Fresh48 Session Prep Guide
Hello Honey Photography Co.
Your Fresh48 is all about documenting those first tiny hours exactly as they are — snuggles, hospital bracelets, wrinkly toes, bassinet cuddles, feedings, siblings meeting baby, and all the little details you’ll want to remember.
reserve your due date
Booking + Payment
A signed agreement and booking payment are required to officially reserve your Fresh48.
Because delivery dates are unpredictable, your due date is used as a placeholder on my calendar rather than a guaranteed session date.
Your Fresh48 must be paid in full by 36 weeks.
After 36 weeks, all you have to worry about is keeping me updated when baby decides it’s time!
double text 618-513-4113
When do I contact you?
Please send me a quick message when you are admitted and in labor so I know baby may be coming soon.
Once baby has arrived and everyone is settled, message me again with an update. We’ll choose the best time for me to come before you are discharged.
Fresh48 sessions take place during your hospital stay, typically within baby’s first 24–48 hours.
hospitals
What hospitals do you photograph at?
Fresh48 sessions are available at:
• SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale – Birthing Center
• SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital – Mt. Vernon
Hospital and maternity-unit visitor policies always come first and may change, so please confirm with your nurse that your photographer is permitted to visit before I head your way.
clothing?
What should we wear?
Keep it comfortable and simple.
Neutral pajamas, a robe, comfy lounge clothes, or a simple neutral top are perfect. Partners and siblings can stick with cream, beige, white, brown, gray, denim, or other soft neutral colors.
You just had a baby — there is absolutely no expectation to be fully dressed up.
What should baby wear?
Simple is best!
Hospital swaddles photograph beautifully, or you can bring:
• A neutral swaddle
• Simple sleeper or onesie
• Personalized blanket
• Name sign or small sentimental item
Fresh48 sessions are lifestyle-focused, so I do not bring studio props or elaborate newborn setups.
Do I need to clean the room?
No!
Before I arrive, if you feel up to it, simply move cups, bags, food containers, chargers, and extra clutter away from the bed, window, and bassinet area.
That’s plenty.
What will you photograph?
Your gallery may include:
• Baby individually
• Mom + baby
• Partner + baby
• Family cuddles
• Sibling introductions, when allowed
• Hospital bassinet photos
• Feeding and soothing moments if desired
• Tiny hands, feet, hospital bands + newborn details
• Natural candid moments throughout the room
Nothing needs to be perfectly posed. The goal is to document what these first hours actually felt like.
siblings?
Can siblings come?
If the hospital is allowing sibling visitors at that time, absolutely!
Visitor policies can change due to illness seasons, hospital restrictions, or individual circumstances, so please check with your nurse beforehand.
Hospital Photography Rules
Hospital rules always take priority during your session.
Please let your nurse know that a professional photographer will be visiting. I will not photograph other patients or hospital staff without permission, and we will work around nurses, doctors, testing, feeding support, and any medical care that needs to happen.
be comfy
Do I need to be photo-ready?
Absolutely not.
Fresh48 sessions are about real life after having a baby, not perfection.
Messy hair, hospital bracelets, blankets everywhere, tired parents, sleepy babies and all.
You focus on your new baby. I’ll take care of documenting the rest. 🤎
