Fresh 48 vs In-Home Newborn Photography in Brentwood

If you’re expecting and researching newborn photography in Brentwood, you’ve likely come across two popular options: Fresh 48 sessions and in-home newborn photography. While both beautifully document your baby’s earliest days, they capture very different parts of the story.

As a Brentwood newborn photographer serving families throughout East Contra Costa County, I often help parents decide which experience aligns best with their vision, comfort level, and season of life. Some families are drawn to the raw, emotional energy of the hospital room. Others prefer the quiet intimacy of documenting their baby at home, surrounded by familiar light and meaningful spaces.

Understanding the difference between Fresh 48 and in-home newborn photography in Brentwood will help you choose the experience that feels most natural for your family.

Fresh 48 vs In-Home Newborn Photography in Brentwood

What Is a Fresh 48 Session?

A Fresh 48 session takes place within the first 24–48 hours after birth, typically in the hospital or birth center. These sessions focus on:

• First introductions

• Hospital bracelets and tiny details

• Raw emotion and real-time reactions

• Siblings meeting baby

• The environment where your birth story unfolded

Fresh 48 photography is documentary in style — minimally posed and deeply emotional.

What Is In-Home Newborn Photography?

In-home newborn photography in Brentwood typically takes place within the first 5–14 days after birth. These sessions are:

• Calm and baby-led

• Lightly guided but natural

• Focused on connection and soft details

• Designed around your home’s natural light

This style allows more flexibility for feeding breaks, outfit changes, and incorporating siblings comfortably.

Key Differences at a Glance

Timing
Fresh 48: Within 24–48 hours
In-Home: Within 5–14 days

Setting
Fresh 48: Hospital or birth center
In-Home: Your Brentwood home

Energy
Fresh 48: Emotional, documentary, raw
In-Home: Calm, softly styled, intimate

Look
Fresh 48: Hospital environment, real-time moments
In-Home: Neutral tones, natural light, timeless aesthetic

Which One Is Right for You?

If you want to remember:

• The hospital room

• The first time siblings met baby

• The emotion of those immediate hours

Fresh 48 may be perfect.

If you’re drawn to:

• A slower pace

• A relaxed home environment

• Softly styled, timeless newborn imagery

In-home newborn photography in Brentwood may be the better fit.

Many families even choose both — documenting the beginning and then the settled days that follow.

If you’re currently expecting and deciding between a Fresh 48 or an in-home newborn session, I’m happy to guide you through what makes the most sense for your family. You can explore the full Brentwood newborn photography experience here →