(c) Kristal Bean Photography“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.” -Rajneesh
First breath, first cry, first swaddle, first snuggle, first diaper, first bath, first time to nurse. So many new experiences for you, baby and daddy. Those first 48 hours represent millions of new beginnings for your family.
Fresh 48 sessions are one of my favorite ways to celebrate the birth of a new baby. Is there anything sweeter than photographing two parents who are so in love with a perfect, tiny person they’ve only just met?
Today I’m sharing a handful of my favorite photos from gorgeous Fresh 48 sessions. I love capturing the new dynamics between a husband and wife now that baby has arrived, along with the tender way dads cuddle their newborns and the joy in a mama’s face as she looks down at her child.
Here are the photos you absolutely cannot leave the hospital without!
(going left to right above)
1. Snuggles in daddy’s hands that show how tiny your newborn is.
2. This is baby’s first-ever photo shoot, so introductions are in order! Newborn + hospital blanket + “Hello! My name is…” sticker is a definite must-have shot! It’s the perfect choice for a baby announcement card and for posting on social media so that the world knows your baby has arrived!
3. A close-up of dad cuddling baby with mama just out of focus. This photo highlights a precious moment of a dad with his child, and mama looking on, falling in love with her husband all over again now that he’s a father.
4. Mama gazing down at that little bundle of love, with baby’s face visible.
5. A family shot on the bed, with everyone cuddled around baby.
6. Dad holding baby, with baby’s face visible.
7. Focus on sleeping baby with mama’s gentle smile just peeking in at the top
8. Mama falling in love with baby on the boppy. (This can be a nursing photo if you wish)
What makes these photos my favorites for Fresh 48 photography sessions
With just a glance, you can tell how captivated these new parents are with their child. These are the moments you’ll treasure forever. Can’t you just picture a beautiful album full of photos like these, featuring you, your husband and that sweet baby boy or girl?! When your babies are grown and your husband has wrinkles and gray hair – these are the photos and the memories that will bring happy tears to your eyes.
Every time I visit a hospital for a Fresh 48 session, it takes me back to the births of my own daughters. I remember how everything about my girls felt brand new and familiar, all at the same time, when the doctor placed them on my chest. What a tender moment, especially with my first, when I learned to nurse for the first time. I still remember how patient our nurse was when she showed my husband how to swaddle our tiny daughter so tightly in that pink and blue blanket.
If you’re on the fence about having Fresh 48 photos done – don’t think twice!
The newborn stage is over in an instant and even in just three short months, you won’t believe how your baby has grown. How life has changed. How you ever lived without them. These photos capture you in those blurry, exhausting, exhilarating hours after baby is born – when parenthood is so raw and new. The love, pride and joy in your eyes right after birth is magical. Capture these moments to pass on to your children, and to treasure when they’re grown.
