Hidden Gems: Meet Emily Storz of Ventura Birth Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Storz.

Hi Emily, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I first got into photography back in high school when my dad bought me my first camera. I brought it almost everywhere and just fell in love with capturing little moments and having “photoshoots” with friends. It started as a fun hobby, but over time it turned into something so much more meaningful.

I’ve spent the last 8+ years photographing families, events, etc. After becoming a mom and having both of my births photographed (by my wonderful friend and now business partner), I realized how truly powerful those images are. Every time I look at them, I’m transported right back—feeling the emotions, reliving the details, and even seeing things I hadn’t noticed in the moment. That experience made me want to offer the same gift to other families.

The first birth I photographed was for a friend, and it was amazing. I felt completely in awe of the whole process and instantly knew this was something I wanted to do more of. Since then, I partnered with my good friend, Loren Haar, in Ventura Birth Photography. I’m mostly self-taught, but recently took a birth photography and doula course to deepen my work and be able to support families even more.

It’s honestly such an honor to be invited into such an intimate moment. Every birth is different, but each one reminds me why I love this work so much.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being a birth photographer will always have it’s struggles. One of the biggest challenges is the unpredictability. Babies come on their own timeline, so I’m on call 24/7—sometimes for weeks. It means being ready to drop everything and head to a birth at any hour of the day or night. Labor and delivery can sometimes be a very long process, so it’s not unusual to spend 12+ hours at a birth. It’s a huge time commitment and takes a lot of flexibility, but it’s always worth it to be there for those once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Ventura Birth Photography is all about honoring the beauty, strength, and emotion of birth through powerful, storytelling imagery. We specialize in birth photography, but also offer maternity, newborn, and motherhood sessions—each one designed to capture real, heartfelt moments that matter.

What truly sets us apart is our deep respect for the birth space and the unique perspective we bring as both photographers AND certified doulas. Our dual training allows us to offer more well-rounded, intentional support throughout your experience—not only capturing your story, but also understanding the emotional and physical journey you’re on. We know how to move quietly and respectfully in a birth space, while also knowing when to offer encouragement, hold space, or lend a supportive hand if needed.

We’re known for documenting birth in an authentic, artful way while helping families feel safe and supported.. One of the things we’re most proud of is the trust our clients place in us—many return for multiple births or invite us back to document their growing families over time. That continued connection means everything.

At the heart of our brand is a deep passion for motherhood, storytelling, and community. We want families to know that their experience matters, that their strength is beautiful, and that these moments—big and small—deserve to be remembered.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something people might not know is that my business partner and I have been good friends for over 20 years. Our friendship started long before we ever picked up cameras professionally, and now we get to run this business side by side—which makes it even more special. That kind of connection definitely shows up in our work. We really trust each other, share the same passion, and bring a super natural, easy energy to the birth space. She also photographed both of my births…one of the many reasons I wanted to dive into birth photography. She was like a fly on the wall in the room, I hardly knew she was there…and yet, she captured the most beautiful moments of the two best days of my life (the births of my two sons).

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.venturabirthphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturabirthphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ventura-Birth-Photography/61571166064346/

Image Credits
Loren Haar (Ventura Birth Photography)
Emily Storz (Ventura Birth Photography)
Lyndsay Ray (personal photo of me and my family)