When Plans Change, Memories Still Matter
When parents plan a Fresh 48 session, they envision capturing those fleeting first hours of their baby’s life—those tiny fingers, sleepy yawns, and the raw, beautiful moments of becoming a family. However, birth rarely follows a perfect plan, and sometimes, unexpected circumstances mean adjusting expectations.
That was the case with a family I photographed last April. Originally, they had scheduled a Fresh 48 session at Fairview Southdale Hospital, but when their baby needed extra medical attention and was admitted to the NICU, we had to pivot. Instead of capturing those early hospital bonding moments in a sunlit postpartum room, we found ourselves navigating the unique challenges of a NICU session.
As a hospital photographer in Minneapolis, I’ve learned that flexibility is key. Whether it’s adapting to low light conditions or capturing emotions in a more clinical setting, my goal remains the same—creating meaningful images that tell the family’s story. In this post, I’ll discuss the differences between Fresh 48 and NICU sessions, how I worked around the lighting challenges, and why these sessions are just as important, if not more so, for families navigating an unexpected hospital stay.
The Difference Between Fresh 48 and NICU Sessions
Fresh 48 sessions are all about capturing those first interactions—parents marveling at their baby, siblings meeting for the first time, and the joy of welcoming a newborn into the world. These sessions typically take place in the postpartum room within 24-48 hours after birth. The lighting is often soft and natural, and the baby is usually swaddled in the standard hospital blanket, resting peacefully in a bassinet.
NICU sessions, on the other hand, have a completely different feel. Babies in the NICU may be in isolettes, hooked up to monitors, or receiving special care from nurses. Parents may not be able to hold their baby freely, and there’s often a mix of emotions—relief that their little one is receiving the care they need, but also stress and uncertainty.
For this session, my focus shifted. Instead of the cozy, intimate moments of a Fresh 48, I was capturing strength, resilience, and the deep bond between the parents and their baby despite the hospital setting. Every touch, every glance, and every moment of connection mattered even more.
Adapting to a NICU Setting: Navigating the Lack of Natural Light
One of the biggest challenges of this NICU session was the lack of natural light. As a photographer who typically relies on soft window light to create bright, airy images, this was a disappointment. The NICU environment had fluorescent overhead lighting, which can often cast harsh shadows and create an unnatural color tone in photos.
To adapt, I made a few key adjustments:
- Using Available Light Creatively – Instead of fighting against the hospital lighting, I worked with it. I positioned myself to make use of the softer, indirect light from nearby monitors and machines, avoiding direct overhead lighting whenever possible.
- Adjusting Camera Settings – I used a wider aperture and a higher ISO to compensate for the dim environment, ensuring that I could still capture clear, sharp images without relying on a flash.
- Embracing Black and White Photography – Some moments simply translated better in black and white. By removing color distractions, black and white images emphasized emotion, contrast, and depth, making the focus entirely on the connection between the parents and their baby.
- Focusing on Details – In a NICU session, tiny details tell the story. I captured close-ups of the baby’s hand grasping a parent’s finger, the soft touch of a mother’s hand on her baby’s head, and the way the father leaned in to speak softly to his little one. These moments, though small, spoke volumes.
The Emotional Impact of NICU Sessions
A NICU session is about so much more than just taking photos—it’s about documenting a baby’s first chapter, no matter how unexpected. Parents in the NICU are often experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, and having these moments captured can be incredibly meaningful.
In this session, I could see the love and strength between the parents as they sat beside their baby. They held hands, exchanged reassuring glances, and found joy in the smallest victories—like their baby opening their eyes or responding to their voices. These are the moments that remind parents just how strong they are and how much love surrounds their child.
For families who spend time in the NICU, these photos serve as a reminder of how far their baby has come. They mark the beginning of a journey—one that may have started with uncertainty but is always filled with love.
From Hospital to Home: Continuing the Story
After their baby was discharged from the hospital, I had the honor of photographing their newborn session at home. This session had an entirely different feel—calm, cozy, and full of the warmth that comes with finally being home. The parents could relax, the baby was more alert, and they could truly settle into their new roles.
I’ll be sharing more about that newborn session in an upcoming blog post, but what I loved most was how these two sessions worked together to tell a complete story. The NICU session documented the beginning—a time of uncertainty but also deep love and resilience. The newborn session captured the next chapter—a family, finally home together.
Why Hospital Photography in Minneapolis Matters
Whether it’s a Fresh 48 session or a NICU session, hospital photography in Minneapolis is about more than just capturing images—it’s about preserving memories, no matter the circumstances. Every birth story is unique, and sometimes, the most unexpected moments become the most meaningful.
If you’re considering a hospital session, whether for a Fresh 48 or NICU experience, know that these photos will become part of your child’s story—a story of love, strength, and the journey of bringing them home.
For families currently navigating a NICU stay, having access to the right resources can make all the difference. Learn more about NICU services at Fairview Southdale Hospital and how they support newborns and their families during their hospital journey.
Have you experienced a NICU stay with your little one? I’d love to hear from you in the comments. What moments stood out to you the most during that time?
Michele is a professional family and newborn photographer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with over 15 years of experience capturing timeless and heartfelt moments. Known for her expertise in hospital photography in Minneapolis, she provides families with beautifully documented Fresh 48 and NICU sessions, ensuring that even the most unexpected beginnings are preserved with care and emotion.
With a natural and adaptable approach, Michele specializes in working within hospital settings, skillfully handling low-light environments and the unique challenges of NICU photography. Whether capturing a baby's first hours in the hospital or the tender moments of a family finally bringing their newborn home, her goal is to create images that tell a story of love, resilience, and connection.
Beyond hospital sessions, Michele offers in-studio and on-location newborn, maternity, and family photography, helping families create tangible memories through her thoughtfully curated heirloom products.
When she’s not behind the camera, Michele enjoys helping busy parents simplify their routines with family-friendly meal ideas, curating a stunning studio wardrobe for her clients, and staying connected with the Minneapolis parenting community.
For more information about Fresh 48, NICU, and newborn photography sessions in Minneapolis, get in touch below.
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