Congratulations on your upcoming new arrival! This guide is here to help you prepare for your session, ensuring we capture those precious early moments with your newborn in the the best possible way.

I know you are busy so I like to keep the planning simple. This guide will walk you through what you can expect and give my best tips for preparing for a great Fresh 48 photo session.

1. What to Expect

2. Before Your Session

3. Preparing for Your Session

4. During the Session

5. Tips for Success

6. After the Session

Timing/Scheduling

Fresh 48 sessions are usually scheduled within 24-48 hours after birth. Let me know when you're heading to the hospital and then again as soon as possible after your baby is born so we can plan the exact time.

Duration

Fresh 48 sessions typically last no more than an hour. This allows us to capture those fleeting early moments without overwhelming you or your baby.

Let’s make your photo session fun and easy.

Prior to your session, check off these steps to set yourself up for success.

1. Questionnaire

Please fill out the questionnaire sent in the previous email. This tells me a little more about what you want from the session and helps me plan for anything special in advance.

2. Coordinate Your Outfits

Using the advice in this guide, begin coordinating your outfits in advance. I am always available to help with any advice needed!

3. Begin Thinking About Prints, Albums and More

Get the most out of your investment. Plan how to use your photos. Complementary reveal and ordering sessions available upon request to help with choosing how to print your photos. Check out what will be available in your online store - SHP Product Guide

4. Final Invoice

One week prior to your due date, you will get a reminder about a final invoice for the balance due.

If you have any questions leading up to your session, feel free to reach out!

Great sessions begin with great preparation.

Notify Hospital Staff

Inform your nurses and hospital staff that you'll be having a photographer visit. Mark me down as a designated visitor.

Room Preparation

Declutter the room as much as possible. Personal items like water bottles, snacks, and extra clothing can be tucked away to keep the focus on your baby.

Natural Light

Natural light is best, so we will utilize the windows in your hospital room. Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible.

What should we wear?

This is usually the first question that comes up after booking a session. Picking your family’s wardrobe can be stressful and it’s no wonder! Photos are an investment that will likely adorn the walls of your home and be passed down for generations. You want them to be perfect! Here is my step-by-step guide for coordinating the perfect outfits. (Some people opt to just stay in their hospital gown and use the hospital blanket and hat for their baby. This is perfectly fine!)

Choosing the Right Outfits

Step 1

Decide on the look you want.

Keep it simple.

Whites, neutrals, earth tones, and soft, muted colors are great. Steer clear of logos and writing on clothing. Keep clothes loose and non constricting. I want you to be comfortable when sitting and laying on the bed.

Step 2

Pick an inspiration outfit.

Start with an old or new favorite piece or outfit.

Pick one outfit that will serve as the inspiration for your photos. Most of the time, I encourage mom to pick her outfit first. Sometimes, however, it's easier to pick the babies outfit first and coordinate with that. The MOST important thing to keep in mind when choosing outfits is choosing something that you love and feel beautiful in. If you feel good, it will translate to your photos and set the tone for the whole session.

Step 3

Coordinate colors, don't match.

Limit patterns but keep things interesting.

Matching is outdated. Coordinating is far better! Start with your inspiration outfit or pattern. Determine what accent colors work best with it to formulate your family’s color palette. The palette will then guide everyone else’s outfits.

Step 4

Use my styling service.

Make it easier on yourself.

Make it easier on yourself. In your prep guide email, you received a login for your complimentary styling service. Use this to build, coordinate,

and personalize the perfect outfits for your family with these tips in mind. When finished, you will have access to the links to purchase the clothing or just use it as inspiration as you shop your favorite store or even your own closet.

If you decide to go shopping, here are a few great options.

Where to Shop

• Target
• Old Navy
• H&M
• Amazon
• Lou Lou and Company
• Caden Lane

Let's create some memories.

Relax and Enjoy

This session is about capturing real moments, so there's no need to stress. Relax, enjoy your new baby, and let me take care of the rest.

Go with the Flow

Newborns are unpredictable, and that's okay! If your baby needs to eat, be changes, or be soothed, we'll take breaks as needed.

Variety of Shots

I'll capture a mix of candid moments and highly posed shots. Expect close-ups of your baby, family interactions, and the details of your hospital stay.

Family Participation

If you have older children, they are welcome to join! Photos of siblings meeting the new baby for first time are priceless.

Personal Items

If you have special blankets, hats, or heirlooms, feel free to include them in the session.

For many, the stress of newborn pictures comes from a combination of high expectations, anticipation of being center stage, and concern that the kids or baby won’t cooperate, or even that the adults won’t do it “right.” The best thing parents can do is simply enjoy this dedicated family time.

Relax and let me do the work!

No matter what comes up, give yourselves grace and flexibility. A relaxed parent can help set the tone for a great session. Even when days don’t go as planned, I am likely capturing glances and smiles you aren’t even seeing.

Enjoy the Moment.

The first 48 hours with your baby are incredibly special. Focus on bonding and enjoying this precious time.

Review my portfolio together.

Get an idea of what to expect and notice many of my photos are candid. You do not always need to look at the camera. In fact, most of the time I prefer you not to! I will let you know when we are ready for a “smiling at the camera” shot!

Ask Questions.

If you have any concerns or special requests, don't hesitate to ask. I'm here to make this experience enjoyable and stress-free.

Phew! You did it!

Your family can celebrate a mini victory after your session is done. But there is more fun still to come – seeing your photos for the first time and finding ways to continue enjoying them. Here’s what to expect.

Within 2 Days After Session

Sneak peek is posted. Share with friends and family.

3 Weeks After Session

Link to a custom slideshow of your images set to music is sent to you. Gather the whole family together and enjoy this memorable experience of seeing your photos for the first time.

2 Days after Slideshow

Full gallery is delivered. You'll be able to download your high-resolution images directly from your gallery. You'll also have the opportunity to purchase prints, wall art, and albums at this time.

Your gallery will be active for one month. Please ensure you download your images and order all wall art, albums, and prints by the expiration date or there will be a $50 reactivation fee.

Check In and request for a review on Google and Facebook. As a small business owner, these are appreciated so much!

The beautiful photos you purchased arrive at your home ready for you to enjoy!

Share Your Images

Share your beautiful images with friends and family!

Download and Backup the Images

I recommend saving your images in at least two separate locations. This could include your computer's hard drive, an external hard drive, a flash drive, or a cloud based service.

Thank You!!!

Thank you again for the opportunity to work with your family!

If there is anything I can do for you along the way, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm here to serve you the best that I can.

I’m so excited to work with you and can’t wait to see what we create together! These will be memories that you'll treasure forever.

Contact

Phone number: 317-434-4855

Email: sara@sarahousephotography.com

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Photography is Poetry

Sara House Photography

Fresh 48 Prep Guide

What to Expect