Photography

How to Use Lighting for Stunning Newborn Photography

Ever struggled to get that soft, dreamy glow in your newborn photos, worried about harsh shadows or needing pricey gear? I’ve been there—newbie days, flat pics, panicking over dull shots. After 10+ years, hundreds of bubs, and workshops with world-class pros, I’ve got super easy lighting tips (what those workshops missed!) for stunning photos fast. These hacks work for beginners, pros, and mums starting small—whether shooting at home or in a studio! My free 30-min masterclass video for at-home or professional shots will have you shooting like a pro in less than 30 mins!

Newborn lighting masterclass

Why Perfect Lighting Wins Clients

Gorgeous lighting creates professional clean cut looking photos, thrills clients, and fills your calendar. These hacks deliver:

  • Fast: 5 minutes to set up light—no endless tweaking.
  • Easy: Just a window or cloth—no fancy gear needed!
  • Wow: Stunning shots—mums save memories, pros get happy customers!

Others might say you need studio lights or years of practice—nah, my way’s simple and easily achievable, actionable, and nails it. Let’s light up those newborn sessions!

1. Use Window Light for a Soft Glow

Struggle: Harsh shadows ruin your shots.
Fix: Position the newborn near a window for soft, natural light—like a warm hug from the sun. Face bub away from direct rays to avoid glare. Swaddle tightly to keep them calm during setup.
Tip: Shoot on cloudy days—nature’s perfect diffuser!

newborn stuffing natural lighting

2. Bounce Light with a White Cloth

Struggle: Flat pics lack depth.
Fix: Hang a white sheet or cloth opposite the window to bounce light onto bub’s face, filling shadows for a glowing look. Adjust the cloth’s angle for a subtle sparkle in their eyes. Try bouncing light to turn dull shots into client favorites!
Tip: Use a clean white bedsheet—budget-friendly and effective!

3. Create a Cozy Spotlight with a Lamp

Struggle: No natural light for evening shoots.
Fix: Place a table lamp (soft bulb, no harsh LEDs) at a 45-degree angle to bub, about 2 meters away, for a cozy spotlight effect. Drape a white sheet over the lampshade to diffuse light, mimicking a pro studio glow. My $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course ensures bubs stay settled during light tweaks.
Tip: Test the lamp’s distance—too close, and it’s too bright!

4. The Pro Secret – The Light Lock (Tease!)

Struggle: Dull lighting kills your session vibe.
Fix: Here’s my trick: window light, bouncing light to bring up the shadows and shooting in the shadows – avoid the sun’s harsh direct rays!
Tip: Want more? My free masterclass will have you shooting like a pro in 30 mins—click below!

baby and mum photography window light

Level Up with My Free Masterclass!

These hacks are your lighting starters, but want pro-level secrets to wow clients? My free masterclass for at-home or professional 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 so glad you did! Imagine—in 30 minutes, you’ll know what you need to take beautiful newborn photos + 12 months and beyond!

My $179 course (reg. $359, worth $579) covers 0-12 months, tricky toddlers, messy homes, and more—with lighting, posing, calming, and sleep tips from The Gentle Sleep Specialist Tara for the first 3 months of your baby’s schedule. Or snag my $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course for calming basics or $27 Mobile Presets for pro edits in the Lightroom App—work right from your phone!

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

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    I'M JESS

     

    Mum, coffee ☕ chaser, and total pork crackling fanatic!

     

    Once upon a time, I was a newbie photographer, fumbling through fussy bub shoots 😅 and stressing over every missed shot. But after 10+ years, hundreds of newborns, and workshops with world-class pros, I’ve cracked the code to stunning photos that make hearts melt.

     

    My JJP Method is all about simple, real-deal hacks that work for mums, beginners, and pros alike—no fluff, just results!

     

    Want to nail newborn photography? Join my free 30-min masterclass for at-home or professional shots, or dive into my course to master posing, calming, lighting, and more in less time than your little one’s nap.

     

    Let’s capture those tiny moments together!

    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

    Ready to capture your story?

     

    get a reply within minutes!

    My availability is limited with family time being a priority, so booking a few months in advance is highly recommended, especially for newborns.

     

    I know you might feel nervous about getting photos—99% of my clients feel the same! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through every step, giving you prompts and directions so you can relax and just enjoy the moment. Life is hectic, but your session will be a chance to slow down and have fun!

    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.

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    T.0439 932 229

    E. jessica@jessicajanephotography.com.au