Let’s talk about photos. Whether you’re creating a flyer, building your website, or making client guides, you probably need visuals that feel authentic and aligned with your work. But here’s what most new doulas don’t realize:

👉 Not every photo you find online is okay to use.
Even screenshots from training materials or images on Pinterest can land you in legal hot water.

So where can you find beautiful, relevant photos for your doula business—without risking copyright infringement or blowing your budget?

Let’s break it down.

Free Photo Sites for Doulas

These platforms offer high-quality photos you can use for free. They’re not birth-specific, but they’re fantastic for lifestyle, parenting, wellness, and background imagery.

• Pexels – Great for emotional, moody, or soft-toned images.
• Unsplash – High-res, modern photography that feels organic.
• Pixabay – Offers not just photos, but illustrations and video clips too.
• Burst by Shopify – Aimed at small business owners; very branding-friendly.
• Nappy – Beautiful images featuring Black individuals and families. Excellent for inclusive visuals.
• Canva – They offer a robust free set of images and video clips for use. The paid version is even more impressive and low-cost.

Just be sure to check the license on each image (most are free for commercial use, but double-checking is always wise).

Low-Cost, High-Impact Image Sources

If you’re ready to invest in images that actually show births, baby snuggles, or real doulas in action, these sources are more targeted:

• Birth Pro Market – This is a photo goldmine for birthworkers. The images are high-quality, inclusive, and made for use in your business materials.
  ✦ Grab 10 free photos from their à la carte section:
  bpromarket.com/email-newsletter
• DepositPhotos – Keep an eye on AppSumo for deals. Occasionally, you can score a bundle of 100 high-quality stock images for around $39. That’s way cheaper than paying per image.
• Videos for Doula Business –  If you’re a doula looking for relatable, inclusive videos to use in your content, client education, or classes, there are now ready-to-use options that save time and reflect the real families you support.

And here’s a bonus if you’re a Doula Office Hours member:
✦ You get a $50 credit to use at Birth Pro Market—a perfect way to start building your brand visuals without paying full price.

Can I Use My Own Photos?

Absolutely—but make sure you do it legally and ethically.

If you’re snapping a photo during a birth, postpartum visit, or even a childbirth class, you must have written permission. That means adding opt-in photo language to your contract (not just assuming it’s okay to share).

Here’s what that might include:

• A clear description of how the photo will be used (social media, print, website, etc.)
• An option for clients to say yes, no, or limit usage
• A reminder that consent can be revoked at any time

When in doubt, don’t post. Protect your clients, protect yourself, and when you do share—add a watermark or subtle branding so your original work stays yours.

Ask a Birth Photographer (the Right Way)

Another beautiful and professional option? Working with a birth photographer.

If a client has hired a birth photographer and you appear in the photos, you might be able to purchase a few for your website or social media—but only if you follow the right steps:

• First, make sure the client gives written permission for the image to be shared. That’s non-negotiable.

• Then, reach out directly to the photographer and ask if they’re open to licensing specific images of you for your professional use.

• Be prepared to pay for that usage. Even if the client purchased a full gallery, that doesn’t automatically give you the right to use the images for your business.

Some photographers may even offer model-released stock photos you can license—these might not feature you personally, but they’re authentic, birth-focused, and legally cleared for marketing use.

And a gentle reminder: don’t ask them to send you photos for free. Just like doulas, birth photographers deserve to be paid for their work. Respecting their time and talent helps us all maintain strong relationships in the birth community.

What About AI-Generated Images?

AI tools like Canva’s Magic Media or DALL·E can create realistic-looking birth images—but use these with caution. While they’re free or built into platforms you’re already using, there are ethical concerns, especially around representation, accuracy, and consent.

If you’re using AI-generated visuals:

• Avoid creating images that suggest real medical situations unless they’re clearly labeled as illustrations.
• Keep your messaging transparent (e.g., “image generated for illustration purposes”).
• Stick to scenes like cozy environments, tools, or more symbolic concepts—things that don’t imply real people.

A Quick Note About Copyright

Even if an image seems easy to grab, using it without permission could violate U.S. copyright law. If you’re unfamiliar with how this works, take a few minutes to visit Copyright.gov to learn more. It’s worth the read.

You Deserve Great Visuals and Legal Peace of Mind

Your business deserves professional visuals—and you don’t need to cut corners to get them. With a few solid sources, a good contract, and some smart habits (like watermarking and reading the fine print), you can create beautiful, ethical content that reflects your work and values.

And if you want the inside scoop on tools, discounts, and how to actually use these images in your marketing? Come hang out in Doula Office Hours. That $50 Birth Pro Market credit is just one of the ways I help doulas grow without overwhelm.

Photo © Kayla Gray