Photography

How to Use Lighting for Stunning Baby Photos

Ever dreamed of capturing your baby’s glowing smiles in pro-level photos but feel stuck with dark or flat shots? I’ve been there—newbie days, shadowy pics, panicking over dull albums. After 10+ years, hundreds of babies, and workshops with world-class pros, I’ve got super easy lighting hacks (what those workshops missed!) to make your photos pop in a quick tidy-up, no fancy gear required! These work for beginners, pros, and mums starting small—phone or DSLR, at home or outdoors. My free 30-min masterclass video for at-home or professional shots will have you lighting like a pro in less than 30 mins!

newborn photography lighting tricks

Why Lighting Wins Hearts

Great lighting creates heart-melting photos, thrills family, and fills frames with that clean cut pro look! These hacks deliver:

  • Fast: 5 minutes to set up—no hours adjusting.
  • Easy: Just a window or lamp (if natural light isn’t an option!) —no studio lights needed!
  • Wow: Stunning shots—mums save memories, pros get bookings!

Others might say you need expensive gear or perfect conditions—nah, my way’s simple, actionable, and nails it. Let’s light up those baby photos!

1. Use Window Light for a Soft Glow

Struggle: Harsh or dim light ruins your shots.
Fix: Place bub near a window (no direct sun) for a soft, airy glow. Drape a sheer curtain to diffuse light, creating creamy tones. Lay a blanket for a clean backdrop. My online course teaches my lighting tricks that parents loved for their dreamy vibe! Check my wrapping video if you’re looking for cozy sleepy newborns.
Tip: Shoot in the morning—light’s gentler!

baby and mum using winow light magic photography

2. Bounce Light with a White Sheet

Struggle: Shadows flatten your baby’s face.
Fix: Hold a white sheet or towel opposite the window to bounce light onto bub, brightening eyes and cheeks. Swaddle tightly for calm shoots. My $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course keeps babies content—even the trickiest ones—giving you confidence to keep babies settled and happy and shoot fast!
Tip: Angle the sheet slightly—evens out light!

3. Edit for Brilliance with $27 Presets

Struggle: Good lighting needs a final pop.
Fix: Use my $27 Mobile Presets in Lightroom Mobile (free Lightroom app) for one-tap vibrant colors. Pick neutrals or earthy tones for timeless, glowing shots. Shoot near soft light for edits that shine.
Tip: Use the free photo editing app on your Iphone: Boost brightness 10% and bring up the contrast slightly—enhances glow!

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

Struggle: Dull light kills your photo vibe.
Fix: Here’s my trick: window light, bounced sheets, and diffusing light when needed creates soft stunning shots fast! My $179 course (special price only with the Free Masterclass) will have you lighting like a pro in less time than your little one’s nap, plus you’ll master posing, editing, and calming, inspired by Sheyne Rowley, the Australian Baby Whisperer – read our interview here!
Tip: Want more? My free masterclass will have you lighting like a pro in 30 mins—click below!

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

Level Up with My Free Masterclass!

These hacks are your lighting starters, but want pro-level secrets to wow family or 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 baby photos + 12 months and beyond!


My $179 course offer – is only available through the Free Masterclass (reg. $359, worth $997) covers 0-12 months, tricky toddlers, messy homes, and more—with lighting, posing, editing, styling, calming, and sleep tips from The Gentle Sleep Specialist for the first 3 months of your baby’s schedule. Or snag my $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course for the best calming tricks that actually work or $27 Mobile Presets for pro edits in the Lightroom App—work right from your phone!

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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!

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    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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