Dreaming of turning your love for newborn photos into a business but overwhelmed by where to start? As a new mum, I was knackered, juggling a camera and my bub, desperate to make my passion pay. After 10+ years, hundreds of bubs, and workshops with world-renowned photographers, I built Jessica Jane Photography from scratch with simple hacks. These tips let you launch in a week, using minimal gear, whether you’re a mum craving a side hustle or a beginner photographer chasing pro gigs. You’ll capture heart-melting moments for clients’ first year albums and earn cash on your terms. My free 30-min masterclass video will have you shooting like a pro in less than 30 mins!
1. Gear Up Cheap
Struggle: Think you need fancy, pricey gear? Nope!
Fix: Grab a second-hand DSLR—under $300 works for pro shots. Skip smartphones; they look unprofessional, and clients might wonder why they didn’t just snap their own pics, undervaluing your work. Add a soft blanket for shoots (like in the pic below!) and shoot near a window for natural light. Check my lighting hacks to keep costs low!
Tip: Wash blankets before use for bub’s sensitive skin!
Safety Tip: Always have a parent nearby—super safe!
2. Nail Simple Branding
Struggle: Branding feels like a massive hurdle.
Fix: Pick a name (e.g., “[Your Name] Photography”) and create a free logo on Canva or buy one for under $15 on Etsy for a pro touch. Set up an Instagram page and post one newborn pic daily—try my posing tips for inspo. No website needed yet!
Tip: Stick to soft, neutral or earthy tones (think cream or sage) for a timeless newborn glow that mums adore!
Pro Move: Need portfolio pics? Run a “model call” for free newborn shoots. Post in local Facebook Buy/Swap/Sell groups with a cute bub photo (follow group rules!). Create buzz: “2 FREE Newborn Model Call Shoots for April! DM me with your name, email, phone, baby’s DOB, and a photo. Spots close [date].” Bonus: Say bubs will model wraps for a brand (tag a newborn clothing biz—they’ll love the shoutout!) to subtly shift focus from you being a newbie. Always get parental consent to use pics for marketing.
Money Opportunity: Offer 3-4 free digital files as a thank-you for the model call, then invite parents to upgrade to all digital files for $100-$150 if they wish. It’s a super easy way to spark some cash flow while building your skills! As your skills and confidence grows you can increase this upgrade amount – especially if you find most are upgrading!
3. Book Your First Client
Struggle: No idea how to land clients?
Fix: Offer a free mini-session to a friend’s bub, using a blanket and swaddle (demo here). Share the pics on Instagram with a “Book now!” caption. Charge $50 for your next session (let them know it’s a once off deal!) and post in local mum groups for quick bookings. Check my prop tips to make shots pop!
Tip: Shoot post-feed for calm bubs and happy clients! Once you get bookings in at this super low price – be sure to increase your pricing for the next sessions!
4. The Pro Secret – The Business Lock (Tease!)
Struggle: Scared of bad shots or fussy bubs tanking your biz?
Fix: My trick: a calm bub plus a simple setup guarantees stunning pics. My $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course shares calming magic, inspired by Sheyne Rowley, the Australian Baby Whisperer—read it here—and my 10+ years settling every bub I’ve shot. There’s never a baby I couldn’t settle! Want pro-level posing, lighting, and business skills? My $179 course covers it all. Get the scoop in my free masterclass—click here!
Level Up with My Free Masterclass
These hacks kickstart your business, but want secrets to stand out? My free masterclass for at-home or pro-studio 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 pro pics—DSLR or phone—mums build a legacy, pros get very happy customers! Join the free video here!
My $179 course (reg. $359, worth $579) covers 0-12 months, tricky toddlers, messy homes, and pro skills—baby sleep tips from The Gentle Sleep Specialist Tara for the first 3mths, pure gold for new parents and photographers! Or snag my $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course for calming skills that win clients!
My Business Flops to Frame-Worthy Wins
I’m Jess—mum, Netflix binger, pork crackling addict. My first business attempts? Total bloody disaster—crappy shots, zero clients, and me losing my mind over why it wasn’t working! Now, after years of tweaking and building the JJP Method, I’ve got the hacks I wish I’d had back then. No big words, just real tips for every mum or photographer! Let’s launch your newborn photography business!
