I didn’t know beforehand, but this mama was a little nervous about having Fresh 48 photos taken. I wish I had known so that I could assure her how relaxed, low-pressure, and easy having newborn hospital photos taken is.
If you’re considering having newborn hospital photos, or a fresh 48 photography session, but feeling unsure, keep reading. See what one mother had to say about the experience after feeling unsure. Plus, more on what to expect from your Seattle area Fresh 48 session (or newborn hospital photos).
After sending out this gallery of photographs I received an email from this mother:
“Neyssa these images are beautiful!!!!! I was so nervous about having this done but I am so very glad we did. They are candid and capture these moments beautifully!!! I think they are my favorite of all!!!! They felt comfortable and exceeded beyond all of my expectations. I hope other moms who would be hesitant can know how relaxed and beautiful it can be!!”
Her words brought tears to my eyes. She not only loved the gallery of photographs I put together for them, but she was so glad she had them done. She had known it was important to have photos of her youngest baby, but now views on the experience had changed.
What she thought might be uncomfortable and intrusive, she found comfort, ease, and beauty in both the experience and resulting newborn hospital photos.
So what can you expect from your newborn hospital photos?
You can expect to snuggle your baby during your Fresh 48 session. You can expect your comfort and bonding with your baby to be top priority and center of your photographs.
As a mother of 6, and a newborn photographer, I know firsthand how after giving birth you simply want to hold your baby, take in their every detail. That’s what you will do. You may have to let your partner hold baby for a few moments while I capture them together, but don’t worry. Baby will be back in your arm for snuggles and more newborn hospital photos as soon as possible.
Fresh 48 photo sessions are also a beautiful way for you to have siblings meeting baby documented.
As your children meet their baby brother or sister, you can relax and take in the moment. Focus on all of your babies while I photograph their meeting.
For this session, mom helped big brother hold baby brother for the first time. Instead of entrusting her husband to capture the moment, I took photos that both documented the moment and made mom look amazing. The focus of these newborn hospital photos was on the moment, the connection.
Imagine being able to relax and be fully present, watching your babies get to know each other. Imagine weeks (or even years) later, flipping through these photographs, bringing back all those memories and feelings back. What a gift to give your children, these newborn hospital photos that show where their relationship began.
You can expect newborn hospital photos to take anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes.
These sessions are not about making you feel rushed. However, I want to get in and out so you can get back to fully relaxing and recovering. Most sessions take around a half hour. Yet, should doctors need to step in for baby’s check-up, that’s okay.
Sessions with siblings typically take a little longer.
Overall the length depends on your newborn baby, the hospital, and your family’s needs. Newborn hospital photo sessions are efficient, but not stressful.
What should you wear for hospital newborn photos?
Again, comfort is key for you, mama. You could wear the hospital gown and your newborn photos would be gorgeous. However, if you’d like to feel a little more “photo ready” consider casual and comfort.
A nursing tank and sweater or robe over top for mom looks beautiful for fresh 48 photos. For your partner, think neutral and without logos. These Goodfellow t-shirts from Target are great. My husband even wore one for our own fresh 48 when our 5th child was born.
Baby doesn’t need anything. We can capture them in their diaper, skin to skin with you. Some families love having a soft and cozy swaddle. Loulou and company are my favorites for the softest, large, stretchy swaddles for your baby. They photography beautifully too.
Here are more tips and inspiration on what to wear for your newborn hospital photos.
Your Fresh 48 photo session should be booked as early as possible.
Baby will come when baby arrives. Due to the unpredictable nature of newborn hospital photo sessions, there are only a very limited number of sessions I accept per month.
Most mothers book their fresh 48 session in the second trimester to ensure a spot. Once you are booked with me, I am “on call” from around 36 weeks. You will keep me in the loop as we approach your due date and let me know as soon as possible. (We cover all of this in-depth once you’ve booked your hospital photos).
While I have had it work out that mothers who discovered me while in the hospital, it does not always work out. So please, reach out as soon as possible to ensure your newborn baby will be photographed in the hospital beautifully.
Siblings and grandparents are both welcome for your hospital photo session.
Hospitals have different policies on the number of guests allowed. However, you’re welcome to focus on just you, your partner and baby, or include any siblings and grandparents.
The flow of your fresh 48 session would begin by focusing on you with baby, capturing all of those details. Then we’d bring in siblings to meet baby, and finally any grandparents. (Grandparents are often the one bringing big brother or sister, so it is a natural way to include them).
Grandparents will simply hold their newest grandchild while I capture your baby in their arms. It takes by 2-3 minutes and yet it leads to newborn photos treasured by all.
Finally, scroll below for a feel for what to expect from your newborn hospital photos.
Take a peek at the variety of photographs captured during this Fresh 48 session. Of course, if you have questions please contact me. I know you will love your gallery of photos. I know you will never regret having newborn hospital photos taken. However, you should feel confident and comfortable inviting anyone into your hospital room.
You can also take a peek at my Fresh 48 Portfolio before booking your session.
