Welcoming a new life into the world is a moment filled with profound joy, wonder, and a touch of nervous anticipation. One of the best ways to preserve these early moments is through a Fresh 48 photo session. These sessions take place within the first 24-48 hours of a baby's life, capturing those initial interactions, emotions, and fleeting details that quickly change as days go by. Last October, I had the privilege of conducting a Minneapolis Fresh 48 session at Fairview Southdale Hospital for a lovely family welcoming their first baby—a beautiful and alert baby boy. This session was incredibly special, and I’m excited to share the experience with you.
What is a Fresh 48 Photo Session?
A Fresh 48 photo session is a unique and intimate photography session designed to capture the earliest moments of a newborn's life. Unlike traditional newborn sessions that may take place weeks after birth, Fresh 48 sessions focus on the raw, unfiltered emotions and natural interactions occurring within the first two days. These sessions are invaluable because they capture the baby's first yawns, the parents' initial bonds, and the newborn’s early expressions—moments that quickly become precious memories.
The immediacy of these sessions means they need to be planned well in advance. Due to their growing popularity and the busy schedules of both parents and photographers, it’s crucial to book these sessions early. This ensures that the photographer can be on standby around the baby’s due date and ready to capture these irreplaceable moments as soon as the baby arrives.
A Fresh 48 Photo Session Experience
This Minneapolis Fresh 48 session at Fairview Southdale Hospital was a beautiful blend of tenderness and joy. The room was filled with an atmosphere of quiet excitement and love as the new parents gazed at their baby boy with wide-eyed wonder. The little one was quite alert, giving us the chance to capture his bright eyes and tiny movements in stunning detail.
During the session, the mother took a break to nurse her baby, providing a perfect opportunity to capture some intimate nursing photos. These moments highlighted the natural bond and nurturing connection between mother and child, creating images that the family will cherish forever. The father, equally enchanted, shared moments of quiet awe as he held his son, his eyes filled with love and pride.
Professional Tips for Fresh 48 Sessions
When planning a Fresh 48 session, early scheduling is essential. Reach out to your photographer well in advance of your due date to secure your session. Keeping in touch as the big day approaches helps ensure that everything goes smoothly.
The beauty of Fresh 48 sessions lies in their simplicity. Unlike more stylized newborn photo sessions that may involve props and elaborate setups, these sessions make use of the natural setting and hospital-provided items like onesies and swaddle blankets. This minimalistic approach keeps the focus on the newborn and the genuine interactions with their parents.
As a professional photographer, I find Fresh 48 sessions to be incredibly special because of their raw, unposed nature. They differ from other newborn photography sessions by emphasizing real-life moments and emotions. Each session is a heartfelt documentation of a family’s first hours together, a narrative of love, awe, and the beginning of a new chapter.
Client Testimonial
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is hearing how much my clients appreciate the captured moments. Here’s a heartfelt quote from the family of the Minneapolis Fresh 48 session at Fairview Southdale Hospital:
"We LOVE the photos you took! My husband and I cried when we looked through the gallery because they were so wonderful! Sometimes late at night, I scroll through them while nursing and compare how little he was then to how big he is now, and I couldn’t be more thankful that you were able to capture our baby and us in those first few days! Thank you thank you!!" - Dani C
This testimonial perfectly encapsulates the emotional impact and lasting value of a Fresh 48 session. It’s these moments and reactions that make my work as a photographer so fulfilling.
If you are expecting a new addition to your family, consider scheduling a Fresh 48 session to capture those irreplaceable first moments. The memories of your baby’s first hours are fleeting but immensely precious, and a Fresh 48 session ensures that you can relive them through beautiful, heartfelt photographs.
To schedule your Minneapolis Fresh 48 session or to learn more about what these sessions entail, please contact me. I look forward to helping you capture these incredible moments and creating lasting memories for your family. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions or if you’d like to share your own experiences with Fresh 48 sessions.
Further Reading:
Must have photos for a Fresh 48
Why photographers charge what they do
Cute Baby Outfits for Photos
Michele, an experienced family portrait photographer serving North Oaks and Minneapolis, MN, specializes in capturing the precious moments of families and their newborns. Operating both on location and from her studio in Minneapolis, mQn Photography offers a luxurious experience for clients in the Twin Cities area. Michele's expertise lies in lifestyle photography, focusing on maternity, newborn, baby, and motherhood. Clients have access to a studio wardrobe for both on-location and studio sessions, ensuring a seamless and stylish experience. As a member of PPA (Professional Photographers of America), Michele brings professionalism and dedication to every photo session.
3 Comments
May 21, 2024, 3:16:51 PM
Alison Bell - I so so love this sweet time right after delivery! Tricky making mama feel comfortable and confident too!
May 20, 2024, 9:25:49 AM
Molly - What a gift for this family...beautiful work, Michele!
May 19, 2024, 7:44:27 PM
Aleah Gregory - Your work is so beautiful! I love the simplicity of fresh 48s. I'm sure this family will cherish these first photos of their baby.