This post will give you a quick rundown on how to prepare for your Fresh 48 session!
The best part is, there is not much at all you need to do to prepare for your session!
If you hire me as your Fresh 48 photographer, I consider myself “on-call” when you reach 37 weeks. This means I will do whatever I need to rearrange my schedule to get there for your Fresh 48 session before you are discharged from the hospital.
Your session will take place at the hospital when your baby is 12-18+ hours old. I like to give Mom and baby some time to rest and recover before I arrive for photos. I usually schedule for the morning or early afternoon the day after you have your baby. And typically, if we plan the session for the day after the baby is born, there is a smaller chance of our session being interrupted by hospital staff.
However, it is not a problem at all if we do get interrupted during our session! I never want to interfere with the hospital staff, so if a Doctor or nurse pops in the room while I am there, that is more than ok! I am more than happy to pause until they are done with what they need to do for Mom or baby.
When I do a Fresh 48 session, I shoot a mix of photos of baby alone, with each parent, and all of you together. I am more than happy to include siblings, and I can even try to plan to be there when they arrive to meet the baby for the very first time!
The session will be totally relaxed and laid back. I prefer most of the images to have mom and dad snuggling baby and looking at baby rather than feeling like you have to pose or look into the camera the whole time. (although I always get a few of those shots too!)
Here are a few tips to prepare for your Fresh 48 Hospital Session:
- For Mom:
-a cute robe and/or nightgown - For Baby:
-a couple of swaddles/blankets (I also like to get a couple of photos with the hospital receiving blanket)
-onesies, sleepers, and/or sleeping gowns. Feel free to pack a few things! I am happy to do outfit changes. And I am fine with prints and or solids and in any colors! It’s about what you like and what you want to see your baby in!
-anything else you want to have baby photographed with, like a special knit blanket, hat, or headband. Some parents also like to have a name tag or birth announcement plaque/sign (you can find cute ones on Etsy!) - For your partner:
-Sometimes your partner may not get a chance to go home and only have the shirt they wore to the hospital, so pack something for them. Just avoid bold, bright colors like red, orange, or green. - For older siblings: If you want to plan ahead, you can pack an outfit for them, or lay something out at home before you leave for the hospital.
When to contact me:
I ask that you please text when you are in early labor so I know that your baby is coming and I can clear my schedule. Please text me again soon after your baby is born so we can schedule your session at the hospital. We will settle on a time that is best for you, baby, and the rest of the family.
Otherwise, there is not much you have to worry about! I promise your session will be easy and relaxing, and we will take a break if baby needs to be fed or if a nurse pops into the room for something!
Have a look at my Fresh 48 gallery to get an idea of what your session will be like!
Have more questions? Concerns?
Please get in touch to ask me anything!
Are you on Instagram? I’d love to connect with you there!
~All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography ~
Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in lifestyle and documentary family, newborn and Fresh 48 photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over ten years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in the Regent Square, Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, Greentree, Point Breeze and Highland Park. Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!
