A newborn baby is peacefully sleeping in a hospital crib, captured beautifully by the hospital photographer. Wrapped in a blanket with colorful footprint patterns, the baby lies in a transparent crib, bathed gently by soft natural light.

WHAT IS A FRESH 48 PHOTO SESSION?

A Fresh 48 session is a hospital newborn photography session that takes place within the first 48 hours after your baby is born. This style of newborn photography is lifestyle-based, focusing on natural, unposed moments rather than traditional posed newborn setups.

Fresh 48 sessions are held in your hospital room and capture the real and emotional details of your baby’s very first hours. These photos may include hospital bracelets, tiny toes in the bassinet, first cuddles, the hospital surroundings, and even nursing photos if you’d like to include them. I also use simple hospital-style wraps and hats to keep the focus on your newborn’s brand-new features.

This session is perfect for documenting the raw beauty and genuine emotions of those unforgettable first moments with your baby.

To learn more about my posed newborn sessions, click [HERE].

WHAT HOSPITALS DO YOU TRAVEL TO FOR FRESH 48 NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY? 

I offer Fresh 48. hospital newborn photography sessions at several hospitals across the northwest suburbs of Chicago. I currently travel to the following hospitals to capture those first precious hours after birth: 

  • Sherman Hospital in Elgin, IL

  • Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital in Huntley, IL

  • Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, IL

  • St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, IL

  • Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, IL

If you’re delivering at one of these locations and would like to schedule a Fresh 48 session, please reach out in advance so I can try an be on-call around your due date. These intimate, in-hospital sessions are perfect for documenting your baby’s first hours in a natural, heartfelt way.

A woman lovingly holds a sleeping newborn baby in her arms at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital. The baby, wrapped in a white blanket, peacefully rests as the mother gently leans in, showing an expression of tenderness and care. A newborn baby lies in a hospital bassinet at Huntley Hospital, dressed in a white outfit and diaper. Identification bands adorn the tiny wrist and ankle. The bassinet is cozily positioned near a large window, offering a view of the world outside. Close-up of an adults hand gently holding a babys hand, conveying a tender connection. The adult, wearing a ring with Northwestern Medicine insignia, offers protection and warmth against a softly blurred background. A newborn baby, nestled in a bassinet at Advocate Sherman Hospital, wears a white outfit, sleeping peacefully. Dark-haired with a tiny identification bracelet on their ankle, the infant is framed by a window view of the serene outdoor area beyond. A newborn baby is swaddled in a hospital bassinet at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, wrapped in a white blanket with colorful footprints. The babys tiny hands are visible, and they lie under soft lighting. A newborn baby swaddled in a blue blanket sleeps peacefully in an Elgin hospital bassinet. A wooden sign beside the baby reads: “Hello World. Name: Ace Shavers. Date: Nov 16th, 2023. Time: 11:21 PM. Weight: 9 lbs. 5 oz. Length: 20.5 in.”. Close-up of a newborns healing belly button with a yellowish crust, partially covered by a white cloth. A plastic clamp is attached to the umbilical cord stump, typical shortly after birth, as observed at Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital. A newborn baby, swaddled in a white outfit, lies peacefully on a blanket adorned with colorful footprints. At Woodstock Hospital in Illinois, the infant gently grips an adults finger with both hands, displaying a serene expression. Close-up of a newborns feet resting on a soft surface at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. The baby wears an identification band around the ankle. The image captures tiny toes and delicate skin, conveying a sense of new life and fragility. A newborn baby peacefully sleeping in a hospital bassinet at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. The bassinet, crafted from clear plastic with a wooden frame, sits by a large window showcasing a scenic view. Close-up of a newborns feet at an Illinois hospital, one leg adorned with a hospital ID band and the other with a medical bandage. The baby rests on a soft surface, with part of a Barrington crib visible in the blurred background. Close-up of a babys ear with soft, fine hair visible around the edges. The skin appears smooth and delicate, highlighting the small, intricate folds and structure of the ear—a tender moment captured in Elgin, Illinois. In a cozy hospital room in Huntley, Illinois, a woman with a hospital wristband gently touches noses with her newborn, who is snugly wrapped in a pink blanket and hat. Both are smiling warmly, capturing an intimate moment of joy and connection.
A mother gently cradles her newborn baby, who is wrapped in a soft white blanket. The mother, wearing a green shirt with subtle patterns, lovingly presses her face against the babys head, creating a tender and intimate moment.

HOW LONG DOES THE FRESH 48 NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION LAST?

Fresh 48 hospital newborn photography sessions typically last around one hour. This gives us plenty of time to capture your baby’s earliest moments in a relaxed, natural way. If a nurse or doctor needs to come in for vitals or care during the session, we simply pause and resume—so the session may run slightly longer as needed.

I begin each session by photographing your newborn individually, focusing on tiny details like their hospital bracelet, bassinet, and fresh features. If you choose, I’ll also capture sweet moments with parents, documenting those first cuddles and emotional connections that make this session so meaningful.

WHEN ARE FRESH 48 HOSPITAL NEWBORN SESSIONS NOT AVAILABLE?

Fresh 48 newborn photography sessions are not available on Sundays or major holidays, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, the Fourth of July, and other nationally recognized holidays.

Since these hospital newborn sessions require short notice and careful scheduling, I recommend reaching out in advance to discuss your due date and plan for availability around your delivery window.

A newborn baby wrapped in a pink blanket blissfully rests in a hospital bassinet by the window. A wooden sign reads: Hello world. Name: Aurora Rose. Date: 11-01-23. Time: 6:04 AM. The sky and landscape are visible outside, welcoming her to the world.

DO YOU TAKE PICTURES OF THE PARENTS DURING NEWBORN SESSIONS?

Yes, I absolutely love including parents in newborn photography sessions. Capturing the love, connection, and emotion you feel with your baby during those first few days is a beautiful part of telling your family’s story.

Whether it’s a soft cuddle, a sweet kiss, or simply holding your newborn close, these parent and baby photos are moments you’ll treasure—especially once those early sleep-deprived days become a blur. Including parents in the session adds depth and meaning to your newborn portraits and helps preserve those fleeting memories forever.

A close-up captures an adult hand tenderly holding a babys, their tiny fingers grasping an adults finger, embodying care and connection. The adult is framed against a blurred background, reminiscent of a Sherman Hospital photographers touch.

DO YOU USE PROPS DURING FRESH 48 SESSIONS?

For Fresh 48 hospital newborn photography sessions, I use minimal, simple props that help highlight your baby’s natural beauty and the authentic hospital environment. I bring along soft hospital-style hats, cozy blankets, and either a pink or blue wrap, depending on your preference. I also include a baby announcement sign to help personalize your images.

I do not use elaborate props, themed outfits, or costumes during these sessions. My focus is on using soft wraps and natural light to capture real, meaningful moments with your newborn in those first hours after birth.

Mother holding and nuzzling newborn baby wrapped in pink at hospital during a Fresh 48 photography session in Illinois

WHAT SHOULD PARENTS WEAR FOR FRESH 48 HOSPITAL NEWBORN PHOTOS?

Since Fresh 48 sessions take place in the hospital and focus on natural, candid moments, I recommend keeping your wardrobe simple and comfortable. Moms are welcome to wear a hospital gown, nursing tank, or a robe—whatever feels best during recovery. Dads often wear a basic t-shirt with jeans or sweatpants to match the relaxed, cozy feel of the hospital setting.

Neutral and light colors photograph beautifully in natural hospital lighting, and they help keep the focus on your baby. Avoid bold patterns or large logos for a timeless, clean look in your newborn photos.

Newborn baby sleeping in a hospital bassinet, wearing a white outfit and diaper. The clear bassinet is placed near a window, with a blurred view of the outside visible.

WHAT ARE YOUR PRICES FOR A FRESH 48 SESSION?

To view current pricing and package options for Fresh 48 hospital newborn photography sessions, please visit the link below. You’ll find detailed information on what each package includes, session length, number of edited images, and any add-on options available.

Explore Fresh 48 Photography Packages. Click [HERE]

 

A family of three joyfully embraces against a tan backdrop, capturing a precious moment in Cary, Illinois. The expectant mother wears jeans and a top, while the man in a shirt and their smiling daughter in a pink dress touching her pregnant belly.

CAN I ADD A MATERNITY SESSION TOO?

Yes, absolutely—you can add a maternity session, and I would love to photograph this meaningful time for you. Maternity photography is a beautiful way to celebrate your pregnancy and reflect on the exciting changes ahead. These sessions are relaxed, elegant, and focused on capturing your unique glow and anticipation.

All maternity clients have full access to my curated studio wardrobe, which includes a variety of gowns and bodysuits designed to flatter and photograph beautifully. Whether we shoot in-studio or outdoors, I will help style your session to feel timeless, feminine, and uniquely you.

For more details about what’s included and to view my portfolio, please visit my Maternity Information page [HERE]

 

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A FRESH 48 NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?

Because many hospitals discharge new moms and babies within 24 hours, it’s important to contact me as soon as you are admitted to the hospital to schedule your Fresh 48 newborn photography session. This allows me to check availability and do my best to be there during that special window after your baby is born.

If I’m able to fit you into my schedule, that’s wonderful. If not, I will send you a 10% off coupon to use toward a studio newborn session or a 3-month milestone session as a thank-you for reaching out.

To help ensure availability, I recommend contacting me during your third trimester so we can discuss your estimated due date and prepare in advance.

Ready to book or have questions?

Contact me [HERE]

Contact Image 1:27 Photography HERE!