If you’ve been wondering about the difference between a fresh 48 vs newborn session, you’re not alone—and honestly, it’s such a good question! Because if you’re anything like me, the moment your baby arrived, time instantly shifted. Days blurred, emotions surged, and suddenly, everything felt brand new.

Newborns change so quickly—even within the first couple of days—which is why there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to newborn photography. Some families want to capture those raw, fresh moments in the hospital. Others prefer the quieter pace of home, once everyone’s had a chance to settle in. And some (maybe you!) want both.

I’m Megan—a newborn and family photographer based in Minneapolis, here to help you press pause on this beautifully chaotic season. My sessions are playful, connection-filled, and led by your little ones (because they’re the best at keeping it real). No stiff poses, no forced smiles—just your family as you are, in all the love and realness that makes your story yours. I’d be so honored to help you tell this chapter. I’d be so honored to help you tell this chapter. Take a look through my portfolio, or feel free to reach out when you’re ready. I can’t wait to meet you.

What Is a Fresh 48 Session?

A fresh 48 session happens during the first day or two after your baby is born—usually in the hospital, birth center, or even at home if that’s where you delivered. It’s all about capturing those raw, brand-new moments that pass in a blur: wrinkly skin, tiny yawns, hospital bracelets, and that wide-eyed we really just met you feeling.

There’s no styling, no prep, no expectations. It’s not about looking put together (because let’s be real—no one is). It’s about the tenderness, the awe, and the love that shows up before sleep schedules, diaper routines, or visitors fully settle in.

A fresh 48 session with me is short and simple, usually around 30 minutes. Just enough time to document your baby’s first hours and the way your whole world shifted overnight.

What Is a Newborn Session?

A newborn session usually takes place at home sometime within the first two to three weeks after birth—once you’ve had a chance to breathe (just a little), settle in, and maybe even take a shower. These sessions are slower, longer, and incredibly tender. I typically spend about 1.5 to 2 hours with your family, following your baby’s lead and letting the story unfold naturally.

This is where we capture the softness of home: feeding breaks on the couch, warm snuggles in bed, quiet little stretches on the nursery rug. There’s space for siblings to run in and out, for diaper changes and snack breaks, for real life to happen. And it’s in that real life where the magic is.

When comparing a fresh 48 vs newborn session, this chapter is more about rhythm than rawness. It’s about settling into your new normal and finding connection in the in-between moments. You’ll still get all the tiny baby details—those curled-up toes, the little yawns, the way your baby fits perfectly in your arms—but in the place you’re building your life together.

The Big Differences (Besides Just Timing)

Sure, fresh 48 and newborn sessions happen at different times—but the real difference is in the feel of the experience and the kind of memories they hold.

A fresh 48 session feels like a deep breath in the middle of the whirlwind. It’s tender and raw and a little surreal. You’re still in that “did that really just happen?” haze, soaking in every detail before it shifts. There’s magic in the mess and emotion—nothing is polished, but everything is real.

A newborn session feels like an exhale. You’ve had a minute to land, to wrap your head around this new life (kind of), and your baby already feels like they belong. It’s not about having it all together—it’s about capturing the rhythm you’re starting to find, even if that rhythm includes snack breaks, baby cries, and wild toddlers zipping through the frame.

Both sessions are emotional in their own way. One captures the very beginning. The other captures the beginning of becoming.

If you’re curious about what a Fresh 48 session looks like or wondering if it’s the right fit for your family, take a peek at, “Fresh 48: Because the First Hours Matter, Too.”

Deciding Between a Fresh 48 vs Newborn Session? Here’s What to Consider

You don’t have to know exactly what you’ll want just yet. It’s hard to imagine how those first days will feel until you’re in them—and that’s okay.

Instead of trying to predict what you’ll need, try asking yourself:
What moments am I most afraid of forgetting?

Is it that awe-filled window right after birth—the tiny hospital hat, the quiet weight of your baby in your arms, the wild feeling of “they’re finally here”? Or is it the way your newborn curls into the crook of your arm at home, the soft light in the nursery, the way your older kiddo cautiously leans in for a kiss?

Neither answer is wrong. They’re just different stories. Both worth remembering.

And if both sound like something your heart wants to hold onto—there’s room for that, too (more on this next).

Why Many Families Choose Both

If you’re having a hard time choosing between a fresh 48 and a newborn session—you’re not alone. A lot of families find that doing both offers something even more meaningful: a fuller, more layered story of those first unforgettable days.

Together, these sessions show how quickly things shift—and how much love carries through every stage.

Here’s what you get when you choose both:

• The emotion of the beginning: That surreal moment when you meet your baby for the first time, still in the birth space, with all the rawness and wonder intact.

• The comfort of home: A slower session that captures the gentle rhythm of life once you’ve landed—snuggles in your own bed, siblings weaving in and out, quiet moments between the chaos.

• A complete story: From first breaths to first stretches on the nursery rug, you’ll have a visual story that honors the whole arc of becoming a family (or growing the one you already have).

• No pressure to choose what you don’t yet know you’ll want: Sometimes, the magic is in having options—and space to hold both the awe and the everyday.

Many parents have told me how grateful they were to document both chapters. Because together, they don’t just tell the story of your baby being born—they tell the story of your family becoming.

Take a look at my blog post here to understand why working with someone who gets both the beauty and the chaos of new parenthood makes all the difference.

Fresh 48 vs Newborn Session: Which One Tells Your Story Best?

Whether you’re considering a fresh 48 vs newborn session (or dreaming of both), I’m here to make the experience feel easy, meaningful, and true to your story. No stress about outfits, your home, or whether your baby or toddler cooperates. I’ll guide you through it all so we can create something that feels real and right.

If you’re hoping to hold onto these fleeting moments in a way that feels easy, honest, and true to your family, I’d be honored to help you tell that story. You can browse my portfolio to see the love-soaked stories I’ve had the joy of documenting, reach out to book your own session, or come hang out with me on Instagram for everyday inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses of family life through my lens.