I often have parents reach out that are trying to decide between a Fresh 48 photography session or a posed studio session. Since it is a popular question I get, I wanted to take a few minutes to explain what each session involves. That way parents can decide which is the best fit for their growing family. I’m excited to jump into the discussion about two distinct but equally beautiful styles of newborn photography: the Fresh 48 session and the Posed Studio Newborn session.

The Magic of First Moments | Fresh 48

The Fresh 48 session in the hospital is a unique and heartwarming approach to newborn photography, capturing the emotional and genuine moments that unfold within the first 48 hours of a baby’s life. These sessions take place right in the hospital, embracing the authenticity of the newborn experience. Hospital bassinets, ID bracelets, cute hospital hats, mixed with the joy of your new family members first hours of life.

Embracing Authenticity | Fresh 48

Fresh 48 sessions thrive on authenticity. In the hospital environment, emotions are raw, and the atmosphere is charged with the magic of new life and beginnings. I love being able to capture the tenderness as parents bond with their newborn, big siblings are introduced, grandparents hold the baby for the first time that promotes them to grandparents, and more.  Fresh 48 sessions  celebrate the emotions and moments families experience in those first hours together in a hospital room.

Natural Light and Setting | Fresh 48

Hospitals often provide lots of natural light, creating a soft and bright ambiance for the photographs. The background of a Fresh 48 session is not staged; instead, it consists of the hospital room, the traditional clear plastic hospital bassinet, clean white hospital bedding, and the sweet hats baby’s get after birth. This simplicity adds to the charm and authenticity of the images and lets the connection and love in your family shine. They capture exactly what life was like for your family as you welcomed your newest member.

Storytelling Through Details | Fresh 48

Fresh 48 sessions shine in storytelling through little details. From the tiny baby fingers and toes to the hospital bracelet with the baby’s name, every detail builds a visual narrative that tells the special story of the baby’s first moments in your family.

Capturing Sibling and Family Moments | Fresh 48

One of the significant advantages of Fresh 48 sessions is the opportunity to capture the entire family’s reactions and interactions with the newborn while emotions are raw. Siblings meeting their new brother or sister, grandparents expressing their joy – these moments are precious and unscripted that can be captured in a Fresh 48 session.  Families often time the session to capture big moments, like siblings or grandparents meeting baby for the first time.

Posed Studio Newborn Photography

Almost a complete 180 is a Posed Studio Newborn Photography.  These sessions offer a completely different feel and final product, but just as special and beautiful. These sessions take place in my studio, allowing for a more controlled and artistic approach to capturing the baby’s first few weeks of life. Let’s explore the unique features of this style:

Artistic Prowess and Creative Control | Posed Studio Newborn Photography

In a studio setting the family and I have complete control over the lighting, props, and background, allowing for a more artistic and stylized approach. Posed studio sessions include all of my adorable props like soft blankets, baskets, and cute outfits to create visually stunning images. While I keep props minimal, to keep focus on baby, props add a personal touch to the images.  From certain colors or heirloom items like a family blanket or toy, you can personalize studio sessions more than a Fresh 48 session.

Extended Time for Posing | Posed Studio Newborn Photography

Unlike the time-sensitive nature of Fresh 48 sessions, Posed Studio Newborn sessions provide ample time for delicate posing of your newborn baby. This allows for capturing those adorable traditional newborn poses, showcasing the newborn’s tiny features in a carefully crafted manner. It also gives us more time to focus on siblings pictures, since sometimes siblings can have hot and cold relationships with baby, and the idea of cuddling with baby for pictures.

Family Bonding in a Cozy Studio | Posed Studio Newborn Photography

While Fresh 48 sessions emphasize the hospital setting, studio sessions focus on creating a cozy and comfortable environment for both parents and the newborn. It’s a chance for families to bond in a more controlled and intimate space, creating a relaxed atmosphere that contributes to beautiful photographs. It also lets us control the background and backdrops more.  Some parents prefer the look of the studio, versus a hospital setting.

Meticulous Attention to Detail | Posed Studio Newborn Photography

Posed studio sessions allow for attention to detail, from styling to specific poses for baby. From capturing the baby’s eyelashes to showcasing the delicate features of their face, every element is carefully curated to create timeless images that parents will cherish for a lifetime.

Choosing the Right Fit | Fresh 48 or Posed Studio Newborn Photography

Now that we’ve explored the distinctive features of both Fresh 48 and Posed Studio Newborn sessions, the question arises – how do parents choose the right fit for their family? Here are some factors to consider:

Personal Style and Preferences

Consider your personal style and preferences. If you appreciate the documentary style of candid moments and the charm of a hospital setting, a Fresh 48 session might be the perfect fit. On the other hand, if you love the idea of creating carefully posed and stylized images in a controlled environment, a Posed Studio Newborn session might be more appealing.

Timing and Convenience

Fresh 48 sessions are time-sensitive and need to be scheduled within the first two days of the baby’s life. If this timeframe aligns with your preferences, hospital visitor guidelines, and the availability of your photographer, it could be a wonderful choice. Posed studio sessions offer more flexibility in terms of timing, allowing parents to plan the session at their convenience within the first few weeks of the baby’s arrival.

Incorporating Both Styles

Some parents choose to incorporate both styles into their newborn photography experience. They start with a Fresh 48 session to capture the immediate, raw moments in the hospital and follow up with a Posed Studio Newborn session to document the baby’s growth and development in a more controlled setting.  I do offer discounts for families that want to document their growing family with both sessions.

In Conclusion

In the end, whether you opt for a Fresh 48 session or a Posed Studio Newborn session, the most important thing is to choose a style that resonates with your vision and preferences. Both styles offer a unique and beautiful way to capture the precious moments of your baby’s early days. As a photographer, my goal is to ensure that these images become cherished memories that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. So, whether it’s the authenticity of the hospital setting or the artistry of a studio environment, let’s embark on this journey together to capture the magic of new beginnings.