Newborns

There’s nothing quite like those first hours after your baby arrives. The wrinkly toes, sleepy stretches, the milky scent of your newborn’s soft little neck. A Fresh 48 newborn session keeps it all exactly as it feels. If you’re having a baby in the Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point area (hi, neighbors!) and planning for newborn photos at the hospital or birth center, here are five easy ways to get ready so your images look true to you.

1) Let the light in

Hospital rooms can feel small and dark, but any window light is magic.

• Open the blinds/curtains all the way. If there are sheer curtains, keep them closed and open the heavier drapes for soft, flattering light.
• Turn off overheads and TV to avoid harsh shadows and color casts (when harsh colors are reflected onto another surface, like your new baby’s perfect skin!). Having the TV off also helps remove distractions (sorry, sports loving dads!
• Move the bassinet close to the window to wrap your baby’s tiniest details in soft, natural light.

2) Tidy the room

We’re not aiming for perfection! A quick tidy will go a long way towards creating a calm backdrop that keeps the focus on your new baby.

• Clear the bedside table: move cups, meal trays, cords, and random paperwork to a drawer or the bathroom for the hour.
• Tuck away bulky items like duffel bags, the car seat, gift bags, etc. into the closet or under a chair.
• Make the bed: if you aren’t already in the bed, smooth out blankets and arrange pillows neatly.
• Gather photo-ready items (swaddles, going-home outfit, heirlooms) in one spot so they’re easy for me to grab.

Pro tip: Assign your partner or a visiting family member as the “5-minute tidy captain” right before I arrive.

3) What to Wear for Your Fresh 4 Newborn Session

You just had a baby so comfort comes first! Neutrals and soft textures photograph beautifully, but I’ll never say no to some cute pajamas!

• For mom: a simple robe, nursing gown, or flowy pajama set in cream, taupe, blush, or gray. Sweep hair into a loose bun or leave it down; add lip balm and a swipe of mascara if you want!
• For dad: a plain tee, henley, or button-down in a solid neutral or simple pattern. Avoid large or bright logos and heavy patterns.
• Shoes: slippers or comfy, neutral socks. Please avoid gym shoes!
• For baby: a plain white or neutral onesie, or may a monogrammed sleeper or swaddle.
• For siblings: soft, comfy clothes in coordinating (not matching) colors. Bare feet for snuggly bed photos are adorable.

In addition to your special outfits, I’ll be sure to bring along a few neutral wraps to choose from.

4) Prepare Baby for your Fresh 48 Newborn Sesssion

My Fresh 48 newborn sessions are always baby-led. Taking a little extra time to check these boxes before I arrive will help our newborn session run smoothly!

• Feed 20–30 minutes before I arrive so baby is content and sleepy. We can always pause for top-offs.
• Burp and a clean diaper help prevent mid-shot fussiness.
• Hands and nails: if you have a moment, moisturize your hands and check nails for those close-up snuggle shots. But you probably already got your nails done before you went into labor!
• Remove sensors only with staff approval: I’ll safely work around any bands, wires, or monitors that are part of your family’s story, taking care to keep any identifying names or numbers out of focus.
• Keep it flexible: if baby is awake, I’ll capture bright eyes. If baby sleeps, we’ll lean into cozy swaddles. There’s no “wrong” mood for a Fresh 48 newborn session!

5) Plan the people, plan the little details

Fresh 48 newborn sessions can include a many family members as you like, as long as the hospital or birth center lets everyone in!

• Siblings: If including older siblings, plan their arrival for the second half of the session so they can warm up and enjoy a special “job” (count baby’s tiny toes, help hold the swaddle, read a book on the bed). Snacks are always helpful! Remember they’re learning how to be a big brother or sister, so be patient with them and let them enjoy taking on their new role.
• Meaningful items: I’m always happy to include any small personal items or family heirlooms you bring with you. A letterboard or name sign, a quilt from Grandma, or the first stuffed animal – anything you want remembered.
• Visitors and staff: Let loved ones know the session window so we have a calm space, and give your nurse a quick heads-up that photos are happening so they can grab any vitals before or after session time. They’re also wonderful at keeping unexpected visitors at bay!

Don’t you LOVE this new mama’s colorful PJ set? Check out this Amazon dupe!

Why Book a Fresh 48 Newborn Session in the Triad?

Other than photographing baby’s birth, a Fresh 48 newborn session is the sweetest way to document your baby’s first hours without the pressure of a full newborn studio or in home newborn lifestyle session. You’ll treasure these photos for years to come, so you deserve better than cell phone photos. Your baby’s wispy shoulder hairs, her button nose, all seven arm fat rolls – you’re gonna want to savor those tiny details forever.

If you’re an expectant parent in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, or anywhere in the Triad area of North Carolina, I’d love to capture these once-in-a-lifetime memories for you.

Ready to book your Fresh 48 hospital session? Let’s reserve your due date so your baby’s first day is beautifully documented forever.