Birth photography is my passion.
Babies & kids are my loves.
Documenting life’s special moments is my life. 

Q: How and why did you decide to focus on birth photography?
A: Birth photography came and found me when I became a mother for the first time in 2011. When my son, Jalen entered this world, I didn’t want to blink because I knew I just might miss something. I wanted and needed to capture each moment, each breathe, each memory we were starting to create. I was inspired. However, I didn’t hire a professional birth photographer. Instead, I had spoken with someone that was just getting in to photography and she was more than delighted to volunteer to shoot my birth. However, when the time came to call her, I decided not to. I was content in my space, with my doula and my husband. During labor, your mind can change about million things. That was one of them and I didn’t anticipate that at all. When I think back now, I think I did her a favor by not calling her because I was VERY primal during my labor (I gave natural birth to my son at the hospital after being in labor for almost 10 hours, pushing for 2 hours). She was 19, not dating anyone and I’m sure her thoughts were far away from having a baby, a natural birth for that matter. Seeing me in my primal state, she probably would have said to herself, “I am NEVER having natural birth!” I have shared this story many times to my clients who ask about my own birth experiences and we always get a good chuckle out of it.

The ironic thing is… I’m a photographer and I, myself didn’t even think about packing my DSLR camera! Forgetting my DSLR, we used our point and shoot camera which I’m mortified to admit. We only have few photos of Jalen from first few days of his life. To this day, I regret tremendously that I didn’t hire a professional birth photographer. That’s when I realized I had to focus my energy into birth photography. Not only did I fall in love with the whole process of being pregnant, going through beautiful labor and delivery, I knew I wanted to help others document their special day no matter what their birth story might be.

Our lives are only within the moment! These simple words help keep me on track when life so often gets off track. It is too easy to lose sight of here and now, which is where it is all happening. The more I realize how precious and short life is, with no second chances, doing what I love becomes all the more important, worthwhile and incredibly enjoyable. It’s just that simple.

Q: Why hire a birth photographer?
If you want your birth documented, hiring a professional birth photographer who has vast knowledge and experience will be worth it, more than you know. I promise you. When you hire the right birth photographer for you and your spouse/partner, you will get to enjoy and treasure your special day (other than your wedding day) for many years to come. If you’re having any dubious thoughts about birth photography or cinematography, then let’s meet in-person and see if birth photography is something to explore.

Q: When can I meet with you in-person?
A: I usually will set up a meeting when you are at 36-37 weeks. During this time, we will spend time getting to know one another. You will have the opportunity to ask me questions, I will ask about your birth plan, etc. I want to make sure I am the right birth photographer for you and your partner/spouse. Compatibility is very important for all parties involved.

Q: When should I book a birth photographer?
A: In order to make sure I am available for your due date, it’s best to contact me right away and check for my availability. If I am not, I can also refer you to other birth photographers that I love and network with.

Q:What does your photography packages look like and do you have digital collections available?
A: Yes. I offer 4 different birth digital collections. Please check out my investment page for more information. This page explains how much each collections cost and what the fee includes. If you still have questions, please fill out the contact form and I will be more than happy to discuss.

Q: Do you offer maternity or newborn photography as well?
A: Yes. I offer “lifestyle maternity and newborn” sessions. Please click here for more information. If you book a birth session and would like to add maternity and/or newborn sessions, I offer 10-30% discount. No discounts are given for birth session.

Q: What is the size of my images?
A: All of your images are given in high-resolution which means you can print them at any size. I can make professional lab recommendations.

Q: Do you shoot in color or black and white?
A: I shoot in color then convert to black and white. For more documentary feel, I give black and white images with a few in color of my choosing.

Q: What is the length of time you will be at my birth?
A: Once you are in active labor (5-6cm), I will meet you at the location of your birth (hospital/birthing center/home) and stay up to 1 hour after you deliver.

Q: Can you stay longer than 1 hour after I deliver?
A: I certainly can. However, I charge $150 for every hour I stay.

Q: Do you use flash during a birth?
A: I’m a natural light photographer which means I will use whatever light is available to me. Using flash a lot during your labor process can be intrusive. Therefore, I try my best not to use it unless it is absolutely necessary. Sometimes, it is necessary to use flash if available light is not enough. In really low light situations, the photos will be more noise/grainy and not as sharp. This can also translate to video images as well. During your labor process, I will adjust and make best possible judgements about lighting in order to make sure your laboring process is normal as possible while making sure my images are as good as you want them to be. Not having hardly any light is NOT an option.

Q: Do you photograph a C-section?
A: If I am allowed to do so, YES! Most hospitals have rules and guidelines about allowing photography in the OR. It just depends on the hospital you are delivering at. If you are unsure, it’s always recommended that you call the hospital before your due date.

Q: What do you do if something terribly goes wrong at my birth? Do you continue to photography or shoot video?
A: During our in-person meeting, we can certainly discuss since you never know what can happen. I will continue to shoot as long as I am allowed. If you experience a traumatic birth, such as loss of life, post-birth photos will be given at a later time when you and your spouse/partner are ready to see them. As hard as it might be, these photos/video clips might help you with your healing process after a very traumatic birth experience.

Q: Do you have recommendations on local doulas or midwives?
A: I work very closely with few midwives and doulas in town. However, I welcome working with other midwives and doulas that are not on my list. Please visit my resources page for a list of birth professionals.

Q: What happens if you miss my birth?
A: I do my best to make it to your birth, but if by chance I am not able to attend, I can offer a lifestyle newborn session within 48 hours of your delivery. If you want to have your additional family members (not immediate family) for your session, we can always reschedule when they are all able to be present within the first week of your child’s birth.

Q: In which cities are you available to shoot?
A: I am available to shoot in Austin and surrounding cities (Bee Caves, Georgetown, Lakes Travis, Lakeway, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Tarrytown, Westlake)

Q: Do you have a backup photographer in case you’re not able to make it to my birth?
A: Yes. I have 2 experienced backup photographers that I work with if I am not able to make it for some reason. They’re aesthetics are very similar to my style which is why I chose them as my backup. They also specialize in birth photography, so rest assured that they will deliver the same high quality images. If for some reason, you’re not comfortable with this, we can discuss further to come up with another plan to make sure you are 100% satisfied with your investment.

Q: Do you have backup camera/lenses in case something goes wrong with any of your equipment?
A: Yes, I have backup gears in case something happens. I am 150% prepared and will have no problem with my gears.

Q: Do you offer gift certificates?
A: Yes! Just ask and I’ll be more than happy to discuss.

Q: Can you please explain about your privacy policy?
A: Shelley Moon Photography understands the importance of personal privacy, and wants to be certain that she has permission to use or not use images/video clips with the expressly given consent of the client. All measures will be taken to protect the confidentiality of the professional images/video clips taken. When you are photographed by Shelley, certain measures will be taken to keep your photos/video clips are private. Images/video clips will be placed on a professional password protected website for you to view. If you decide to decline to share your images/video clips on our website or other marketing, please be assured your images/video clips will be kept private. No images/video clips will be shared with outside parties unless written consent is given by the client – period.

 Are you ready to book? Do you have questions about what your investment will be? If so, please click here. Or go click on CONNECT on top of this page to send me an email. Looking forward to hearing from you!