When I started my photography business ten years ago, I heard the term Fresh 48 and my first reaction was “Huh?” I quickly learned that it refers to a newborn session that takes place in the hospital or other birthing space within the first 48 hours after the baby is born–before you leave this special window of time and start settling in to your new family life. Read on to learn more about this kind of session, why I love it, and why I think you should book one for your newborn!
Why I love Fresh 48 sessions in Boston
First of all, as a birth photographer, obviously I love brand-new babies. But there is something special about those first days that you spend getting to know your new little one in this confined little space.
Maybe you thought about hiring a birth photographer but decided not to for some reason? A Fresh 48 can give you a little of that element for newborn photos.
This is pretty much the smallest your child will ever be, so documenting these early days (or hours!) is something I love to do for parents and families.
Why a Fresh 48 photo session might be perfect for your family
For many photographers, “newborn” photos mean the first 14 days of your baby’s life. I personally don’t do anything differently in my newborn sessions as long as the baby isn’t sitting up yet, but it’s absolutely true that babies change quickly and I definitely recommend that you capture every moment you can!
If you would like to have newborn photos taken but a session at your house doesn’t seem doable, a hospital session could be the answer! No cleaning your house required. Sleepy newborn photos are pretty easy to come by with brand-new babies, and you usually get gorgeous brand-new-baby skin and their soft newborn hair.
You might think that having a photo shoot right after giving birth sounds crazy, but look at it this way–during this time your whole focus is on your new baby, and you don’t have any distractions of life at home or jobs (for anyone who will be going back to work soon).
You also won’t regret having a professional take these photos for you–I make sure you will get photos you love so you don’t have to worry about posing your family in a tiny space or how to get the best lighting. Most of all, you get to be IN the photos with your family, relaxed and snuggling with your new baby. I’ll take care of the rest. You’ll have all the love and the little details to remember forever and show your little one(s) when they are older!
When will my Fresh 48 newborn session take place?
When you book a Fresh 48 session, unless you have a scheduled C-section or induction, it obviously requires a wait-and-see approach for when the session will happen. My approach is to mark your due date on my calendar and avoid scheduling major events like travel that would affect my availability around that time. Then we stay in close touch before and after the baby arrives to find the best time. Hospital rooms tend to have not great light, so ideally we can take advantage of daylight visiting hours to make the most of whatever light we can get!
This is an intimate session in an intimate space. For that reason it is typically immediate family only, although if grandparents are nearby I am happy to include them briefly. This is a perfect time to capture older siblings with their new baby brother or sister, and we can even document their very first meeting if the timing works out.
What should we wear for our Fresh 48?
This kind of session also lends itself well to comfortable and casual clothing if that’s your preferred style. Neutral colors always look good and keep the focus on your family. Moms might enjoy a chance to wear a pretty robe and a bit of makeup, but your natural look is just as beautiful if you don’t feel up to primping.
What should my newborn baby wear for the photo session?
If you’re thinking of fancy outfits, I suggest going minimalistic. Newborn babies are tiny and tend to get swallowed up by clothing. We might put the baby in just a diaper or a simple onesie, but swaddling is cozy and keeps them snug and warm. You can bring blankets and hats that fit your style or we can stick with what the hospital provides or the basic neutrals that I bring with me. Beyond that we will focus on real connection and emotion between you and your family.
What if something unexpected happens?
In the event that the birth doesn’t go as planned and we can’t have a hospital session, we can absolutely pivot to an in-home session. If your baby ends up in the NICU, that doesn’t necessarily mean we can’t do a Fresh 48, but it will depend on the circumstances and any restrictions the hospital might have.
If you are ready to book or want to know more, please get in touch right away so I can hold space in my calendar for your due date! Fresh 48 sessions can take place in any Boston-area hospital, including Emerson Hospital and other locations in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.
I’m always excited to meet new humans and their parents, so I can’t wait to talk with you!
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