If you’re thinking about documenting your own birth and Fresh 48 photos, I want to say up front: you can absolutely do it—with a little planning, flexibility, and realistic expectations. I’ve gone through this process myself, and while there are definitely things I missed, I’m so grateful for what I captured. I hope these tips help you feel more prepared and confident if you’re considering doing the same.
Packing your hospital bag is one of those final nesting tasks that can feel both exciting and overwhelming. After doing this five times, I’ve learned what’s truly helpful, what ends up untouched, and how to make your stay more comfortable—especially if you’re planning to take your own birth or Fresh 48 photos.
As a photographer myself, I’m always behind the lens, capturing beautiful moments for families. But when it came time for my own maternity photos—taken at around 34 weeks in a stunning rose garden during golden hour—I decided to step out from behind the camera and hire someone else. It was one of the best decisions I made during my pregnancy journey.
I wasn’t planning to work during maternity leave, but after just a few days away, I missed newborn sessions more than I expected. So I found a cozy, scaled-down studio space to keep going—just at a slower pace. This sweet baby boy was my first session in the new space, and he slept the entire time. It was the perfect start to this new season.
A few nights ago, we made the drive out to the most beautiful lavender field for an evening maternity session, and it ended up being such a wonderful evening. I’ll be 38 weeks tomorrow, and I wanted to capture what life looks like for us right now—waiting on baby boy number five, surrounded by the summer light, a sea of lavender, and our wild, sweet boys.
There’s something special about preparing your home for a new baby, even if you’re doing it last-minute. Here’s a peek into how we’re getting ready and what life with a newborn in a busy house looks like these days.
I recently hosted a one-day personality portrait event in my Alameda studio, where families came in for individual sessions with their children. These sessions were all about capturing the natural essence of each child, using a simple white backdrop and black-and-white photography to bring out their personalities.
I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful outdoor family session at Crab Cove in Alameda to celebrate a special milestone—this sweet baby girl’s first birthday. The session captured the love and joy of her parents as they marked this wonderful occasion. The stunning natural backdrop of Crab Cove added the perfect touch to their memories, making it an unforgettable day.
I had the pleasure of photographing another sweet baby girl in my Alameda studio, and it was such a peaceful and beautiful newborn session. From the soft, natural light to the fine art touches added in post-processing, this session highlights the timeless beauty that newborn photography can offer.
After a stunning maternity session at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, I had the honor of photographing this couple’s baby girl during her newborn session in my Alameda studio. The session was filled with sweet, peaceful moments, as their little one mostly slept through the entire shoot.