Hey there, tired legends, photo newbies, and parents craving perfect bub pics! Ever snapped a sweet newborn-and-sibling photo, only to find it looks flat or cluttered? I’ve been there—new mum days, fumbling with my phone, wishing my family shots had that timeless glow. After 10+ years and hundreds of bubs, I’ve got the super easy tips to edit newborn sibling photos for heart-melting keepsakes that shine for years to come. These hacks work for newborns, 1-12 month-olds, and wiggly toddlers—whether you’re editing at home or booking me in-person! My free 30-min masterclass video will have you editing like a pro in less than 30 mins!
Why Editing Makes Sibling Shots Shine
A quick edit highlights bub and sibling’s bond—gentle cuddles, tiny hands, pure magic. These hacks deliver:
- Fast: 2 mins to edit—no endless tweaking.
- Easy: Just your phone—no fancy software needed!
- Wow: Heartwarming keepsakes—mums save memories, pros get happy customers!
Others might say you need Photoshop or pricey apps—nah, my way’s safe, simple, and nails it. Let’s polish those sibling shots!
1. Brighten and Warm the Scene
Struggle: Dull photos hide the sibling bond.
Fix: Use your phone’s photo app (like iPhone Photos or Android Gallery) right after a morning shoot, ideally 9-9.30am when bubs settle best (pic below of a glowing sibling cuddle!). Bump brightness slightly and add warmth to soften skin tones, with a parent nearby for safety. For 6-month-olds with siblings, keep sessions to 20–30 mins to avoid overstimulation, adult holding.
Tip: Don’t over-brighten—keep shadows soft for a cozy vibe!
Safety Tip: Save a copy before editing to keep originals safe—super safe!

2. Crop for Family Focus
Struggle: Messy backgrounds distract from love.
Fix: Crop tight to center bub and sibling’s cuddle, cutting out toys or clutter, parent securing. For 12-month-olds hugging bub, zoom in on their clasped hands in earthy-toned outfits (like crisscross overalls, pic below!), adult close.
Tip: Place their faces near the top third of the frame for a pro look!

3. Soften Skin Gently
Struggle: Bumps or redness steal the spotlight.
Fix: Use a free app like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile to lightly smooth newborn and sibling skin, parent nearby. Tap the “healing” tool to blur minor blemishes, but avoid heavy filters to keep their natural glow—especially for older babies who might tug at wraps. For 8-week-olds, small tweaks go far, adult holding.
Tip: Zoom in to check edits—tiny tweaks make big impacts!
4. The Pro Secret – The Preset Pop (Tease!)
Struggle: Editing takes forever to look pro.
Fix: Here’s my trick: a one-tap preset balances light, color, and softness for a timeless sibling glow. My $27 Mobile Presets nail this magic, inspired by my 10+ years perfecting bub shots! Pair with a calm bub—my $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course shares more calming magic, inspired by my chat with Sheyne Rowley, the Australian Baby Whisperer—read it here!
Tip: Want more? My free masterclass will have you editing like a pro in 30 mins—click below!
Level Up with My Free Masterclass!
These hacks are your editing starters, but want pro-level secrets for shooting? My free masterclass for at-home shots covers:
- Posing hacks—cute curls, safe and simple.
- Lighting hacks—no gear, just glow.
- Baby-calming moves—peaceful shots every time.
It’s 30 minutes to stunning pics—phone or DSLR—mums save memories, pros get happy customers! Join the free video here—you’ll be hooked!
My $179 course (reg. $359, worth $579) covers 0-12 months, tricky toddlers, messy homes, and more—and sleep tips from The Gentle Sleep Specialist Tara for the first 3 months of your baby’s schedule. Or snag my $27 Mobile Presets—pro editing skills that work!
My Editing Flops to Frame-Worthy Wins
I’m Jess—mum, Netflix binger, pork crackling addict. My first sibling edits? Total flops—dull colors, cluttered frames, and me panicking over why my family shots looked off! Now, after years of tweaking and building the JJP Method, I’ve got the hacks I wish I’d had back then. No big words, just real tips for every parent! Let’s create those heartwarming sibling keepsakes!