You’ve waited for close to a year for your baby’s arrival. And now, he’s finally here, the latest addition to your growing family.
And although you have several years to spend watching your new baby grow, at this very moment, you want time to freeze and savor every second you spend with your little one.
For this moment, shoddily taken pictures from a smartphone will not do. You need an expert photographer by your side to capture these first few crucial hours.
Why Choose Fresh 48 Photography
As its name implies, Fresh 48 photography, also known as new life photography, is a type of newborn photography that is scheduled during your new child’s first two days.
This type of photography session is particularly beneficial for families who wish to document the first few hours and milestones of a newborn baby, like his first yawn or first meeting with loved ones.
Unlike conventional newborn photography, the shots are taken without the subjects being asked to pose. Neither are props encouraged to be used. Instead, the focus is on capturing the baby’s first moments as these naturally unfold.
In the flurry of excitement and all the activities surrounding the baby’s birth, you, your partner, or your loved ones may not be able to capture these precious moments; hence, the need for a professional to document these. And ah, these moments can go by so fast! In the blink of an eye, and perhaps due to fatigue, these can quickly pass by you without you even knowing.
Tips for Moms and Dads
If you are considering booking a photographer for a Fresh 48 photography session, here are a few essential things that you need to know.
Booking a session
You need to book your chosen photographer months ahead before your projected delivery date. Although the photographer will not necessarily be on call during your actual delivery date, he will need to block off the week around the dates you might give birth.
Take note that babies don’t necessarily arrive on schedule, allowing your photographer to mark his calendar with your session gives him ample leeway, enabling him to free up his schedule leading to your delivery date.
It is a good idea to give your photographer an update of your checkups with your doctor, especially as you near your delivery date. This will allow both of you to make the necessary adjustments.
Preparing for the shoot
Communicating with your photographer allows you to establish rapport and a certain degree of comfort and trust, especially since you and your baby are going to share special moments with him.
During your talks with the photographer, it is highly recommended to discuss a few essential things. For starters, agree upon how you will contact him. Will it be via a text messaging or call? When should the photographer arrive at the hospital? Immediately after you give birth or the day after? Who will be present during the shoot?
What to wear
Unlike newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography is more like shooting a documentary, which is more natural and candid.
As such, comfort is of the utmost importance when moms choose what to wear. Some are fine with wearing their hospital gowns while others may prefer something more comfortable.
For baby, you can opt to have his pictures taken while swaddled in his blanket. This gives the photos a sense of time and place.
Taking pictures of the baby
Each photographer will have his unique approach to shooting a Fresh 48 photo session. As such, it is critical to factor this in while selecting a photographer.
While you may have a few specific shots that you might want your photographer to take, his primary focus would and should be your comfort. Remember, you may still be recovering from your birth, and your mobility may not be at its normal level. As such, the photographer’s shots may center around what happens organically.
Typically, these photo sessions are short in nature, with many lasting between one and one and a half hours. This is more than enough time to capture special moments while giving you ample time to rest, bond with your baby, or attend to other family members like your other kids.
An experienced photographer will accommodate your requests for breaks or short breaks. Do not hesitate to inform him if you need one.
As for the actual photos, you can run by him a couple of shots that you may want to be added. These include pictures of you and your partner holding your baby individually and together, baby meeting his siblings, baby meeting his grandparents, and portrait shots.
Delivery of photos
After the photoshoot, you might want to immediately share the pictures of your new baby with family and friends. Ask the photographer when you can expect the photos to arrive.
Some photographers may send you digital copies of the photos so that you have something to share while he is still editing the rest of the pictures.
Capture Moments to Last
Time flies by so fast, especially with babies. One minute you’re holding him for the first time, and the next moment, he’s off to his first day in school. Make sure that you capture your first tender moments with him with the help of an experienced photographer.
AUTHOR BIO: Stefanie Descheemaecker is the Studio Manager at Stu Williamson Photography at The Palm Jumeirah – Fairmont Hotel in Dubai. She has been with the company for almost 3 years and is the driving force behind the success of the business. A keen amateur photographer, Stef combines her natural creative eye with a strong business acumen to help Stu Williamson Photography become the most trusted and successful photography business in the UAE.