Contact me as soon as baby arrives

Add me to the list of people you contact when baby arrives.  I typically shoot Fresh 48 sessions the day after baby is born, and sometimes have to rearrange my schedule.  It is important that you contact me right away so I can get your session scheduled, either by email or text. Then we will discuss how everyone is feeling and then we will plan your session day and time. I like to photograph Fresh 48 sessions around 10:00 am, when lighting is the best at hospitals, but we can always adjust the time if needed.

What to expect

Fresh 48 sessions are special sessions.  They capture those first few hours of your baby’s life and the excitement of your growing family.  The session is prop free, allowing the focus to be on your family.   This allows the joy, excitement, love, and pure emotions to be captured beautifully as you celebrate your little one and growing family.

The session will also use your hospital room to show this story.  When I arrive for the session, I will open up
all the blinds and tidy up the room a little bit.  Mostly just moving things out of the way that
can distract from the images.  I know how
having a baby, and living out of a small room for a few days can be.  Don’t feel like you need to keep it
spotless.   I will move things as needed.

I like to begin with the baby alone, usually in their bassinet, and then move into parent and family poses.  While the session isn’t posed, I will guide you through simple prompts and natural positions to capture through the session.  We will breeze through a large variety of poses in our hour session.  If the baby gets fussy or needs to eat we will have plenty of time to work with, so don’t worry.  If you want me to capture from nursing images, we can include them at that time or I can use that time to document details in the hospital room or take special big siblings pictures if you have older children.

What to Wear

Moms

Most of all, I want to stress that comfort is important.  Dress in things that will be comfortable.  Many moms wear a nice robe or a comfy cardigan with yoga pants and nursing tank tops.  Don’t stress over what to wear.  Simple neutral colors are best but don’t be afraid to also include what you love if you want to add in a floral print, splash of color, or anything else that is more you.

Dads

A simple shirt with jeans works great.  T-shirts, v-neck sweaters, and Henley’s are popular choices for dads.  I recommend neutral colors and solid colors.  Keep things simple.  Busy patterns, bright colors, logos, and other design elements can distract from the session and baby. 

Baby

Baby is the easiest to plan for!   Again, simple is best.  Baby only needs an onesie, diaper, and hospital blanket.   I like to keep baby in these items as they best document their life in the first few days of life. If you have a special swaddle or hat you would like to incorporate, I will gladly include them too.  

Siblings

I recommend siblings dress similar to parents, in solid colors and neutral colors.  Avoid matching outfits, and stick with outfits that coordinate with the rest of the family.  For girls, avoid large accessories in their hair or jewelry.

Before the Session

Out of respect for the nursing staff, and all the important stuff they do for you and baby in those first few days, please notify them you are having a fresh 48 session done.  Ask if they could keep interruptions to a minimum at that time.   If there is something special with the nursing staff you would like included in the session, like a bath or footprinting, feel free to ask if that is something they would allow to be photographed.

Help get baby ready for the session by making sure they are well fed when I arrive.  Usually feeding them, about 30 minutes before the start of our session works great.   Have baby dresses and ready to go and dressed in a neutral onesie, the hospital long sleeve shirt, or wrapped in the hospital swaddle blanket when I arrive.

After the Session

Within 48 hours a sneak peek will be posted to social media from your session.  

Within 2 weeks, your gallery of hand-edited images will be delivered to you via digital download.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my baby doesn’t arrive on their due date?

No worries.  In all my year photographing babies, only a handful have actually arrived on their due date.  When you book a Fresh 48 or a Studio Newborn session, I block out time on my calendar in the weeks before and after your due date just to make sure I can fit you in.  This is why I take limited newborns each month.  I want to make sure I can easily accommodate the baby’s arrival.

Can siblings be in the photos?

Yes!   Not only are we capturing your bay’s first 48 hours, but we are also capturing your family as it grows.  That means each member of the family.  If possible, I love being able to capture when siblings get to see the baby for the first time or hold the baby for the first time.   Those little firsts can be overlooked in all the excitement of the baby’s arrival.

How do I contact you when baby arrives?

Most clients have a list of friends and family they want to contact when the big day arrives: add my number to that list. That number will be emailed to you when you book. Once you head to the hospital in labor, have your support person contact me at Info@StephanieBennettPhotography.com or text me at 651-214-6651 once the baby arrives. Most sessions will take place the morning after the baby is born and all sessions must take place during the daylight hours.