Fresh 48 - Baptist Hospital pensacola
I love me some babies and hearing all about a good birth story. So I am very excited to begin offering Fresh 48 sessions this year! Read on to hear about my booking and creative process and see some adorable baby toes as well.
I had the pleasure of photographing Victoria and Dalton’s growing family at Baptist Hospital (Pensacola, FL) in January. If you haven’t been to the new Baptist Maternity area - it’s a dream. I delivered my first two babes at the old Baptist Hospital location and my third at Ascension Sacred Heart. I would confidently say to any pregnant mama’s out there that both are great options to deliver at. However, seeing this space with a photographer’s eye for a Fresh 48 Newborn session was perfectly aligned with what I would ask for. Big beautiful windows full of natural light, an accent wall with flowers, not too much clutter or distraction pieces, and space. All the space. I was impressed, to say the least, for my first visit there since they opened, and hope to have many more sessions there this year (let’s go 2025!).
We began the session by capturing baby Odin in his bassinet and giving big bro, Maverick, some space to watch the process happen. We really wanted some big brother pics but he definitely wasn’t feeling it at first (take a look at the below pic for reference!). But we started with some dreamy bassinet and mama cuddling pics and it was beautiful. The entire session is baby led so if baby is sleeping and cozy being swaddled - perfect. Does he need to eat - love it. Needs a diaper change - let’s do this. The process is very documentary styled most of the time, but moments in between that can be more posed (like in the bassinet).
I like to keep my newborn sessions in the hospital as quick as possible, since I know it can be draining to have company immediately after birth. Let’s be real - the whole process of birth is beautiful and exhausting. So I want to confidently show up to my sessions knowing that I will get the pictures needed or your gallery but also be quick and efficient so you can rest and have your space again.
Big Bro is starting to get interested at this point so we got some really cute pictures of their first moments together in the hospital. Baby Odin was less than 24 hours hold at this point (ugh the cuteness).
Big Bro sneaking a peek in the bassinet.
Please note the crinkled bed sheets. I typically don’t edit such perfect imperfections out. They are real life and add interest to your photo in my opinion. They are honestly some of my favorite pics because of the realness.
We ended the session on the couch with some family shots and then dad solo cuddles. I would say the entire process took about 40 minutes total. The gallery that was delivered had 55 images both given in color and black & white (because to me providing an image in b&w completely changes the vibe of it - and that option is necessary when it comes to newborns!). Currently my turn around time for galleries is two weeks, however, it all depends on my busy season so this will be discussed during the booking process. If there is a time frame that you are looking to get your gallery back please let me know that when you inquire. I typically always provide at least 1-2 sneaks prior to gallery delivery as well (these are usually the first “woah” images that catch my eye during the editing process).
If you are interested in booking a Fresh 48 Newborn session with me in Pensacola, FL I would love to hear from you! I know how difficult it is to find a photographer who matches your vibe check and style approach to photography so if I am that person for you I offer instant gratification during the booking process by booking Fresh 48’s immediately online! Simple go to my “Investment & Booking” page on my website, scroll down to Fresh 48 session and choose your due date to book! All details are listed there for you and, of course, you are more than welcome to reach out to me ahead of time as well. I love to meet my families ahead of time, either through video chat or messaging, so that we feel like friends when I arrive on this special day.
xoxo,
Valerie B
