Hey there, photo newbies, pro snappers, and parents craving perfect bub pics! Ever snapped a photo of your newborn, only to get harsh shadows or a flat, dull shot? I’ve been there—new mum days, fumbling with my phone, wondering why my bub’s pics didn’t glow like the pros’. After 10+ years, hundreds of bubs, and workshops with world-renowned photographers (where I had to chase down lighting tricks they skipped!), I’ve cracked the secrets to perfect lighting for newborn photos. These hacks work for newborns, 1-12 month-olds, and even wiggly toddlers—whether you’re snapping at home or photographing clients! My free 30-min masterclass video will have you lighting up your shots like a pro in less than 30 mins!
Why Lighting Makes or Breaks Your Shots
Great lighting highlights bub’s tiny features—soft cheeks, sleepy eyes, capturing pure magic. These hacks deliver:
- Fast: 2 mins to set up—no endless tweaking.
- Easy: Just a window —no fancy gear needed!
- Wow: Gorgeous shots—mums save memories, pros get very happy customers!
Others might say you need studio lights or pricey setups—nah, my way’s safe, simple, and nails it. Let’s light up that bub’s adorableness!
1. Use Soft Window Light
Struggle: Harsh light flattens bub’s features.
Fix: Place bub near a window with soft morning or late afternoon light—no direct sun. For newborns, angle them so light brushes their cheeks; for 6-month-olds, let it catch their curious eyes. Use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light if it’s too bright.
Tip: Face bub toward the window, not away, for a natural glow that pops!
Safety Tip: Keep bub on a flat surface near the window—never on a sill or unstable spot.
2. Avoid Flash Like the Plague
Struggle: Flash startles bub and ruins shots.
Fix: Skip the flash—it washes out details and can upset newborns. For 12-month-olds, it creates harsh shadows. Rely on natural light instead.
Tip: If it’s dark, move closer to a window or boost your phone’s exposure setting for brightness without flash!
3. Try a Soft Lamp for Evening Shots
Struggle: No good light after sunset.
Fix: Use a table lamp with a white shade, placed 3–4 feet from bub, angled to mimic window light. For 8-week-olds, pair with a blanket backdrop; for toddlers, let it light their smile. Avoid colored bulbs—they mess with skin tones. The light must emit a white glow (not yellow or too warm of a tone as bubs skin will look unnatural!)
Tip: Cover the lamp with a thin white cloth for extra softness—it’s like instant studio magic!
4. The Pro Secret – The Glow Lock (Tease!)
Struggle: Flat light makes pics boring.
Fix: Here’s my trick: position bub at a 45-degree angle to the light source, with a slight tilt of their face, to catch a dreamy glow. Pair with a calm bub for perfection—my $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course shares calming hacks, inspired by my chat with Sheyne Rowley, the Australian Baby Whisperer—read it here!
Tip: Want more? My free masterclass will have you lighting shots like a pro in 30 mins—click below!
Level Up with My Free Masterclass
These hacks are your lighting 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 single time.
It’s 30 minutes to stunning pics—phone or DSLR—mums save memories, pros get very happy customers! Join the free video here—you’ll be hooked!
Hooked on learning? My $179 course (reg. $359, worth $579) covers 0-12 months, tricky toddlers, messy homes, and more—plus framing tricks for sibling love that pops and sleep tips from The Gentle Sleep Specialist Tara. Or snag my $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course—pro calming skills, no splurge!
My Lighting Flops to Frame-Worthy Wins
I’m Jess—mum, Netflix binger, pork crackling addict. My first lighting attempts? Total flops—harsh shadows, flat pics, and me stressing over why my bub’s shots looked so dull! 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 and pro secrets for the professionals! Want more magic? Join my free masterclass here for DIY, or book an in-person session for studio shots.
