Client Contract

OVERVIEW

I understand the need for privacy and minimal interruption during labor. I use a fast lens to minimise disruption of the labouring mother, and to allow me to work in low-light conditions. However, there are times where a flash is needed particularly if I feel the quality of your images will be compromised by persisting in low light conditions. Please let me know if you absolutely do NOT want flash used. If this is not communicated, I will assume flash is ok.

I strive to limit interaction with and maintain a respectful distance from the mother. I will read the room and interact when appropriate and if necessary. The content of the photographs can range from modest to graphic. This can include labouring  at home, labouring in hospital, delivery, newborn exam, first breast/bottle feeding, introduction to siblings/other family members, first bath, and the waiting room. Graphic photos may contain nudity, crowning, placenta, breastfeeding close-up shots. Modest photos focus on facial expressions, surroundings, and the newborn. The main thing to hold close to your heart, is that I have been hired to document your story. This means I cannot promise that I will make it to your birth, I cannot promise that your birth plan will go as anticipated. As a documentarian, I will pivot to give you a complete story of your birth as best as I can.  

Service Includes: 

• 24/7 on-call status from 38-42 weeks of your pregnancy (according to your EDD) and until baby is born.  
• Continuous photography from the time you are around 6-7 cm dilated until 1-2 hours after birth 
• Unlimited number of high-resolution photographs in black & white (photographers choice) and colour. 

PRIVACY

Because birth is such a private and intimate event, I take extreme care in protecting your privacy. You may ask me to leave the birth area at any time; I will remain available to return once invited. Only you and I will see any unshared images. Once your images are delivered, I will delete all files and wipe my storage drive. Please make multiple backups of your images, as I do not retain copies.

PORTFOLIO

Photos from your birth may be used in my portfolio, on my website, shared on social media or with birth-related pages, or submitted for publication and competitions.

DELIVERY OF PRODUCTS AND IMAGES

Products will be shipped to your home. Please inspect physical products within 3 business days and digital files within 24 hours. Complaints made after these timeframes will not qualify for replacement. After 3 days, products are deemed accepted. Replacements may be purchased at retail price.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This agreement contains the entire understanding between Lacey Barratt and the Client. It supersedes prior agreements. Changes must be in writing and signed by both parties. If any clause is deemed unenforceable, the rest of the agreement remains valid.

RESERVATIONS

A signed agreement and full session fee payment are required to reserve the time around your due date.

CANCELLATION

No refunds will be given for cancellations. If I miss your birth due to my own circumstances, a full refund will be provided and your deposit applied toward a welcome home or Fresh 48 session. If missed due to lack of communication or a fast labor, no refund will be issued, but I will still attend and document what I can to complete your story.

PRE-BIRTH CONSULT

A pre-birth consultation will be scheduled to discuss your birth plan and requests. This can be held in person or via video call. If we have not already had a pre-birth consult, please schedule one below. 

EXCLUSIVITY

I must be the only hired photographer for your birth. Family and friends may take photos, but I am not responsible for missed images due to interference. I may employ a backup photographer or second shooter. Images remain the property of Lacey Barratt Photography and may not be altered, re-edited, cropped, or have third-party filters applied.
Doing so is a copyright violation.

COVERAGE

Coverage begins at transition and continues for 1–2 hours after birth. I am on call 24/7 around your due date. Please contact me early in labor and again when you leave for the hospital or call your midwife. Texts between 8 PM and 8 AM are not acceptable for initial contact. I cannot guarantee specific shots or poses, and substandard or duplicate images will be culled. Final delivered images will be at my discretion.

HOSPITAL GUIDELINES

Hospital policies may limit photography. It is your responsibility to communicate with staff to allow my presence and access.

LIMIT OF LIABILITY

If I am injured or become ill and unable to attend your birth, I will attempt to find a replacement photographer. If one is not available, a full refund will be issued. I take great care with your images, but in the event of loss or damage, liability is limited to the return of payments made. Partial loss of images will be compensated on a prorated basis.

REFUNDS

No refund is given if I am not notified in a timely manner. Notification should occur twice: when you think you’re in labor and again when you go to the hospital or call your midwife. If I miss the birth due to your delayed notification or fast labor, I will offer a Fresh 48 or welcome home session. If I miss the birth due to my own fault, you may receive a refund or apply it toward another session.

DIGITAL FILES

You are responsible for archiving your photos once received. I do not permanently archive files. It is your responsibility to copy and back up digital files. Replacement USBs may be purchased for an additional fee.

MODEL RELEASE

You grant permission for me to use your images for promotional purposes, including on social media, in publications, and in advertising. You understand that viral sharing may occur and release me from liability and compensation related to this.

COMPLETION SCHEDULE

Digital files may take 4–6 weeks to process. Physical products may take an additional 4–6 weeks for production and shipping. Please allow 8–12 weeks total for final delivery.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

In the event of unexpected circumstances such as preterm labor or c-section, I will document your birth as allowed. If I cannot enter the operating room, I may offer for your partner to use my camera set to AUTO. I am not responsible for the quality of images taken under these circumstances.

DEPOSIT

A $500 minimum deposit is due at our pre-birth consultation. The reservation of your due date will not be made with me until that deposit has been paid. Attendance and delivery of images are contingent on full payment also being received.

PAYMENT TERMS

I have offer multiple payment terms to suit your financial circumstance. How would you like to pay your above total?

TOTAL