What is it like to work with Monet?

You are safe to let go here. As one of the country’s most experienced birth photographers and doulas, I’ve seen it all. You don’t need to worry about looking beautiful or acting calm…because birth is a wild, unchartered letting go. I’m obsessed with how cool the human body is, and I’m not someone to get squeamish or embarrassed about anything. I use my extensive experience in both birth and photography to capture your birth story (however it unfolds). I know where to stand in the room to not only give you the space necessary to birth your baby…but also to capture you beautifully with my camera. Because yes, no matter how wild or messy your birth may feel…there is so much love and beauty to be found.

You will be treated like the hero or heroine of your own story. I enter every birth space with humility and the deep belief that my client knows their body better than anyone else. There are zero expectations on my end, and I will support whatever decisions you make about your body, your birth, and your baby. You don’t need to plan an unmedicated homebirth to hire a birth photographer. I believe that the day you meet your baby will be on the transformational days of your life (no conditions added to that sentence). My aim as your birth photographer is to show your courage and strength as you move towards meeting your baby.

You can be scared, confused, and frustrated. As a birth photographer and doula, I know that birth is rarely straightforward or linear. As a mom who has given birth four times (and experienced 3 losses), I understand how emotional pregnancy can be. I am not just here to show up on your birth day…I’m here to serve as a support in the months, weeks, and days leading up to your baby’s arrival. It’s okay to feel both positive and negative feelings as you move through this process. I will listen, I will validate, and I will help you find additional resources if needed. You will never be a burden. It’s okay if you don’t understand what’s happening to your body or you call me at the wrong time. You can’t make mistakes here.

You can trust that I will protect your story. I believe that birth imagery can and does change the world! But this is your birth, first and foremost, and you always get to decide if you want any of it shared. I will never pressure you to share your story, and I will enthusiastically support you if you want to keep these images just for yourself and your children. I will only talk about your birth with the utmost confidentially and respect.

You will be celebrated. This is some of the best, hardest work you’ll ever do…and I won’t let you forget it. I will encourage you with my words, and I will document your story in such a way that you’ll have a visual reminder of just how awesome you are. I hope that your birth images serve not only as a processing tool, but also as a place you can visit whenever you need a reminder of your innate power and infinite love for your family. Being a parent is hard - but you’ve done hard things…and you’ll continue to move forward with strength and love.