Fresh 48 | Roanoke, Virginia | Baby Stella

Back in January, I felt a tug to start offering Fresh 48's — special sessions that document your newborn at the hospital within 48 hours of their birth. There's just something about capturing the time and place where you brought your child into the world, where you became a family.

Earlier this week, I finally took on my first one! This Fresh 48 was nothing short of amazing, cozy, peaceful, refreshing, perfect ... the list goes on! 

Baby Stella was born just before her due date, on February 27. I was so excited when I got the text from her mom that she had arrived — and after only TWO HOURS at the hospital! Our session took place when Stella was just 30 hours old. 

I still can't get over all of her sweet expressions, tiny smiles and her head full of beautiful strawberry-blond hair! This little girl is such a gift to her parents and big brother. 

I hope these photos bring Stella and her family so much joy for years to come. I hope that when her parents look and her and think, "She's growing up way too fast," they can turn to these photos and feel the clock pause, if only for a moment. 

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Laura Richards is an authentic, natural-light family photographer in Roanoke, Virginia. Learn more about newborn sessions and maternity sessions.