Photography

How to Photograph Older Babies (3–12 Months) at Home

Ever wished you could capture your older baby’s cheeky grins or milestone moments but feel stuck with wiggly tots or a chaotic home? I’ve been there—newbie days, chasing a crawler, stressing over blurry shots. After 10+ years, hundreds of bubs, and workshops with world-class pros, I’ve got quick hacks (what those workshops skipped!) to snap stunning photos in a snap, no fancy gear needed! These work for mums, beginners, and pros—phone only or DSLR, at home or studio. My free 30-min masterclass video will have you shooting like a pro in less than 30 mins!

outfits for newborn photos how to style

Why Milestone Photos Win Hearts

Capturing older babies (3–12 months) creates cherished memories, wows family, and fills albums. It’s every mum’s dream to have a cute babies first year album! These hacks deliver:

  • Fast: 5 minutes to shoot—no hours chasing.
  • Easy: Just your phone and a toy—no pricey props!
  • Wow: Gorgeous shots—mums treasure moments, pros land bookings!

Others might say you need a studio or expert skills—nah, my way’s simple, effective, and nails it. Let’s snap those milestone moments!

1. Use a Toy to Grab Attention

Struggle: Wiggly babies won’t stay still.
Fix: Hold a colorful toy (like a rattle) or get bubs to hold pretty flowers (like in pic below) then hold a rattle above your phone to catch bub’s gaze, sparking a cheeky smile. Sit them on a blanket in soft window light. Try my free masterclass for quick posing tips.
Tip: Shake the toy gently—big laughs or an intrigued gauze guaranteed!

2. Pose on a Cozy Surface

Struggle: Active babies topple or crawl away.
Fix: Place bub on a cushy rug or beanbag with a neutral blanket to keep them comfy and contained. Try tummy time or propped sitting for 6-month-olds mum or dad can hold them on their lap too! My $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course builds confidence to soothe even the fussiest bubs, ensuring calm shoots for milestone magic!
Tip: Add a folded towel under the blanket for extra support!

older baby on lap for photography pose

3. Capture Action with Burst Mode

Struggle: Blurry shots miss fleeting moments.
Fix: Use your phone’s burst mode (hold the shutter) to snap crawling or giggling in action. Pick the sharpest shot later. Edit with my $27 Mobile Presets for vibrant pops. My $179 course dives into my action-shot secrets for frame-worthy 0–12-month pics!
Tip: Shoot in a clutter-free corner—keeps focus on bub!

baby in action on the move older baby photography

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

Struggle: Missing those fast-fading milestones.
Fix: Here’s my trick: toys, cozy poses, and burst mode capture older babies’ magic in minutes—mums and pros raved about my lively galleries! My Free Masterclass will have you shooting like a pro in less time than your little one’s nap, plus you’ll master styling, lighting, and calming, inspired by Sheyne Rowley – here’s our incredible interview with Sheyne here!
Tip: Want more? My free masterclass will have you nailing milestone 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 more—get the full course here but for the special price of $179 see the Masterclass first or you’ll pay full price.
With styling, posing, lighting, calming, and sleep tips from The Gentle Sleep Specialist Tara.

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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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    E. jessica@jessicajanephotography.com.au