Newborn Pictures vs Fresh 48 Pictures

Woodlands Newborn Photography

You’re pregnant and trying to figure out what the best option for documenting your little peanut will be. So many parents battle with the decision, and I always say if you can do both, you totally should! (But I understand that’s not always possible, so don’t fret! I am here to help!)

What is a Fresh 48 Session?

A Fresh 48 is a hospital session that takes place during the first 1-2 days you are recovering in the hospital. Regardless of the type of birth you had, these sessions are best when done relatively close to delivery. Many parents like to use them as birth announcements or as a way to capture the first time older siblings meet the new baby.
These sessions are not posed. Your baby will not be molded into any positions or propped up on anything. It is a more simple session that captures the newness and the details of those first days. Your baby will be wrapped and you will have so many cuddles and kisses.

What is a Lifestyle Newborn Session?

These sessions are typically done in your home within the first 4-10 days after you deliver. While we do not offer “posed newborns” (a session in which your baby is guided into poses on a beanbag and the primary focus is just on your newborn), we do wrap and pose your baby. These sessions take place in the comfort of your own home. Ashley will come to you, and help guide your baby into natural poses using rooms around your house. You will snuggle on the couch, lay on your bed, admire your baby in the nursery…etc. A lifestyle newborn session focuses on your connections and the intimacy within the walls of the home you have built.

So Which Is Right For You?

It depends on how you feel and what you want to capture. Some parents are completely tired and done after their baby is born and would rather have some time to prepare for a newborn session. They was to take time to get hair and makeup done, plan outfits and rest. Other parents are eager to capture those first moments and prefer the raw, intimate setting of the hospital. Whichever you choose, think about how you want to document your baby and share your news.
If your goal is to wait until your baby is older to have pictures that focus on just them or you are eager to announce using hospital photos, I would recommend having Fresh 48 pictures done.
If you have more time and want to focus on your family and capturing pictures of just your baby that you plan to display in your home, I think a newborn session is perfect for your family.

Sneak a peek at this in home session. A storm blew in toward the end of our time together so we took advantage of quiet snuggles while the rain came down.