birth
・3rd Trimester in-person consultation before birth (it can also be over the phone, text or e-mail, whichever way you prefer.)
・24/7 on-call availability from week 38 of your pregnancy until your baby is born.
・Labor and delivery coverage from active labor until birth, and up to 2 hours after birth to capture the first moments.
・100+ professionally edited digital images delivered in a private online gallery for downloading, along with printing rights.
All birth clients receive full privacy; names and photos will not be shared without permission.
Birth photography investment
Whether you choose to give birth at a hospital, a birth center or at home, your birth is unique, and your birth story deserves to be documented. It would be my honor to capture those first moments as your birth photographer.
What's Included:
$1,800
I am a certified birth photographer through Beauty in Birth, a program dedicated to equipping photographers with the skills to document birth stories with artistry, sensitivity, and respect for your birth team.
Motherhood is a sweet, sticky mess and it goes by in a blur.
This collection is for families who want to slow it down and hold on to the real, raw and imperfectly perfect moments that make the first year of MOTHERHOOD unforgettable.
MATERNITY ・ BIRTH ・ 6 MONTH ・1-YEAR CELEBRATION
THE FIRST YEAR COLLECTIVE
What's Included:
・Maternity Session
・Birth Photography Coverage
・6-month milestone session
・1 year celebration session (cake smash, family portraits, or both)
$3,200
f.a.q.
As early as you feel comfortable! Due to the ‘on call’ nature of birth photography, I take a limited number of births each month, so space is limited.
A non-refundable hold-the-date retainer of $500 is required to be added to my calendar.
I like to arrive sometime during your active labor. If your care provider is doing cervical checks - ideally I'd like to be with you from 6 centimeters onward. If you are not being checked, I come when you have an active pattern of contractions:
For first time moms, this means a pattern of contractions 3 minutes apart, lasting for 1 minute, consistently for about an hour.
If you’ve given birth before, we look for contractions that are 5-6 minutes apart, lasting for one minute, consistently for about an hour.
If you're having a super fast labor, I'll make every effort to arrive with enough time to capture your full birth story, but in the unlikely event I miss your birth, I'll still come to your place of birth and take photos and document your story as it unfolds.
I will not attend your birth if I am showing contagious symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and new cough. If I am recovering from a cold, I will voluntarily wear a mask.
In case of sickness or family emergency on my part, I work with two wonderful photographers that serve in the Charleston area who could be my backup for your birth.
These wonderful photographers are:
Krista from Seed & Stem Photography
Brianne from Charleston Birth Stories
In the unlikely event that my backups also miss your birth, all fees paid to date will be refunded or converted into a series of family sessions at your discretion.
-Brittany d.
"Melis is so much more than a photographer, she is the kind of friend we all wish to be and all wish to have!
I spent HOURS reading reviews, looking at portfolios, comparing and talking to different photographers, and looking back, at how incredibly melis is, I'd easily pay double! She not only worked with me as I went into labor a month earlier than intended, she checked in on me weekly, and showed genuine interest, she sat there while I was in labor for HOURS! She was so kind and caring. She is the most talented, compassionate person in all of South Carolina, and you will immediately feel comfortable and safe with her!
-erika g.
"Melis was so incredibly warm and welcoming and put us all instantly at ease."
We had so much fun during our shoot, and Melis was an expert at capturing the essence of our family and the personality of each of my children in her photos. She gave gentle guidance on locations and ideas for different shots. An absolute joy to work with !!
-kacie p.
"I Cannot say enough good things about Melis and her work!"
We absolutely love our beach family pictures and have gotten so many compliments. Melis was so comfortable behind the camera capturing beautiful family photos and amazing candid photos!