Congratulations!
You are about to embark on one of the most life-changing journeys there is. As a photographer, there is nothing quite like the "Fresh 48" sessions, those first two days of a baby’s life where everything feels still, hazy, and full of wonder.
If you’ve been wondering how this all works, I’ve put together this guide to walk you through the process from start to finish.
If you haven't already booked the session, the first two steps are below!
1. Reach out to me! The first step is simple: fill out my inquiry form. If you have your due date, please include it! This is very helpful for me so I can block off a "window" of time around your date to ensure I am available when your little one decides to make their debut.
2. The Details Once we connect, I will send you a questionnaire. This is where you can fill out the details of your birth, such as the hospital or birth center where you will be delivering your new baby.
3. The "Sweet Spot" for Photos Fresh 48 sessions are all about that soft, natural glow, so these sessions are best scheduled while the sun is still out. I am flexible with my scheduling to ensure we catch the best possible light in your room. During our initial check-in after your baby is born, we will look at the weather and your discharge schedule to find a "sweet spot" during the daylight hours that works for everyone. My goal is to work with the sun to make sure your photos are bright, airy, and timeless!
4. Chasing the Window Light Hospital lights are not friendly, they tend to be harsh and yellow. Because of this, daylight is highly preferred for the best quality photos. The first thing I do when walking into a Fresh 48 session is turn off those hospital overhead lights. We will make use of the windows instead; in fact, 90% of your photos will be taken right against the window of your room!
5. The "Full Belly" Strategy Try to feed babe shortly before our session time. This ensures baby has a full belly and will hopefully be happy and cooperative for pictures!
Note: If you would like any feeding/nursing pictures, we can absolutely do this at the beginning of the session. Just hold off on feeding babe until I arrive and we’ll get those captured first.
6. Turn Up the Heat Fresh 48 sessions are usually quick (typically under an hour) and babies are much happier in a warm environment. Turning up the heat in your room allows babe to be comfortable for any "naked baby" pictures or swaddle changes.
7. What Should You Wear? This is totally up to you! Some moms stay in their hospital gown, while others bring their own robe or outfit. I encourage moms to wear something comfortable and flowy that isn't constricting on your fresh postpartum body. A floral robe looks wonderful while holding babe!
8. Personal Gear & Swaddles Along with "hospital garb" pics, I absolutely encourage parents to bring their own swaddles, hats, headbands, or outfits. I love capturing a mix of the classic hospital-striped blankets and your own personal style.
9. What Kind of Pictures Will I Take? I focus on highlighting your baby’s "newness." I typically take a variety of shots:
The Details: Close-ups of hands, feet, head, and all those little features.
The Setting: Babe by themselves in the bassinet and on the bed.
The Connection: Portraits with Mom, Dad, siblings, and whoever else is there!
Tip: If you have a specific list of shots you’d like, let me know! While we cover basics in the contract, you can always message me last-minute ideas.
10. Fresh 48s in the NICU If your baby is in the NICU, a session is absolutely still an option! As long as your hospital’s NICU allows for a visitor (other than parents) and a photographer, I would love to be there to document your baby's first days.
11. The Grand Reveal I know how much you want to see your new babe’s photos! I aim to turn around your gallery within 24 hours so that you have professional images ready to post to your social accounts and share with the world.
Pack these 5–7 items to make your session feel extra personal and polished!
- A "Mama" Robe or Nursing-Friendly Set: Choose something in a neutral color or a soft floral pattern. High-quality fabrics like modal or cotton look beautiful on camera and feel gentle against your skin.
- A "Go-Home" Outfit & Swaddle for Baby: While the hospital stripes are classic, bringing one special outfit or a personalized name swaddle adds a sweet, custom touch to the gallery.
- Letter Board or Name Sign: If you’ve already picked out a name, bring a wooden name announcement sign or a small letter board. Placing this in the bassinet next to the baby is a fan-favorite shot!
- Basic Toiletry Kit (The Essentials): You don’t need a full face of glam! Just the basics, lip balm (hospital air is dry!), a hairbrush, and maybe some tinted moisturizer or mascara if that makes you feel more like "you."
- Brother/Sister "Big" Shirts: If siblings are coming for the session, having them in "Big Brother" or "Big Sister" shirts (or even just coordinating colors) makes those "first meeting" photos look cohesive.
- A Special Heirloom: Whether it’s a bonnet your grandmother knit or a stuffed animal from a best friend, having one meaningful item makes the "detail shots" extra special.
- Neutral Snacks & Water: It sounds silly, but a "hangry" parent is a stressed parent! Having a clear water bottle and some quick snacks nearby keeps your energy up during our 30–60 minutes together.
