If you’ve started researching newborn photography, you may have come across the term Fresh 48 session and wondered what makes it different from traditional newborn photos. As a New Orleans birth and newborn photographer, this is one of the questions I hear most often from expectant parents... and for good reason!

Fresh 48 sessions are unique, meaningful, and unlike other kinds of newborn photography you’ll book during your baby’s first year.

So what Is a Fresh 48 Session?


A Fresh 48 session takes place within the first two days after your baby is born; usually in the hospital, birth center, or even at home if you’ve had a home birth. Instead of posed portraits or props, these sessions are documentary in nature. They capture your baby’s very first hours earth-side: tiny fingers and toes, the newness of their features, and the tender moments between you and your family as you get to know each other.

Close-up of newborn details during Fresh 48 hospital session

How Is It Different from Newborn Photography?


While newborn photography often happens a week or two after birth (sometimes in a studio, sometimes in your home), a Fresh 48 is all about those raw, unfiltered, just-born details. Think: hospital bands still on wrists, the first time siblings meet, your partner cradling your baby in awe, or the way your baby curls up just like they were in the womb.

Both Fresh 48 and newborn sessions are beautiful, but they tell different parts of your family’s story. Many families choose to book both to preserve those fleeting first days and then follow up with cozy at-home newborn portraits.

Why New Orleans Families Love Fresh 48 Sessions


Parents here in New Orleans often share that their Fresh 48 photos mean the most to them years later. The first days after birth are a blur that go by all too fast. You’re adjusting to a new rhythm, and it’s easy for details to fade. Having timeless photographs ensures you can revisit that sacred window whenever you want.


Whether you deliver at Ochsner Baptist, Touro, East Jefferson, or at home with a midwife, those fleeting baby details deserve to be remembered.

Authentic newborn photography during Fresh 48 session

What to Expect During Your Session


  • Timing: I’ll come within the first 24–48 hours after birth, once you’re settled and ready for visitors.
  • Length: I let you book the amount of time that works best for you. I do recommend a one hour or two hour session, however.
  • Style: Natural, real-life moments. Lots of detail shots so you never forget your baby's first days.
  • Family Focus: Partners, siblings, and grandparents are always welcome.


The goal is to keep everything relaxed. You don’t need to clean, prepare, or worry about looking “perfect.” Fresh 48 sessions are about authenticity, not staging.

When to Book


Because Fresh 48 sessions depend on your baby’s arrival, I only take a limited number each month to stay on-call around due dates. If you’re expecting in New Orleans and know you’d love these once-in-a-lifetime images, the best time to book is during your second trimester.

Mother holding newborn during Fresh 48 photography session

Final Thoughts


Your baby will only be this new once. A Fresh 48 photography session in New Orleans allows you to remember the raw, beautiful, real moments of those first hours forever.

If you’re due soon and want to learn more about availability, I’d love to connect. You can reach out here to start planning your session.