Photography

Best Gear for Newborn Photography: Start Simple, Shoot Pro

Hey, it’s Jess! Pro newborn pics—no gear stress!
Hey mums and newbies! Blurry bub pics driving you nuts? I’m Jess—a mum who started clueless with just a phone, now a pro after 10+ years snapping 100s of bubs. I’ve been to workshops with world-renowned photographers, but my real tricks come from experience—way simpler, cuter shots, no fancy gear needed! My free masterclass starts you off—let’s snap it, fun and simple!

Jess’s free newborn photography masterclass graphic – best-gear

Why Gear Matters (But Not Too Much!) for Brilliant Pics

Gear can help, but it’s not the boss—you are! Here’s why these tips are your bestie:

  • Fast: 5-min setup—no big fuss.
  • Cheap: Phone or basic DSLR—nothing crazy.
  • Real Deal: Pro shots in messy homes—keeps it real, wherever you’re at!
    Other advice pushes pricey kits—mine’s simple and works. Let’s get those pics!

Phone Hacks – No DSLR? No Worries!

Your phone’s enough to start—here’s how:

  • Clean the lense: Our phones are usually in our pockets or bags getting dirty very quickly – wipe phone lens for clearer sharper shots!
  • Tap babies face on screen: to focus making images sharper
  • Window light: Stand near one—soft glow beats dull shots, no flash.
  • Steady it: Prop it on a book or hold tight with both hands—no blur.
  • Zoom smart: Pinch in close—tiny details pop, boring backgrounds fade.
    Mums, you’ll love these quick wins; beginners, it’s pro vibes on a budget!

DSLR Wins – Canon Made Easy

Got a DSLR? Canon’s my jam—keep it simple!

  • 50mm f/1.8 lens: Cheap (~$150), blurry backgrounds, sharp bubs.
  • My absolute fave: is the Cannon 35mm 1.4L but it’s very pricy, therefore I only recommend if you’re going pro!
  • Manual mode hack: Set f/2.8 or f/3.5, ISO 200-400 or up to 1600 if it’s dim, 1/250 sec—crisp shots, no guesswork (my course dives deeper!).
  • Tripod or not: Rest it on a chair— hold with both hands or ensure shutter speed is above 1/250 secs, steady like a pro, no extra cost.
    Parents, these make memories glow; newbies, you’ll feel pro fast—too easy!
  • Aperture: Go wide—f/2.8 or f/3.5. Blurs the background, keeps bub the star. Dreamy vibes, no effort.
  • Shutter Speed: Fast—1/250 or up. Freezes tiny wiggles and smiles, no blurry mess.

No-Props? Tricks to Still Snap Like a Champ

Use what’s around!

  • Blanket backdrop: Plain one over a chair—hides mess, looks clean.
  • Toy tease: Wave something pretty (fake flower, wooden rattle)—grabs and giggles shine.
  • Natural boost: Open a door—soft light, no dull shadows, no gear needed.
    Mums, these are gold; beginners, you’ve got this—no stress, all fun!
newborn photo tricks

Level Up with My Free Masterclass (and More!)

These tips will definitely help, but want pro secrets? My free masterclass gives you:

  • Light tricks—no gear, just wow.
  • Baby-whispering moves—calm ‘em quick.
  • Easy poses—cute shots, no fuss.
    It’s 30 mins to pro pics, phone or DSLR—mums save memories, beginners start strong!
  • Join at https://vip.jessicajanaphotography.com.au/newborn-photography-training/. Love it? My $179 course (reg. $359, worth $579) has it all—no add-ons, just every trick for 0–12 months, messy homes, Canon DSLR manual mode, and we teamed up with Tara from The Gentle Sleep Specialist—sleep sorted for your baby in the first 3 months. One and done—cute pics for keeps or extra cash for your family, your pick!
Jess’s free newborn photography masterclass graphic – best-gear

Me, Jess: From Mum Mess to Photo Pro

I’m Jess Van Den Berghe—Australian mum, Netflix binger, plant geek, candle nut, pork crackling addict. My newbie mum pics? Disaster—blurry, dark, crying baby ugh! I wanted my girl’s first year, but I was lost. Ten years on—workshops, 100s of bubs, my own studio—I’ve cracked it. My JJP Method’s for you—mums and beginners worldwide chasing pics or passive cash. Let’s do this!

Start Now—Pics or Profit!

These gear tips = pro shots, easy and you’ll have fun doing it! My free masterclass gives pro pics in 30 mins—really! Join at https://vip.jessicajanaphotography.com.au/newborn-photography-training/. Want it all? My $179 course has every trick—no extras, just mastery. Mums, beginners, even pros—let’s snap and stack those wins!

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    HEY, I’M JESS 👋

    I teach simple, real-life hacks that work for mums, beginners, and even pros—no fluff, just results. Every technique I share has been tested with hundreds of babies and is designed to be easy to implement, even if you’re new to photography.


    Over the past 10+ years, I’ve photographed hundreds of newborns and trained with world-class pros. Along the way, I’ve cracked the code to capturing gorgeous baby photos without stress, fancy gear, or overwhelm.

     

    I also share our family’s health journey, uncovering hidden triggers in everyday products that quietly affect wellbeing—a passion that’s grown alongside my photography.

    🎥 Want to learn my best tricks in just 30 minutes? Join my FREE Baby Photography Masterclass and start snapping stunning photos today!

    Photography
    “Jess was absolutely amazing with our newborn son during the shoot. I felt so comfortable with the way she nurtured his needs and comforted him during the process. Plus the final product was amazing and there is lots of different packages you can choose from that suit your needs."
    ~ Jasmyn Bawden

    Still feeling nervous? You're not alone.

    Instant confirmation when you book online.

    Almost every family tells me the same thing before their session —

    “We’re awkward in photos.”

    And almost every family leaves saying,

    “That was so much easier than we expected.”

    You don’t need to know how to pose.

    You don’t need a “perfect” baby. You don’t need to feel confident. That’s my job.

     

    I gently guide you through every step so you can relax, slow down, and simply enjoy this season. Newborn sessions are best booked during pregnancy, as availability is limited each month.

    Based in Camperdown, servicing Warrnambool, Colac and surrounding areas.

    EXPLORE WITH ME

    I'm Jessica Van Den Berghe, a small-town

    Camperdown girl with big dreams.
    I'm hooked on Netflix, in-door plants, candles and crispy pork crackling with apple sauce.

    FOLLOW ME

    E. jessica@jessicajanephotography.com.au