How to Prep for a Fresh 48 Photography Session | Las Vegas Hospital Newborn Photos
Wait, what’s a Fresh 48 session? A Fresh 48 photography session takes place within the first 24–48 hours after your baby is born, typically right in the hospital. (read the difference between a Fresh 48 and Newborn session HERE.) These sessions are designed to document the earliest moments of your newborn’s life in a natural, lifestyle approach. Preparing for your Fresh 48 photos is simple — and this guide will walk you through exactly what to expect. The best part? These sessions are incredibly easy to prep for.
Fresh 48 sessions are some of my absolute favorites. They are short, sweet, and beautifully real—focused on documenting the very first hours of your baby’s life and the brand-new connection between parents, baby, and sometimes siblings too.
Wait, what’s a Fresh 48 session? A Fresh 48 photography session takes place within the first 24–48 hours after your baby is born, typically right in the hospital. (read the difference between a Fresh 48 and Newborn session HERE.) These sessions are designed to document the earliest moments of your newborn’s life in a natural, lifestyle approach. Preparing for your Fresh 48 photos is simple — and this guide will walk you through exactly what to expect. The best part? These sessions are incredibly easy to prep for.
What to Wear for Your Fresh 48 Photography Session
I always recommend something comfortable that still feels a little special. Many moms choose:
A cute set of pajamas
A cozy robe
A simple, neutral lounge set
After delivery, comfort is key. Most moms feel their best after a quick shower with fresh hair and light makeup, but there is absolutely no pressure here. Some moms prefer to be completely natural, and that is just as beautiful. Fresh 48 photography is about real life—not perfection.
Fresh 48 Newborn family session.
What Baby Should Wear for Fresh 48 Photos
Simple is best for baby during your Fresh 48 hospital photography session. Some great options include:
The hospital shirt
The hospital blanket (you know the one, with the matching beanie!)
Just a diaper
A simple, neutral onesie
HERE’S A TIP: a fun swaddle blanket is a really great idea if you want something to personalize the session. I prefer this as a touch of color with a simple white onesie or just a diaper.
Sweet curiosity of big sisters.
What to Expect During Your Las Vegas Hospital Photography Session
Fresh 48 sessions are intentionally short and relaxed. We’ll focus on:
Sweet moments between you and your baby
Tiny details like fingers, toes, and fresh features
Snuggles with parents
Siblings meeting baby (if applicable)
There’s no rushing, no complicated posing, and no expectations for a perfectly styled room. Fresh 48 photography is about documenting connection, emotion, and the very first moments of life as a family. Plus, you got a lot going on and don’t need me there too long.
Newborn photography in Las Vegas.
A Final Note on Your Newborn Fresh 48 Session
TOP 5 REASONS TO BOOK A FRESH 48 SESSION
Whether you’re in cozy pajamas, fresh out of the shower, or embracing an all-natural look, your Fresh 48 hospital photography session is about telling your story exactly as it is. The beauty is in the simplicity and new connections.
As a Las Vegas Fresh 48 photographer, I approach these sessions with a calm, natural style that allows families to slow down and soak in those first hours together. I have been in your shoes, three times to be exact, and all I have are blurry iPhone pics to show for all of it 😣.
Come as you are. Snuggle your baby. I’ll put you at ease and take care of the rest.
If you’re expecting and interested in booking a Fresh 48 photography session in Las Vegas, I’d love to document these first moments for your family. Reach out to reserve your due date month and learn more about hospital newborn photography sessions.
Las Vegas Family Photography
Newborn Hospital Session in Summerlin.
Finding a Perfect Fit Photographer, Las Vegas Newborn and Family Photographer
If you’re like me, you do lots of research before making a big purchase. Family and newborn photo sessions are not cheap, so how can you pick a photographer that you feel comfortable with, that is up to your standards, and that will deliver a beautiful finished product. I have worked with eight different family photographer in the last ten years, so here are some things I do when vetting a family photographer…
If you’re like me, you do lots of research before making a big purchase. Family and newborn photo sessions are not cheap, so how can you pick a photographer that you feel comfortable with, that is up to your standards, and that will deliver a beautiful finished product. I have worked with eight different family photographer in the last ten years, so here are some things I do when vetting a family photographer…
First, you may be wondering why I’ve had so many different photographers. Well, that’s where I start. Find a photographer whose style you absolutely LOVE. Personally, I like to have a variety of styles for our family portraits, so I have picked different photographers for different reasons. Some photographers specialize in outdoor golden hour, some in natural light studios, some for newborn portraits, and some for vacations pictures.
So TIP #1, research photographers in your area and find a few that you connect with when it comes to their images and style. How? Instagram is a huge help. Explore a few hashtags. (#lasvegasnewbornphotographer, #phoenixfresh48photographer, #fortworthlifestylephotographer) If you find what you’re looking for, then look at their website. Google is also a great help, but don’t just scroll through the first two pages, keep scrolling and researching, making a list of potential photographers.
TIP #2, Look into their portfolio and see if you can picture your family in their images. Read the photographer’s ‘About Me’ page. Is this someone you could see yourself being friends with? Honestly, Family, Newborn, and Fresh 48 sessions an be pretty personal and intimate. You definitely want a photographer that you feel comfortable with. Check out their instagram and see if they’ve posted any videos or stories that show more of their personality. Schedule a phone call and talk one on one. This is really helpful for both the photographer and client.
TIP #3 Figure out your budget. When you inquire with a photographer about investments, ask specifically what you get and if there are different packages. Nothing is worse than getting a gallery back and then having to pay way more than you thought for extra images.
TIP #4 Do what I do, ask your friends!!! Do you love your neighbor’s family pictures? Did you gawk at your friend’s birth announcement? Get those referrals and see how their experience was.
TIP #4 Lastly, think about what kind of experience you want. Do you want the whole shabang?? Hair, makeup, a client closet to pick dresses from? Do you need wardrobe help? Do you need help designing a gallery wall? Don’t be afraid to ask what extra services your photographer offers.
I hope these tips help! Nothing is worse than investing in pictures that you never display in your home. And nothing is better than looking at images each day that make you smile!
Baby Registry 101 - Las Vegas Newborn and Family Photographer
Baby registries can be completely overwhelming for first-time parents. Let me cut to the chase for you, here’s what you need…
First of all, don’t register for clothes. Trust me. When I was pregnant with my first, my husband and I skipped on over to Babies ‘r’ Us, full of excitement, not knowing a thing (man, I don’t even think that store exists anymore ). I saw every cute onesie, tutu, and baby dress and licked away with the registry laser. After baby came, she had a closet full of more outfits than she could wear. So take it from me, newborns are inherently pretty simple. Here is what’s important.
Crib sheets. When decorating my kiddos’ nurseries, I always started with a few crib sheets that I could use. I pulled colors and themes from those and carried that into the rest of my nursery design. And trust me, you’ll need multiple sheets, even in just one day. I bought and registered for crib sheets from Target, Liz and Roo, and Pottery Barn Kids. (if you use the Lilly Pulitzer crib sheets from Pottery Barn Kids, please please please call me to photograph your baby 😉)
Diapers and Wipes. I know, there’s nothing fun or exciting about diapers and wipes, but you’ll just need a million of them.
Tummy Time Mat. This mat will take up a main presence in your home, so make it cute! I’m sure you’ve read, babies are drawn to bright colors and shapes in black and white. Research suggests these elements are great for brain development, so start there! Check out THIS one from Sassy Stages, or from or THIS mat from Loverly.
Baby Jumper. This are big and noisy and a freakin’ life saver. They’ll let your baby jump, walk, and run all over your house. This is a great item to get used. I got mine from a neighbor’s garage sale for like $40. I took some Clorox wipes to it, and voilà! I used it for three of my own babies before handing off to another mom. In fact, 10 years later, it’s still available! Click HERE.
Bottles. Nothing super fun about these either, but they’re kinda expensive once you get all the sizes, and loose a few.
Bassinet. I had a very boring pack’n’play for my babies they slept in when I brought them home. I was ugly and akward in my bedroom. Now. bassinets are made so beautifully and have so much technology as well to help you little one sleep, which means you sleep too! The Bilia Bassinet from Design Dua is simple and beautiful. It is easy to move from one room to another, even outside on a nice day. I had a client use the TruBliss Eve Smart Bassinet, and I was blown away. Not only does it look stylish, but it will glide, play music, and change lighting. 🤯
I hope these are some helpful items when it comes to the very overwhelming world of baby products. A note from me, less is more. Babies are pretty simple, then need food, love, and lots of diapers. The rest is extra.
If you are interested in a newborn session, and want to know the difference between an In-Home and a Fresh 48 session, read here. Hint hint…photography session gift cards are a great idea to add to your registry 😉.