Mount Pleasant Fresh 48 Session | Charleston Newborn Photographer

Fresh 48 hospital sessions just have my heart. After photographing this baby girl in mama’s belly, it was so fun to be able to meet her and capture big sister loving on her before they even left the hospital!

As a Charleston Fresh 48 photographer, I find a lot of people have never even heard of these hospital sessions! They might be my favorite to photograph though. There is just something so beautiful about capturing those little hospital details and brand new baby features. Your little love will never be this tiny again! As a mama of two, I personally regret not having Fresh 48 sessions done.

Because these sessions aren’t as well known in terms of newborn photography, I thought it would be fun to share some answers to frequently asked questions! This sweet mama was also kind enough to answer some of my questions about her experience for part two of this series, so stay tuned!

First, why Fresh 48? What makes them to special?

Wow, where to start?! Fresh 48 sessions are raw and just full of so much love. They are the most relaxed of any session I do with my clients. They are named that way because the sessions take place the first two days of life, before you are discharged from the hospital.

I love these sessions because there is no pressure on mama to look glamorous. I always recommend using the session as an excuse to get out of bed when you are feeling good enough and take the most glorious shower you’ve ever had! haha! But seriously, mamas can dab on some concealer, comfy pants and a robe, and call it a day.

Another reason I love these hospital sessions is because after having your baby there are so many details you might have missed. The hospital bands,  room number, hospital bassinet and blankets… I love the detail shots because those first few days are typically a blur!

Is there any preparation I need to do before the session?

Not really! When you book you will receive a detailed session guide that covers a lot of information from this post and more. But mainly I just want you to focus on recovery and enjoying this moment. You can read about what I packed in my hospital bag here (and see me in all my very pregnant glory!) if that helps at all!

How do we time the session?

Typically I come to your hospital the morning after baby’s birth. If you labored overnight like I did (twice!), I come on day two. This also all depends on how you and baby are feeling, if there are any complications, etc. Sessions start around 10 AM to try to get as much light in your room as possible and avoid busy times for hospital staff as I do not want to interfere!

Can you be here when older siblings meet baby? What about grandparents?

Of course! This is my number one goal when photographing a baby with older siblings because that is such a special moment that needs to be captured. As for grandparents, I’m happy to snap some images of them with your sweet newborn but I do ask that the majority of photos include immediate family only. Hospital rooms are cramped so I usually ask for grandparents to step in at the end of the session.

What if baby comes early or late?

Not to worry, this is very normal! I only take a limited amount of sessions per month so I have flexibility in my schedule to accommodate being on call for Fresh 48 sessions. If in an unlikely event an emergency comes up, I have plans in place to make sure your session is covered. More details are in your session guide on this!

What if baby goes to the NICU?

We all try not to think about this happening but in the event there are complications, I will work with you based on what the doctors and nurses recommend! You could opt for a newborn session once you’re settled at home, or a NICU session if hospital policy allows.

Do you do Fresh 48 sessions where I will be delivering in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, or West Ashley?

Yep! I travel to all Charleston area hospitals, including East Cooper Medical Center, MUSC in downtown Charleston, St. Francis Hospital in West Ashley, and Summerville Medical Center just to name a few!

Caitlyn Motycka is a Charleston Family, Maternity, Fresh 48 and Newborn Photographer based out of Charleston, SC serving Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, James Island, Folly Beach, Summerville, and surrounding areas.

If you’d like me to document your little one’s first few days, contact me here!