Why Fresh 48 Photography Matters
Welcoming a new baby into the world is a whirlwind of emotions—joy, awe, and a touch of exhaustion. For families who want to preserve these fleeting first hours, Fresh 48 Photography offers a unique and heartfelt way to capture the magic. Held within the first day or so after birth, these sessions freeze those early moments in time: your baby’s tiny fingers, their first yawns, and the tender glances exchanged in the hospital room.
Back in April, I had the privilege of documenting a Fresh 48 session at Fairview Southdale for a sweet baby boy and his family. Having worked with them before for their daughter’s Fresh 48 and in-home newborn sessions, it was a joy to be part of their story once again. In this post, we’ll explore what makes Fresh 48 Photography so special, how it differs from traditional newborn sessions, and why it’s worth considering for your family.
What Is Fresh 48 Photography?
Fresh 48 Photography is a style of newborn photography that takes place within the first 24-48 hours of your baby’s life—before you’ve even left the hospital. Unlike traditional newborn sessions, which are typically done weeks later in a studio or at home, these sessions focus on the raw, unfiltered beauty of those first hours.
While the name “Fresh 48” suggests a two-day window, many sessions now happen within the first 24 hours. This change reflects the shorter hospital stays many families experience, with most discharged within 24 hours of a vaginal birth and around 48 hours for a C-section. By scheduling these sessions so soon after birth, we can preserve those first, fleeting moments: your baby’s tiny features, their first yawns, and the quiet intimacy of your time in the hospital.
Think of it as a documentary-style approach—no elaborate props, no studio lighting. It’s all about capturing the authentic connection between you and your baby. Whether it’s their first feeding, the tender embrace of skin-to-skin time, or the unforgettable moment when siblings meet for the first time, these sessions are filled with memories you’ll cherish forever.
Fresh 48 Photography Sessions at Fairview Southdale
As one of the most common locations for my Fresh 48 sessions in Minneapolis, Fairview Southdale provides a familiar setting for capturing those early moments of your baby’s life. While every hospital room has its unique characteristics, the focus of these sessions is less about the setting and more about preserving the authentic, emotional connections between you and your family.
In the session I photographed in April, the morning light softly illuminated the room, creating the perfect atmosphere for natural, timeless images. The goal of Fresh 48 Photography is to document these fleeting first hours—your baby’s tiny details, your first moments together, and even those sweet sibling introductions—all in a way that feels real and heartfelt.
Whether you’re delivering at Fairview Southdale or another Minneapolis hospital, these sessions are designed to capture your baby’s first chapter in a beautiful, meaningful way.
Fresh 48 vs. In-Home Newborn Sessions: Key Differences
If you’re wondering whether to book a Fresh 48 session or wait for an in-home newborn session, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
- Timing: Fresh 48 Photography happens within the first day or so after birth, while in-home newborn sessions are typically scheduled 1-3 weeks later. The flexibility of an in-home session allows families to settle in and recover from the whirlwind of delivery.
- Style: Both Fresh 48 and in-home newborn sessions focus on a lifestyle approach—no elaborate props or heavy posing. Fresh 48 sessions capture raw, candid moments in the hospital, like first feedings or skin-to-skin snuggles. In-home sessions, on the other hand, offer the opportunity to photograph your family in a familiar space and highlight personal touches, like the baby’s nursery.
- Environment: Fresh 48 sessions document your baby’s first surroundings in the hospital, preserving the unique emotions of those early hours. In-home sessions take place in the comfort of your home, offering a relaxed environment with no rush. It’s also a great time to include family heirlooms or showcase the special spaces you’ve created for your little one.
Many families opt for both sessions to create a complete story of their baby’s first chapter. A Fresh 48 session captures the excitement and emotion of the first few hours, while an in-home session provides a chance to focus on the quieter, intimate moments of life after settling in.
How to Book Your Fresh 48 Photography Session
Booking your Fresh 48 session is easy! Here’s how my process works to ensure everything goes smoothly:
- Reach Out Early: It’s best to contact me during your second trimester to secure your session. I’ll note your due date on my calendar and plan to be on-call around that time.
- Keep in Touch: Once your baby arrives, simply send me a text or email as soon as possible. Fresh 48 Photography sessions require quick scheduling, so the sooner I know, the better!
- What to Expect: I’ll arrive at the hospital within 24 hours of your baby’s birth. Sessions are typically 45-60 minutes long and focus on capturing the natural connection between you and your baby. No need to worry about props or fancy outfits—I’ll guide you every step of the way.
For families delivering at Fairview Southdale or other Minneapolis hospitals, I’m happy to accommodate your schedule and ensure your Fresh 48 session is stress-free.
Tips for Your Fresh 48 Photography Session
To make the most of your session, here are a few tips:
- Stay Comfortable: Fresh 48 sessions are all about keeping things natural, so wear something comfortable and timeless. Soft neutrals and simple designs photograph beautifully.
- Plan for Siblings: While siblings are always welcome, I recommend including them toward the end of the session. This allows us to focus on capturing meaningful moments between the baby and parents first, without any distractions. Since it’s hard to predict how a sibling will react to the new baby, having someone available to watch them and bring them in at the end of the session is ideal. That said, you shouldn’t feel obligated to bring siblings along—it’s also a wonderful opportunity for bonding with your new baby alone. There will be plenty of other chances to incorporate sibling photos later.
- Embrace the Realness: Your baby’s wrinkled skin, hospital bassinet, and even the occasional cry are all part of the story. These raw moments are what make Fresh 48 Photography so meaningful.
Capturing Your Family’s First Chapter
Fresh 48 Photography is a beautiful way to document your baby’s earliest hours, preserving the magic of those fleeting first moments. Whether you’re welcoming your first child or your fifth, these sessions offer an intimate, authentic glimpse into life’s most precious chapter.
If you’re delivering at Fairview Southdale or anywhere in the Minneapolis area, I’d love to help you tell your family’s story through Fresh 48 Photography. Ready to book your session or have questions about the process? Leave a comment below—I’d be thrilled to hear from you!
Michele is a Minneapolis-based newborn and family photographer with over 15 years of experience capturing life’s most cherished moments. She specializes in Fresh 48 Photography, a style that documents the raw, emotional beauty of a baby’s earliest hours. As a mother herself, Michele understands how fleeting these moments are and is dedicated to preserving them in timeless, heartfelt images.
With extensive experience photographing Fresh 48 sessions at hospitals like Fairview Southdale, Michele has a knack for creating a calm, stress-free environment while capturing authentic and meaningful connections. Whether it’s a family’s first child or their fifth, she brings a personal, storytelling approach to every session.
When she’s not behind the camera, Michele enjoys helping busy moms simplify life and indulging in her love of movies. She looks forward to working with families to create images they’ll treasure for years to come.
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