Why Fresh 48 Sessions Are So Special
There’s something truly magical about those first couple of days after welcoming a new baby into the world. The tiny fingers, the sleepy yawns, and that overwhelming feeling of love—it all changes so quickly. That’s exactly why hospital newborn photography in the Twin Cities has become such a cherished option for new parents.
I recently had the joy of photographing a Fresh 48 session for a beautiful family at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. Mom, dad, big sister, and their brand-new baby girl gathered in their hospital room to soak in these precious first moments together. For them, this session was extra special because they didn’t get many photos of their firstborn in the hospital, and they didn’t want to miss out this time around.
Big sister, just glowing with excitement, kept referring to her baby sister as “her baby,” and if that isn’t the sweetest thing, I don’t know what is! With the soft natural light pouring through the hospital room windows and the family cuddled together in cozy, neutral-toned outfits, this session was everything a Fresh 48 should be—simple, heartfelt, and full of love.
If you’ve ever wondered what a Fresh 48 session is, why families love them, and how they compare to traditional newborn photography, keep reading!
What Is a Fresh 48 Session?
A Fresh 48 session is a special type of newborn photography that takes place within the first 48 hours after birth, usually in the hospital. Unlike traditional newborn sessions that take place at home or in a studio a few weeks later, Fresh 48 sessions are all about capturing those first raw, emotional, and fleeting moments.
No props, no elaborate setups—just your new baby, your family, and the love in the room. These sessions highlight the wrinkly newborn skin, the hospital bassinet, the way your baby curls up in a swaddle, and those first interactions between siblings and parents.
For this session, the baby was wrapped in classic hospital blankets, her tiny face still showing those brand-new newborn features. The family opted for light, neutral tones, which added to the soft and timeless feel of the photos. Mom wore a blue floral robe, dad kept it simple with a gray tee, and big sister looked absolutely adorable in a delicate pink dress.
If you’re thinking about capturing your baby’s first moments in the hospital, hospital newborn photography in the Twin Cities might be just what you’re looking for!
Why Families Love Fresh 48 Sessions
There are so many reasons families choose Fresh 48 sessions, but one of the biggest is that newborns change fast. Even just a day or two later, parents are amazed at how different their baby looks.
This was something this sweet family noticed immediately. They shared that even a day later, their baby’s face already looked different to them. That’s exactly why Fresh 48 sessions matter—you’re preserving a moment in time that will never look exactly the same again.
Other reasons families love Fresh 48 sessions:
- No stress of getting the house ready – Newborn life can be overwhelming, and the last thing you want to worry about is tidying up your home before a photographer arrives.
- Perfect for small spaces – This family mentioned they live in a small space, and a hospital session was a great alternative to a full in-home shoot.
- Capturing sibling introductions – There’s nothing quite like seeing a big sibling meet their baby brother or sister for the first time!
- Authentic, real-life moments – These sessions aren’t about perfect posing—they’re about capturing genuine emotions and connection.
Thinking about booking your own Fresh 48 session? I promise you won’t regret it!
Fresh 48 vs. Traditional Newborn Photography: What’s the Difference?
One of the most common questions I get from parents is, How is a Fresh 48 session different from a traditional newborn session?
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Fresh 48 Session | Traditional Newborn Session |
|---|---|
| Done in the hospital within the first 48 hours | Typically done at home or in a studio at 1-3 weeks old |
| Natural, documentary-style photography | Baby led posing with me in soft blankets & wraps |
| Captures raw, unfiltered moments | Focuses on styled and polished newborn portraits |
| Includes family interactions, hospital setting. | Features baby solo portraits, classic newborn setups |
Both options are beautiful in their own way, but hospital newborn photography in the Twin Cities is perfect for those who want to remember the very first moments of their baby’s life in a simple and heartfelt way.
The Magic of This Fresh 48 Session
This session had everything I love about Fresh 48 photography—natural light, cozy snuggles, and a family completely wrapped up in the magic of their new baby.
Big sister was absolutely smitten, standing close to the hospital bassinet and gently reaching out to touch her baby sister’s hand. Mom and dad looked on with that unmistakable mix of exhaustion and joy. It’s these real, unscripted moments that make Fresh 48 photography so special.
Another sweet touch? The parents followed a tip from my Fresh 48 session guide and made sure the hospital room was warm for baby’s comfort. They also ensured she was fed right before the session, which made for a relaxed and happy baby.
It was such a privilege to document this moment for them, especially knowing how much they wished they had similar photos of their firstborn. Now, they’ll always have these memories to look back on—their daughter’s tiny newborn features, those early family snuggles, and the way big sister proudly claimed the new baby as “hers.”
Let’s Capture Your Baby’s First Moments Together
If you’re expecting and wondering if a Fresh 48 session is right for you, I’d love to chat! These sessions are such a beautiful way to document the first hours of your baby’s life—before they even leave the hospital, before the exhaustion of newborn life fully sets in, and before those tiny details start to change.
Interested in booking your own hospital newborn photography session in the Twin Cities? Reach out and learn more!
And if you’ve had a Fresh 48 session before, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What was your favorite part about it? Drop a comment below and share your experience!
Michele is a professional newborn and family photographer based in the Twin Cities, specializing in hospital newborn photography and timeless lifestyle portraits. With over 15 years of experience, she is known for her natural and heartfelt approach, capturing the beauty of early family moments in a way that feels authentic and effortless.
Michele offers Fresh 48 sessions at hospitals across Minneapolis and St. Paul, providing parents with a way to document their baby’s first hours in the world—from those tiny newborn features to the first interactions between siblings. Her warm and relaxed style allows families to simply enjoy the moment while she preserves the memories.
When she’s not behind the camera, Michele is busy curating her studio wardrobe, helping families create meaningful artwork for their homes, and making sure parents feel supported and at ease throughout the photography experience.
Learn more about her work or inquire about a Fresh 48 session.
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