First of all, congrats, mama! You’re in that beautiful, whirlwind phase of life with a newborn, and now you’re trying to decide how to capture these precious early moments. You’ve probably heard about Fresh 48 sessions and lifestyle newborn sessions, and you might be wondering, “What’s the difference? And which one is right for me?”

Let’s break it down in a way that makes this decision as easy as possible.

Fresh 48 Sessions: Capturing Those First Hours

A Fresh 48 session is exactly what it sounds like—photos taken within the first 48 hours of your baby’s life. These sessions take place in the hospital or birthing center, wherever you’ve just welcomed your little one into the world. Think of it as a documentary-style session, where I’m there to quietly capture all those raw, beautiful moments as they unfold.

There’s no posing, no need to worry about outfits or getting everyone ready. You’ve just brought a tiny human into the world, and that’s more than enough. All you need to do is send me a quick message within a day of giving birth, and I’ll head over. The session itself is short—usually around 30 minutes—so I’m in and out, allowing you to get back to resting and bonding with your baby.

Why might a Fresh 48 session be perfect for you? If you want to capture those incredibly tender, emotional first moments without any fuss, this is a great option. It’s about documenting your new reality, just as it is—messy, magical, and absolutely perfect in its imperfection.

Lifestyle Newborn Sessions: More Time, More Interaction

A lifestyle newborn session, on the other hand, typically takes place at home. These sessions are longer, giving us time to capture both posed family shots and candid moments of you interacting with your newborn. Think of it as a mix of softly directed poses and natural, everyday moments.

This type of session usually happens within the first two weeks of your baby’s life, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be pushed out a little further—even up to three months. The focus here is on capturing your family in your own space, where everyone feels comfortable and relaxed. We’ll take our time, stopping for feedings, diaper changes, or whatever else your little one needs.

Why might a lifestyle newborn session be the best fit for you? If you’re looking for a more relaxed pace, with time to get everyone ready, and you want those classic at-home shots where your baby is snuggled up in your arms or siblings are giving sweet kisses, this is a great option. It allows for more variety in the photos, with both posed and candid moments, and it takes place in the comfort of your own home.

Which One Is Right for You?

Here’s the thing: Both sessions are important and valuable in their own way. A Fresh 48 session is all about the immediacy of those first moments—capturing the raw emotions and the awe of meeting your baby for the first time. It’s fast, candid, and deeply emotional.

A lifestyle newborn session gives you more time to breathe. It’s about capturing your new life at home, where you’re settling into your new routine, getting to know your baby, and adjusting to this new chapter. It’s more leisurely, with time for both posed shots and those quiet, intimate moments.

If you’re feeling up for it, some families choose to do both. The Fresh 48 session captures those first few hours, and the lifestyle newborn session follows up with more polished, at-home shots. But if that feels like too much (because let’s be real, life with a newborn is already a lot), choose the one that resonates most with you right now.

Take a Deep Breath—You’ve Got This

Whichever session you choose, remember that the goal is to capture your family as you are right now. There’s no need to stress about perfection. This is about celebrating this incredible moment in your life—whether that’s in a hospital room, a birthing center, or your own living room.

So, take a deep breath, trust that you’re doing an amazing job, and let’s make some beautiful memories together.

Ready to book your session? Let’s chat!

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