The Magic of a Fresh 48: Hospital Sessions for Newborns
I know all too well that those early hospital days with your new little one pass quickly! Hospital details are soon forgotten as you adjust to life at home with a newborn. Add in sleep deprivation and you have a recipe for truly forgetting. That’s why I absolutely LOVE adding a Fresh 48 session for my newborn clients. Not only do I selfishly get incredible new baby snuggles, I get to preserve some of the most special of memories for families.
What is a Fresh 48 session?
Fresh 48 sessions take place the morning after your little one makes his or her debut while you are still at the hospital. Hence, the name, "Fresh 48", as these are for babies who are 48 hours new. These incredible sessions are more documentary in nature and style than my studio newborn package. There are no wraps or poses, and the main focus is on little baby details. These include photos in the bassinet, hospital bracelets, mom and dad snuggling their new little in the hospital bed, etc. And, of course, tiny fingers and toes!
Doesn’t the hospital have photographers?
Yes, many hospitals offer photos after the birth of a baby through various contracted companies. These are large companies that hire photographers in geographic areas and you have no choice over who you get, nor their style, experience, or quality. You could luck into a wonderful photographer who has done hospital photos for years, or a new person who has only photographed a few newborns. These photos are also completely unedited. Meaning however they are photographed in camera is what you get, and you must make a decision on what to purchase immediately after the session.
Why add a session with Jennifer Lynn Photography?
By choosing to add this session through me you gain complete control over the entire hospital session. You know you can trust my experience, proven quality of galleries delivered, and know that my style matches you and your family. I also touch up all my photos when editing, so they stay true to the documentary style but I remove stray hairs, harsh scratches on baby’s face, and ensure you look your best. I also included a full gallery of digital images, typically about 30 photos, which you can download as web sized files that print to a size 5x7 or smaller.
Yet the best part is you can schedule privately and when convenient. Hospitals usually have visiting hours and quiet times, but you can work with your nursing staff and coordinate with what works with your family. Plus you can incorporate siblings!
What do I bring for a Fresh 48?
That’s the other beautiful part to these sessions – you truly don’t need anything! The purpose of these is to capture life in the hospital with the hospital blankets, the room, the bassinet, hospital bracelets, and your new baby. So if you don’t have anything else, I’ve still got everything I need for a wonderful session.
Some moms do like to purchase special hospital robes or pajamas in advance and that they wear during the photos. Others have had special hats embroidered with baby’s name. But you truly don’t need to add anything unless you just want to. Wear something comfortable, snuggle with your new baby, and I’ll capture the love and emotion as well as tiny baby details.
No really, what can I bring for the session?
If you truly want to plan in advance and incorporate items for your session, here are a few ideas on items you can purchase and put in your hospital bag:
Matching robe and baby swaddle
Custom hat for baby
Letter board for adding baby’s birth stats
Baby book for baby’s footprints
Special handmade items, like a blanket, hat, or outfit
Commemorative stuffed animal
What hospitals do you travel to?
I have currently photographed Fresh 48 sessions in three of the major hospitals in the Denver metroplex. These include the BirthPlace at Parker Adventist Hospital in Parker, the Birth Place at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, and UCHealth Women's Care Center at UCHealth Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. All three have provided wonderful experiences for my clients in terms of delivery and the staff has been wonderfully to work with professionally as I’ve coordinated photo sessions. If you are delivering at another hospital in the Denver area, don’t hesitate to let me know and I can provide details on how to communicate with your nursing staff for scheduling a Fresh 48.
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Adding a Fresh 48 is like adding a truly priceless collection of memories. These are only offered to my existing newborn clients and really are a different style of photography from my studio, posed newborn sessions. Plus I provide quick turn-around for your gallery, so you have these before our official studio session.
With all the positives to adding a hospital session, there’s no reason to forget those incredibly fleeting moments. Contact me today to discuss adding one for your family, and see if I’m the perfect fit for documenting your newborn from hospital to studio.
Want to book your newborn photography session? It’s never too early! Newborn sessions are best when they take place within 5-14 days after baby’s birth so request to get on my calendar at the beginning of your second trimester to guarantee time around your estimated due date.
