Choosing a Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota: What Really Matters

Those first days with your newborn are a complete blur—the best kind of blur, where time feels like it stands still and races forward all at once. You’re exhausted, overwhelmed, totally in love, and probably wondering if you’ll ever sleep again. (You will…eventually!) Capturing this fleeting moment is what Fresh 48 sessions are all about. But finding the right Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota isn’t just about who takes nice photos. It’s about who can tell your real story—the messy, magical, honest one.

Hi, I’m Megan—a Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota who believes the real magic lives in the unposed, love-soaked moments you can’t plan for. My sessions are relaxed, heartfelt, and built around telling your true story, so you can stay wrapped up in these first beautiful hours without worrying about the camera. If you’re dreaming of newborn photos that feel honest, tender, and completely you, I’d be honored to help you capture this once-in-a-lifetime chapter. Take a look at my portfolio or reach out—I can’t wait to meet you.

newborn baby getting their first bath - Choosing a Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota

Why This Session Is So Personal

There are only a few days in life that feel truly life-changing. Meeting your baby for the first time is one of them. Fresh 48 sessions are designed to capture those first sweet hours together. The little yawns. The way your baby curls up against your chest. The look you and your partner share—half-awake, a little teary, and totally in love. These photos aren’t about posing. They’re about holding onto the feelings you can’t even put into words yet.

That’s why choosing a Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota isn’t just about finding someone with a nice camera. It’s about finding someone who sees the story happening between the lines. Someone who knows it’s not about perfect outfits or polished hair—it’s about real life, exactly as it is.

When you look back at these photos years from now, you won’t remember the wrinkles in the sheets or the fact that your hair was still wet from a quick shower. You’ll remember the way your baby wrapped their fingers around yours. You’ll remember how everything else disappeared, just for a little while. This is personal. And it should feel that way from the very first moment.

What to Look For Beyond the Portfolio

Of course, you want beautiful photos. Everyone does. But when you’re choosing a Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota, there’s something even more important: how it feels to work with them. You’re inviting someone into one of the most emotional, intimate moments of your life. It’s not just about the photos they take—it’s about the energy they bring. Are they calm and gentle? Do they know how to read the room without taking over? Can they roll with the unpredictability that comes with newborns and brand-new parents?

I always tell families that it should feel like having a friend step into the room. Someone who makes you feel safe, seen, and cared for (without asking you to “look at the camera” every five seconds). When scrolling through portfolios, take a moment to read the photographer’s “About” page as well. Listen to your gut. If you can imagine yourself laughing with them or feeling a little more relaxed just by having them nearby, that’s a good sign!

If you’re wondering about the difference between a Fresh 48 session and a newborn session (and whether you might want both), I’ve got you covered. Check out my post, Fresh 48 vs Newborn Session: What’s the Difference (and Should You Do Both?), to learn more about what makes each one special.

black and white photo of a mom and new brand new baby -Choosing a Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota

Style Matters (But It’s Not Everything)

When you’re picking a Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota, style does matter—but it’s not the only thing to think about.

Here’s what I mean:

  • Look for real moments, not just pretty ones.
    Does the photographer capture tiny details, such as peeling newborn skin or sleepy baby stretches?

  • Pay attention to how the photos feel.
    Do the images feel peaceful, joyful, tender? Do they look like real life—not overly posed or edited?

  • Think about the colors and tones.
    Do you love the soft, natural colors they use? Does their editing feel timeless, not trendy?

  • Notice the connections.
    Do the parents in the photos look connected to their babies, or do they seem stiff and posed? (You want connection, not just composition.)

At the end of the day, style is important because it shows you how the photographer sees the world. But even the prettiest style won’t matter if you don’t feel comfortable in it.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota (Beyond Just Price)

Of course, budget matters, especially with a new baby and all the big changes happening. But when you’re choosing a Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota, there are other important questions to ask too—ones that can make or break the experience.

Here are a few good ones:

  • “What’s your approach during a Fresh 48 session?”

  • “How much experience do you have with newborns?”

  • “What happens if my baby comes early or late?”

  • “Do you offer help with planning or outfit advice?”

  • “What’s included in your session fee?”

Asking the right questions helps you find someone who feels like a teammate, not just a vendor. And trust me—you’ll want a teammate when you’re running on adrenaline, coffee, and pure love.

minneapolis fresh 48 hospital photoshoot

Local Matters: Why a Minnesota-Based Photographer Can Make a Difference

There’s something special about working with a Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota who really knows the area. Someone who understands the rhythms of local hospitals. Someone who knows how to handle a February snowstorm or a July heat wave without missing a beat.

A local photographer can also offer little touches that make everything easier. They’ll know which hospitals have the best natural light (and which ones make you work a little harder to find it). They’ll understand what it’s like to navigate parking garages while carrying a diaper bag, a car seat, and about five other things you never thought you’d need.

Even more important, they’ll get the spirit of Minnesota families. The way we value simple joys, real connection, and genuine moments over flashy, over-the-top productions.  You’re not just hiring someone with a camera—you’re inviting someone into your story. And when that person already feels a little bit like home, it makes all the difference.

A Note About Availability and Booking Early

Fresh 48 sessions differ slightly from regular photo sessions. They’re all about timing—those first tiny hours after birth when everything is brand new.
Because of that, it’s really important to book your Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota early, ideally during your second trimester.

I always keep a little flexibility in my calendar for babies who arrive earlier or later than expected (because let’s be honest, babies are not known for sticking to the plan). However, having your session booked early means you’re on my radar, and I can ensure I’m ready to meet you and your little one at just the right time.

Booking early also gives you time to ask questions, feel out the process, and know exactly what to expect, so when the big day comes, you don’t have to think about anything except soaking up every sweet, sleepy second.

If you’re dreaming about capturing even more of your family’s real, everyday magic, you might love an in-home session too. Take a look at my post, Capture Authentic In-Home Family Photos for Minneapolis Families, to see how beautiful (and meaningful) life at home can look through my lens.

 

dad kissing his new baby - Choosing a Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota

At the End of the Day, Trust Your Gut When Choosing a Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota

Choosing a Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota isn’t about picking the “best” one on paper. It’s about finding the one who feels right for you.

This isn’t just another photo shoot. It’s one of the first chapters in your baby’s story. You deserve to have someone by your side who makes you feel seen, safe, and celebrated exactly as you are—no perfect poses needed. So, look at portfolios. Ask good questions. Pay attention to style. But also listen to that inner voice. The one who knows when something feels easy and right.

Because at the end of the day, the most important thing isn’t how the photos look.  It’s how you feel when you look back at them years from now—and remember the magic of those very first hours.

Find Someone Who Sees the Magic in Your First Moments

In the end, choosing a Fresh 48 Photographer in Minnesota isn’t about getting the “perfect” picture. It’s about remembering how it felt to meet your baby for the very first time. Find someone whose work makes you feel something real. Someone who makes you feel like you can breathe, even in the middle of all the newness and unknowns.

If you’re ready to capture those fleeting first days in a way that feels real, relaxed, and full of heart, I would be honored to be part of your story. Please take a peek at my portfolio to see more of the beautiful beginnings I’ve been lucky enough to capture. Reach out to book your Fresh 48 session, or follow me on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at life, family, and all the everyday magic through my lens.

comments +

Reply...

to make it stress-free

TIPS + TRICKS

03

magic in the mess

FAMILIES

02

they grow up too fast

NEWBORNS

01

Grab Your Free Guide Now!!

Download my free guide with simple, fun tricks to capture real laughter and genuine moments with your kids—no bribery required!

Get Happy, Natural Smiles in Every Photo!

@megannormanphotography

BOOK YOUR SESSION

Real, vibrant, joy-filled family photos—without the stress.
Let’s capture your beautiful chaos, just as it is.

Redefining Picture-Perfect. Together. 

MINNEAPOLIS. EDINA. BEYOND.

© 2025 MEGAN NORMAN PHOTOGRAPHY I ALL RIGHTS RESERVED I TERMS & CONDITIONS I PRIVACY POLICY
MINNEAPOLIS FAMILY AND NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER