Birth is the most human thing there is. It is raw and loud and tender and completely unpredictable and it is yours. Every contraction, every breath, every moment your support person reaches for your hand. The first time you hear that cry. The first time you hold your baby and everything in the world rearranges itself. As your Chicago birth photographer, I am there for all of it quietly, respectfully, and completely on your terms. No two births look the same, and I will never treat yours like they do.
Fully bilingual in English & Spanish — porque tu historia de nacimiento merece ser contada en tu idioma.
Birth is the Truest Form of Documentary Photography
Birth is also the truest form of documentary photography that exists. There is no styling, no location scouting, no perfect golden hour to chase. There is only what is happening right now, in this room, with these people. Every image is completely unrepeatable. That is exactly why I am drawn to it. Documentary photography is about trusting that real life is already more beautiful than anything you could stage and birth is the ultimate proof of that.
Chicago Birth Photographer: How I Work
I operate as a complete fly on the wall. My job is to disappear into the background of your birth space whether that is your living room, a birth center suite, or a hospital room and document your story exactly as it unfolds. I will never direct you, reposition you, or ask you to perform for the camera. Your medical team, your doula, your support people always come first. I work around everyone, never in the way.
Before your birth I take time to understand your wishes, your boundaries, and what matters most to you. Because every birthing person deserves to feel seen and respected not just photographed.
Where I Photograph Births in Chicago
I offer on-call birth coverage for:
- Home births throughout Chicago and the western suburbs
- Prentice Women’s Hospital — Northwestern Medicine, Chicago
- Burr Ridge Birth Center — Burr Ridge, IL
- Other hospitals and birth centers — reach out and let’s talk
I go on-call starting at 36 weeks and stay available around the clock until your baby arrives. Because birth doesn’t wait for business hours.
Your Chicago Birth Photographer — A Mom Who Gets It
I am a mom of two with two completely different birth stories and that shapes everything about how I show up for you. One of my births was a water birth, and I know firsthand just how hard, how raw, and how all-consuming birth really is. I also know how incredibly strong you are stronger than you realize, even in the moments when it feels like too much.
That lived experience is something no amount of photography training can teach, and it is something I carry into every single birth I document. When you invite me into your birth space you are getting someone who is not just there to take pictures. I am there to witness you your strength, your partnership, your transformation. Without judgment, without agenda, and with my whole heart.
What to Expect from Your Chicago Birth Photography Experience
Before your due date we connect to talk through your birth plan, your preferences, and any boundaries around photography. I want to know what you want documented and what you want kept private and I will honor that completely.
When labor begins you call or text me and I head your way. I arrive during active labor and stay through that first golden hour, the skin to skin, the first feed, the quiet that settles over the room when the hardest work is done.
After your birth I deliver a carefully edited gallery of your full story. Not just the big moments the small ones too. The ones you were too present to notice but will want to remember forever.
The Whole Birth Story Package
For families who want it all documented from bump to baby I offer The Whole Birth Story package. It includes your maternity session, full birth coverage, and a newborn session, all with the same photographer who already knows you, your story, and what matters most to you. No starting over with someone new for each milestone. Just one continuous, beautiful chapter told from beginning to end.
Birth coverage is also available as a standalone service because every family’s needs are different and every birth deserves to be documented, whatever that looks like for you.
Ask me about The Whole Birth Story or standalone birth coverage when you reach out. 🖤
Not Ready for Full Birth Coverage? Consider a Fresh 48.
A Fresh 48 session takes place in the first few hours after birth back in your hospital room, when everything is still brand new. Additionally it is a beautiful option if you want birth photography but feel unsure about having someone present during labor.
Chicago Birth Photography — Common Questions
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible ideally in your second trimester. Because I only take a limited number of birth clients each month, I go on-call for one family at a time. Early booking guarantees I am available when your baby decides to arrive.
Will you be in the way during my birth?
Never. I work completely around your birth team and follow your lead at all times. If you need me to step back I step back, no questions asked. Your comfort and your care always come first.
What if my labor is very fast or very long?
Both happen and I am prepared for both. I stay with you through the full labor and delivery regardless of how long it takes. I go on-call two weeks before your due date and remain on-call two weeks after because babies have their own timeline and I will be ready whenever yours decides to arrive. There is no such thing as too early a heads up I would always rather know!
Do you work with doulas and midwives?
Absolutely I love working alongside birth teams and have experience collaborating with doulas, midwives, and hospital staff. I am always happy to connect with your team before your birth.
What hospitals and birth centers do you work with?
I regularly photograph births at Prentice Women’s Hospital, Burr Ridge Birth Center, and home births throughout Chicago and the western suburbs. Delivering somewhere else? Reach out I am happy to discuss it.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes, I am fully bilingual and happy to work entirely in Spanish from your first inquiry through gallery delivery.
Can I book birth and newborn together?
Yes and I highly recommend it. Bundling birth and newborn coverage means your whole first chapter is documented by someone who was already there — and it is the easiest way to ensure availability for both.
How much does a Chicago birth photographer cost?
Birth photography at The Adri Photo Co. starts at $7000. This includes on-call coverage starting at 37 weeks, unlimited hours from active labor through the first moments after delivery, and a full gallery of edited images. Birth is the only session that is truly once-in-a-lifetime -the investment reflects that.