A.My Fresh 48 questionnaire will equip me with all the information I need so when labor day arrives I’m good-to-go! This questionnaire will include your expected due date, the name/address of your birth place, your partner and/or birth team’s contact info., if there are any specific moments you want captured during the Fresh 48 session, etc. Having these questions answered in advance will encourage less stress for everyone so we’re on the same page. Being organized and efficient ahead of time makes it so much easier once I get the “I’m in labor!” text… then the only remaining question once baby is here and you’re in postpartum is “What’s your room number?”.

So… assuming you’ve already reached out to me months in advance to book your Fresh 48 Session so we can ensure I’m available around the time frame of your due date + squared away all the fun stuff like signing a contract/completing payment/completing your questionnaire, etc. to get you officially booked… I will check-in with you roughly 1 week prior to your due date to see how things are going. Due to the unpredictability of labor it’s important that we stay in touch leading up to the big day! Once you’re in active labor, typically your partner or someone on your birth team will call/text/email me (the sooner the better!) to let me know so I can prep my gear and clear my schedule. Once baby is here (YAY!) we’ll then schedule a time during daylight hours (I’m a natural light photographer) for me to come to your birth place.

A.I always recommend that baby is changed, swaddled and fed shortly before my arrival — this way he/she is extra sleepy and cozy! You do not need to stress about making your hospital room spotless — the point of this lifestyle session is to capture the room, the moment, as is. No need to stress about doing your hair and makeup either if you don’t want to. I’ve had mommies that felt more refreshed for portraits after a shower and some light makeup and others that went all natural — it’s whatever you’re most comfortable with. For outfits, a neutral everyday look is best — moms have worn a robe, a grey/white cardigan, pajama pants… again, whatever you are most comfortable and feel yourself in… Dads can wear something as simple as a solid white t-shirt and jeans… baby is typically just swaddled in their hospital blanket.

I strongly recommend that during this time the only individuals present in the hospital room are Mom, Dad, siblings, and baby. Large gatherings can easily wear you and your baby out more than anticipated. Hospital rooms can quickly get crowded with extended family members which makes it more difficult to have a quiet, relaxed, intimate session. Once all photos are captured for the Fresh 48 session, and if times allows, extended family members such as grandparents, are welcome to join us in the room for some candid photographs.