Welcoming Emilia Kay – A Fresh 48 at Washington Regional Hospital

Bentonville fresh 48 photographer, NWA fresh 48 photography, newborn portraits Bentonville

There’s something really special about Fresh 48 sessions—the quiet, still-new energy of those first hours together, the snuggly baby burritos in hospital blankets, and the overwhelming love in the room as a family grows. Emilia’s Fresh 48 was no different. In fact, it was one of those sessions that reminded me exactly why I love what I do.

Michelle and Aaron invited me to Washington Regional Hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas to document their daughter Emilia’s very first hours earthside. This wasn’t my first time photographing their growing family—I had the honor of photographing their older daughter a while back—but it was my first time doing a Fresh 48 session for them. And let me just say, they made it so easy to fall right into the joy of the moment.

When I arrived at the hospital, sweet Emilia was finally starting to settle in and latch for the very first time. She had taken her time getting there—refusing to eat the entire day, which had her parents just a little concerned—but with a little patience and a lot of encouragement, she figured it out. Witnessing those tiny, powerful firsts is such a privilege, and I could immediately see how connected and in-sync this family is.

Aaron was absolutely incredible—completely hands-on and so attentive to both Michelle and Emilia. During the feeding, he was gently encouraging and cheering them on, making sure Michelle had what she needed, keeping an eye on baby girl, and just generally being the calm in the storm that new parenthood can sometimes feel like. His love for his girls was written all over his face.

Michelle, still recovering from her C-section, was such a trooper. She wasn’t able to move much from the hospital bed (understandably so!), but she was still so present during the session—watching Emilia closely, smiling through those exhausted-but-happy new mom eyes. Even in those quiet moments, you could feel how deeply in love she was with her new little girl.

And just to really seal the deal on how thoughtful this family is: they had put together a goody basket for the nurses. I mean, how sweet is that? Those little acts of kindness say so much about who Michelle and Aaron are—not just as parents, but as people.
As for Emilia? She was absolutely perfect. Wrapped snug in her personalized swaddle with her name, a little pink bow perched on her head, and peacefully snoozing in the hospital bassinet.

Her fresh baby skin, tiny fingers, and brand-new hospital bracelet were all part of her first day charm. She even had a custom name sign with “Emilia Kay” tucked beside her, adding such a beautiful and personal touch to her photos.
We just missed big sister’s first meeting with Emilia—by minutes!—But that’s okay. We’ve got studio portraits coming up soon where both girls will be front and center, and I already know it’s going to be pure magic. I cannot wait to photograph that sweet sibling bond starting to unfold.

This Fresh 48 session was such a beautiful reminder of why capturing these fleeting moments matters. The hospital stay is such a blur for most parents—between the exhaustion, the learning curve, and the endless stream of visitors and nurses, it’s easy to forget the details. But Emilia’s first hours are now forever preserved in images they can return to anytime they want to relive this chapter.

If you’re expecting and wondering whether a Fresh 48 session is right for you, here’s my honest answer: absolutely. There is nothing quite like those first quiet hours as a new family. They deserve to be remembered—not just in your heart, but in photographs.
Michelle and Aaron, thank you again for letting me be part of such a sacred time. Emilia is already so loved, and I can’t wait to watch your story continue to unfold.

Interested in booking your own Fresh 48 session at Washington Regional or another local hospital in Northwest Arkansas? I offer limited availability for these sessions, so reach out early to reserve your due date. Let’s preserve those beautiful, real, and fleeting first moments together.

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