Fresh 48 vs. Newborn Photography – What’s the Difference?
Back in my time, there was no such thing as a Fresh 48, it was simply my parents or grandparents pulling out their old film camera to snap a few blurry photos in the hospital. The lighting wasn’t great, the focus was off, but those pictures were priceless because they were the only memories we had of those first moments.
Fresh 48 it’s the modern version of what our parents used to do, but captured with care, intention, and professional quality. It’s about documenting those raw, real first 48 hours, the way they truly feel, so that families today can have beautiful memories to look back on.
Both Fresh 48 and newborn photography capture the beauty of your baby’s early days, but they focus on different moments, styles, and settings. Here’s how they differ:
1. Style & Approach
Fresh 48: Natural, documentary-style, unposed moments. It’s all about capturing emotions as they happen—baby’s first yawns, cuddles with parents, or the moment siblings meet. No props, just real memories.
Newborn Photography: More polished and styled, often using soft lighting, wraps, and props. The session is carefully planned to create classic, artistic portraits.
2. Timing & Location
Fresh 48: Done within the first 24-48 hours after birth, typically at the hospital or maternity ward.
Newborn Photography: Takes place 5-14 days after birth, usually in a home or studio setting where the baby can be posed comfortably.
3. Type of Shots
Fresh 48:
Close-ups of baby’s tiny details (fingers, toes, hospital bands).
First family moments—parents holding baby, first skin-to-skin contact.
Sibling or grandparent visits, capturing their first reactions.
Baby in their hospital bassinet, natural lighting, and surroundings.
Newborn Photography:
Carefully posed shots—baby wrapped, curled up, or placed in soft props.
Sleeping baby portraits, often in artistic setups.
Close-ups with delicate textures and backgrounds for a dreamy feel.
Family portraits with well-lit, cozy setups.
4. Overall Feel
Fresh 48: Raw, emotional, and unscripted—a visual story of your baby’s first hours in the world.
Newborn Photography: Soft, timeless, and styled—perfect for creating heirloom portraits.
If you want your baby’s first hours documented beautifully and naturally, Fresh 48 is for you. No props, no setups—just real moments, captured forever.