Meet Henrik | Portland, Maine Fresh 48 Newborn Photographer | Stepheney Collins Photography

I know I say this every time I have a Fresh 48 session, but man, these sessions are my absolute favorite to photograph. I have always been drawn to documenting the arrival of a new baby, and some of the first shoots I ever did were Fresh 48s. Except they weren't called that back in 2010, or at least I hadn't heard that term being used. These sessions feed my photojournalistic soul, because they are mostly documentary in style. I don’t spend a lot of time directing and posing, as I want to capture the real, raw moments of joy, awe, and love as they unfold.

I cannot believe this session was three weeks ago, which means that sweet little Henrik is now three weeks old! This is my second Fresh 48 with this family, and one I have been looking forward to for months. From the moment I heard Sonja and Spike were expecting their third baby, I was beside myself with excitement and couldn't wait to capture these hospital memories for them. When I met sweet little Henrik, he was just 24 hours old and had yet to be named, but was already surrounded by so much love from his family. It was so sweet to witness older siblings Lars and Harper showing their new brother love by holding his hands, gently touching his face, and giving him kisses. Awake and alert for much of the session, Henrik seemed to be perfectly content soaking up all the love. Thank you Sonja and Spike for welcoming me into your hospital room and trusting me to document these memories for you.