Tips for Fresh 48 Sessions (BONUS 5 Favorite Poses)
Fresh 48 sessions are some of my most favorite portraits to capture; that absolute newness of a new baby, documenting the moments just after giving birth. Unfortunately due to Covid 19, many photographers are not allowed into hospitals to help document this beautiful time.
So instead, I want to help expecting families (or their doulas!) with my favorite tips for capturing a newborn session in the hospital
Turn off the hospital lights and open the window shades
If I could give one piece of advice, this would be it. The lights within the hospital usually give off a terrible yellow light, and the overhead light shining down can create some unflattering shadows.
If you are in a room with a window, open the shades and utilize the daylight.
Also, don’t use your on camera (or on phone) flash! The light from the flash is typically harsh and unflattering as well. Use as much of the window light as you can.
Face subjects towards the window
Always make sure baby is facing the light so their face is illuminated! If baby is in their bassinet and movable, the closer you are to the window, the better the light will be (and you’ll have an easier time capturing the moments!)
Be aware of what is in your frame, and crop out what you can.
It is tricky sometimes to focus on special moments when there are distracting elements in the photos, and hospital rooms are notorious for having a lot of distracting elements.
It can be hard to juggle between capturing sweet moments, and being aware of the distracting elements within your frame.
When I am photographing fresh 48 sessions I tend to watch out for things I can control, such as moving phones, chargers, drinks, food, bags, clothes, etc. Move them away from where you are photographing, and be aware if YOU move, if you capture them in frame.
Move your camera, and shoot from above
Not every picture needs to be straight on! For certain poses such as breastfeeding, or baby in the bassinet, I typically hold my camera above and shoot directly down.
Now here is my bonus tips! My 5 favorite poses for Fresh 48 Sessions! I try to make sure I get these every single time.
#1. The detail shots
Close up of baby’s features (hands, fingers, toes, feet, ears, belly button, hair, etc). I love looking for unique features, such as a swirl in baby’s hair.
BONUS TIP: When photographing baby’s feet or hands, have someone’s hands in there to show scale. Trust me, as a mama myself, I adore seeing how teensy my child’s feet and hands used to be! And having a hand in there to show scale helps you remember just how tiny they where <3
#2. Baby in the Bassinet
Photographing baby overhead when they are in the bassinet. Since you can wheel the bassinet really anywhere, I typically like to bring baby over to the window as much as possible.
#3. Baby being held/snuggled
Let this pose be natural; holding baby within your arms and rocking them. Or bringing baby up to your shoulder (like if you were to burp them). Just remember to be aware of how the light is hitting your subjects (especially their faces!)
If mom or dad leans in naturally to kiss baby, capture that!
#4. Moments and details that tell your story
Your portraits should also reflect your experience and don’t forget to capture all the moments that make your story whole.
For some of these moments, don’t worry about posing. Let it be more about capturing the moment itself in a real and authentic way.
The handmade sign with baby’s name/stats on it.
Baby’s hospital bracelet
Baby’s first bath
Baby’s first diaper change/outfit change/swaddle
Baby breastfeeding or bottle feeding
Details of the room itself (board with nurses names on it, room number, hospital hallway, etc)
Skin to skin moments.
#5. FAMILY
If you can, figure out a way to take that family portrait. Ask a nurse to snap it, your doula, or even just set a self timer. Just. Do. It.
It also doesn’t need to be super posed. Someone can hold baby within their arms like a cradle, standing next to the window, and the other wraps their arms around to hug.
I hope these tips help you as you embark on your birth journey! As always, I am here to help if you need (editing too!) just reach out at sara@sarazinnphotography.com or post within the facebook group.