Photography

How to Capture Newborn Milestones Month by Month at Home

Ever dreamed of snapping your newborn’s first smile or tummy-time wiggle for your cute baby’s first year album but felt stuck with no time to scratch yourself or missing those fleeting moments? I’ve been there—newbie days, chasing every yawn, stressing over blurry shots that didn’t capture the magic.

After 10+ years photographing hundreds of bubs and training with world-class pros, I’ve mastered quick milestone hacks (the stuff those workshops skipped!) to create a pro clean cut look with just your phone or DSLR, at home or in a studio. Whether you’re a tired mum, dad, beginner, or pro, these tips will help you document bub’s first 3 months and beyond. My free 30-min masterclass will have you capturing milestones like a pro in less time than your little one’s nap!

outfits for newborn photos how to style capture their first year

Why Milestones Win Hearts

Month-by-month milestone photos create heart-melting memories that light up your frame and fill albums with your bub’s growth—first gazes, tiny grips, or proud rolls. These shots are more than snaps; they’re a timeline of love, perfect for parents or pros building client galleries. With simple setups and no fancy gear, you can freeze these moments before they vanish. These hacks deliver:

  • Fast: Snap in 5 minutes—no hours planning.
  • Easy: Use a blanket and your phone—no pro setup!
  • Wow: Stunning shots—mums cherish memories, pros land bookings!

Others might push complex gear or studio visits, but my approach is simple, calm, and nails it every time. Let’s capture those newborn milestones month by month at home!

1. Month 1: Catch the First Gaze

Struggle: Newborns sleep so much, you miss alert moments.
Fix: In month 1, aim for bub’s brief awake time (9–10:30am, post-feed) near a window with soft light. Lay bub on a cream or neutral blanket and swaddle loosely (if they are settled) to show their tiny hands. Hold your phone above, ready for that wide-eyed gaze—use burst mode to catch it. This pose is safe and cozy, perfect for bub’s first 3 months.
Tip: Neutral swaddles keep it timeless—mums swoon!

newborn baby's first gaze capture the first year!

2. Month 2: Snap the First Smile

Struggle: Smiles are fleeting and hard to predict.
Fix: In month 2, watch for bub’s first gummy smiles during playtime (post-nap, around 10am). Spread a neutral blanket on a couch and sit bub upright in your lap, supported gently. Make soft cooing sounds to spark a grin, then snap with your phone’s portrait mode for a dreamy blur. My $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course builds confidence to soothe fussy bubs for happy shots. Check my wrap video for cozy setup ideas.
Tip: Hum softly to coax that smile—works like magic!

3. Month 3: Capture Tummy Time

Struggle: Tummy time shots feel wobbly or dull.
Fix: In month 3, set up during tummy time (mid-morning, post-feed) on a soft rug with a knit throw (oatmeal tone) for texture. Place bub tummy-down, head slightly lifted, and get low with your phone (2x zoom) to catch their curious eyes or tiny push-ups. Add a neutral headband for a delicate touch. Edit with my $27 Mobile Presets for vibrant pops.
Tip: Shoot from bub’s eye level—makes milestones pop!

4. Month 6–8: Celebrate Sitting Up

Struggle: Sitting shots look unsteady or lack sparkle.
Fix: Around 6–8 months, when bub starts sitting (with support or solo), set up on a cozy blanket near a window for soft light. Prop bub with a pillow behind for wobbly sitters, or let confident sitters shine solo. Add a knit toy for them to grab, sparking a cheeky grin. Snap from slightly below with your phone’s burst mode to catch their proud posture or playful giggle. This milestone is a big win—perfect for your album or pro portfolios.
Tip: Use earthy props to keep it timeless—avoids dated vibes!

newborn and baby photography lighting hack

5. The Pro Secret – The Milestone Lock (Tease!)

Struggle: Milestones slip by or shots look amateur.
Fix: Here’s my trick: first gazes, smiles, and tummy time shots, paired with simple setups, capture stunning milestones in minutes—it doesn’t have to be long or complicated! These hacks work for bub’s first 12 months and beyond, whether you’re a parent saving memories or a pro wowing clients. My free masterclass will have you snapping milestones like a pro in less time than your little one’s nap, plus you’ll master styling, lighting, and calming, inspired by Sheyne Rowley—check our incredible interview with Sheyne here! These tips are so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever missed a milestone.
Tip: Want more? My masterclass nails pro baby shots 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 milestone starters, but want pro-level secrets to dazzle 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 (reg. $359, worth $579) covers 0-12 months, tricky toddlers, messy homes, and so much more—get the full course here but see the masterclass first or you’ll pay full price. With styling, posing, lighting, calming, and sleep tips from Tara The Gentle Sleep Specialist for bub’s first 3 months of life—right when you need those tips the most! A must-have for every new parent! Or snag my $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course for the best calming tricks that actually work!

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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

     

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    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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