Photographing Your Own Fresh 48 {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

I think we can all agree that these past two years have been tough. While it’s not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, missing out on a Fresh 48 session that you were excited about, can be a bit of a downer. Today, I’m going to share some tips for you to take those image yourself in the hospital while photographers aren’t allowed in. I hope these will help you with photographing those early days until we can have your in home newborn session.

Tip One

Photograph the hospital items that you only see in those first couple of days. The little newborn hat and the hospital bracelets are only used for such a short time so make sure you get images of them while you can.

Fresh 48 session hospital bracelets and baby feet

Tip Two

Make sure you photograph them in the little plastic bassinet that they sleep in. This is so unique to your hospital stay so this is an image you’ll want to capture.

Newborn baby in hospital bassinet

Tip Three

As most hospitals are only allowing one guest, take turns photographing them in each other’s arms.

Mother is looking down on newborn baby in hospital
Dad is holding newborn baby in hospital

Tip Four

Use natural light. Turn off the hospital lights. They are never flattering and natural light will take your pictures to a different level. Shoot during the daylight and either shoot with the window behind your subject, or with the baby positioned so the light is hitting them from the side.

Tip Five

Don’t forget a close up of that sweet face and other little details like the tiny flakey feet.

Close up of newborn baby feet
Newborn baby in bassinet at hospital

Tip Six

Make sure you explore different angles. You don’t need to take a traditional portrait. Move all around the baby. You might surprise yourself with what you get.

Newborn baby in hospital bassinet

I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any questions. If your hospital is allowing visitors and you’d rather not take images yourself, please contact me here.