Fresh 48 Photographer in Shreveport - Leslie Whitaker Photography

The Importance of Fresh 48 Photos by a Professional Photographer

Fresh 48 Photos

The arrival of a new baby is one of life’s most magical moments, filled with love, joy, and the promise of new beginnings. Capturing those first precious hours is essential, and this is where Fresh 48 photography comes into play. These intimate, candid sessions occur within the first 48 hours after birth, offering families a unique way to document this fleeting time.

Fresh 48 Photos

Fresh 48 photos provide a beautiful blend of spontaneity and professionalism. Unlike traditional newborn photography, which often involves posed setups, Fresh 48 sessions focus on the raw emotions and real-life moments in the hospital or birthing center. Professional photographers understand how to capture the essence of these early days, from tiny fingers and toes to the first family cuddles.

Fresh 48 Photographer

One of the greatest advantages of hiring a professional is their ability to work in varying lighting conditions and capture genuine interactions. They know how to navigate the sometimes hectic environment of a hospital, ensuring that every precious detail is documented without intruding on your family’s special time. These images serve as timeless keepsakes, preserving memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Moreover, Fresh 48 photos are not just about the baby. They beautifully capture the connection between parents and their newborn, showcasing the overwhelming love and joy that fills the room. As you look back on these images, they will transport you back to those early days of wonder and awe.

In a world that often moves too fast, investing in Fresh 48 photography is a meaningful way to hold onto the fleeting moments of early parenthood. Let a professional photographer help you tell your unique story, ensuring that these memories remain vivid and cherished for years to come.

Fresh 48 Photographer

Fresh 48 Photographer

Fresh 48 Photographer

Fresh 48 Photographer

Fresh 48 Photographer

NWLA Fresh 48 Photographer

NWLA Fresh 48 Photographer

NWLA Fresh 48 Photographer

NWLA Fresh 48 Photographer

Fresh 48 Photos

Fresh 48 Photos

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Mommy and Me - Britney, Eli +Beaux - Shreveport Motherhood Photographer - Leslie Whitaker Photography

Mommin’ is hard, a lot of the time. We lay down at night and think about all the things that we didn’t finish, didn’t do right or certainly could have done better. The laundry is never completely done, and most of the time their are dishes in the sink ( at least at my house). Regardless of all of the shortcomings we think we have, our babies don’t see any of that. Give yourself some grace, take photos with your babies. It won’t be this way for long.

Mommy and Me - Dana + Noah - Shreveport Photographer - Leslie Whitaker Photography

Our babies are going to grow up so quickly. We’ll wake up, and they’ll be off to college, married and having kids of their own. We’ll be celebrating their dream jobs, or their first home purchase. We will barely remember them this little. Take the time to document your babies, and make sure you’re in the photos too!

The Real Fear of Raising a Child of Color // Ashley + Ashton // Leslie Whitaker Photography

I’ve been taking photos of Ashley and Ashton for a little over a year now. She and Ashton came by recently for motherhood photos. The photos are beautiful, but most importantly I hope you’ll take the time to read her words below.

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Please tell me about your childhood. Where did you grow up, do you have siblings, etc?

I grew up in the small town of Grand Cane, Louisiana; in a neighborhood referred to as Ranchland Acres (predominantly white). I was the only child for 14 years until my younger brother was born.

As a child: Do you remember your parents ever talking to you about race?

On a few occasions my parents told me stories of some of our older neighbors and how they were labeled racist. I remember my dad having an encounter with one neighbor in particular. Firewood fell off my dad’s trailer in the ditch, in front of the neighbors home. The neighbor was outside, and as my father was turning onto the next street the neighbor literally flagged him down to come back and remove a couple pieces of firewood from the ditch in front of his home.

Please tell me about a time you feel you judged based on the color of your skin. This could be at any point in your life, or something more current.

Working in retail I’ve witnessed first hand experience. One time in particular, myself and another employee were referred to as the colored girl/woman in reference to a mistake that was made.

During your pregnancy with Ashton, do you ever remember having fears in relation to racism?

Yes, after all of the incidents related to officers killing African American men and women and getting away with it. I myself have only had a few encounters with law enforcement during traffic stops . When I found out I was having a son I feared that one day he would miss an opportunity based off the color of his skin. I then knew i would choose a name for him that if he filled out a job application they wouldn’t automatically assume he was a person of color.

People are talking more openly now ( in the past few months) about race and their understanding ( or lack of) how their actions make others feel. What fears do you have, in relation to racism, for Ashton?

I fear that one day he will be wrongful accused or even killed based off the color of his skin. I refuse to teach him to dislike or judge anyone based on how they look different from him.

Like all mothers do, I'm sure you sit up thinking at night about the things you hope for your children. What hopes and dreams do you have for Ashton?

I have no doubt that he will encounter racism, but my hope for Ashton is that he can grow up in this cruel world and be any and everything he wants to be.

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I have three children of my own. Landry is 6, Cadiana is 5 and Cameron is 1. I can honestly say that when naming my children I never worried about them being discriminated against based on their name, I’ve never worried about them be wrongly accused because of the color of their skin and I’ve never worried about any of them being passed over for a job just because of the color skin they were born with.

Racism is real. All mothers worry about their children, but NO MOTHER should have to worry about their child’s safety because they weren’t born white. I hope that when you read Ashley’s words you take the time to look inside your heart. I hope that you’ll take the time for self reflection and you’ll move forward actively thinking about how you act towards all people, and you’ll change if need to.

Ashton is a beautiful baby. Ashton deserves all the things that my children deserve. Ashley is a wonderful mother. Ashley deserves to raise her child in a world that treats both her and her child with love, respect and forward thinking. It’s 2020, let’s do better.

Jenna + Weston / A Motherhood Session / Leslie Whitaker Photography/ Shreveport Motherhood Photographer

What were you nervous about going into your motherhood session?

After 9 months of pregnancy, clothes don’t fit the same anymore. I didn’t really have anything to wear. With the Covid-19 pandemic, I couldn’t go into stores to purchase a new outfit. I was honest with Leslie about this upon arrival and she worked with me throughout the session which allowed me to feel comfortable and I knew she had an eye for what looked good on camera.

How old was your baby on the date of your session?

Weston turned 6 months old four days after our session.

What was your favorite part of your session experience?

Weston is the happiest baby who always has a smile on his face. Well, unless you put a clicking camera in front of him! I could not get him to smile or giggle! He was infatuated with Leslie and her camera. I laugh when I think about it!

How do you feel now that you have completed your session and received your images?

I am so excited to be able to post our images and send them to family and friends!

Would you recommend Leslie to other mothers looking to document their relationship with their babies? Why would you recommend Leslie?

Leslie is incredibly professional, personable, and passionate about her job. Even though we didn’t get a lot of smiles out of my baby, she still captured wonderful photos that I will cherish forever. I highly recommend her!

Ashley // Shreveport Maternity Photographer // Leslie Whitaker Photography

Ashley is such a joy to work with. We chatted for months before her maternity session, and just like most first time Moms she was worried about ALL the things. On the day of her session Ashley and Nicole first met with my on staff makeup artist, Dana. Dana spent about an hour with Ashley at the studio making sure that she loved her look and then Ashley and Nicole drove to meet me at my bayou, in North Bossier.

The bayou is lined with Pecan trees, and can look completely different from one session to the next. Sometimes the grass is tall, sometimes its just be cut. Sometimes the bayou water is high, and sometimes (like during Ashley’s fall session) the water was low and we got to see all the cypress knees. I just love it there.

Ashley pops in all the photographs I take of her, but she looks especially beautiful in red. You can tell by the first photo below, that she believed she was beautiful this day. Ash brought her own jewelry, her Mama made sure of that, and I provided the gown ( and wiiiiiiings). I just love how Nicole gazes at Ashley, you can’t just about FEEL the love radiating in the photographs below.

Berry - Summer Family Sesh - Leslie Whitaker Photography

Sometimes summer seams even busier than the school year.  Slow down and savor those babies, they do not keep.  Spend a little time with me on a summer evening and have keepsakes of your family, soon this summer will only be a memory.

The Berry's have been a part of LWP for almost a year now.  Katie contacted me when she was pregnant with number three and I love taking photos of the Berrys.  BJ is a good sport and sometimes that is hard to find!  Check out my favorites from their summer family session in North Bossier!