A Fresh 48 newborn photo session captures your baby’s first hours or days of life while you’re still in hospital.
These photographs document your family’s first moments together naturally—from their delicate features and umbilical cord peg to siblings meeting their new baby for the first time.
The excitement that has built over nine months feels like nothing compared to the emotions you feel now – wonder, awe, (maybe a little shock) and growing love. And that’s what I’m here to capture.
What is a Fresh 48 newborn session?
A Fresh 48 photo session is traditionally a session held in hospital in the first 48 hours after birth.
It’s about capturing portraits of your baby at the tiniest they’ll ever be and before they lose the details of being a newborn (hospital bracelets, their umbilical cord stub still attached and the shape of their face (because this can change in a matter of days)).
Emotions are high after the birth of your baby and all that excitement is documented, so you can tell your little love all about it in years to come.
You can find more information about newborn sessions here.
When and where are Fresh 48 photos taken? Mater Rockhampton
While Fresh 48 sessions are traditionally held in the first 48 hours after birth, they can be taken at anytime during your stay in hospital.
These can take place at both the Mater Rockhampton and the Rockhampton Base Hospital, however there is generally more time at the Mater because most families stay for about five days.
Many Rockhampton Base Hospital patients leave within a matter of hours and I can’t always guarantee that I can make it in time to capture your little bub.
Can siblings come?
Absolutely. Hospital newborn photos are a chance to capture the whole family.
We make sure to capture the excitement of their meeting, the little details too – like the way they hold baby’s hand, and how they keep looking to you for reassurance.
It’s the first chapter of a bond they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.
What if I’m having a c-section?
With all my newborn sessions, I start by asking how your birth went and how you’re feeling (and after doing it three times myself, I know how painful those after birth pains can be).
If you are still very tender from birth or surgery, you can remain in bed or in the feeding chair, and I can work around you.
We’ll still capture plenty of beautiful portraits of you and your baby, all while keeping you feeling comfortable and relaxed.
Fresh 48 versus newborn photos at home
I offer a complimentary maternity session when booking your newborn session at the same time but..
If you decide not to have a maternity session, you can choose to have newborn portraits in the hospital AND a session once you’re settled at home.
But if you’re trying to decide between the two…let me help.
| Fresh 48 | At home |
| Hospital | Home |
| First hours or days | First 1-2 weeks |
| Hospital details (umbilical cord, clear bassinet, welcome baby sign) | Nursery and baby’s first home (cot, rocking chair, sitting on the front step etc) |
| Meeting siblings | Life with siblings |
| Tiniest they’ll ever be | Filled out a little more after birth |
How long do Fresh 48 newborn sessions take?
I allow up to 1.5 hours. This gives us plenty of time to capture baby in their bassinet and all their tiny details, as well as their first portraits with each family member.
If you have other young children, it can take a little longer, depending on how many kids we’re wrangling.
I often suggest to have a trusted loved one bring the kids in for a short period of time and then head home once they’ve had enough. We can always start the session with just mum and baby and then capture the rest of the family afterwards.
What should we wear to our newborn hospital photo session?
Comfort is key here, especially for new mums who are recovering from birth.
I suggest packing a couple of options, especially if this is your first baby. You may not know how you’re going to feel and whether certain clothing will fit well.
Light, neutral coloured clothing photographs beautifully. Include a mix of textures to add interest to your portraits. If you have a baby blanket or wrap you’d love included, please pack that too.
I have a selection of hand-knitted baby outfits and blankets that you’re welcome to use.
Can grandparents visit during the session?
Yes. The memories we create with your family in these early days will mean so much to you and your baby in the years to come.
It’s also a beautiful way to show all the generations together.
We may just need to allow for extra time to capture all the family members.
Are Fresh 48 newborn photos right for my family?
It really comes down to preference. Any location (whether at the hospital, at home or in my studio) will give you beautiful first portraits of your baby and family.
They just tell a slightly different story.
Hospital – The first hours or days after birth – the smallest they’ll ever be, their fresh umbilical cord and the awe you all feel at meeting the newest member of your family.
Home – The first days or couple of weeks at baby’s first home – documenting their nursery, the hours spent feeding them snuggled up in bed, skin-on-skin in the shower or bath.
The studio – No need to tidy your home. I have everything you need here in the studio. We capture all the details of your baby, have plenty of snuggles with the family and can create beautiful skin-on-skin portraits too.
Wherever you choose to capture your baby, we’ll create portraits together that tell the story of your child’s very beginning and the overwhelming love you feel for them as their parent.
Fresh 48 Frequently asked questions
Can I book a Fresh 48 and an in-home newborn session?
Yes. My newborn packages include two sessions. You can choose a maternity session plus one newborn session (at any location) or two newborn sessions (within the first month).
If you’d love your pregnancy, Fresh 48 in hospital and newborn session (at home or studio) captured, an additional $500 fee is applied.
What if my baby arrives early?
I only take on a certain number of newborn clients per month to ensure I’m available to families who book me, even if your baby didn’t get their due date memo. 😉
Whether your baby arrives early, late or right on time, I’ll be there to capture all the beautiful details of their arrival.
Can my toddler be in the photos?
I love capturing siblings with their new baby brother or sister.
Young children can become overwhelmed in new environments quite quickly, so I suggest having a trusted loved one on hand who can take them home as soon as they’ve had enough.
Do you photograph at both Rockhampton hospitals?
The short answer is yes. However, many families at the Rockhampton Base Hospital are only there for a matter of hours before being sent home. I’m not always able to make it at short notice, so I suggest having a back-up plan instead (photos at home within the first couple of days).
Most families who book through the Mater Rockhampton Hospital are there for up to five days, so there is plenty of time to capture your family before you are discharged.
