The Ultimate Guide to Booking a South Jersey/ Philadelphia Fresh 48 Photo Session

What is a Fresh 48 Newborn Session?

A fresh 48 session is a session that takes place right in your hospital room after birth. These sessions are traditionally taken within the first 48 hours of life before getting discharged from the hospital. These types of sessions are more documentary and candid. They are relaxed with a focus on the tiny, newness of your new baby and the first moments together as a family. We focus on the details, love and connection during this special time! These can be taken in lieu of a standard newborn session or added on in addition to them! I love seeing your sweet babes 2-3 weeks later at their newborn session!

When is the right time to book Fresh 48 sessions in Boston?

Honestly, the sooner, the better! But you can truly book them at any point during your pregnancy. Sooner tends to be better because the timing is unknown and the more time photographers have to plan, the better. Getting a tentative date early on is never a bad idea! Generally speaking, we have to block off several dates around your potential due date, and ensure we are in town (and have childcare and a back-up photographer) for a few weeks surrounding the date. My recommendation would be around 6 months pregnant! Once the baby has arrived, we can get a more specific time and date depending on the hospitals visitors hours.

What to expect during your Fresh 48 Photo Session

Fresh 48 photo sessions generally last between 45 minutes and one hour. We will capture everything from family portraits and individual images of the We spend the time snuggling baby near the window, on the hospital bed, and utilizing the chair or couch provided. I spend time taking photos of just your baby in the hospital bassinet or on the bed to ensure we capture all their tiny details. If a sibling or grandparent is there, we can definitely include them in the photos as well.

What Should Clients Prepare for their Fresh 48 Photography Session?

The nice thing about such a relaxed session outside of your home is that there isn’t a whole lot you need to do to prepare. The “outfits” and props are saved for the studio newborn session, so no need to worry about any of that! Here’s what I recommend adding to your hospital bag so that you are ready to go:

• A nice pair of pajamas, or leggings and a top, or a robe that the recovering mama feels comfortable wearing. If you’re planning on breastfeeding, something that you can easily do so in is ideal!

• You don’t *need* to bring anything for baby, but if you prefer clothes versus the classic diaper or hospital white shirt, pack a newborn sized outfit without words or graphics.

• Optional accessories: cute hat, swaddling blanket, headband, name plate, small stuffed animal, cute pacifier.

  That’s it!

6 Things Your Photographer Wants you to Know | South Jersey and Philadelphia Newborn and Portrait Photographer

CONGRATS! You’ve chosen a newborn photographer and can’t wait to get photos of the precious new addition to your family! But if you’ve never had a newborn session before, you may not be sure what to expect from the experience or how to prepare. That’s why I, as a seasoned South Jersey Newborn Photographer, want to let you know a few things that newborn photographers wish all their clients knew.

Every newborn is unique.

Just as every family is different, no two babies are exactly alike. One newborn might be perfectly comfortable posed laying on her belly, while another might absolutely hate it. Your photographer will work with you and your newborn to find the positions they’re most comfortable in and will definitely not force your baby into any poses they aren’t willing to do.

We’ve seen it all. TRUST ME.

If your baby pees on the photographer’s set, throws a fit, or just wants to nurse the whole session, don’t be embarrassed. Chances are your photographer has experienced everything from poop all over their props to being peed on. As a newborn photographer, this is their everyday life, and they’re totally understanding. After all, your baby’s needs come before your photos. So, don’t feel like you have to apologize for every little thing that goes wrong. Your photographer is there to support you and work with you.

We have a lot of tricks up our sleeves.

It can be tempting to swoop in and pick up your newborn as soon as they start crying, but most photographers know a variety of ways to sooth little ones. It’s important for parents to use their newborn session as a time to relax and to trust the photographer. If your baby is truly upset and can’t be calmed down, we’ll be sure to pass them on to you for feeding, diapering, or comfort, but until then, let us do our thang!

 You should feel free to take a break.

As the parent of a newborn, you probably haven’t had a moment to yourself in a while. Well, your photo session is the perfect chance to just sit back and relax. Most of the images will be of your baby, so you get to sit on the sidelines, have a cup of coffee, and maybe finally check your email or return some phone calls. And no judgment if you doze off during the session! I’ll wake you when I need you

We want you to share our photos.

Photographers take images for you to cherish and enjoy, and we want you to share them! Post those photos of your newborn all over social media and send to family and friends. We want our images to be seen! Just be sure to credit your photographer when you share their images on Facebook or Instagram and feel free to recommend them to other expecting parents!

Our work doesn’t end with your session.

Since everyone has a camera on their phone these days, photographers hear a lot about how anyone can take a photo. But a professional does so much more than simply click a button. We set up backdrops and lighting, and we know all the tricks of the trade to make your photos turn out amazing. And once the session is over, we spend hours editing your photos to make them the absolute best they can be, providing you with images you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

How to Prepare Your House for a Life-Style In Home Newborn Session | South Jersey Newborn + Portrait Photographer

While I LOVE a newborn studio session, Lifestyle sessions are becoming extremely popular and I have to say they REALLY have my heart. Lifestyle in-home photo sessions are about documenting your family right where your life is actually happening. Its about real, raw moments.

Preparing your home for a lifestyle family session doesn’t require perfection. Your home doesn’t need to be spotless or styled. It simply needs to feel like yours. Some of the most meaningful family photos come from ordinary moments. When you allow yourself to relax and trust the process, your images naturally reflect the connection, warmth, and real life you want to remember.

One of the most common worries parents share before a lifestyle in-home session is about their home. Many families tell me they’re stressed about clutter, unfinished nurseries, or spaces that don’t feel “photo ready.” Moms, listen up… you JUST had a baby nobody and I meant NOBODY is judging you! Let me gently reassure you that your home does not need to look perfect! You don’t need to clean the entire house. We only use a few areas, and I help you choose them. I will focus on things like light, close ups, intimate moments rather than the “scenery” of your home.

Simple Prep Tips

Yes, a little light tidying can help. Decluttering is the key. Moving laundry baskets out of view or putting unwanted items such as random boxes or dirty dishes away. There’s no need for deep cleaning as the photos won’t show these details. I’ll guide you through everything, and I might move things around as we move between rooms, but I absolutely promise you that noone is focusing on these things!

Things you can keep in mind:

• Declutter table and kitchen counter

• Open blinds and curtains for more light

• Tidy nightstands and floors near windows

That’s it! No deep cleaning required.

What to Have Ready for Newborn Session

During your session, you’ll be feeding your baby, holding them close, rocking, swaying, and simply being together. These moments don’t require a perfect backdrop. They require presence, comfort, and trust—and that’s what makes in-home newborn sessions so special. My goal is to really capture the emotion and realness of bringing home your new baby and the start to your new journey as a family. So what do you need ready?

• A window with good natural light

• A comfortable spot for feeding and cuddling

• A laidback mindset

Preparing your home for a lifestyle family session doesn’t require perfection. Your home doesn’t need to be spotless or styled. It simply needs to feel like yours. Some of the most meaningful family photos come from ordinary moments. When you allow yourself to relax and trust the process, your images naturally reflect the connection, warmth, and real life you want to remember.

If you’re considering an in-home family session in South Jersey just, know that your home is already enough. I’ll guide you every step of the way so you can focus on what matters most—being together.

4 Things I will Never Shoot a Newborn Session Without | South Jersey Newborn and Portrait Photographer

As a newborn photographer, I use a lot of technical equipment. I have a camera, lenses, strobe lights, props, etc. These are all essential to any session, but did you know that there are quite a few other items I use for almost every newborn session that are just as important (if not more).

I’ve been in the newborn photography game for about 10 years now, and one thing I’ve learned is that workflow and a calm, happy baby make ALLLL the difference. AND if I’m being completely honest moms….you could use a lot of these in your own home, outside of the studio!

1. Baby Shusher

   This thing is a GAME CHANGER. I know that there a ton of noise machines out there for new mommies, but please trust me when I tell you this thing is the G.O.A.T. Whenever I feel a baby may need just a little extra soothing, this thing comes in and saves the day! You can find it right on Amazon-

   https://a.co/d/05FvO4YC

2. Space Heater

   Another great tool to help babies get nice and sleepy! I always keep my studio nice and warm, but having a small space heater really helps makes those babies feel super cozy and warm. I usually place it a few feet from wherever I am posing baby, especially so my cold hands don’t startle them.

3. Lulla Vibe

   MOMS! If you have never heard of these, let me be the one to introduce you! A Lulla Vibe pad is a tiny little pad that you can place on baby’s bottom, or next to them, that will vibrate and create that patting, soothing effect. Its hard to sit there and pat or rock your baby all day (or for me to soothe them and pose at the same time), so this helps add that little extra comfort to them! You can also find these on Amazon

   https://a.co/d/03eSaXP4

4. Tide Stain Stick

   Last but not least (probably not even last, I could go on forever), is a tide to go stick! This probably goes without saying, but having one of these handy in the studio is a life saver for if a baby pees or poos on my backdrops/outfits/wraps. I usually don’t get to go home right away to wash everything from each session, so keeping a tide stick with me allows me to save my props from getting stained before I can fully wash them.

I have A LOT of fun little gadgets I’ve gathered over the years, so let me know if we want to know more! And if you are looking to schedule your own newborn or portrait session, please contact me and we can get you all set up!

Tips for Including Siblings in Your Newborn Photography Session | South Jersey Newborn and Portrait Photographer

Big love begins in the smallest moments

Photographing your newborn and their sibling captures the beginning of a bond you’ll want to capture forever, but if you’re a mom of more than 1, you might be a little anxious about how your older kiddos will behave during the photo session. Toddlers are full of energy and this is new time for them too. The idea of getting them to cooperate for newborn photos can feel impossible, but . take a deep breath- it is possible to get beautiful sibling portraits! I specialize in newborn photography AND family portraits, so I’ve learned a lot about encouraging toddlers and kiddos to participate and enjoy photo day!

Below are some tips that YOU can do to make photo day a little bit easier!

Give them time in the spotlight.

An older sibling of a newborn has often just become an older sibling, which means they’re still getting used to having a baby in the house. They may feel that their parents don’t pay as much attention to them with all the needs of their new sibling (We KNOW this isn’t true ;) ). Take time to make sure your older kids feel involved in the photo session, both in photos with your new baby and photos of the whole family together. Hype them up about important their job is as the cool new sibling and how important it is to let them hold baby! Your newborn session is a great way to let older siblings know that it’s not just about your new addition, but about your growth as a family.

Encourage them to snuggle up.

Your older child may feel unsure or uncomfortable around the new baby, and a photo session can be a great way to help them loosen up and get to know their new sibling. Some of my favorite photos are images of the older sibling holding, kissing, or snuggling the new baby. Encourage them to gently touch the newborn and to get close, which can lead to a lot of giggles and smiles and some great photos.

Let them do their own thing.

One of the most important things is not to force your older child to participate in the session. The last thing you want is a tantrum or a grumpy face in your photos! Instead, encourage them to participate without forcing them. I always suggest to maybe have their favorite song or show on standby and they can watch while/if they take a fun picture with their new baby!

You may be surprised how much they enjoy being involved on their own, and giving your older child space to explore and relax can result in more natural, genuine images of your family.

Talk to them beforehand.

It’s so important to let your older children know what to expect from a photo session. Whether they love to be in front of the camera or are a little bit shy, talking to them in the days before your shoot about how things will go can really ease their minds and make them more comfortable with the photographer. Be sure to sit down with your older child throughout the week before your session and talk to them about how you’re going to have photos taken and the importance of listening to both you and the photographer.

With a little preparation, you may find that they’re excited to participate, which makes for wonderful photos!