Fresh 48 sessions are a time capsule. They freeze-frame those first 48 hours after baby’s arrival—the scrunchy faces, tiny wrinkled toes, hospital bassinets, and wide-eyed wonder of a family meeting their newest member. And this Columbus Fresh 48 session with sweet baby Maila May? Oh, it had all of that… and then some.
Let’s just say: if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to do newborn photos with a toddler in a hospital room, this one is for you.
Big brother Calvin made his presence known—running laps, climbing the bed, trying to unplug cords (and maybe almost succeeding). We laughed. We chased. We paused. And we reminded ourselves: this is what child-led photography is all about. It's not just posed perfection—it’s real, beautiful chaos.
What is a Fresh 48 session?
A Fresh 48 session is a newborn photo shoot that takes place within the first two days after birth, typically at your hospital or birthing center. Unlike a posed studio session, Fresh 48 photography captures your new baby and your family just as you are—raw, connected, and filled with emotion. These sessions are perfect for families who want the story of their baby’s very first chapter, without the pressure of perfect poses.
Capturing fresh 48 photos in columbus
As a Columbus-based newborn photographer, I travel to hospitals and homes throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. Maila’s session took place in the golden hour just before sunset—meaning we encountered every possible lighting scenario.
- Bright, harsh mid-day sunlight streaming through windows
- Soft filtered light as the sun began to drop
- Deep, rich golden hues of direct sunset
- And eventually, the peaceful low light of evening
It was a dream for storytelling, a challenge for my camera, and a reminder that light is a character in every session I shoot.
Toddler + Newborn in One Room? Yep. It’s Possible.
Was it picture-perfect? Not even close. But it was honest. And that’s what I love about child-led photography. We didn’t force Calvin to interact with baby sister right away. Instead, we started with activities just for him—jumping on the couch, holding mom’s hand, doing his own thing. Eventually, we invited Maila into the frame, but only when he was ready.
A few pro tips for making Fresh 48 sessions with toddlers work:
- Bring a bribe: Calvin’s love language? Raising Cane’s sauce. That kid lit up like Christmas at the mention of french fries.
- Don’t rush the sibling bond: It’s okay if they don’t want to touch, hold, or even look at the baby right away.
- Plan for movement: Toddlers aren’t meant to sit still, especially in unfamiliar places.
Trust your photographer: I’ve worked with hundreds of little ones and bring my teacher heart and calm presence into every session.
Details That Melt Your Heart
While the action was happening, the details were quietly waiting to be seen. And oh, they mattered.
- The same dark hair and sweet nose Calvin had in his Fresh 48 session
- The way dad's arms wrapped around both his babies in one moment
- Mom’s peaceful, joyful face pressed against a tiny hospital hat
- The way the light shifted as the session unfolded, telling its own story
These are the moments that slip by so quickly in the early days. That’s why I believe in documenting them with intention and tenderness.
At Boundless Joy Photography, I specialize in newborn, milestone, and family photography in Columbus and beyond. I believe in celebrating your family just as you are—mess, magic, and all. My approach is rooted in compassionate, child-led photography, where your littles lead the way and I meet them with patience, creativity, and (if needed) chicken nuggets.
If you're expecting a new baby and want a Fresh 48 session that feels honest, tender, and joy-filled, I would love to capture your story.
Moments framed in time
Let's capture your story
