What to Expect During Your Fresh 48 Photo Session

Fresh 48 Newborn Photography | Hospital and Home, Cary, NC

This post is part of my extended blog series to answer several of the questions many people have about newborn photography. Today, I’ll be focusing on what you can expect during your Fresh 48 Photo Session in Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, or Raleigh, North Carolina. Find links to read more from this FAQ series below.

Fresh 48 Newborn Photography is probably my very favorite type of photo session, which is why I include it complimentary with both my Essential and Timeless Photo Collections for Newborn Photo Sessions, and why I also offer it as a stand-alone photo session, for families who want only a Fresh 48 Photo Shoot. It’s such a joy to witness the love and emotion that surround your baby’s first days, as everyone focuses on getting to know your little one. But how does the timing work? And what can you expect during your baby’s Fresh 48 Photography session?

What to Expect: Fresh 48 Photo Session

After your Fresh 48 and Newborn Photography Sessions with SMA Photography are booked, it’s just a waiting game until your sweet baby’s birth and Fresh 48 Newborn Photo Session!

Once your baby arrives, the next step in the process is for you to get in touch with me to share the good news.

It’s so important for you to spend that first 1-2 hours bonding with your baby, so I typically recommend you or your husband text me when your baby is 2-4 hours old or before you settle in to get some rest after your labor and delivery.

I’ll respond with a couple of options for days and times for your Fresh 48 Newborn Photo Session within the 12-48 hour range of your baby’s birth, and we’ll agree on a time that works well for you and your needs.

These 1 hour photo sessions are always held during daylight hours to take advantage of beautiful natural light. They’re also scheduled with an effort to give you time to take a shower, put on makeup (if you’d like), and feel a little more yourself.

(Check out tips on What to Wear during your Fresh 48 Photo Session)

On the day of your Fresh 48 Photo Session for your newborn baby, I’ll arrive at your hospital room - or your home, if you give birth at home or the birth center - with my camera in my bag. I’ll first take some time to meet anyone I haven’t met yet, whether that’s your husband or older children, and especially your newborn baby.

During your baby’s hour long Fresh 48 Newborn Photo Session, I’ll capture photos (and video) of your baby in the bassinet, in your arms, with your husband, with your baby’s siblings, and combinations of all of the above.

In some of the photos, your baby will be wrapped in a blanket, and in others, I’ll capture details like her hands and feet.

I like for these photo sessions to be as natural and organic, as possible. This means that I’ll encourage you to talk to, comfort, and take care of your baby in the way you normally would - in the way that feels right for you.

It is my job to create beautiful photos within this context, and I will be sure to include everyone, as well as shots of just your baby, during our time together.

(Check out our Newborn Video FAQ)

At the end of your baby’s Fresh 48 Newborn Photo Session, we’ll set the date and time that works well for your for your baby’s Newborn Photography Session at home. This photo session typically occurs about a week after your Fresh 48.

After both sets of photos have been edited, I’ll return to share everything with you at your home.

The first few hours of your baby’s life are magical. Holding your newborn and getting to know her feels incredible and all-encompassing. This is what I’m capturing with my camera, in addition to all of the fleeting newborn details. I truly can’t wait for your Newborn Fresh 48 Photo Session.

*If you know you don’t wish to include any photos of breastfeeding in your gallery, I’d ask that you try to feed your baby about an hour before your Fresh 48 Photo Session begins.


More Newborn FAQ blog posts…

SMA Photography with Stacey Adams specializes in Fresh 48 and Newborn Photography in Cary, North Carolina. Stacey has been a professional lifestyle photographer since 2015. Her natural light newborn, maternity, and family photos have been recognized online and in print for excellence. Learn more about scheduling your newborn photo session with SMA Photography.