One BIG question people have is whether to do the “Fresh 48” in the hospital vs having a “real” newborn session. New Moon Photography Owner, Brittany DeMaio, shares her personal experience after having had BOTH experiences…photos in the hospital and afterwards in the studio. Below are her 4 reasons as to why she strongly recommends a studio session:

1. You can wash your hair before the photos! “The first few days in the hospital are a bit rough. You’re not yourself…you have lots of visitors and you’re just trying to figure things out. I didn’t wash my hair the whole time I was in the hospital and my photos were very raw and a bit messy. Once I had time to go home, get settled, take a few showers, put a little makeup on, I felt more like myself. I was able to put on clothing that wasn’t a nightgown or a big T-shirt and I actually had some time to regroup and walk into my session feeling excited and proud for the session. At the hospital, it was not comfortable and I just felt so blah and tired!”

2. You can choose the color palate, scheme and design of the session. “Yes, hospital photos really show the rawness of just having a baby, but I wanted my images to be a bit more curated. At the studio, I was able to pick everything and not just use the newborn blanket that was provided.” You choose the color palate, style, background, etc., according to your personal taste and aesthetic.

3. You’ll have an expertly-trained newborn photographer. “I know from being in the industry and speaking with several photographers that the newborn photographers at the hospital are not all trained equally. Our newborn photographers, are trained in newborn safety and have years of experience with newborns, young children and families. The experience is just not the same from having a session with us, whether it’s an in-home lifestyle newborn session or classic studio session. Our experience also makes it’s so much easier for the new and second, third time parents. They know we know what we’re doing.”

4. You’ll have all the privacy you want! “I felt so exposed in our hospital session with nurses coming in and out and family members there. When you book a session, it’s just us (your photographer) and you. It’s such a personal, private experience.” You and your family essentially take over the studio and make it your own! You can feed and chance your baby at your convenience, without having interruptions from hospital staff or visitors. You’ll have extra time to heal from birth…what mamma wouldn’t want that before being in photos?

If you’re still trying to decide if a newborn session is right for you, we have two different options that might make your decision easy.

We offer Classic Newborn Sessions which are taken at the studio: no need to think about tidying-up your house or what may or may be in the background. The studio has the perfect lighting, background, props and accessories. If you’re looking for more of an organic, less-styled newborn session in your own environment, the In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Session. Use of your own nursery, bedroom, living room, are all options…wherever feels right to you! Pets can also be included! Both take place within two weeks of birth, ideally. (They can take place up to about one month of birth, but the poses and props might vary based on age.) Parents and siblings are included in the session.

If you’re going to spend money on pictures, they should be worth it! These are your memories and moments that you’ll cherish forever. They should be tailored to you!

book newborn session