Fresh 48 Hospital sessions are sublime for remembering the blur of those first days.
Over the last few years I have learned a few tips!
Light:
The most useful tip is to remember the LIGHT!
Open your curtains or blinds in your hospital room and let the natural light in.
Remember to turn off the overhead light. If it's really dark that day, move closer to the window.
Keep Mom's and baby's face facing the light. If mom is breastfeeding, then keep her face in the light.
Moms:
Easy, but often forgotten, is to remove your hair-tie from your wrist. I know it's obvious but that is often overlooked by both client and photographer due to the excitement of the moment and the everyday nature of placing them there.
Also, remember to wear chapstick as it is a simple and natural boost. This is helpful for every photography session!
To wear a hospital gown or not, that is your decision. I've had clients wear the issued gown, bring their own robe, or in fact, be in regular clothes. Some sure things to avoid are red or neon tops, (these cast an unnatural color onto the face).
You will need to wear something you can breastfeed in easily but still want to photographed in.
…A note on breastfeeding: I utterly recommend having some photos taken. A lot of new moms are very nervous and say no, but sadly, not all breastfeeding journeys last long and you may miss your chance to have those photos.
Newborn:
Keep clothes to a minimum. Newborns are tiny and scrunchy which can lead to their clothes bunching. Just a swaddle and a diaper, their hospital shirt, tight sleeper, or onesie work best.
Don't forget to document their little hands, lips, feet, and id bracelet!
Not all newborns sleep well or are happy in the bassinets. This is a photo I always try to take for parents, but there are times the baby cries and is visibly upset and would rather be held. I realize this isn't a tip so much as a "what to expect”.
Siblings:
Relax and embrace the chaos!!
Even if you hire a photographer, that statement is true with the joy and chaos little siblings bring.
Stay in the light as much as possible, move your bed if you can, and, since everyone will either be looking at baby or looking at the camera, again, keep mom's and/or baby's face towards the light.
At Home:
If you are delivering at home, what a wonderful opportunity to have the first 48 hours (or even sooner!) photographed in the relaxed atmosphere of your loving home and family.
All the tips still apply, you want to watch the light, encourage the siblings, remove your hair-tie, and keep baby close, simply dressed, and super loved-on!
In Tennessee, you might have to forgo a professional taking your Hospital photos. I hope these tips help you!