Photography

How to Photograph Older Babies (3–12 Months)

Ever dreamed of capturing your older baby’s cheeky grins or milestone moments but feel stuck with blurry shots or wiggly tots? I’ve been there—newbie days, chasing my bub, panicking over missed memories. After 10+ years, hundreds of babies, and workshops with world-class pros, I’ve got super easy 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 park. My free 30-min masterclass video for at-home or professional shots will have you shooting like a pro in less than 30 mins!

outfits for newborn photos how to style

Why Older Baby Photos Win Hearts

Great photos capture your baby’s personality, thrill family, and fill albums. These hacks deliver:

  • Fast: 5 minutes to shoot—no hours chasing.
  • Easy: Just your phone or simple props—no studio needed!
  • Wow: Stunning shots—mums save milestones, pros get bookings!

Others might say you need pro gear or a calm baby—nah, my way’s simple, actionable, and nails it. Let’s snap those older baby moments!

1. Use Toys to Grab Attention

Struggle: Wiggly babies won’t look at the camera.
Fix: Hold a favorite rattle or squeaky toy above your phone to catch bub’s gaze, sparking cheeky smiles. Shoot on a blanket for a clean backdrop. My online course teaches my milestone-capturing tricks that parents loved for their lively shots!
Tip: Shake gently—big noises might startle!

Older baby on blanket photography pose

2. Pose During Playtime

Struggle: Active babies won’t stay still for poses.
Fix: Photograph bub during tummy time or sitting (6–12 months), propping them on a cushion for natural curls. Use a $5 Kmart wrap to add texture. My $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course keeps newborns content—even the trickiest babies—giving you confidence to shoot fast!
Tip: Shoot at eye level—captures their personality!

3. Edit for Pop with $27 Presets

Struggle: Flat photos miss the milestone magic.
Fix: Use my $27 Mobile Presets in Lightroom Mobile (free app) for one-tap vibrant colors. Pick “Sage or earthy tones for glow” for timeless, creamy tones. Shoot near a window for light that edits like a dream.
Tip: Batch-edit multiples—saves minutes!

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

Struggle: Missing those fleeting baby moments.
Fix: Here’s my trick: toys, playtime poses, and presets capture stunning shots fast! My $179 course will have you photographing like a pro in less time than your little one’s nap, plus you’ll master posing, lighting, 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!

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

Level Up with My Free Masterclass!

These hacks are your baby photo 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 (reg. $359, worth $997) covers 0-12 months, tricky toddlers, messy homes, and more—with posing, editing, styling, lighting, 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 the best calming tricks that actually work!

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    HEY, I’M JESS 👋

    I teach simple, real-life hacks that work for mums, beginners, and even pros—no fluff, just results. Every technique I share has been tested with hundreds of babies and is designed to be easy to implement, even if you’re new to photography.


    Over the past 10+ years, I’ve photographed hundreds of newborns and trained with world-class pros. Along the way, I’ve cracked the code to capturing gorgeous baby photos without stress, fancy gear, or overwhelm.

     

    I also share our family’s health journey, uncovering hidden triggers in everyday products that quietly affect wellbeing—a passion that’s grown alongside my photography.

    🎥 Want to learn my best tricks in just 30 minutes? Join my FREE Baby Photography Masterclass and start snapping stunning photos today!

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    “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

    Still feeling nervous? You're not alone.

    Instant confirmation when you book online.

    Almost every family tells me the same thing before their session —

    “We’re awkward in photos.”

    And almost every family leaves saying,

    “That was so much easier than we expected.”

    You don’t need to know how to pose.

    You don’t need a “perfect” baby. You don’t need to feel confident. That’s my job.

     

    I gently guide you through every step so you can relax, slow down, and simply enjoy this season. Newborn sessions are best booked during pregnancy, as availability is limited each month.

    Based in Camperdown, servicing Warrnambool, Colac and surrounding areas.

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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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    E. jessica@jessicajanephotography.com.au