why birth photography?
I've given birth three times and I didn’t have a birth photographer the first two times. I was shocked to find my memories of each of my births seemed to evaporate mere days after birth.
In the weeks afterwards, I found myself frantically screen shot-ing text threads attempting to preserve some kind of idea of the timeline of the day so that whenever I got around to writing a birth story I could remember the details.
When I gave birth the third time, I *finally* got my birth photography. It makes me weepy (in the best way!) to think about my daughter being able to look back on those images of her very first moments on earth. Plus, Alicia is pure magic and made me feel like Wonder Woman.
The power of a birthing woman and the miracle of that moment are truly unsurpassed. It is my absolute honor and privilege to give evidence of their strength and beauty to other women.
90% of the images I deliver to you will be ones you can’t wait to show your mom, probably your dad, almost definitely most of your close friends, maybe even Facebook. They'll be images of you looking the most radiant and powerful you've ever looked (unless maybe if you've given birth before) and being the most in love and connected to another human being(s) as you will ever be.
I believe wholeheartedly that birth is sacred, beautiful, and powerful. If I have to choose between a picture and you having the moment you need to have to bring your baby safely earth side – I’m going to choose your experience in that moment. I might wet a couple washcloths if I’m asked, or give Dad a smile of encouragement but for the most part I can make myself disappear. I want to document and stay out of your way.
When you get the photos back I know I have done my job when you have no idea I got those shots (or how), but you can’t imagine not having them.
Because the moment a child is born is one you'll never get back, I put you first. From 37 weeks until baby’s arrival, I'll be waiting to capture your labor and all the incredible firsts after baby’s arrival. I'll show up when you're ready to start documenting and stay a bit after baby’s arrival.
My Commitment
Offering birth photography is not something I take lightly. It takes an extraordinary amount of planning and resources to be available for birth clients, but it is completely worth it to me because of the love I have for birth and birthing women.
I am thrilled to offer my services at the hospital or at home; with midwives or doctors; with pain medication or not. I am not there to judge and I will honor whatever choices the mother and family make and simply strive to tell the story as beautifully as possible.
I can accept 2-4 birth clients per month, depending on my schedule and the clients’ due dates. When I am on call I do not travel more than one hour from Wilmington, keep my phone on loud 24/7, and always have a childcare plan (and a back up childcare plan).
book your session
investment
Birth packages are inclusive (meaning you get a fully downloadable private gallery of full resolution, hand edited images to print, share, and use however you choose) and start at $1800.
I am happy to accept payment plans and credit cards in order to make the investment possible for as many families as possible.
“I had asked Tula to do a boudoir shoot on a whim, and a few days later I found out I was pregnant with my third child. Having these images to look back on, especially after such a huge bodily change in the past year, makes me feel invincible. I can be sexy and bring life into this world in the same skin.” “It was so casual and comfortable. I didn’t really know what to expect but Tula is so easy to talk to and knows how to put a person at ease. Her confidence behind the lens helps, too.”
“Tula’s work is beyond. She has done multiple photo sessions for us, including maternity photos, Fresh 48 photos, and some fantastic tasteful boudoir and nude photos. She is also an unbelievable birth photographer. Her loving and supportive personality makes you feel entirely comfortable in your own skin. I love how she uses a mix of film and digital cameras while taking her time to find the perfect moment to capture each image. Her patience, skilled eye, and natural creativity create gorgeous photos and memories. We will continue to use her photography services again for our soon-to-be-born children and as they get older. As far as photographers in Wilmington, NC, go, Tula is the most thoughtful and skilled photographer for timeless images.”
“I just want to say that if you are considering doing a boudoir shoot, do it. You won’t regret it and Tula’s style (more fine art than pin up) is really beautiful and will truly make you feel special.”
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