Fresh 48 Sessions at Marin General Hospital: Timeless Newborn Photography in the First Hours

There’s nothing quite like those first hours after your baby is born—the sweet snuggles, tiny toes, and the overwhelming love that fills the room. As a Marin newborn photographer, I believe these moments deserve to be remembered forever. That’s why I offer Fresh 48 photography sessions at Marin General Hospital (also UCSF + CPMC) a beautiful way to capture the raw, emotional, and unforgettable first day of your baby’s life.

Fresh 48 sessions are held within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth, right in your hospital room. These sessions are simple, natural, and focused entirely on connection. There’s no posing, no need for perfection—just your family, your love, and your brand-new baby.

Why Choose a Fresh 48 Session?

1. Genuine, Emotional Storytelling
I took my camera to both Frankie and Haulie’s births. I was induced with both and had lots of time before they arrived to document my hospital stay. Both were born at UCSF Mission Bay. I cannot say enough about all the gorgeous staff there! The contractions were the scariest part but once I got the epidural I was camera in hand again photographing everything. My sister Niamh took over holding the camera once I started pushing and I grabbed it back as soon as both babies arrived. I go back to those shots all the time, they are totally blurry, out of focus but I cherish them.

Fresh 48 photography is all about documenting your baby’s very first chapter. I’ll gently photograph the moments you might forget in the blur of those early hours. I will be in and out in 30 to 40 minutes.

2. A Comfortable, Familiar Setting
Marin General Hospital’s private postpartum rooms (as well as UCSF and CPMC’s) offer beautiful natural light and a peaceful backdrop. You can stay in bed while I quietly document your family bonding with your newborn—whether it’s your first baby or your fourth. You don’t need to do a thing to prepare. We will use all the sweet newborn swaddles and hats that the hospital provides.

3. Capture Details That Fade Fast
Your baby will change so quickly in the first week. Fresh 48 photos freeze the tiny hospital bracelet, the wrinkled skin, and the first time big brother or sister leans in to say hello. These little details become some of the most precious memories.

4. Perfect for Families Who Want Lifestyle Newborn Photos, Fast
Fresh 48 sessions are a wonderful option if you want lifestyle newborn photography without waiting for an in-home session. They're ideal for families looking for authentic, documentary-style newborn photos with minimal time and effort.

What to Expect from Your Fresh 48 Session

Sessions last about 30–40 minutes and are completely relaxed. I work around your schedule and your baby’s needs—there’s no pressure to look a certain way. Many parents stay in their hospital gowns, and siblings are welcome to be part of the session. I’ll guide gently when needed, but mostly I let your story unfold naturally. You can shoot me a text or email once you guys are heading to the hospital so that I have a little bit of notice about when your little one might arrive. It’s all natural, unposed and raw.

A Timeless Gift for Your Family

Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, these hospital hours are sacred—and they go by faster than you expect. A Fresh 48 session at Marin General Hospital, UCSF or CPMC gives you timeless photographs that capture your family’s love in its rawest, most beautiful form.

To book these sessions, just reach me here : https://www.katiehanrahanphotography.com/contact

How to Make Your San Francisco City Hall Wedding Stress-Free, Calm, and Fun with Katie Hanrahan Photography

Planning a San Francisco City Hall wedding? Congratulations! You're about to tie the knot in one of the most iconic and romantic locations in the city. As exciting as it is, even small weddings can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’m here—not just to photograph your special day, but to help you feel calm, supported, and 100% present for every beautiful moment. I have met couples before their ceremony at The Palace of Fine Arts where we have shot in and around another of San Francisco’s most beautiful, iconic spaces. We only need about an hour to an hour and a half there. We can also wander across to Marina Green/ Crissy fields to capture the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. I have also done it in reverse - where I meet you at City Hall first ; we capture your ceremony and shoot around City Hall before hopping in the car and heading to The Palace or perhaps the gorgeous old building at Fort Point.

Why City Hall Weddings Deserve Special Attention

San Francisco City Hall weddings are elegant, intimate, and filled with charm. The building’s stunning architecture, golden light, and timeless feel make it a dream location for wedding photos. But navigating permits, timing, and crowds can add unnecessary stress if you don’t have the right support team.

That’s where I come in. We will chat over the phone as much as you wish before your big (or small day:) I can drive us to or from City Hall to some of my favorite Iconic San Francisco spots. I will be there every step of the way to help ease any stress you feel before the ceremony.

A Photography Experience That is More Than Just Photos

I specialize in capturing City Hall weddings in a way that’s calm, stress-free, and fun. From the moment we connect, I’ll guide you through everything—from the best ceremony times for light, to where to go for gorgeous portraits afterward.

I know City Hall like the back of my hand and have created a seamless process for couples so they can fully enjoy the experience without worrying about the logistics.

What My Couples Say

Here’s what one of my lovely couples shared after their City Hall wedding:

“I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for the incredible work and support you provided on our wedding day. Your professionalism, creativity, and warm presence made everything feel so effortless, and we are truly grateful to have had you capture such precious moments.” Noushin + Saeed

Reading kind words like this means the world to me—it’s exactly why I do what I do.

What to Expect on Your City Hall Wedding Day

• Clear communication and guidance from day one

• Timeline planning support so your day flows smoothly

• Posing direction that feels natural and relaxed

• Documentary style story telling images that tell the story of your love

• A calm and steady presence who’s seen it all and is ready for anything ;)

Whether it's just the two of you or a small group of loved ones, my goal is to make you feel comfortable, confident, and joyful throughout the entire experience.

Ready to Make It Easy?

If you're dreaming of a San Francisco City Hall wedding that’s effortless, beautifully photographed, and full of laughs, I’d be bloody honored to be your photographer!

Let’s make your wedding day feel as amazing as it looks.

Packages start at $750 for the first hour.

Each additional hour is $550/

📸 Reach out today to book your date → https://www.katiehanrahanphotography.com/contact
📍Serving San Francisco, Marin, and beyond.

Preparing your kids for our shoot!

Preparing Your Kids for a Family Photoshoot with me: Tips for a Fun and Memorable Session

Now that we have taken the step to meet and shoot and create magic ; here are a few pointers for making our morning/evening even more successful. 

I will guide you every step of the way on the day of our shoot because I want you to have a gallery full of gorgeous images that are more than memories - I want to see a wall full of our images printed and framed next time I show up to your house ;)  I will give direction and tell you what looks best, saying that I will continue to shoot after I have posed you. I want to capture the moments in between the moments too.

Family photoshoots are a fantastic way to capture the essence of your family’s personality and create lasting memories. A little preparation can go a long way. Here are some tips to help you get ready for a fun and successful photoshoot.

1. Choose the Right Outfits

Coordinate, Don’t Match: Opt for outfits that complement each other rather than matching exactly. Choose colors that work well together and avoid overly bright or busy patterns that might distract from the photo.

Comfort is key!Make sure your kids are comfortable in what they’re wearing. If they’re uncomfortable, it’ll show in the photos. Choose clothes that allow them to move freely and feel good. Try to avoid big logos or cartoon characters on shirts. 

 Color or earth tones are gorgeous (gray, white, beige, green, tan)  Try different kinds of texture, they look great and photograph beautifully! . Long dresses are magical and look amazing in among trees or by the water. I also love the denim and white/gray/beige/cream look. 

Less patterns seem to work best, white or bright, bold colors on your little ones are always super pretty. Try to avoid tops with logos on them. 

Steer clear of black or dark navy etc. Pastels look really pretty too. I am always available to help over the phone with your outfit- feel free to shoot me over some photos of what you are thinking. 415 724 0519 

My Pinterest page with lots of gorgeous outfit ideas : My Pinterest Board

I have lots of people RENT their outfits for their sessions. So fun, plus 40% off your first rental :  Rent The Runway

Prepare in Advance: Lay out the outfits a few days before the shoot. This gives you time to ensure everything fits well, is clean, and is ready to go. It also helps prevent any last-minute stress on the day of the shoot.   If in doubt- Please send me a picture of your outfits- 415 724 0519- I LOVE helping style a session. 

2. Talk to Your Kids About the Photoshoot

Explain What’s Happening: Depending on their age, explain to your kids what a photoshoot is and why it’s special. Let them know that it’s a fun experience where they’ll get to pose and play while someone takes their picture. Show them family photos,or images from a previous shoot or shots from my website. Maybe show them my picture so they know I am not some scary stranger ;) 

Make it Exciting: Turn the photoshoot into an adventure. Maybe it’s a special day out where they get to dress up and have fun. Building excitement will help them look forward to the day.

3. Plan for Some Playtime

Bring Favorite Toys: If your kids have favorite toys or comfort items, bring them along. They can act as props or help your children feel more at ease during the shoot.

Allow for Breaks: Kids have limited attention spans, so plan for short breaks if needed. This helps keep them happy and engaged throughout the session. We can stop for a snack during the shoot if you wish. 

Prepare for the Day of the Shoot

Stick to Routines: Try to keep your child’s routine as normal as possible on the day of the shoot. This includes nap times, meals, and any other regular activities to keep them in a good mood.

Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the location and get everyone ready. Rushing can create unnecessary stress, so aim to arrive a bit early to allow for any last-minute adjustments.

6. Trust the Process

Follow my lead: I have done this hundreds and hundreds of times. I will offer you some guidance but I love to capture the in between shots too. Please do not worry if your kids have a meltdown, tantrum or any of the above. I have 2 kids of my own. I have been there a million times. I will be oh so super patient. 

Enjoy the Moment: The primary goal of a family photoshoot is to have fun and create beautiful memories. Focus on enjoying the time together rather than stressing about the perfect shot.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the best photos often come from those spontaneous, genuine moments, so embrace the journey and enjoy every minute of it! Let loose, go wild, hug your kids, hold them, just embrace each other .

Why you, Mama- need to be in the shot!!

In the whirlwind of life, amidst the chaos of schedules and responsibilities, there's a simple yet profound aspect that often gets overlooked – the presence of us Mamas in photos with our babies. In an age where capturing moments is as easy as the click of a button, the significance of these snapshots goes beyond mere visual documentation; they encapsulate memories, emotions, and the timeless bond between a mother and her offspring. Our babies will not care in 20 years if our hair or makeup was done in the photo. They won’t care that there was fog on the day of the session. They won’t care that there were multiple meltdowns on the ride to the session. They will only care that you were in the image with them! They will not only have the tangible image itself (I will write more later on the importance of printing our images ) but will will cherish the memories of just close to you in the shot.

Mama and Me photo sessions have gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. These sessions offer a dedicated time for us Mamas to step into the frame and create visual memories with their children. We could even say that they are a validation of identity for our kids, reinforcing the bond, the love, the cherished integral part of being in the family unit. Can we call them visual anchors? Being the 7th of 8 kids- I understand that my Mama was a busy woman ALL.THE.TIME. All of the photos that I pour over from when I was little- she is in only a handful of - and of course, it is because she took them.

In a world that often values perfection, being in photographs with our kids allows us to embrace imperfection and celebrate authenticity. These images capture the raw, unfiltered moments of parenthood – the messy hair, the mismatched clothes, the spontaneous laughter – and in doing so, they encapsulate the beauty of real-life connections and genuine emotions. Our babies will CHERISH these in years to come.

Us Mamas will always have a reason not to be in the shot. We want to loose that baby weight, our hair is too gray, our clothes are up to par.. I say: screw all of that and focus on the love, the connection, the bond ! I want to tell a story, your story, a brief snapshot into the fleeting time we have while our babies are this small! My Frankie is already 2! Time is a thief I hear people say. Photos will preserve those memories. Get in the shot. Book the session. Put the timer on your phone and throw on that dress that is sitting in the back of your closet waiting for the ‘right’ occasion. Just get in the shot!! I PROMISE you- you won’t regret it.

How to prepare your home + What to wear for your family session!

Feb 8, 2024.    Planning (+booking) a family or newborn session is a fun and exciting endeavor. It can also feel a little overwhelming and stressful. The thoughts of having to organize your house as well as organize outfits for everyone can be a lot. I’m here to help!

1 ) Your home:

I don’t need a lot of space - I promise.  The majority of my family/newborn shots are on a bed or sofa next to a window or door. Natural light is my best friend! Open all the curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible.  Looking through my galleries,  it may seem as though the majority of these backdrops are super put together homes- I can promise you they are not. Most often,  we are piling amazon boxes behind us, we are shoving piles of laundry, breast pumps, extra blankets, coffee mugs - you name it-  into another room.  You don’t need to rearrange the whole house. I use maybe 2 or 3 spots in your home.  I will always try to use as much natural light as possible so someplace close to a window works wonderfully. 

• I love shots of your little one(s) on a carpet or blanket on the floor - a quick vacuum over a bright or light rug will do the trick! I can always take a big white blanket with me- just let me know. 

• Pull out any light/textured blankets you have before I get there. I love to use them to wrap your little one or to throw behind you guys for a makeshift photo studio look. 

• . A light or bright bedspread or bed sheet is awesome for a family shoot. I will take multiple combinations of you all on the bed or sofa so take a quick minute to declutter the side tables or coffee table. We can pull over your favorite cosy chair to a window and have you nestle there. 

  That's it. Keep it RAW, keep it natural, keep it simple. Let me do the rest ❤️
  

What to wear for your family session !

Start with Mom! Think light, bright, Earth tones. Think texture;  chunky sweaters, pleated skirts, linen shirts, cozy sweaters matched with Jeans. Textures can add all sorts of layers to an image. 

If we are shooting indoors - go lighter and brighter. For outdoor sessions ; try for more earth tones.

• Denim is always a winner for me. A denim shirt with a long bright skirt. Jeans and a white t-shirt or jumper. Denim on your little ones with a simple plain t-shirt. A denim dress with a colored scarf. 

• Steer clear of logos or text. Avoid too many lines or polka dots. A beautiful long dress with a flower or animal print is really pretty. 

• While I do love seeing similar color tones and palettes, it is really fun and interesting to mix patterns and designs.

• Coordinate but Don’t match!  Choose a palette of maybe 2 or 3 colors. 

• Clothes that move and flow will add an exciting element to our gallery; long maxi dresses, long skirts, a heavy overcoat.

• I Love getting to style sessions with you. We can go back and forth via text- just shoot me some photos of what you are working with and I am happy to help!

• Check out this website for all sorts of stunning inspiration! https://styleandselect.com/blog/

• I have started a pinterest board from my sessions - more inspo here : https://www.pinterest.com/katiehanrahanphotography/