack can help keep your energy levels up. It's important to listen to your body and your healthcare provider during labor, and to make sure you are well hydrated and nourished. I’ve worked with a mom who brought honey sticks to her birth for quick shots of energy when she wasn’t feeling up to eating.

Question for your doctor: Under what circumstances will I not be allowed to eat or drink in labor?

8. Visualization and other relaxation techniques can help during labor.

Techniques such as hypnobirthing, yoga, and meditation can help you stay calm and focused during labor. It can also help to lower stress hormones and increase endorphins, which can make labor more manageable.

 Question for your doctor: Is there anything I can do now to learn how to cope with labor?

9. Cesarean sections are not as scary as they seem.

C-sections are a common form of delivery and can be planned or unplanned. Your doctor and nurses will take great care of you and your baby during the procedure. It's important to remember that a c-section is a surgical procedure and there are risks associated with it, but it can also save the lives of both mother and baby in certain situations.

 Question for your doctor: In what circumstances do you perform c-sections?

Hopefully, 9 Things I Wish I Knew About Childbirth Before Giving Birth from a Tucson Birth Photographer gave you some new information to help you feel more confident and excited about your birth. Remember, there’s no one right way to give birth, as long as you and baby are both safe and healthy. Your choices are just that — choices, and you deserve to be informed about all of your choices from the very beginning!

Doing more birth prep? Learn 4 Reasons to Hire a Birth Photographer and get in touch with me to discuss birth photography packages.

A Special Birthday Surprise | Baby Taylor’s Story

I recently had the pleasure of photographing this BEAUTIFUL new family of 3 together in their home. Our session was a dream, with sleepy, milk drunk snuggles, and many tender, loving looks between the new parents.

Kelsey and Spencer welcomed Taylor James into their family on September 17th, 2024. Taylor was named for Kelsey’s maiden name. How sweet is it that Spencer is the one who made the name suggestion? I love that while Kelsey took Spencer’s last name, Spencer made sure they honored Kelsey’s side of the family by giving their son her name.

Taylor had really special plans for his arrival. He didn’t want just any day to be his birthday.

Kelsey says, “My birth was unexpected but so beautiful. My water broke at midnight on the day of my 30th birthday. Contractions started quickly after that, and we headed to the hospital at 2am. With an intense and fast labor, Taylor was born a few hours later at 6:35am.”

Baby Taylor gave his mama the best birthday present ever by arriving on their now shared birthday.

Taylor was born into a family bursting at the seams with love! Kelsey and Spencer announced their pregnancy news to their families in fun ways. My favorite? They gave Kelsey’s siblings matching onesies with the words “3 amigos” on them! That’s right — Taylor’s cousins were set to arrive in March and June of the same year! Three babies born within six months of each other…family gatherings are about to get a touch more chaotic, and a lot more adorable.

Speaking of adorable, Kelsey says, “Taylor looks just like his dad, and I can’t complain, because my husband was an adorable baby!” I can’t speak for Spencer, but Taylor is an absolutely beautiful little boy. Those cheeks! And eyes! And ears! I could go on and on, but I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

Kelsey and Spencer’s love for each other, and for Taylor, can be felt through their photos. I watched as they treated each other with respect, working together as true partners.

During some mom and baby poses, Kelsey and I chatted a bit about how beautiful it is to watch your husband become a father. She says, “The best thing about parenthood so far is doing this amazing chapter with the partner you choose for life. It is a different light and perspective to see them in and it is such a beautiful point of view.”

Kelsey and Spencer are already fantastic parents, fully embracing all of the joys and unexpected surprises that come with the journey of parenthood. Kelsey notes, “The most surprising part of parenthood is how quickly your every thought becomes about your child and their safety and well-being.”

Kelsey and Spencer – thank you so much for trusting me to photograph Taylor’s newborn session. It was an honor getting to know you and watch you love on your beautiful boy.

if you’re in tucson and looking for a newborn photographer, click here to learn more about my packages! 

4 Reasons to Hire a Birth Photographer

Birth photography documents the experience of giving birth, from labor to delivery to those first golden moments with your baby. Birth is a raw and beautiful event that deserves to be celebrated. Every type of birth is worth documenting, from home births to cesarean sections in the hospital.

1. Capture and preserve a transformative moment in your life.

   Just like an engagement or wedding, giving birth is a major life milestone. There’s no greater identity shift than becoming a parent, or adding another child to your family. You will want to remember and honor the incredible process that brings your newest little love into the world.

2. Allow your support team to be present.

   Your partner, family, and doula should be in the birth space to support you, not worry about taking photographs. Labor and delivery can be an intense and overwhelming, and your support team might forget to take photos of moments you’d love to remember. Hiring a birth photographer can relieve the pressure and allow you to be fully present in every moment.

3. Your birth story is unique.

   Every birth is unique, and your story deserves to be told. A birth photographer can tell your story of raw transformation into new mother (or mother of 2+) in emotional images for you to cherish forever. Your birth story is a chapter in your life that changes you forever, and it is worth documenting. No matter how many times you give birth, this birthing experience will only happen once in a lifetime. Your birth photographer will notice the small details that help tell your story.

4. Birth photographers are experts in capturing quality photos. Birth spaces (hospitals, birth centers, or homes) are not standard photo spaces. Lighting is usually not ideal. Birth photographers know how to work in a variety of lighting situations to produce quality images for you to look back on time and time again.