Hey there, tired legends, photo newbies, and dreamers craving glowing shots! Ever struggled with lighting for newborn photography, worried your photos look flat or harsh? I’ve been there—newbie days, dull shots, panicking over unhappy clients. After 10+ years, hundreds of bubs, and workshops with world-class pros, I’ve got super easy tips to light newborns like a pro fast (what those workshops missed!). These hacks work for beginners, pros, and mums starting small—whether shooting at home or in a studio! My free 30-min masterclass video will honestly have you shooting like a pro in less than 30 mins!
Why Perfect Lighting Wins Clients
Gorgeous lighting creates soft, heart-melting photos, wows clients with that pro glowy clean cut look, and fills your calendar. These hacks deliver:
- Fast: 5 minutes to set up lighting—no endless tweaking.
- Easy: Just a window or sheet—no pricey gear needed!
- Wow: Stunning shots—mums save memories, pros get happy customers!
Others might say you need studio lights or complex setups—nah, my way’s simple, actionable, and nails it. Let’s light those newborns and adorable bubbas!
1. Use Soft Window Light
Struggle: Harsh light creates ugly shadows.
Fix: Position the newborn near a north-facing window (like a cozy nook by your lounge’s glass door). Drape a white sheet over the window to diffuse light if it’s too bright, creating a soft glow like a warm hug. My $179 course teaches my window-light hack that made clients gasp!
Tip: Shoot in the morning—natural light’s gentlest then!
2. Bounce Light with a Reflector
Struggle: Photos look flat without depth.
Fix: Use a white foam board (like one from your kid’s craft stash) as a reflector. Place it opposite the window to bounce light onto the bub’s face, lifting shadows like a pro studio glow. Hold the newborn upright for a curled pose, hands under chin. My $179 course shares my reflector trick that clients raved about!
Tip: Angle the board slightly—small tweaks brighten eyes!
3. Add a Backlight for Drama
Struggle: Shots lack that “wow” factor.
Fix: Place the newborn on a blanket with a window behind, light streaming through sheer curtains like a dreamy halo. Use a jersey stretch wrap for a snug curl (like in our wrapping video here). This backlight makes bubs pop!
Tip: Keep curtains sheer—too thick dims the magic!
4. The Pro Secret – The Light Lock (Tease!)
Struggle: Dull lighting kills your session vibe.
Fix: Here’s my trick: window light, reflectors, and backlighting create pro shots fast—clients loved my glowing photos! My $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course teaches calming skills to keep bubs settled during light setups, inspired by my 10+ years perfecting bubs. My $179 course will have you lighting like a pro in less time than your little ones nap, plus you’ll master posing and calming, inspired by Sheyne Rowley, the Australian Baby Whisperer—read it here!
Tip: Want more? My free masterclass will have you shooting 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 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!
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!
