What is a Fresh 48 session?

 

Newborn Photography sessions that occur within 48 hours of the baby’s birth are called “fresh 48”. Typically, these sessions take place at the birthplace and require me, your photographer, to be on call. I will show up and take those first moments and tiny details right after birth.

 

How I approach fresh 48 sessions.

 

Oh how I just adore these sessions. I love how new the baby is and how raw the moment is. It is such a short time where a newborn is so fresh and will change within days. I love the tiny toes, the wrinkled hands, and the little umbilical cord. I love the in and outs of doctors and nurses, the hospital food trays, the breastfeeding challenge… I love it all.

As a mom of three who has experienced the laboring and afterbirth, I must say it is a very intimate time. It is raw, emotional, and so sacred, so being asked to photograph fresh 48 sessions is a privilege. I always approach these sessions with intense respect and patience.

So how do we prepare for a session like this? It is easy and almost effortless when you book with me. Below is my “Guide”

Tips for Mothers:

 

-Take a shower to feel fresh

-Do your hair and makeup to wear so you feel natural. Please do not overdo it. Simple is best.

-Put on what is comfortable. There are some adorable postpartum robes out there with matching swaddles for your newborn.

Moms, please do not feel like you need to “get ready”. But, do your hair and makeup naturally so you feel a little like yourself right after birth. This is hard for me to say, because I know that when I gave birth, I always felt puffy and gross, but if I took a shower and put on some mascara, I felt a little better.

Just know, you are not going to be the “focus” of the session, but you are essential. I will capture all those good angles with you holding your baby. It is about the bond between the two of you.

Tips for Dads:

 

-Ask what your wife needs and support her.

-Put on clothes that are not pjs but comfortable and timeless. I love relaxed, natural shirts and jeans.

-Take care of any siblings

I will take photos of you and your new baby for about 5 mins. Dads do not take long at all. Just be ready, be positive, and supportive. I will tell you exactly what to do.

Also, please know if someone comes into the room. We stop and pause our session. I never want to be in the way, so we always go with the flow.

Fresh 48 FAQ’s:

 

When do I contact you?

Please book me months before your due date to ensure I have availability. Once you go into labor, contact me right away. I am on call and will likely come the very next morning for our session.

 

How long are fresh 48 sessions?

I try to make them within 30 minutes. Doctors come in and out, and I stop what I am doing to not interfere with medical care. Therefore, sometimes the session may last a little longer. If at any time during the session you need to feed your baby, or the baby needs a diaper change, then do it. I always just go with the flow and want this experience to feel relaxed and simple.

What do I dress my newborn in?

I highly suggest not changing anything. The hospital has onesies and swaddles there. I believe in the real experience and capturing the moment. If you have a meaningful outfit you want your newborn to wear, we can capture those photos. However, I do not recommend changing your newborn into several different outfits.

What happens if the session gets interrupted?

Technically, I am the one interrupting the doctors and nurses. If anyone comes into the room, we pause. There is no time limit for these sessions. If we need to take a break, we do, and then we jump right back into what we were doing.

Do you allow extended family in these sessions?

No. There typically is a limit to how many people can enter the room as well. If you want extended family, book a newborn session with me a later date. These sessions only include you both and your newborn and any siblings.

 

Fresh 48 Photographer, Malinda Sloan