Is this even real life?


The first hours after welcoming a new baby are a total whirlwind of emotion, wonder, and just pure magic. These fleeting moments, filled with sleepy yawns, tiny fingers, and the overwhelming joy of meeting your little one, are some of the most cherished in a parent's life. A Fresh 48 session is a special way to document these raw, intimate moments that happen within the first 48 hours of your baby’s life—before time seems to blur and these memories fade into the busyness of new parenthood.


Unlike posed newborn photography, Fresh 48 sessions focus on the authentic details: the hospital bassinet, the first feeding, siblings meeting their new brother or sister, and the tender glances between parents as they soak in their new reality. It’s a celebration of life, love, and the beginning of a beautiful new chapter.

In this post, we’ll explore what makes a Fresh 48 session unique, why they’re becoming so popular, and how to prepare for one, so you can ensure your family’s story is captured beautifully.

Peaceful newborn wrapped in a white blanket decorated with colorful footprints.
Close-up profile view of a newborn baby swaddled in a patterned blanket.
Black and white portrait of a sleeping newborn being cradled.
Tender moment as parent cradles newborn swaddled in patterned blanket.

What Happens During a Fresh 48 Session?


A Fresh 48 session takes place at the hospital, birthing center, or even at home (if you’ve had a home birth) within the first two days after your baby’s arrival. These sessions are relaxed, unposed, and documentary in style. My goal as a photographer is to capture the genuine moments and emotions of this precious time without interrupting your bonding experience.



I’ll photograph tiny details like your baby’s wrinkly fingers and toes, their hospital wristband, and the way they curl up on your chest. I’ll also document those milestone moments, such as:

  • Meeting grandparents or siblings for the first time.
  • The first diaper change or swaddle.
  • Your baby’s unique expressions, from big yawns to little sneezes.
  • Tender interactions between parents, showcasing the love and teamwork that brought your baby into the world.
A tender moment shows a tattooed person in a grey shirt cradling and bonding with a swaddled newborn.
A person with sleeve tattoos holds a sleeping newborn baby wrapped in a white swaddle.

How to prepare for a Fresh 48 Session


Preparing for a Fresh 48 session is simple, but there are a few things you can do to make the experience even smoother:

  • Discuss Your Comfort Level: I’ll work closely with you beforehand to understand your preferences, such as whether you’d like certain moments (like breastfeeding) captured or kept private. Your privacy and personal boundaries are important to me.
  • Have a Few Personal Touches Ready: Some families like to bring a special blanket, hat, or outfit for the baby. These small details can add a personal touch to your photos.
  • Relax and Be Present: The best thing you can do is focus on enjoying this time with your baby. The more natural the moments, the more meaningful the photos will be.
  • Trust Goes a Long Way: I will never ever consider putting your child in risky situations or poses. They may get upset while I photograph certain things (like bare feet, they get cold quick!) but it is never ill intended. As a seasoned birth worker myself, I treat every child as if they were my own, gently and with immense respect. Additionally, I will encourage the parents to be as hands on as possible throughout the process.
Black and white image of a newborn baby wrapped in patterned swaddle.

Ready to capture the magic of a Fresh 48?


If you’re an expecting parent located near or around Vancouver, WA/PDX and want to ensure these precious first moments are captured forever, I’d love to help! Let’s create timeless images that tell the story of your baby’s arrival—photos you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Contact me today through my website www.oliveandasterimagery.com to book your Fresh 48 session and let’s make some magic together!

Close-up of sleeping newborn in patterned swaddle blanket.
Side profile of sleeping newborn wrapped in footprint patterned blanket.