How to Take Your Own Fresh 48 Photos | Atlanta Fresh 48 Hospital Newborn Photos & Films

I can’t help but think of so many of my clients who are expecting in the next month. With the newest hospital restrictions due to the Covid-19 virus, parents are facing all kinds of new challenges. From the fear of having to birth alone, to sometimes having limited contact with their newborn babies, and not being able to have visitors, like your own children patiently waiting to meet their new sibling. My heart goes out to all of you.

This has also meant that I won’t be able to do my absolute favorite Fresh 48 Newborn Sessions. I can’t be there to document this time that is sometimes such a blur, but so emotional and so special.

Whether you are a client who has to put off your Fresh 48 session, or want to learn how to do these yourself, I have put together a few tips to help you beautifully capture your new little one with whatever equipment you have.

Use What You Have & Know How to Use

The best camera you can use, is the one you have. If you have a DSLR, with a basic knowledge of how to shoot in manual, or even just use it in Auto mode that’s great. If you only have a smart phone, that’s great too. The purpose here is to use some simple techniques that can capture this moment no matter what equipment you have. Using the right lighting, and these simple techniques, can result in some great images using something like an iPhone.

If you are using a phone, use the Lightroom Mobile app to take the images in what’s called Pro mode, which is like taking a raw image that is easier to edit. Images rarely look awesome straight of camera, even on a professional level one. Once you have done your session, you can send me your favorite images and I will edit them for you!

Find the Light

No matter what kind of camera you are using, good light will make or break your image. I can take a better photo with my iPhone in great light, than with my DSLR in bad light.

Open up the blinds & curtains, and turn off all the other lights in the room. You want to maximize using as much directional natural light as possible. Even if it’s a cloudy day, they window light will still be better than the overhead.

Put the bassinet right near the window, as long as their is not a lot of strong, harsh, directional full sun coming through. If first thing in the morning that is the light you are getting, wait a few hours until the sun is up higher in the sky/over the building.

Careful sitting with the window behind you. While back lighting can create beautiful images, it can be hard to get the exposure and lighting right on your faces. Especially with a phone camera

It’s All About Angles

With all of these make sure you aren’t standing in front of the window/your light source.

Shoot from above standing at babies head, then again from babies feet. Be sure to get a full body shot, as well as a crop of just the face.

Always shoot from the side/slightly above & down the nose, never shoot up babies nose…never point your camera up anyone’s nose!

Ask Your Nurse for Help

Have your nurse swaddle the baby in the hospital swaddle. My favorite images are those with the hospital swaddles and hat, in the bassinet. I feel it authentically tells the story of the time you are trying to document in the hospital. I suggest not worrying about any special swaddle & wrap techniques or props. I do love adding a simple bow for newborn girls, or a special hat made by a family member for boys, but that’s about as much of a prop as I use.

You can also ask the nurse to grab a photo of you with baby, and maybe one of you and your partner if they are allowed to be there. For those shots, the easiest way to get good light is by sitting on the edge of the bed, knees facing the window, holding baby between the two of you. This is also a great spot for a couple of parent/baby photos.

Don’t Forget the Details

Once you are done taking most of the photos above, unswaddle baby to get a few details. You can also grab these details while holding them in your lap if they won’t stay settled in the bassinet. Little fingers wrapped around yours, the way their little feet fit in to your hand. Get close ups of feet, hands, that fuzzy head of baby hair, etc.

Keep It Simple

If you had expected to have myself, or another photographer do a Fresh 48 for you, readjust your expectations, and capture a few key photos of your time in the hospital. Don’t try to recreate the wheel or teach yourself photography here. Give yourself a lot of grace, you just had a baby!!! That’s a lot of work mama! If your partner is in the hospital with you, definitely have them read over these tips and help you out.

If you are one of my clients and want to do a Facetime session, to guide you through a few Fresh 48 photos, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

I will be offering in-home sessions at a later date for my clients who missed their Fresh 48, once the pandemic has slowed, and we are cleared to be in close proximity again. The safety of your family is of upmost importance to me. While your baby may not be a tiny newborn anymore, there are so many milestones and moments in that first year you’ll want to capture of your growing family.

I am praying that each and every expecting mother in this time is well, that your family’s are safe and healthy. That you find the good in all this, and that your baby’s are born safely, and continue to stay healthy. I hope that this all ends soon so your friends and family can all come together and celebrate your growing family with you.

If you have any questions, or want to learn more about documenting your baby’s first months, please reach out to me! Would love to chat with you!