Having been a birth photographer since 2009, I have seen countless posts from people looking to start their own birth photography business but aren’t sure were to start. I am going to be sharing the basics of what I have learned to have a successful birth photography business.  These are just tips, tricks, and advice that will hopefully help you. Take what works for you and leave the rest. If you have a system that works for you, please share it in the comments. I am always looking for ways to simplify for both me and my family.

Birth Photography Tip #1 – Getting Out the Door When You Have Children.

There is no doubt that have little ones can be a huge stressor when it comes to getting to a birth. If you aren’t lucky enough to have a family member that can stay home with no notice, have a live in nanny, or a childcare center that is open 24-hours a day, you will need a system to get your kids out the door quickly and efficiently, especially if your partner isn’t the one normally in charge of getting the kids out the door in the morning.

Being at a birth at a time when you are normally attending to morning routines is a disruption to them, make it easier. I have a go-bag ready by the door that has everything the little ones need. Mine includes:

1. Diapers, and lots of them since I have no idea how long I will be gone
2. Wipes
3. At least one complete outfit, but two is better
4. Seasonally appropriate wear (gloves, hats, boots, swimsuit, sunscreen)
5. Lunch. I am so happy to have found childcare; I am going to make feeding my kids easy. Usually it is a couple boxes of mac and cheese, some snacks and if I am feeling fancy, sippy cups
6. A card with all our contact info for the sitter
7. A note on the top with things they need but I can’t pack ahead – shoes, blankets, a reminder to leave the carseats with the kids

For my older kids, when I am on-call I make sure their lunches are packed the night before and they are fully aware that they may have to wake up earlier to catch the bus. I also try and leave them a note in the morning letting them know where I am and that they can text or call if they need me.

This system is so easy and saves me the frantic rush of pulling all of their stuff together in the morning. If I happen to have a sitter that is coming to our house that birth, I simply leave the bag on the counter and let her know everything she should need is there.