Let's make something meaningful together
FAQ
Info
Weddings
Births
Portraits
What will it be like to work with you?
I offer all of my wedding and birth clients unlimited planning assistance with every package. This begins with a video call or in person meeting to give us a chance to get to know one another & drop in with any questions or ideas. If they have any questions after our conversation, I’m just a phone call away and am happy to support in any capacity leading up to their big day.
For portrait clients , I offer one complimentary 15 min phone or video call, followed by email support leading up to our session.
Whether it's a portrait session, wedding or birth, together we will plan the location, lighting and timeline of your session. I’ll give you some wardrobe tips and we will finalize the details of our time together. On the day of your session I will direct you and give you small cues for interacting with your partner and encouraging authentic expression. I will guide you but not place you in strict poses. I want to document your natural way of being, alone and with each other.
We will take breaks throughout our shoot to allow you drop back into your natural state.
Your session will be relaxed, fun and easy.
Do you work with clients of all gender identities & sexual orientations? Of all races & ethnicities? Of all faiths and religious backgrounds?
YES! I love and accept the diversity of our planet. I welcome clients from all gender identities & sexual orientations. I welcome clients of all races & ethnicities, and I welcome clients of all faiths & religious backgrounds.
Also, I am is constantly evolving and sometimes unaware that my language is biased. I welcome education on inclusive language and action from my clients & audience.
We’re awkward in front of a camera. How do you work with this?
It’s ok! Everyone says that, trust me.
I know it can feel vulnerable to have a camera in your face. The best remedy I can offer you is to be present and relaxed myself, throughout our experience together. I will do my best to create a calm environment and connect with YOU so you feel as though you are interacting with a friend instead of just posing for a camera. My hope is that you feel comfortable, confident and alive during our shoot, and that you walk away with images that are meaningful to you.
How will we receive our images and what is included?
After our session, your edited images will be delivered in a private online gallery and will include both high and low resolution files for printing and sharing. You will have full personal printing rights and your images will not be watermarked.
Your gallery will be connected to a high-quality printing press for easy print options if you choose. I believe that photographs can only be fully appreciated when printed.
Where are you located? Do you travel?
I’m based in Grass Valley/Nevada City, California but am available for weddings and portrait sessions worldwide. Get in Touch. I would love to talk travel plans with you.
When will we receive our pictures?
Between 4-8 weeks after our session, depending on the type of session we had.
What are your travel fees?
If we shoot within 1 hour round trip of my hometown of Grass Valley/Nevada City, CA - there is no fee for traveling to and from location. For locations farther than 1 hour round trip - I charge $40/hour with flat rate offers to some large cities. For farther destinations or early morning/late night photo coverage- accommodation fees may apply. I often create custom packages and offers for my clients that include travel and accommodation fees. Please don’t hesitate to ask. I seriously love to travel! And, I am always excited to get on a plane.
If you are up for an adventure and want to be photographed in new, organic scenery, may I suggest my hometown of Nevada City, CA? It’s a cute little Boho-Victorian Mountain town in the Foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Beautiful river, adorable town, stunning natural environment.
Will my photos be in color or black and white?
The majority of your images will be in color, but usually around 25% will translate better to black and white. I will make an artistic decision on the tones of each image so they radiate the feeling of the moment captured.
That all sounds great. What are your rates?
You can find a typical starting range to my rates by navigating to the wedding, portrait or birth tabs at the top of this block. Can't wait to talk to you more about your project!
How would you describe your shooting style during a wedding?
My style of documenting weddings could be described as photojournalistic and candid. As much as possible, I photograph your day naturally, as it unfolds, without altering details or posing you or your guests. I focus on both the large picture of your wedding event, and the small details that make your day unique, being sure to capture the expressions of your guests, the ambience of the room and the overall "feel" of the day. I try to keep formal family portraits to one designated time of the day so that you and your partner can enjoy as much of your wedding as possible. For couple's portraits, I love to step away from the activity of the main celebration with my couple- to a more private location so that I can document their intimate excitement & natural way of expressing it to each other without distractions. This allows us to create timeless, authentic and beautiful portraits that my couples will hang on their wall for decades.
Will there be time for couple’s portraits on my wedding day?
I hope so! I highly encourage my couples to put aside an hour of their wedding day for couple’s portraits. Usually when less time is planned, unforeseen wedding details end up taking part of our portrait time. Couples portraits are often the most treasured images of your wedding as they capture the genuine excitement, relief and sweetness of you, alone with your partner, on the biggest day of your life.
Some couples even plan for two portrait sessions if they are booking all day photo coverage. One session will be shorter and planned during the day ( and will often be a "first look") and the other will be slightly longer and planned around sunset to take advantage of the pristine light during golden hour.
Do you work with clients of all gender identities & sexual orientations? Of all races & ethnicities? Of all faiths and religious backgrounds?
YES! I love and accept the diversity of our planet. I welcome clients from all gender identities & sexual orientations. I welcome clients of all races & ethnicities, and I welcome clients of all faiths & religious backgrounds.
Also, I am constantly evolving and sometimes unaware that my language is biased. I welcome education on inclusive language and action from my clients & audience.
How will we receive our images and what is included?
Your hand edited wedding day images will be delivered in a private online gallery and will include both high and low resolution files for printing and sharing. You will have full personal printing rights and your images will not be watermarked. Your gallery will be connected to a high-quality printing press for easy print options if you choose. I believe that photographs can only be fully appreciated when printed.
What are your wedding rates?
2023 wedding packages begin at $2850 for 6 hours of coverage. To request a copy of my complete 2023 wedding pricing guide, get in touch here and tell me a little about your wedding plans. If my listed packages don’t fit your wedding needs, I am always happy to discuss custom packages that include less or more coverage on your wedding day, or engagement, portrait or bridal sessions.
For locals: I offer one free additional hour of wedding day coverage or a complimentary engagement or portrait session to couples who are getting married in Placer or Nevada Counties & book a package of 6 hours or more. For travel rates and info, check out the "INFO" tab above.
Do you shoot elopements?
Yes! I love the intimacy of a small commitment ceremony. Elopement packages begin at $1375 for 3 hours of coverage.
*This price is excluding Saturdays during peak wedding season (May-Oct) for which a 4 hour regular wedding package is the minimum package offered.
When will we receive our pictures?
No later than 8 weeks after your Wedding or Elopement. but I always aim to deliver much earlier than this.
How many images will be included in our package?
You can expect 60-80 images per hour of coverage.
Will my photos be in color or black and white?
The majority of your images will be in color, but usually around 25% will translate better to black and white. I will make an artistic decision on the tones of each image so they radiate the feeling of the moment captured.
What is a birth story and what is included in your birth story sessions?
A birth story is the photographic documentation of your active labor, delivery and precious first moments after birth. It is your birth, told as a beautiful story of photographs.
I am on call for my birth clients from 38 weeks on. During this time, we meet in person if possible, or schedule a video call to get to know one another and to discuss their birth plans. They keep me updated on changes and progressions as their due date approaches. As soon as labor begins, they call to inform me, and together, we discuss progression signs towards active labor that will inform when it's best for me to arrive to the birth space. I typically will make my way to the birth as soon as the midwife/doctor has checked my client and determined that they are 7 centimeters dilated for first time birthers and 5-6 centimeters dilated for experienced birthers, or a combination of more than one other signs of active labor. Every birthing person is different, so I stay in close communication with my clients throughout their birth experience. I usually have time to pick up special items for the birth team if requested, etc. I consider myself an integral, loving and humble part of my client's birth team.
Upon arrival, I document as much, or as little of the experience as my client requests, paying attention to both the small details and the large picture of the day. I stay and photograph until around 1.5-2 hours after baby is born, telling their birth story through honest, artful imagery. They receive a couple of "sneak peak" images within 72 hours after birth to use as welcome baby announcements for their family, friends and social media accounts. The full private online gallery of their edited birth story images will be received no later than 4-6 weeks after their birth. The images will not be watermarked and will come with full personal printing rights.
Do you work with clients of all gender identities & sexual orientations? Of all races & ethnicities? Of all faiths and religious backgrounds?
YES! I love and accept the diversity of our planet. I welcome clients from all gender identities & sexual orientations. I welcome clients of all races & ethnicities, and I welcome clients of all faiths & religious backgrounds. Also, I am constantly evolving and sometimes unaware that my language is biased. I welcome education on inclusive language and action from my clients & audience.
Do you have birth photography training?
Yes. I trained under the fabulous birth photographers and teachers of the Birth Becomes You network. Monet and Jennifer taught me and my classmates everything they could about their years of experience as birth photographers. We studied how to hold space in the birth room as photographers, the progression of labor, hospital and cesarean ettiquete, camera and flash settings, inclusion in the birth space and our business practices, and so much more. The following quote from my class syllabus sums up their teaching style, and what I learned deeply from the course:
“Being a great birth photographer is not just about knowing how to use your camera, understanding different lighting situations and capturing monumental moments artistically in a situation that is completely unpredictable. It is recognizing the sacredness of birth, understanding the birth process and being supportive and accepting of each mother’s individual choices. Every birth is unique and special, as that mother will only ever have one experience of bringing that baby into the world, this is why it is so important that we honor and respect her wishes and ensure that our presence is a positive one that she is grateful for”.
If you aren’t already familiar with the work of my teachers, please check them out here on Instagram.
What is your rate for a birth story?
Families typically invest around $1600 depending on location. Every birth package includes an in person or video chat consultation, 24/7 on call support from 38 weeks to delivery, documentation from active labor to around 1.5-2 hours after baby is born, a private online gallery of your full birth story, usually between 150-250 hand edited, high resolution digital images. I serve families within a 4 hour radius of my Grass Valley/Nevada City home. Examples: from the Sierra Foothills and Sacramento Valley to the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Cruz & beyond.
Maternity Sessions, Welcome Baby/Lifestyle newborn sessions are $450 stand alone or discounted to $400 if added to a birth package. Travel fees may apply. These sessions include between 60-100 images and 1.5 hours of photographic coverage. Please get in touch for pricing on Golden Hour/Fresh 48 sessions. I also offer a variety of custom archival prints and albums, from boutique heirlooms to clean, simple and affordable printed products that can be added to create a custom package unique to your family's vision.
If you’d like to see an example of a full birth story gallery or get more information on exact pricing for your birth story get in touch with me here. I’d be happy to show you full galleries and personally answer any questions you may have!
Do you photograph hospital births & cesarean births?
Absolutely. Everyone has the right to choose how they want to birth they baby.
I am supportive and honoring of everyone's individual choices. Birth is a sacred miracle and I love documenting all types of births including: hospital births, cesarean births, vbacs, home births, birth center births, surrogate births, unassisted births, trans-gender births, you-dream-it-type-of-births- I would love to be by your side documenting your story.
Tell me about the booking process
When you are ready to book- let me know & I will email you the information I need to create our contract. Once the contract is emailed, I will put a soft hold on your date for 72 hours to give you time to sign. At the time of signing – 50% of your entire birth story cost (travel fees included) is due to secure your date in my calendar. The second half of your balance is due at 38 weeks, when I go on-call for your birth. I accept credit cards for your convenience, and can also set up autopay for weekly/monthly installment payments so that the second half of your balance is paid off slowly over time if that is preferred.
Important to note:
Getting to know one another & talking about your birth vision together is a very sweet & connecting time - and - I do not hold any dates in my calendar for potential clients until they have signed our contract & paid the non-refundable 50% retainer. This is to guarantee a professional, organized & present experience for all my clients.
Will you ask me to pose or change my position during my birth?
No, I will not ask you to change your position to get a better picture during your birth.
Your birth is your sacred time and it’s completely up to you to decide which positions you want to be in. I may suggest opening a window or turning on a lamp as baby is being born, because the extra light will provide a crisper and more detailed image. My top priority is your comfort and I will balance that priority with your desire to get important images during your birth.
What if I live out of town or have a history of fast labor?
With enough focused attention on the signs of active labor, I can make it to a birth several hours from my home with a nice cushion of time. I stay in close communication with my client's and their birth team and leave home during active labor or consistent signs that active labor is quickly approaching and birth is quickly around the corner.
If, by chance, baby arrives while I am travelling to the birth space; I will begin documenting the birth story as soon as I arrive. I will capture as many details of your birth story as I can, including the energy of relief and excitement, baby’s first moments, tiny details and family members meeting baby for the first time.
In which cities do you offer birth photography?
I offer birth photography within a 4 hour radius of my Northern California home. This includes the Sierra Foothills (Nevada City, Auburn, Placerville, etc), the Sacramento Valley (including Roseville, Davis, Modesto, etc.) and the San Francisco Bay Area (including the East Bay, San Ramon, Marin County, Santa Rosa, etc.), Santa Cruz area, etc.
What if I have a really long birth? Will you stay?
If the doctor or midwife is waiting for you to progress, sleep or rest for an extended period, I may leave for a while, but I will still be on call and keep closely in touch with your birth team. I will return to your birth as soon as you are in active labor to document your story.
Do you offer separate newborn sessions after the baby is born?
Yes. I love to photograph new families. Traditional newborn sessions are available, as well as "Fresh 48" sessions, which are in-home newborn sessions that take place in the first 48 hours of baby's life. Check out one of my favorite in home newborn sessions here.
Will my images be in black and white or color?
The low lighting conditions of some births often translates best to black and white images.
When will I receive my images?
You will receive a couple "sneak peak" images within 72 hours of your birth. Your full gallery will be delivered 4-6 weeks after your birth. These are the longest timeframes you can expect. I always try and deliver sneak peaks and galleries much sooner.
This all sounds great, but I'm still on the fence about having a birth photographer in the room during my birth.
I completely understand.
Birth is a very sensitive and unpredictable time in life, and you need to make sure you feel comfortable with who is in the room during your birth. May I suggest meeting in person for a coffee? Or meeting for coffee over a video call?
This would give you a chance to meet me, feel my energy, hear my approach to birth photography and share any concerns or questions you may have. After meeting in person (or video call if that’s easier for you), and getting to know me, you may find it easier to make a decision. I am always happy to set up a meeting to introduce myself.
My hope is that you feel comfortable, confident and alive while I’m documenting your birth, and that you walk away with images that are meaningful to you.
What will it be like to work with you?
I offer all of my portrait clients one optional, complimentary 15 min phone or video call, followed by unlimited email support leading up to our session.
Together we will plan the location, lighting and timeline; I’ll give some wardrobe tips and we will finalize the details of our time together. On the day of your session I will direct you and give you small cues for interacting with your partner and encouraging authentic expression. I will guide you but not place you in strict poses. I want to document your natural way of being, alone and with each other. We will take breaks throughout our shoot to allow you drop back into your natural state.
Your session will be relaxed, fun and easy.
Do you work with clients of all gender identities & sexual orientations? Of all races & ethnicities? Of all faiths and religious backgrounds?
YES! I love and accept the diversity of our planet. I welcome clients from all gender identities & sexual orientations. I welcome clients of all races & ethnicities, and I welcome clients of all faiths & religious backgrounds.
Also, I am constantly evolving and sometimes unaware that my language is biased. I welcome education on inclusive language and action from my clients & audience.
We’re awkward in front of a camera. How do you work with this?
It’s ok! Everyone says that, trust me.
I know it can feel vulnerable to have a camera in your face. The best remedy I can offer you is to be present and relaxed myself, throughout our experience together. I will do my best to create a calm environment and connect with YOU so you feel as though you are interacting with a friend instead of just posing for a camera.
My hope is that you feel comfortable, confident and alive during our shoot, and that you walk away with images that are meaningful to you.
Will my photos be in color or black and white?
The majority of your images will be in color, but usually around 25% will translate better to black and white. I will make an artistic decision on the tones of each image so they radiate the feeling of the moment captured.
What are your portrait rates?
My portrait packages begin at $450 and include 1.5-2 hours of coverage and a minimum of 75 images. Get in touch for other package options.
How will we receive our images and what is included?
Your hand edited portrait images will be delivered in a private online gallery and will include both high and low resolution files for printing and sharing. You will have full personal printing rights and your images will not be watermarked.
Your gallery will be connected to a high-quality printing press for easy print options if you choose. I believe that photographs can only be fully appreciated when printed.
When do you recommend adding additional hours to a portrait package?
I recommend adding an additional hour or two if you are booking a family session and have toddlers or active children, if you are having a large family photographed or if you and your sweetie want to go on an adventure during our session. If you want an extended portrait session or are interested in booking a half or full day lifestyle session, please get in touch; I’m happy to create a custom package just for you.
When will we receive our pictures?
You'll receive your private online gallery no later than 4-6 weeks after your session.
That all sounds great. How do I book a session?
Sweet. Get in touch here and we’ll get started.
TESTIMONIALS
"It was easy to include Cathlene in our protective newborn bubble. She was respectful, reverent, purposeful, sensitive, skillful and clearly inspired by what she does. We were beyond thrilled with the photos she took of us and have heard again and again from friends and family, how touched they were upon seeing them. The shots range from playful and simply beautiful, to deeply intimate, and are filled with the range of life, wrapped in grace. She truly captured us, making use of our chemistry as a family, light, the environment and collecting the most creative & ideal frames. We felt a sense of fun, care, generosity, and security working with her. Her direction felt natural, flowing and easy to take. Her unwavering, sensitive gaze, creative eye, and gifted perspective produced a collection of photos that our family will treasure for lifetimes to come."
-Maren Metke
TESTIMONIALS
"Cathlene is a wonderful and kind photographer who listened to what I expected and respected my values. She became a close friend by my side from the beginning of labor and she made me feel comfortable throughout my whole birth. She captured one of our best moment of life beautifully and we love all the pictures."
-Aisan Hoss
TESTIMONIALS
"Cathlene was wonderful. She captured our wedding in such a natural and beautiful way, and is the loveliest person to work with! She has a calm and relaxing presence that makes even the most camera shy comfortable, and the shots she captured were diverse and simply beautiful."
-Audra Brown
TESTIMONIALS
"Cathlene did an amazing job with our family photoshoot! We really wanted something that was candid and genuine, and she totally delivered. Despite a baby who never stays still and a somewhat reluctant toddler, she captured dozens of beautiful moments. She was patient and pleasure to work with! She had lots of great suggestions, but never posed us or encouraged us to do anything other than be ourselves. Can't recommend her highly enough!"
-Caitlin Plummer