Struggling to capture those precious newborn moments—tiny yawns, sleepy smiles—but felt overwhelmed by fussy bubs or no clue where to start? I’ve been there—new mum exhaustion, phone in hand, desperate for heart-melting photos. After 10+ years photographing hundreds of newborns and training with world-class pros, I’ve mastered simple hacks to photograph newborns at home using just your phone and a few minutes. Whether you’re a parent preserving memories or a beginner building a portfolio, these tips will turn your living room into a cozy photo set. My free 30-min masterclass will have you photographing like a pro—join here and start today!
WHY PHOTOGRAPHING NEWBORNS AT HOME WINS
Photographing newborns at home creates relaxed, professional shots without the studio hassle. These hacks deliver:
- Fast: Snap in 20–30 minutes—no long sessions.
- Cheap: Use your phone and household items—no costly gear!
- Safe: Gentle techniques perfect for 0–3 month newborns.
- Stunning: Heart-melting photos that wow families or clients.
Others push studio visits or fancy equipment—my JJP Method is simple, budget-friendly, and ideal for busy mums or pros. Let’s photograph that newborn at home!
1. TIME SHOOTS FOR MORNING CALM
Struggle: Bub’s fussy or light is bad, ruining your shots.
Fix: Schedule after a feed, when bub’s full and drowsy, near a window (9–10:30am for soft light). Keep the room warm (25°C or higher) if bub’s in a onesie with no layers to ensure comfort. Play soft white noise (louder if unsettled, like a vacuum cleaner as this was the volume inside the womb!) for a relaxed shoot. Swaddle bub loosely if settled or firmly if unsettled, and snap with burst mode to catch micro-expressions like yawns—tap your phone to focus. Limit to 20–30 minutes to avoid overstimulation.
Tip: Morning calm equals dreamy photos—pure gold!
2. STYLE WITH HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Struggle: Photos look plain or cluttered.
Fix: Drape a neutral blanket (cream or beige) over a chair or on your bed for a clean backdrop. Line a basket with a towel for a cozy prop, placing bub inside with a parent nearby for safety. Add a knitted hat or booties for texture. Snap with portrait mode for a dreamy blur. Also make sure you use mum or dads hands as a prop or parents chest/torso as a FREE backdrop to hide any clutter or mess in the home!
Want vibrant shots? Use my $27 Mobile Presets in free Lightroom Mobile—check my wrap video here for setups that pop. Need soothing tricks? My $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course has you covered—grab it here.
Tip: Household items create studio charm—too easy!
3. SOOTHE WITH A COTTON JERSEY WRAP
Struggle: Unsettled bubs make shooting impossible.
Fix: Firmly wrap bub in a cotton jersey stretch wrap—Sheyne Rowley, the Australian Baby Whisperer, calls this a “surrogate cuddle”—to keep them secure, feeling safe, and prevent wiggling. Position on a blanket near a window, with a parent nearby. Add a knitted hat for texture. Snap with 2x zoom for clean shots. Edit in the free Photos app (brightness +10, vibrance +15) for warmth. Want more calming secrets like Sheyne’s “surrogate cuddle”? Check our incredible interview with Sheyne Rowley—The Famous Australian Baby Whisperer here!
Tip: A firm wrap equals a happy bub!
4. EDIT FOR A PRO GLOW
Struggle: Dull photos lack that studio polish.
Fix: Use the free Photos app to bump brightness (+10), vibrance (+15), and contrast (+5) for a warm, cozy look. Crop tight to hide messy backgrounds. Shoot near a diffused window (sheer curtain) for soft light, with bub in a basket or parent’s arms. These edits work wonders for 0–3 month newborns, turning phone snaps into pro shots.
Tip: Simple edits make your photos pop like a pro’s!
5. THE PRO SECRET – IT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK (TEASE!)
Struggle: Newborn photography feels overwhelming with no plan.
Fix: Timing, styling, soothing, and editing create pro-level photos for 0–3 months in minutes—no studio needed! I’m not joking, it’s that simple! My free masterclass shares posing, lighting, and calming tricks to make every shoot a breeze—join here! You’ll wonder why you ever stressed over photographing newborns.
Tip: These hacks make you a home photography pro!
LEVEL UP WITH MY FREE MASTERCLASS!
These hacks give you a taste of my course, but want pro secrets to make every photo shine? My free 30-min masterclass for at-home or professional photos covers:
- Posing: Safe, cozy setups perfect for newborns.
- Lighting: Window tricks for glowing pics.
- Calming: Soothe bub for perfect captures.
Join the free video here—in 30 minutes, you’ll snap photos that melt hearts! My $179 course (reg. $359, worth $579) dives into 0–12 months, messy homes, and toddler chaos—get it here but watch the masterclass first to save! With styling, posing, lighting, and calming tips from Tara The Gentle Sleep Specialist for bub’s first 3 months, it’s a must-have for every new parent to capture those fleeting moments. Or grab my $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course for calming tricks that work every time—you’ll feel so much more confident running newborn sessions and shooting like a pro!
