Fresh 48 Photo Session Guide
Fresh 48 Photo Session Guide
Fresh 48 Photo Session Guide
Meet Your Photographer
Meet Your Photographer
Hi, I'm Ashley!
Hi, I'm Ashley!
Thank you for choosing me to photograph this very special and intimate time for you and your family! Becoming a mother is a role that will not only change you for the better, but it will mold you into someone you have never been. It's important to remember your progress along the way, so you never forget the journey you have taken to become all that your baby needs. For the new and seasoned mom, I pray that this time is magical and peaceful as you adjust to life with your newest addition. Please know that I am not only your photographer, but I am one of your biggest supporters, advocates, and friends.
I can’t wait for our time together during your upcoming fresh 48 session! A Fresh 48 session is perfect for new parents who want to have those first hours professionally and beautifully documented with their newborn baby. It’s also a great extension session to add to you in-home newborn session if you want additional images.
As the name implies, Fresh 48 sessions occur within the first 24 to 48 hours after your child is born, and the session takes place at the hospital. To help give you a better idea of what a Fresh 48 session is like and to help you prepare for your fresh 48, I've laid out a few details below. I can't wait to get you in front of my camera!
Thank you for choosing me to photograph this very special and intimate time for you and your family! Becoming a mother is a role that will not only change you for the better, but it will mold you into someone you have never been. It's important to remember your progress along the way, so you never forget the journey you have taken to become all that your baby needs. For the new and seasoned mom, I pray that this time is magical and peaceful as you adjust to life with your newest addition. Please know that I am not only your photographer, but I am one of your biggest supporters, advocates, and friends.
I can’t wait for our time together during your upcoming fresh 48 session! A Fresh 48 session is perfect for new parents who want to have those first hours professionally and beautifully documented with their newborn baby. It’s also a great extension session to add to you in-home newborn session if you want additional images.
As the name implies, Fresh 48 sessions occur within the first 24 to 48 hours after your child is born, and the session takes place at the hospital. To help give you a better idea of what a Fresh 48 session is like and to help you prepare for your fresh 48, I've laid out a few details below. I can't wait to get you in front of my camera!
What To Expect
What To Expect
What To Expect
There is nothing like the very first few minutes, hours, and days after a baby is born. For some it is magical, and for others it can be exhausting and easy to forget... and that is why Fresh 48 sessions are some of the most intimate and memorable sessions I offer. They capture the first real moments a woman and her significant other step into the role of parenthood.
So what exactly is a Fresh 48 session?
It's a brief session that takes place in the first 48 hours after a baby is born at the location of birth. It is meant to capture the first few moments of interaction between a mother, father, and potentially siblings with their newest family member.
It's raw. It's emotional. And it is absolutely amazing, even if you don't necessarily feel amazing (because, well, you just gave birth).
So what is it not?
It's not a posed session. There's no prepping for the session once baby arrives (other than ensuring you have pants on; a shirt is questionable territory if you're breastfeeding). Hospital gowns and pajamas, messy hair, puffy eyes, and diapers (for you and baby) are completely acceptable.
There is nothing like the very first few minutes, hours, and days after a baby is born. For some it is magical, and for others it can be exhausting and easy to forget... and that is why Fresh 48 sessions are some of the most intimate and memorable sessions I offer. They capture the first real moments a woman and her significant other step into the role of parenthood.
So what exactly is a Fresh 48 session?
It's a brief session that takes place in the first 48 hours after a baby is born at the location of birth. It is meant to capture the first few moments of interaction between a mother, father, and potentially siblings with their newest family member.
It's raw. It's emotional. And it is absolutely amazing, even if you don't necessarily feel amazing (because, well, you just gave birth).
So what is it not?
It's not a posed session. There's no prepping for the session once baby arrives (other than ensuring you have pants on; a shirt is questionable territory if you're breastfeeding). Hospital gowns and pajamas, messy hair, puffy eyes, and diapers (for you and baby) are completely acceptable.
Timing
Timing
Timing
Fresh 48 sessions ideally take place in the morning to allow for the best lighting and a sleepy baby. To get the most out of your session, please plan a 30 minute buffer when getting ready so you are ready before I arrive and your session can start on time. We’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together!
Timely communication is so important for Fresh 48 sessions. Because these sessions are time-sensitive and take place within a very short window, it’s the client’s responsibility to keep me updated as things progress. If your plans change or you have an estimated discharge time, I need to be notified right away so I can coordinate my schedule and make it to the hospital within that window. This helps ensure we don’t miss that sweet, once-in-a-lifetime Fresh 48 moment.
Fresh 48 sessions ideally take place in the morning to allow for the best lighting and a sleepy baby. To get the most out of your session, please plan a 30 minute buffer when getting ready so you are ready before I arrive and your session can start on time. We’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together!
Timely communication is so important for Fresh 48 sessions. Because these sessions are time-sensitive and take place within a very short window, it’s the client’s responsibility to keep me updated as things progress. If your plans change or you have an estimated discharge time, I need to be notified right away so I can coordinate my schedule and make it to the hospital within that window. This helps ensure we don’t miss that sweet, once-in-a-lifetime Fresh 48 moment.
What to Wear
What to Wear
What to Wear
I know that clothing is probably the last thing on your mind, and fortunately there aren’t really many ground rules for what to wear to a Fresh 48. Because a Fresh 48 session is intended to capture you and your family in raw moments in real time, I recommend wearing attire that is comfortable for you and true to the time you will be spending at your birth facility.
This can include a gown or pajamas for Mom and a solid colored t-shirt with jeans for Dad. For baby, I recommend a neutral tone gown or onesie with a hat or bow. I will likely utilize the standard hospital onesie, hat, and blanket as well.
Although they are not required, some items you might want to include in your session could be a muslin blanket with a solid tone or print that matches baby's nursery AND/OR a wooden or acrylic name placard to fill out with baby's stats once baby arrives.
I know that clothing is probably the last thing on your mind, and fortunately there aren’t really many ground rules for what to wear to a Fresh 48. Because a Fresh 48 session is intended to capture you and your family in raw moments in real time, I recommend wearing attire that is comfortable for you and true to the time you will be spending at your birth facility.
This can include a gown or pajamas for Mom and a solid colored t-shirt with jeans for Dad. For baby, I recommend a neutral tone gown or onesie with a hat or bow. I will likely utilize the standard hospital onesie, hat, and blanket as well.
Although they are not required, some items you might want to include in your session could be a muslin blanket with a solid tone or print that matches baby's nursery AND/OR a wooden or acrylic name placard to fill out with baby's stats once baby arrives.
Session Tips
Session Tips
Session Tips
I typically recommend scheduling Fresh 48 sessions around 9am-noon on the day following delivery. This allows for soft light from windows and is usually a good time to avoid the hustle and bustle of hospital staff rounding or performing lab work.
I do recommend notifying your nurses and visiting friends and family of the time of your session to avoid interruptions. I will do my best to stay out of the way and work around staff as needed.
Once you’ve given birth, text or call me to notify and formally schedule your session for a time within the next 48 hours. Sessions typically last anywhere from 10-30 minutes depending on your personal situation..
I typically recommend scheduling Fresh 48 sessions around 9am-noon on the day following delivery. This allows for soft light from windows and is usually a good time to avoid the hustle and bustle of hospital staff rounding or performing lab work.
I do recommend notifying your nurses and visiting friends and family of the time of your session to avoid interruptions. I will do my best to stay out of the way and work around staff as needed.
Once you’ve given birth, text or call me to notify and formally schedule your session for a time within the next 48 hours. Sessions typically last anywhere from 10-30 minutes depending on your personal situation..
What Happens if Things
Don't Go As Planned?
What Happens if Things
Don't Go As Planned?
Don't stress.
Births rarely go as planned or when planned. My job is to capture your story as it is.
I purposely leave extra availability on my schedule around your due date to accommodate unexpected delivery times.
If the health of you or your baby is in jeopardy after birth and your stay at the birth facility is extended, I will work with you to ensure my services are provided at the best time possible for you and your baby, even if your session does not take place within the first 48 hours after birth.
If your baby is sent to NICU, we can move your session for a NICU session
(if the facility allows) or a Coming Home session for when baby is discharged home.
Fresh 48 sessions are designed to take place in the hospital within the first 24–48 hours after birth. These sessions are shorter, more spontaneous, and offered at a lower rate. I understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned and if there’s a medical emergency or an unexpected situation that makes a hospital session impossible, I’ll work with you to convert your session to an in-home newborn session.
Please note: If you choose to delay or move your session for non-emergency reasons, this will not automatically convert to an in-home newborn session. In-home sessions are a separate offering with different pricing and availability.
Don't stress.
Births rarely go as planned or when planned. My job is to capture your story as it is.
I purposely leave extra availability on my schedule around your due date to accommodate unexpected delivery times.
If the health of you or your baby is in jeopardy after birth and your stay at the birth facility is extended, I will work with you to ensure my services are provided at the best time possible for you and your baby, even if your session does not take place within the first 48 hours after birth.
If your baby is sent to NICU, we can move your session for a NICU session
(if the facility allows) or a Coming Home session for when baby is discharged home.
Fresh 48 sessions are designed to take place in the hospital within the first 24–48 hours after birth. These sessions are shorter, more spontaneous, and offered at a lower rate. I understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned and if there’s a medical emergency or an unexpected situation that makes a hospital session impossible, I’ll work with you to convert your session to an in-home newborn session.
Please note: If you choose to delay or move your session for non-emergency reasons, this will not automatically convert to an in-home newborn session. In-home sessions are a separate offering with different pricing and availability.
What happens if things don't go as planned?
Figure Out Who You Want to Be There
Figure Out Who You Want to Be There
Figure Out Who You Want to Be There
Who’s present for your Fresh 48 session is completely up to you. It can just be you and baby or you, your significant other, and baby. You can incorporate your children, grandparents, godparents, or other family and friends, as well.
Inform Friends, Family, and Hospital Staff
It’s always good to have everyone on the same page for your Fresh 48 session. Give friends and family a heads up since this may influence the way they choose to dress or interact on that day.
Also, notify hospital staff that you have a professional photographer coming in. They’ll want to know what time and for how long to ensure there aren’t any staff interruptions, and likely the photographer’s name for the visitation list.
Who’s present for your Fresh 48 session is completely up to you. It can just be you and baby or you, your significant other, and baby. You can incorporate your children, grandparents, godparents, or other family and friends, as well.
Inform Friends, Family, and Hospital Staff
It’s always good to have everyone on the same page for your Fresh 48 session. Give friends and family a heads up since this may influence the way they choose to dress or interact on that day.
Also, notify hospital staff that you have a professional photographer coming in. They’ll want to know what time and for how long to ensure there aren’t any staff interruptions, and likely the photographer’s name for the visitation list.
Sibling Intros
Sibling Intros
Sibling Intros
To facilitate a smooth transition with a new baby in the household, sibling introductions at the birth facility can be an important part of the bonding process. You are welcome to make arrangements with a close friend or family member to bring brother or sister for a visit during your session time. I will guide you through communicating and arranging the perfect moment to bring them in for their special moment.
To facilitate a smooth transition with a new baby in the household, sibling introductions at the birth facility can be an important part of the bonding process. You are welcome to make arrangements with a close friend or family member to bring brother or sister for a visit during your session time. I will guide you through communicating and arranging the perfect moment to bring them in for their special moment.
Stay Connected
Stay Connected
Stay Connected
It's important for you to keep me updated with any changes to your pregnancy and delivery. Please notify me when baby arrives and keep open communication during this time. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions prior to your session.
It's important for you to keep me updated with any changes to your pregnancy and delivery. Please notify me when baby arrives and keep open communication during this time. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions prior to your session.
Album Delivery
Album Delivery
I will email you an invitation to view and download your photo gallery 2-5 days after your session.
Thank You!
Thank You!
Thank you for your attention and consideration to this guide.
I know birth can be intense. Your body and heart have just
done something incredible. You don’t need to have perfect hair,
makeup, or a special outfit for these photos to be beautiful.
These sessions are about capturing the real, raw, and
powerful love in those first hours after welcoming your baby.
This is your story exactly as it is, and it deserves to be remembered.
Fresh 48 sessions aren’t about perfection… they’re about presence.
Birth can be messy, emotional, and overwhelming, but it’s
also sacred and unforgettable. All you need to do is show up
and love on your baby, I’ll take care of the rest.
Thank you for your attention and consideration to this guide.
I know birth can be intense. Your body and heart have just
done something incredible. You don’t need to have perfect hair, makeup, or a special outfit for these photos to be beautiful. These sessions are about capturing the real, raw, and powerful love in those first hours after welcoming your baby. This is your story exactly as it is, and it deserves to be remembered.
Fresh 48 sessions aren’t about perfection… they’re about presence. Birth can be messy, emotional, and overwhelming, but it’s also sacred and unforgettable. All you need to do is show up and love on your baby, I’ll take care of the rest.
Thank you for your attention and consideration of this guide. I know birth can be intense. Your body and heart have just done something incredible. You don’t need to have perfect hair, makeup, or a special outfit for these photos to be beautiful. These sessions are about capturing the real, raw, and powerful love in those first hours after welcoming your baby. This is your story exactly as it is, and it deserves to be remembered.
Fresh 48 sessions aren’t about perfection… they’re about presence. Birth can be messy, emotional, and overwhelming, but it’s also sacred and unforgettable. All you need to do is show up and love on your baby, I’ll take care of the rest.
