How A Fresh 48 Session Works | Newborn Photography

Last spring we welcomed our second baby into our family. As I wrote my birth plan and packed my hospital bag, I reflected on my first born’s delivery and felt the reassurance that only comes with experience. I knew I could do this because I’d done it before. I also knew there were a few things I wanted to prioritize during this delivery and hospital stay. One of those things was a fresh 48 photography session.

A fresh 48 session is a photo shoot that happens within 48 hours of a baby’s birth. I almost didn’t schedule fresh 48 photos for my first baby because I didn’t really understand what they were. Luckily, Kayla walked me through it, and I can now personally attest to how precious and important newborn photography is — especially in those first few days. If you’re expecting and considering a fresh 48 session, here’s everything you need to know.

Booking a Newborn Photographer

Contact Truly Photography three to six months before your due date. Kayla only schedules a few of these sessions each month, so be sure to book far in advance. A $50 deposit is due at the time of booking and the remaining $250 is due at the time of the session. When booking, Kayla will need to know your due date and the hospital you plan to deliver at.

Baby’s Arrival

Babies are unpredictable, we understand that. Kayla will contact you about two weeks before your due date to check in, and then she’ll be on call waiting for your little one to arrive. Don’t forget to assign someone to contact your photographer when the baby is born. Once you’re in labor, coordinating with your photographer will be the last things on your mind, but it should be on someone else’s. Make sure that someone also knows to relay key details like which hospital you’re at, what room you’re in, and any security codes needed to enter the hospital.

What Happens During A Fresh 48 Session

Fresh 48 photos typically happen sometime during the second day of your hospital stay. The goal of the session is to capture those first magical moments with your baby. That means Kayla will photograph little details like your hospital room, your baby’s name card in her bassinet, but for the most part expect pictures of you simply loving your baby.

If there are family members you want included in these photos make sure they are close by, because these sessions usually only last about 30 minutes. If there’s a certain outfit, blanket, bow, etc. that you want included in the pictures have it ready as well.

What Happens Next

You will have your full digital gallery within 24 hours of your session. Enjoy your pictures, share them with friends and family, and then make sure you book a full newborn photography session — photos that feature you and your family within the first three months of your baby’s life usually at home or in a studio.

We’d LOVE to work with you and your family. Contact us to book your fresh 48 and newborn photos! To view more of our portfolio, follow us on Instagram.