top of page
AG_Logo_RGB_transparent_DkGreen.png

Tips & Advice

ashleygracephotographics-02.png
Congratulations!

Congratulations! Having a baby is a really huge milestone in your life! I am so honored that you have entrusted in me to document these sweetest moments as a growing family. Please read these tips to help prepare you for your session! I hope this guide helps put your mind at ease and answers any questions you may have. 

 

Thank you for filling out my Fresh 48 Questionnaire. My Fresh 48 questionnaire will equip me with all the information I need so when labor day arrives I’m good-to-go! Having these questions answered in advance will encourage less stress for everyone so we’re on the same page. Being organized and efficient ahead of time makes it so much easier once I get the “I’m in labor!” text... then the only remaining question once baby is here and you’re in postpartum is “What’s your room number?” 

Fresh_48_Birth_Lifestyle_Photography_Mas
How to Prepare
​

I always recommend that baby is changed, swaddled and fed shortly before my arrival — this way he/she is extra sleepy and cozy! However, if you do not get to this, do not stress! Don’t worry about making your hospital room spotless — the point of this lifestyle session is to capture the room, the moment, as is. No need to stress about doing your hair and makeup either if you don’t want to. Do whatever you’re most comfortable with. For outfits, a neutral everyday look is best — moms have worn a robe, a flowy dress, a cardigan, off the shoulder shirt or sweater... again, whatever you are most comfortable and feel yourself in. Dads can wear something as simple as a solid henley shirt and jeans. The baby is typically just swaddled in their hospital blanket, or a swaddle of your choice. You can leave him/her in a diaper or a simple white onesie. I believe for these sessions, less is more. If you do wish to shop for some outfits, I've put together a list of a few of my favorite shops. Just click on the links below.

Spearmint Baby

Sew Darn Cute

My Amazon List


I strongly recommend that during this time the only individuals present in the hospital room are Mom, Dad, siblings, and baby. Large gatherings can easily wear you and your baby out more than anticipated. Hospital rooms can quickly get crowded with extended family members which makes it more difficult to have a quiet, relaxed, intimate session. Once all photos are captured for the Fresh 48 session, and if times allows, extended family members such as grandparents, are welcome to join us in the room for some candid photographs. 

​

​

When I Arrive
​

I’ll then scan the room and might adjust the blinds to allow ample natural light to fill your room but other than that I’m not adjusting the atmosphere at all. The point is to capture everything naturally how it is so I don’t interfere much with what’s going on in the room. As a side note, when handling newborn babies I don’t wear any perfume or jewelry and always keep a very quiet and mellow voice so not to disturb baby – keeping the room and everyone in it relaxed. Feel free to play some music during this time to keep the atmosphere relaxed. 

​

During this session, I understand that this is a time of recovery for mom and baby. You just had a baby! Mom is likely exhausted, emotional, and will be going through a healing phase, as well as, family and friends that are knocking on your door excited to visit and meet your little one! Therefore; when I’m there for your session I’m cognizant of this and work quickly and efficiently to slip into the room to capture the must-have photographs and then slip back out. Typically this session lasts roughly 60-90 minutes, however, I will shoot up to 2 hours if needed.

​

​

What is Captured
​

While I’ll be there to help guide you and your family when transitioning between images, there is very little “posing” involved as this session is meant to be more lifestyle and natural.

The setting...
Your postpartum room is a special place. This is the room that you’ll experience many “firsts” with your newborn... where you’re beginning to bond as a family and getting to know your little one. I typically start with first capturing the essence of the room. Again, don’t worry about de-cluttering the room too much — this session is more of a lifestyle approach to capture the full nature of the room so you’ll always remember it... The overnight bags, the snacks, the bassinet, luggage bags, any flowers/cards/gifts visitors may have brought by already, the whiteboard with notes from your nurses, etc. I also always like to capture the other hospital details like the room number, the waiting room, the hospital building, and overall landscape... it find that it helps tie the story together. 

​

All I ask of you is to be 100% yourself - this will allow me to do all the groundwork in discovering what makes your family unique and structuring a session that will truly reflect your growing family. I am looking forward to working with you! 

Fresh_48_Birth_Lifestyle_Photography_Mas
Like I said before, I am here to help you!

Please feel free to text me or email me over any pictures.

 
Click here for visual inspiration!

©AshleyGracePhotography2019  |  ashley@ashleygracephotography.net  |  774-253-8203

Douglas, Massachusetts Photographer serving Worcester, Boston, Providence, Shrewsbury, Millbury, Grafton, Sutton and beyond.

bottom of page