What is a Fresh 48 Session and Why Should You Do One?

By Elizabeth Lang Photography – Surrey, near Vancouver

The first few days with your newborn are some of the most special, fleeting, and emotional moments of your life. As a parent, you’re adjusting to new routines, soaking in every tiny detail of your baby, and experiencing the wonder of their very first days. A Fresh 48 session is a way to capture all of this in a beautiful, documentary-style photoshoot that takes place in those precious first 48 hours of life.

Whether you give birth in a hospital or at home, a Fresh 48 session captures your newborn in their freshest state—wrinkled skin, scrunched-up baby face, tiny fingers, and all those little details you’ll want to remember forever. Let me tell you why this session is so special and why you should consider scheduling one for your growing family.

Capture your baby's newness in a fresh 48 newborn photography session. Surrey newborn Photographer Elizabeth Lang. Sibling love

1. Capturing the Newness of Your Newborn

A Fresh 48 session takes place in the first 48 hours after birth, during which your baby is still adjusting to the world outside the womb. The details during this time are unmatched—tiny wrinkled feet, peeling skin, the soft umbilical stump, and the adorable scrunch of their face as they get used to new sensations. These moments are what I call the freshie baby things—the unmistakable characteristics that make your newborn so incredibly new.

At this stage, your baby is often swaddled in a hospital blanket or your home swaddle, sleeping soundly in a plastic bassinet or on your chest. It’s a time when everything feels raw, tender, and unbelievably beautiful. Capturing these moments means preserving the true essence of your newborn’s earliest days, when they’re still so small and full of newness.

2. A Documentary-Style Session That Tells Your Story

Unlike traditional newborn sessions, which usually take place when your baby is a few weeks old, a Fresh 48 session has a more relaxed, documentary feel. I aim to capture the natural, candid moments of your baby’s first hours or days of life. There’s no posing or heavy set-ups—just you and your baby in the most natural, organic environment.

If you're in a hospital, I’ll document those little details like the hospital band, the plastic bassinet, the swaddle, and the cozy room. If you’re at home after a home birth, I’ll capture the beauty of your home environment and the first moments of your baby settling in. Whether it’s the joy in your eyes as you hold your baby for the first time or the quiet moments of bonding with your partner, the Fresh 48 session lets the raw emotions and connections speak for themselves.

Capture your baby's newness in a fresh 48 newborn photography session. Surrey newborn Photographer Elizabeth Lang. Sibling love

3. Documenting Sibling Bonds from the Start

If you have older children, a Fresh 48 session is the perfect opportunity to capture their first interactions with their new sibling. Whether they’re meeting their baby brother or sister for the first time or offering a tender kiss on the forehead, these first moments are incredibly precious. I absolutely love documenting these sibling connections as they unfold. There’s something so beautiful about the first time a child meets their sibling—it’s a moment that will be treasured forever, and it’s often full of emotion.

Getting these sibling shots in the first couple of days allows me to capture the raw, unfiltered emotions that come with these first introductions. From shy smiles to big hugs and kisses, your older kids’ reactions to meeting their new sibling are moments you’ll want to remember forever. These are my favourite photos! I vividly remember when my older children met the new baby and it was so special!

4. No Stress, Just Connection

One of the things I love most about Fresh 48 sessions is how low-key and relaxed they are. There’s no pressure for everyone to look perfect or be in full wardrobe. The beauty of these sessions lies in their authenticity. You don’t need to worry about getting your baby dressed up in a special outfit or creating the "perfect" look. These photos are about the connection—your connection to your baby and your family’s connection to one another.

I come to the hospital or your home at a time that works for you and your baby’s schedule, capturing whatever moments naturally unfold. This is all about documenting the real, intimate moments of those first hours or days. Whether it’s a quiet moment of nursing, the feel of your baby’s hand in yours, or a peaceful nap in your arms, these photos will reflect the connection and love that is uniquely yours.

Capture your baby's newness in a fresh 48 newborn photography session. Surrey newborn Photographer Elizabeth Lang. Mom dad and twins

5. Why You Should Book a Fresh 48 Session

As a parent, you’ll likely find that the days following your baby’s birth can be a blur. You’ll want to soak in every tiny detail, but the days move quickly, and before you know it, your baby will have changed. A Fresh 48 session ensures you capture the essence of that newness before it slips away. These photos will be memories that you’ll cherish forever—moments that might feel like a dream years down the road.

The Fresh 48 session is a perfect way to commemorate those first precious hours or days. The images from this shoot are ideal for creating albums, framed prints, or keepsakes that capture the beginning of your baby’s story in a way that feels natural, genuine, and full of love.

6. How to Plan Your Fresh 48 Session

Booking a Fresh 48 session with me is simple and flexible. Since the session takes place within the first 48 hours after birth, I recommend booking as soon as you’ve confirmed your birth plans, so we can coordinate timing. I’ll be on standby and ready to come to the hospital or your home when you’re ready. The goal is to make it as easy and stress-free as possible for you while still capturing the beauty of your baby’s first moments.

Capture your baby's newness in a fresh 48 newborn photography session. Surrey newborn Photographer Elizabeth Lang. Yawning baby

Conclusion: A Beautiful Way to Remember Your Newborn’s First Days

A Fresh 48 session is an incredible way to preserve the magic and raw emotion of your newborn’s earliest days. It’s a chance to document your baby in all their freshness—wrinkled skin, tiny diapers, and all the other precious details that will quickly change as they grow. Whether it’s a hospital room or your home, a Fresh 48 session lets me capture those quiet, intimate moments that you’ll cherish forever.

If you're expecting a little one and are interested in scheduling a Fresh 48 session with Elizabeth Lang Photography, feel free to reach out! I’d love to document these special memories for your family.

Elizabeth Lang Photography | Surrey, Vancouver


YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION WITH ELIZABETH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY


Capture your baby's newness in a fresh 48 newborn photography session. Surrey newborn Photographer Elizabeth Lang. Baby feet and hands.