If you’ve started looking into newborn photography, you’ve likely come across two popular options: birth photography and Fresh 48 sessions. While both beautifully document your baby’s arrival, they capture very different moments—and choosing the right one depends on the story you want to tell.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Birth Photography?

Birth photography documents the entire labor and delivery experience—from early labor (or active labor) through the moment your baby is born and those first emotional hours after.

This includes:

• Labor support moments
• Your partner’s reactions
• The intensity and strength of birth
• The exact moment your baby enters the world
• First cries, first touch, first feeding

Birth photography is raw, emotional, and deeply powerful. It tells the full story of how your baby arrived—not just the outcome, but the journey.

From my perspective as a birth photographer, here’s why so many parents choose to document their birth story.

What Is a Fresh 48 Session?

A Fresh 48 session takes place within the first 24–48 hours after birth, typically in the hospital, birth center, or at home.

These sessions focus on:

• Your baby’s brand-new features
• First yawns, stretches, and snuggles
• Family introductions (siblings, grandparents)
• Quiet, intimate bonding moments

Fresh 48 sessions are more relaxed and documentary in style—no posing, no props, just real life in those first fleeting hours.

Key Differences Between Birth Photography and Fresh 48

Timing

• Birth Photography: During labor, delivery, and immediately after birth
• Fresh 48: 1–2 days after your baby is born

Storytelling

• Birth Photography: The full journey of labor and birth
• Fresh 48: The beginning of life outside the womb

Emotion & Intensity

• Birth Photography: Raw, powerful, and emotional
• Fresh 48: Calm, tender, and intimate

Environment

• Birth Photography: Delivery room (hospital, birth center, or home birth)
• Fresh 48: Recovery room or home setting

Which One Is Right for You?

If you want to remember every moment—the strength, the anticipation, the first breath—birth photography is unmatched.

If you prefer something more low-key but still meaningful, a Fresh 48 session captures those once-in-a-lifetime newborn details without the intensity of labor.

Many families choose both to tell the complete story—from the first contraction to those quiet first cuddles.

Can You Have Both?

Absolutely—and they complement each other beautifully.

Birth photography captures the power of becoming, while Fresh 48 preserves the peace of arrival.

Together, they create a complete, emotional narrative you’ll treasure forever.

Final Thoughts

No matter which you choose, these early moments pass quickly. Having them documented allows you to revisit not just how it looked—but how it felt.

Whether you’re drawn to the raw beauty of birth photography or the quiet magic of a Fresh 48 session, you’re preserving the beginning of your baby’s story.

If you are drawn to one or both of these, you can view my birth photography packages here.

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It is possible for a birth photographer and a doula to be successful in one combined role. However, it requires careful management of the two distinct roles and clear communication with clients.

When I first started working in birth, I began as a birth photographer. It truly (and I mean this from the bottom of my heart) was a “come to Jesus” moment. I discovered what I was meant to do with my life. But then COVID came knocking on the world’s door, and I was no longer allowed into hospitals. My heart hurt for those who had babies in hospitals with no support at all.

After taking doula training, I wondered why it had taken me so long. By making sure to bring my camera, my ‘doula hat’, and my clients are better served.

What are the Benefits of Having One Person Being Both Doula and Birth Photographer?

The first thing that comes to mind as a major benefit is fewer people in your birth space. By reducing the number of people in the room, the birth experience can feel more private and comfortable.

The extended time spent with the client during prenatal meetings and the birth itself can foster a deeper level of trust and comfort. Oftentimes, I do not meet (in person) a client if I am only doing birth photography. The birth space is the first time meeting, which sometimes can be awkward.

Finally, a combined service can be more affordable than hiring two separate professionals.

What are Some Potential Drawbacks of One Person Being a Doula and Birth Photographer?

Many people think true multitasking is impossible. They argue that one person can’t fully focus on both helping someone physically and taking every important photo at the same time. This is a completely valid concern. This is why communication is crucial during prenatal visits. During these visits, it is my job not only to educate the mom, but also their partner. It is my duty to have that partner as prepared as possible with comfort measures, possible scenarios, breathwork, among other skills. I don’t expect them to remember all of this at the time of birth, but I can step in and say, “Remember when we did this or applied pressure there”? I step back into the photographer role once that is taken care of.

During these prenatal meetings, we will also discuss priorities. If it comes to a point that a mom needs full hands-on help, beyond what her partner is providing, I will put down the camera and help until the partner can take over. That said, we will discuss what the family wants. “Would you like me to continue to photograph, or would you like me to step in”?

Because the role of doula+photographer (doulatog) is less common, a solo doulatog may lack the backup structure common for dedicated professionals. This is true. Fewer people are both, but here in the LA area, I find most birth photographers are both. If a suitable backup cannot be found in a particular area, the speaker will communicate this to the client and discuss other options.

How Do You Decide If You Want One Person for Both Roles or Separate People for the Roles?

If you prioritize hands-on support above all else, a dedicated doula may be the best choice.

For the highest quality and most thorough photographic documentation, hiring a dedicated birth photographer is likely your best option.

If you prefer a smaller, more personal birth team and appreciate the savings of hiring one professional, choosing a doulatog could be ideal—as long as you communicate and agree on your priorities in advance. A doulatog truly can offer the best of both worlds.

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When I have a family giving birth far away (in Los Angeles, any distance is relative to time of day!), I have them call me when they *think* they may be in labor. I would rather be halfway there and it be a false alarm than to be called late. In these cases, please don’t worry about bothering me if you are unsure. Bother away!

Getting the Call

This birth was intended to be a homebirth in Riverside. One day, momma and dad were out and about and decided to stop in at their midwife’s birth center. Something felt “off.” Everything was fine, and then a contraction hit. They still weren’t sure if this was it, so they rested a bit.

Meanwhile, here at home in Burbank, I was watching reruns of Sister Wives. Where exactly did the family fall off the rails? I watch this show as if I were personally vested in the outcomes. Why is Kody such a freak show?

I pick up the phone to hear dad’s voice. “We are in labor at the birth center”. “Everything seems to be fine and quiet for now”, he continued. I throw on some clothes, grab my bag and am out the door in 30 seconds.

The Drive

I am talking to Dad as I did a speed show through the streets of Los Angeles to get to the birth center. Miracle of miracles, there was very little traffic and I got there in record time. I didn’t know it was possible to make in from Burbank to Chino Hills in that short amount of time!

A Birth Center Birth

While not what they planned, the birth center birth was quite beautiful. The space was gorgeous, even though it did have blue lights (think editing–yikers!). The midwives and their assistants were so lovely, gentle, and knowledgeable. In case you were wondering, this was at AA Midwifery.

If you are looking to see images from birth centers, home births or hospital births, please see my portfolio.

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