Who is Augusta Birth Photography? 

I am Jennifer Crow and I am the person behind the camera for all Augusta Birth Photography and Documenting Everyday sessions.  I have been Augusta's only photographer specializing 100% in birth photography since 2011.  You get good at what you focus on!   I expanded outside the delivery room in 2018 and offer documentary sessions for all the other stages of your family's life too.  I have lived in Martinez/Evans over 40 years, I'm married to a high school teacher, and we have 4 adult kids.

Where are you located and what areas do you cover?

I'm located in Evans, Georgia and my session range is 40 miles from 30809 (that covers Aiken and Thomson). If you are outside this area, I'd still love to come to you with an additional travel fee. One or two times a year I will have sessions in different cities and travel fees are waived during those days. Let me know if you are interested in having me come to your city.

What is documentary photography?

Let me tell you what it's not.  Documentary photography is not posed photos saying CHEESE in a flowery field wearing coordinating clothing.  On the contrary, documentary photography is candid, unscripted, unplanned, storytelling of real life. It's the funny, hectic, messy, sweet kisses, laughing, skinned knees photos that show all the personality of your family members. I don't stop taking photos for a kid melt down or tears - that is part of life! Though I try to stay true to taking real life images, I will take a casual, relaxed family photo on the couch or front step at the end of your session.  I only use as much natural and ambient light as is available.

What do we do during our session?

At our first meeting, we'll plan your session and talk about activities your family normally does during the time of our session. At the beginning of shorter sessions, I may guide you a little to help you get comfortable but by the end of the session, everything is happening naturally. I usually suggest you choose a shorter activity that your family typically enjoys together (ice cream party, playing in the park, baking cookies or breakfast, game night, etc). But I do not want you to force anything.  If your family never plays board games, don't play one while I'm there. I will help you with "what to do" during our first consult.  

Day in the Life sessions usually start off unscripted because parents are usually in full gear getting breakfast started and getting the kids ready for the day when I arrive in the morning. Longer sessions let everyone relax more as the session progresses and might even forget I'm there. Those longer sessions can include a few every day activities as well (preparing meals, grocery shopping, bed time, and everything in between). The most important thing in any session is I want you to relax and be yourself.

What type of sessions do you photograph? 

I started as a birth photographer in 2011 and I will continue to document those but after many requests from my clients, I am now also documenting life outside the delivery room.  Every stage of your life is a story... an engaged couple making wedding plans, newlyweds in a new home, maternity, newborn, kids of any age, high school seniors, and empty nesters.  Even grandparents spending time with the grandkids, I will document each stage of life to leave behind your legacy for the next generation.  I will take a few milestone sessions too like gender reveal parties, birthdays, Baptisms, Military Homecoming, or Sweet 16 parties.  If the calendar is open, we can talk about photographing it. 

I just need to lose a few more pounds before I schedule.

From an overweight mom, I have to remind myself of this too, but the people in your life love you for who you are right now, even with every extra pound you'd like to get rid of.  Their love of you is unconditional.  We moms add so much guilt on our shoulders trying to meet some unrealistic expectation of pretty and beautiful and it keeps us from living life to the fullest, and being in the photos for our kids to remember us.  If it takes you a year to lose 30 pounds, you'll never have the photos to remember this stage of your kids' lives.  And once it's gone, you can't get it back.  Your family needs to see the woman and mom they love in their photos. They won't look at them in 10 years and see 30 extra pounds, they see the one who loved them, fed them, dressed them, carpooled them, hugged them, and advised them. Your family does not love you differently based on your clothing size.  I understand your desire to look and feel your best, I'm right there with you, but please don't wait!  Don't wait to be thinner or to have a neater home. Document your life today with all the faults you *think* you have because I promise that you are the only one who thinks they are faults. And then work on losing the weight before your next session next year so you can then see that change in life!

What does the session fee include?

The session fee is required hold your session date on my calendar. Since sessions are limited each month, it is non-refundable and ensures the time is reserved for you. The fee covers the time for the consult, the session, editing and preparing your images, and the proofing and purchasing session. All prints, products, and digital files are purchased separately at the proofing and purchasing session.

Are digital files and prints included with my session fee?

No. Professionally finished prints, digital negatives, and custom products are NOT included in the session fee. Clients typically invest $1000 - $2500+ on purchasing albums, prints, and wall art for their home.  A full price list is available at our first meeting.

Can I get digital files?

YES!  The final edited, high resolution digital negatives are available for purchase.  I offer a Digital Package which can be added onto your purchase and it includes print sized digital files, watermarked social media files, a slideshow, and proofs.

Why do we need to have a consultation?

Documentary photography is very personal. I will be spending 2 to 12 hours with your family, or maybe even longer with a BIRTH and I want us to get to know each other in advance. I want to get all of the cordial "nice to meet you" greetings out of the way so we are not strangers on session day. If you and I know each other more in advance, you will be more relaxed during your session. Also, we'll talk about what you want to accomplish during the session and complete a questionnaire so I can get to know your family members better. These sessions are not "one size fits all".  We'll go over the contract, the price list, and product samples so you are prepared to purchase during the proofing session.

When and where will my session take place?

Babies are on their own schedule.  Even planned inductions sometimes happen earlier.  Do non-birth sessions, 2-hour sessions take place on weekdays.  Weekends are reserved for longer sessions.  Weekend sessions are limited so you might have to wait a month or two before a weekend time becomes available. Sessions can take place at your home (my personal favorite) or somewhere that your family loves to go.  As long as the location means something to you and your family, we can photograph your session there.

How far in advance should I book?

The earlier the better! I only book a few sessions every month, including birth sessions, to allow me to give the best customer service and get your images back to you quickly. And it takes a couple days to recover from a 12 hour photo session that might have begun at 4am. It could take 2+ months to get a date on my calendar depending on the month so please book early.I only take 3 births a month so consider reserving your due date shortly after your pregnancy is confirmed.

How long are sessions?

Storytelling sessions are 2 to 12 hours.  Births?? Who knows!!  But you are not charged based on the time you are in labor. I also offer Year in the Life sessions.  These are multi-sessions over 12 months at a discounted rate.  Families, Babies, and High School Seniors have year long session options.

When will we see our photos?

Approximately 3 weeks after your session, we'll meet to see your images.  This is fun evening with smiles, laughs, and some happy tears. This proofing and purchasing session lasts about 90-minutes depending on the length of your original session. You will order and pay for your prints and products at this session. I do not offer online galleries. 

What forms of payment do you accept?

I prefer cash or a check, but I do accept the major credit cards.  I also offer financing up to 12 months through Square.

What if I need to reschedule due to a family illness or emergency?

I understand with families, anything can happen. I ask that you let me know ASAP so that we can reschedule without losing your session fee.  Sessions can be rescheduled one time due to an illness/emergency.  If there is a 2nd cancellation/reschedule, the session fee will be forfeited and a new session fee is required to book a new date.  Please understand that sessions are limited each month and others may be turned away to hold that date for you.

HOW MANY IMAGES WILL I SEE?

I will take LOT of photos during your session. You will NOT see all of those images at your proofing and purchasing session. I only choose the best images from the session that ensure there is variety. The number of images in your gallery also has a lot to do with the length of your session and the number of people there.

Still have questions? Please call or email me, and we'll schedule a time to chat on the phone or at a consultation.  706-394-3731 or info@AugustaBirthPhotography.com (this email is for both Augusta Birth and Documenting Everyday photography)

Let's chat!
Jennifer