I know there are lots of expecting parents who hired a professional photographer for fresh 48 newborn photos in hospital much sooner than COVID-19 crisis has started in Canada; but with corona virus, all the booked sessions canceled. Unfortunately, I also had to cancel all my photo sessions this spring due to pandemic including bunch of fresh 48 sessions. The number of visitors are also limited to only one for a pregnant mom (husband/partner) during the stay, so it is only mom and dad who can take photos basically in those very first hours.
If you are pregnant and your due date is coming up, I have to say this will be your most wonderful day of your life. Even though your photographer can not be in the hospital for your Fresh 48 session, these moments need to be documented, so I am going to share you some tips on how to photograph your newborn while you are still staying in the hospital for your fresh 48 photos.
Use Natural Light
Whether you use you cellphone or digital camera, try to photograph your baby during daytime while still lots of light comes to your room. Open up all curtains and turn off all lights in the room.
Place and face your newborn towards window for the best light and exposure. If you have to move the furniture around(newborn crib, armchair)and relocate them to be close to the window, don’t be afraid to do so.
Newborn Features
The first 48 hours after birth is all about tiny features of your newborn. Try to capture all of those details and freshness.
Small toes, tiny hands, hospital ID bands, umbilical cord, yawning and stretching. Pay attention and be ready to capture all of those.
Hospital Details
There are some stuff unique to the hospital so try to photograph them. Take photos of your newborn wrapped in hospital blanket in that glass bassinet.
When you are still in the hospital, the staff would do some procedures that are worth to be documented, for example: hearing test & first bath
Different Angels
To give your newborn images versatility, take photos form various angles. From sides, or even form above. For example, wrap you baby with blanket and put in the hospital crib beside the window and hold your camera from above and snap the photo (when taking photo from above always make sure your newborn’s safety first)
Outfit
Try to keep it simple. No logo or writing!
Newborn
A nice patterned/colored swaddle
Simple colored or white onesie or sleeper.
Don’t worry if the outfit for your new baby is loose and showing big; this can indicate how tiny her/his body is.
New Parents
Floral/solid color robe for new mom
solid color t-shirt for dad
6. Parenthood photos
I know that both mom and dad might look tired after birth, but parenthood photos are must to have and you can take turn to photograph each other with your baby. Motherhood and nursing photos are also something you may want to consider to be documented.
It is a good idea that new mom have a light make up so that you look and feel amazing.
I hope you find these tips helpful. If you know a pregnant mom who might like these tips, feel free to share this blog post with her.
Also feel free to email me if you need more help with your Fresh 48 photos during corona pandemic.