What is a Fresh 48 Newborn Session?

A fresh 48 session is a newborn session that is conducted in your post-partum recovery room of your hospital. These sessions are traditionally conducted within the first 48 hours (but sometimes up to 72 depending on the nature of the birth) of life. These types of newborn photography sessions are more documentary and relaxed in nature with a focus on the tiny, wrinkly newness of your new baby. There is a sense of wonder and amazement that is captured as families are just getting familiarized with their baby for the very first time, without all the noise and responsibilities of the outside world.

What are the benefits of booking fresh 48 sessions in Boston versus traditional in-home sessions?

Fresh 48 newborn sessions are a great alternative to in-home newborn sessions, but can also be booked in addition to them. They are more raw, emotional, and documentary than in-home newborn sessions. There’s no worry about making sure your house is clean or you have perfect, coordinated outfits. Most clients embrace the hospital gown, pajamas, or sweatpants. Newborns are typically in just a diaper or a traditional hospital swaddling blanket. This relaxed approach in the cocoon of being post-partum and still in the hospital lets the session focus on what’s most important. You meeting your baby for the very first time. Your baby realizing that they are outside the womb. Those tiny, wrinkly details that so quickly fade away in the first couple weeks.

Choosing the right Fresh 48 Photographer

Choosing the right photographer for fresh 48 sessions in Boston can seem like a daunting task. Right after birth is a vulnerable time for most people and you want someone who is caring, professional, and warm. Hospital rooms are also not the epitome of beauty! You want a photographer who has an eye for capturing the beautiful rawness of these moments amidst what sometimes can be “ugly chaos”. Checking with potential photographers about their availability is also important. Most fresh 48 sessions cannot be planned out in advance (unless you have a scheduled birth), so flexibility is key. Ask about any travel planned before and right after your estimated due date and what the plan is if the fresh 48 session is unable to happen.

What Restrictions Do Clients Need to be Aware of at Boston Hospitals?

Boston hospitals are generally very good about allowing Fresh 48 sessions. They do usually restrict them to normal visitor hours which tend to be afternoon. This is something to think about if you have a big sibling who you were hoping to have join the session if they still take afternoon naps! During covid, some hospitals restricted allowing photographers into the rooms, but that hasn’t been the case since. I have personally photographed sessions at Mass General, Brigham + Women’s, Mount Auburn, Newton Wellesley, and Beth Israel and they’ve all been wonderful and welcoming.

When is the right time to book Fresh 48 sessions in Boston?

Honestly, the sooner, the better! But you can truly book them at any point during your pregnancy. Sooner tends to be better because the timing is unknown and the more time photographers have to plan, the better. Generally speaking, we have to block off several dates around your potential due date, and ensure we are in town (and have childcare and a back-up photographer) for a few weeks surrounding the date. My recommendation would be around 6 months pregnant.

What Should Clients Prepare for their Fresh 48 Photography Session?

The nice thing about such a relaxed session outside of your home is that there isn’t a whole lot you need to do to prepare. Here’s what I recommend adding to your hospital bag so that you are ready to go:

• A nice pair of pajamas, or leggings and a top, or a robe that the recovering mama feels comfortable wearing. If you’re planning on breastfeeding, something that you can easily do so in is ideal!
• A nice pair of joggers and a plain tee or sweater for the partner.
• You don’t *need* to bring anything for baby, but if you prefer clothes versus the classic diaper or hospital white shirt, pack a newborn sized outfit without words or graphics.
• Optional accessories: cute hat, swaddling blanket, headband, name plate, small stuffed animal, cute pacifier.

What to expect during your Fresh 48 Photo Session

My fresh 48 photo sessions generally last between 45 minutes and one hour. We spend the time snuggling baby near the window, on the hospital bed, and utilizing the chair or couch provided. I spend time taking photos of just your baby in the hospital bassinet or on the bed to ensure we capture all their tiny details. You’ll also find photos of each parent and baby individually, as well as photos of the family as a whole. If a sibling or grandparent is involved in the session, we will also include those combinations. Each of my fresh 48 photo galleries is around 75-100 total images.

Have I convinced you yet? If so, reach out and let’s get your baby’s fresh 48 newborn photo session on the books!