Those first hours after your baby arrives are unlike anything else. Tiny fingers wrapped around yours, sleepy stretches, first yawns, and the overwhelming joy of meeting your newest family member.
A Fresh 48 session captures these moments naturally—without posing or props—while you're still in the hospital or birthing center.
Here are the questions I receive most often -
A Fresh 48 session is a lifestyle newborn photography session that takes place within the first 24–48 hours after your baby is born, before you leave the hospital or birthing center.
Unlike a traditional newborn session, there is no posing, wrapping, or studio setup. These sessions focus on authentic moments and emotions surrounding your baby's first day of life.
The best time to reserve your session is during your second trimester or early in your third trimester.
Since babies arrive on their own schedule, I reserve space around your due date rather than a specific day.
Once your baby arrives, I'll come to the hospital within 24-48 hours.
I photograph Fresh 48 sessions throughout the Seattle and Tacoma areas, including hospitals such as:
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
MultiCare Tacoma General
Overlake Medical Center
Evergreen Hospital
Valley Medical Center
Swedish First Hill
Swedish Issaquah
Virginia Mason
St. Joseph Medical Center
If you're delivering somewhere not listed, just ask! I'm happy to discuss travel.
Most sessions last 30–60 minutes, depending on baby's needs.
There's plenty of time for feeding, diaper changes, and cuddles.
Your baby's comfort always comes first.
No problem.
Since I schedule around your due date, there's flexibility built into my calendar for early or late arrivals.
Once baby is born, just reach out and we'll finalize the session time.
Simple is always best.
Many parents choose: Hospital swaddle, lain white onesie, special announcement outfit or a handmade blanket from family.
I also bring several neutral, simple outfits and knit swaddles and blankets to use at the session as well.
Fresh 48 sessions are about documenting your baby's first days exactly as they happened, so there's no need for elaborate outfits.
Neutral, comfortable clothing photographs beautifully.
Great options include: Soft sweaters, neutral t-shirts, button-up shirts, and comfortable lounge wear.
Avoid large logos or bright neon colors.
Remember—you just had a baby. The focus isn't on perfection; it's on connection.
You are not alone — most moms say this before their session.
My approach is very guided and relaxed. I will walk you through natural posing, movement, and connection prompts so you never have to wonder what to do with your hands or how to stand.
The goal is to create authentic, emotional images while helping you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful throughout the experience.
Absolutely.
Older siblings meeting baby for the first time often become the most meaningful images from the entire session.
Every situation is unique and we can always pivot to a newborn session if that's the easier option.
Your comfort always comes first.
Fresh 48 sessions are relaxed and move at your pace.
There is no pressure to stand, walk, or do anything uncomfortable.
Many of the most beautiful photographs happen while you're resting in bed holding your baby.
Each gallery includes a thoughtfully edited collection of beautiful images that tell the story of your baby's first day.
Your final gallery will include a mix of: Family portraits, Parent and baby moments, Baby details, Sibling interactions, Hospital details and Candid storytelling images.
Yes!
Many families choose both a Fresh 48 session and a studio or in-home newborn session.
Fresh 48 captures your baby's first hours.
A newborn session, typically held within the first two to three weeks, allows for more relaxed family portraits and detailed images after you've settled in at home.
Your baby's first day only happens once.
My goal is to preserve it exactly as you experienced it—without forced posing or interruptions—so years from now you can remember the tiny details that fade far too quickly.
As an experienced newborn photographer serving Seattle, Tacoma, Puyallup, Bellevue, and the surrounding areas, I create a calm, stress-free experience while documenting the beginning of your family's newest chapter.
If you're expecting and would love to preserve those unforgettable first hours with your baby, I'd be honored to tell your story.
Contact Christina Mae Photography today to reserve your du e date and learn more about Fresh 48 photography in Seattle, Tacoma, Puyallup, and surrounding Washington communities.