Why hire a photographer for your Fresh 48 session | Crystal Lake Newborn Photographer

First let’s start with an explanation what are the Fresh 48 photos. Fresh 48 session happens within the first 48 hours after birth while you're still in the hospital or birthing center.

McHenry County Newborn Photographer

So why hire a newborn photographer to document those first 48 hours after delivery?

1. These photographs are your legacy.

   Having a baby is a huge milestone! It changes your life forever. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first, second or fifth baby. Each birth is unique. Every baby has it’s own story of how they came in to this world. These first special moments deserve to be properly and artfully documented by a professional photographer.

2. You’re going to be too tired and overwhelmed to do it yourself.

   Trust me. The time right after birth is one big blur. Your body just went through a major, exhausting experience, all your focus in on the baby as it should be, nurses and visitors are coming in and out. That’s a lot. And the photographs taken by a professional are so much better than the ones from your phone.

3. Your family’s story is about all of you together.

   As a mom with a camera and a phone camera, I can honestly tell you right now that sooner than you think your device will be filled with thousands of photos of your baby. And baby with siblings, and baby with dad or other family members. And then your significant other will take a photo or two of you every now and then. And I hope for your sake that it’s not going to be as bad as the ones I usually get when my husband takes it.

   This moment in time that you’re in, deserves beautiful and meaningful photos of all of you together. Basking in the newness, being present in the moment, enjoying the baby and your family.

4. No posing, no stress.

   These sessions are documentary in nature to preserve those first, beautiful, raw moments forever. I come in and capture you connecting with your new baby and the baby’s darling details. There is no posing but I may gently guide you to a better light or to encourage natural interactions. It is stress free. No prepping necessary.

5. Changes are coming in fast!

   Your baby is changing from minute to minute! At least that’s how it feels like. By the time you get home your baby will look different already. Everything is settling or expanding. The skin changes too. Baby becomes more alert and their personality start showing.

   Those fleeting hours right after giving birth will never come back. The air filled with excitement, exhaustion, nervousness (if it’s your first baby) and unconditional love is just magical. You should soak it in, be present and enjoy every second of it.

Fresh 48 Newborn Session

I am always very honored to be able to capture these magical moments for the families that hire me. And if we’ve met before, for instance at your maternity session, it’s even more special, because we got to know each other a little bit, feel our vibe. If not, that’s ok. It will hopefully be the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

I would love to start a conversation with you about documenting this mile stone in your life. Most families book their Fresh 48 session in the second trimester. The sooner the better as I want to keep my calendar open around the due date to make sure I have time to get to you before your discharge from the hospital or birthing center.

Helpful links:

• Maternity and Newborn portfolio

• Newborn Session information and pricing

Zuzanna Mendez is a published portrait and documentary family photographer based in Crystal Lake, Illinois. She’s been photographing families all around the world for over 15 years. Her photos are described as artistic, genuine and timeless.