When it comes to baby trends our cousins in the US have always led the way. First it was the baby shower as an excuse to get all stocked up on baby products, next the gender reveal party, then the cake smash photo shoot to mark the first birthday milestone.
But the latest trend to hit our shores may be onto something special — documenting the first few hours and days of a baby’s life for parents to treasure for years to come. While all new parents are likely snapping every gurgle, grasping fingers and gorgeous squishy faces with their phones these days, now some parents are going one step further to get a professional in to make sure mum and dad are in the frame too and to capture it all.
Fresh 48 sessions have been around for a while in the US but are just starting to gain popularity here in the UK. Unlike most newborn photography sessions — which usually take place in a studio up to 14 days after the baby is born and generally involve various cute bonnets and outfit changes with perfect pink or coloured backdrops, maybe a baby curled up in a basket (another trend borrowed from the US!) — the Fresh 48 takes place within the first 48 hours of baby arriving ‘earthside’ to capture those first few precious days and hours after a baby is born.
An alternative for those not wanting to take the full plunge of birth photography to record the whole experience, a Fresh 48 will preserve all those tiny details of the first few days of a newborn’s life after birth. All those gorgeous little reflexes like curled up teeny tiny toes and stretched out little limbs, the cord tie and the scrunched up little face, the downy skin and the unfocused big baby eyes!
Entirely documentary in style these newborn photography sessions focus on recording those early hours and days in a newborn’s life. Unposed and natural, the reportage approach captures those special moments that so often go by in a blur in the early days of sleep deprivation and adjusting to the new arrival (whether it be your first time or you’re an old hand at motherhood with a full brood awaiting their new sibling!). Capitalising on a broader trend in London family photography towards the natural and raw — rather than Instagram-ready perfection — interest in Fresh 48 sessions is definitely on the increase.
Rachel Rimell is a London documentary family photographer www.rachelrimellphotography.co.uk
More info: rachelrimellphotography.co.uk
The look of love: London Fresh 48 newborn photography session
Tiny curled up toes: Fresh 48 sessions capture all the tiny details
Small boy: big noise! Big sister's face says it all!
Cuddles with big sis
Four in a bed and the little one said ...
Cuddles with dad: a Fresh 48 sessions captures even the tears.
