First Moments Collective

How First Moments Collective Works

Complimentary Service

Families are offered photography and/or video at no cost during their hospital stay.

Respectful & Unobtrusive

Sessions are quiet, gentle, and never interfere with medical care or staff workflows.

Optional Purchase Only

Families may choose to purchase afterward—there is never any pressure.

Privacy First

All content is created with informed consent and in compliance with hospital policies and HIPAA standards.

Why First Moments Matter

Birth and early hospital stays are filled with emotion—joy, uncertainty, strength, and love. These moments deserve to be remembered with care.

As a mother of three, and a former NICU mom, I understand how overwhelming these first days can feel. Mothers are often the ones behind the camera. First Moments Collective exists to ensure moms are included in these memories—and that families leave with keepsakes that reflect their strength and connection.

Services Offered

Labor & Delivery photo and video documentation
Postpartum & Fresh 48 hospital sessions
NICU photography and video keepsakes
Short-form highlight films (where permitted)

Note:

Services are offered only where permitted by hospital guidelines.

For Hospitals & Care Teams

First Moments Collective partners with hospitals to enhance the patient experience through compassionate, compliant memory preservation.

HIPAA compliance
Informed consent
Credentialing & approval
Infection control awareness
Minimal disruption to care teams

Partner With Us

Meet Ashley

Ashley Stapleton is the founder of First Moments Collective and a professional photographer and videographer specializing in newborn and family documentation.

As a mother of three—with personal NICU experience—Ashley brings empathy, patience, and respect into every session. Her approach is gentle, unobtrusive, and grounded in honoring families exactly where they are.

Contact

Phone: 843-452-4846

Email: ashley@firstmomentscollective.com

Hospital inquiries and patient experience teams are welcome to reach out directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this service really complimentary?

Yes. Photography and/or video services are offered at no cost during your hospital stay. Afterward, families may choose to purchase images or video if they wish — there is never any obligation or pressure to buy.

Do families have to participate?

No. Participation is completely optional. Families may decline or stop the session at any time.

Will photography or video interfere with medical care?

Never. Sessions are designed to be quiet, respectful, and unobtrusive. Photography or video pauses immediately if medical care is needed or at the request of hospital staff.

Is this allowed in all hospital areas?

Services are provided only where permitted by hospital policies and guidelines, and always with proper consent. First Moments Collective works in partnership with care teams to ensure full compliance.

How long does a session typically last?

Most sessions are brief — typically 10–20 minutes — and are adapted to the family’s comfort level and the clinical environment.

How is privacy handled?

All photography and video are created with informed consent and handled in a HIPAA-compliant manner. Images are securely stored and never shared publicly without explicit permission.

Can NICU families participate?

Yes, where permitted by hospital policy. NICU sessions are approached with extra sensitivity and care, and timing is always guided by the baby’s condition and staff recommendations.

When and how do families view their images?

After the session, families receive a private online gallery to view their images and video. From there, they may choose to purchase keepsakes if they wish.

Are parents included in the photos?

Absolutely. A core part of First Moments Collective’s mission is ensuring parents — especially mothers — are included in these memories, not just the ones capturing them.

How can hospitals partner with First Moments Collective?

Hospitals or patient experience teams are welcome to reach out directly through our contact page to discuss partnership opportunities.