Fresh 48 sessions are becoming so popular! In this post, I’m going to help you decide if this session type is a good fit for your family!
See, many parents think their only options for newborn photography are posed studio photos. Or a lifestyle session at home a couple of weeks after the baby is born.
But there’s something so raw, real, and emotional about a Fresh 48 session that makes it unlike anything else.
Imagine capturing your family’s first moments in the hospital or at home. It has the intimacy of birth photography. But it’s not actually birth photography
Let me walk you through what this unique session looks like!
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Step 1: Scheduling
Fresh 48 sessions require a little extra planning because, let’s face it, babies arrive on their own schedule!
I’ll stay on-call around your due date, and when the baby arrives text or call me within 24 hours!
I always tell parents to let me know as soon as they can – Ive even gotten texts while mom was pushing before!
We’ll coordinate a time to meet within the first 24-48 hours after birth.
Many parents ask, “What if I’m not ready for photos 48 hours after birth?” Don’t worry! There’s no pressure to look perfect – this session is about capturing the natural beauty of those first moments.
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Step 2: Preparing for the Fresh 48
Here’s where I do the behind-the-scenes prep:
I pack light – just my camera gear, maybe a neutral wrap or blanket for added texture, but usually I will use blankets you have brought with you to make it that much more personal
My priority is to work with what’s already there. Whether it’s a cozy hospital room or a sunlit corner of your home, I make the space work.
This is a perfect time to feature any signs or trinkets you may have gotten with babies name on them or even a custom blanket.
Step 3: Arriving at the Fresh 48
When I get there, my goal is to blend in with what’s already happening.
Yes, it’s a photoshoot at the hospital, but I also want to allow plenty of time for natural moments.
I’ll take a few moments to assess the environment and chat with you, so you feel comfortable and know what’s coming.
If the baby needs to feed, be changed, or be soothed, we’ll adjust the session flow accordingly.
I work around you! Whether you want to stay in bed, have older siblings involved, or keep it low-key, it’s all up to you! I highly encourage the whole family to be there and in the photos.
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Do you need to think of poses or ideas beforehand?
Honestly, you don’t need to stress about posing—I’ve got you.
My job is to help you feel relaxed and comfortable while the moments just happen naturally.
Whether it’s you soaking in the sweetness of your baby’s tiny face, dad fumbling (but nailing!) the perfect swaddle, or big siblings cautiously leaning in to say hello, these moments aren’t staged—they’re real, and that’s what makes them so special.
Flexibility Is Key
Every Fresh 48 session comes with surprises, and that’s what makes them so special!
Maybe baby is fussy or hungry, and we need to pause for a feeding or snuggle.
Maybe hospital staff pop in for a check-up, or a well-meaning relative shows up unexpectedly.
None of this disrupts the session – it’s all part of the story!
The beauty of Fresh 48 photography is its flexibility. It’s not about creating a picture-perfect moment; it’s about capturing the reality of your baby’s first hours, whatever that looks like.
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Step 4: Wrapping Up the Fresh 48
I’ll send you a sneak peek within a few days so you can relive the moments right away. Your full gallery will be ready 10-14 business days later!
Fresh 48 sessions are in a league of their own. They’re not as intense as birth photography or as styled as newborn photos—it’s this sweet little middle ground where everything is brand new, and you’re just soaking in those first hours with your baby.
If you’ve been on the fence about a Fresh 48 session, consider this your nudge. Let’s make it happen—you won’t regret it!