Fresh 48 Newborn Photography: What is it?
Fresh 48 newborn photography is a session done at the hospital within the first 48 hours after birth. These sessions capture your baby in those earliest moments with the hospital bassinet, wrinkly toes, and all.
The type of photography is raw, real, and unposed. But while I completely understand the appeal, I've made the intentional decision not to offer Fresh 48 sessions.
And I want to tell you why.
You just had a baby. That space is sacred.
I'll be honest; I believe those first hours after delivery are sacred and not for a professional camera.
You've just done something incredibly hard and beautiful. Your body is healing. Nurses are coming in and out. You're figuring out feeding. You're exhausted. You haven't even had a proper shower.
To me, that time is for your family and closest friends. It's a time for rest, bonding with your baby, celebration for your family and friends, and most of all being fully preset with your baby without the pressure of a photoshoot.
Why I choose to offer studio newborn photography instead.
Rather than arriving at the hospital during the whirlwind, I encourage my clients to email me when baby arrives and from there, we will schedule the newborn photos. These are usually scheduled at least a week out, sometimes a little more.
By then, you've had a moment to breathe. You've gone home. You've had a shower and a cup of coffee (if that's your thing!). You're learning your baby and your new rhythm and you're emotionally ready to be photographed, not just physically present.
Newborn photography in my studio is peaceful, calm, and designed around you. You walk into my studio, relax, sip coffee, and let me do the rest. We have time, intention, and a quiet space to create truly meaningful images you'll cherish for years to come.
Newborn sessions tell the whole story, not just baby's
Fresh 48 photography often focuses only on the baby. And while that is sweet, what about you? What about the siblings? What about your new family as a whole?
You carried this baby 9 months. You gave birth (sometimes a hard birth). You deserve to be in the photos too, not just in the background wearing a hospital gown with sleep deprived eyes.
My studio newborn photos include:
- Family photos
- Mom and dad with baby photos
- Big sibling with baby photos
- Styled solo images of baby
It's not just photos of baby; it's your first family portrait.
You deserve to be seen. When you're ready.
A big part of why I don't offer newborn photography at the hospital is because you're not ready usually. And that is okay.
Studio sessions give you time to emotionally settle, physically recover, and come in feeling just a little more like yourself. Not because you have to look perfect, but because you deserve to feel calm, ready, and present in your photos.
If you're choosing just one, make it a newborn session.
Not every family books multiple sessions. If you're only choosing one, I strongly recommend waiting for your newborn session.
Fresh 48 photography can feel rushed, chaotic, and much very like a snapshot of a hard moment. Newborn sessions are thoughtfully styled, calm, fully inclusive of the whole family, and timeless and heirloom worthy.
Your baby will still be tiny, curled up, and sleepy in those first few weeks. You won't miss anything by waiting, but you'll gain so much.
Final thoughts
Whether you had a long labor, an unexpected C-section, or just feel overwhelmed after birth, those first few days are for healing.
Use your phone to snap a few raw photos in the hospital. Capture those honest, unsolicited moments. Then come to me when you're ready and I'll create images that celebrate everything you've walked through.
