Fresh 48 Session | Mercy Hospital – Rogers, Arkansas
On June 14th, just as the summer sun started to dip behind the Ozark hills, the world got a little sweeter with the arrival of Miss Winnie Jean. I had the joy of documenting her Fresh 48 session the next day at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas—and let me just say, this session had everything I love: a beautiful baby girl, an excited big sister, and a hilarious dad who had me laughing before I even walked through the hospital doors.
Let’s rewind a little. While momma Sarah was in labor, I started getting play-by-play texts from her husband—who, bless his heart, wasn’t totally sure if I was there for the birth or just the Fresh 48. His updates? Chef’s kiss. I was getting texted updates like “She’s crowning!” and “Doctors just walked in!” like he was live-commentating a high-stakes sports event. I wasn’t even there yet, and I felt like I had front-row seats!
When I finally arrived the next morning, Sarah had some visitors in the room, but they quickly cleared out once I walked in (though they really didn’t need to—Fresh 48s are laid-back and intimate, and visitors are always welcome to stay if mom’s comfortable). Once we had the space, I moved the couch away from the window and tidied up the little area I’d be shooting in to make sure the light and background were just right. Right as I was about to get started, a nurse came in to do Winnie’s hearing test—spoiler alert: she passed with flying colors. Not even a flinch. She was calm, peaceful, and clearly not bothered by a thing in the world.
Winnie slept so sweetly through nearly the entire portrait session, giving me the perfect chance to document all the teeny-tiny details—her wrinkly little toes, squishy cheeks, and newborn lashes that you just can’t help but swoon over. I started with her in just a diaper, capturing those raw, real moments that are so fleeting. Then we got her dressed in a precious sleeper sack that Sarah had picked out. And here’s the kicker—the brand of the sack? Also named Winnie. Yep. Sarah took that as the final sign she needed to know she’d chosen the perfect name for her baby girl.
We wrapped up the session with the arrival of Dad and big sister Bella, who came bursting in with all the energy and love a big sister could possibly have. Bella was so excited to meet her baby sister. She gave Winnie gentle hugs, whispered sweet nothings, and couldn’t stop kissing her little head. You could feel the love and joy radiating from that room—this was a family so full of gratitude and connection, it was truly an honor to witness.
Fresh 48 sessions like this one remind me why I do what I do. It’s not about perfectly posed shots or Instagram-worthy lighting (though those are always nice). It’s about preserving the tiniest details and the biggest feelings. It’s about telling the story of the day your world changed forever.
Sarah, thank you for trusting me with this chapter of your family’s story. Winnie Jean, you are already so very loved—and I can’t wait to see you in the studio soon.
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