Photography

How to Use Natural Light for Stunning Newborn Photos at Home

Ever dreamed of capturing your newborn’s dreamy glow for your cute baby’s first year album but felt stuck with dim rooms or harsh shadows? I’ve been there—newbie days, chasing light, stressing over why my shots didn’t look like the pros. After 10+ years, hundreds of bubs, and workshops with world-class photographers, I’ve got quick lighting hacks (what those workshops missed!) to make your photos shine, no fancy gear needed! No more choosing between family chores or learning photo tricks because you don’t have time to scratch yourself — with these tips you can do both! These work for mums, beginners, and pros—phone or DSLR, at home or studio. My free 30-min masterclass will have you lighting like a pro in less than 30 mins!

Jess's photography masterclass for newborns and toddlers

Why Lighting Wins Hearts

Perfect natural light creates heart-melting photos, lights up your frame for that pro clean cut look, and fills albums. These hacks deliver:

  • Fast: 5 minutes to set up—no hours fiddling.
  • Easy: Just a window and a blanket—no pricey lights!
  • Wow: Gorgeous shots—mums cherish memories, pros land bookings!

Others might say you need studio gear or complex pro skills—nah, my way’s simple, calm, and nails it. Let’s light up those newborn photos!

1. Find a Soft Window Glow

Struggle: Harsh light creates ugly shadows or blows out the highlights.
Fix: Set up near a window facing away from the morning sun (9–10:30am is best, when bubs are calm) for soft, even light. Drape a sheer curtain to diffuse rays. Place bub on a blanket facing the window. My Free 30-min Masterclass shares lighitng tricks that you can apply easily for those dreamy shots! Try it for quick tips that make a big impact.
Tip: Avoid direct sun—keeps bub’s skin flawless!

2. Bounce Light with a White Sheet

Struggle: Dark corners dull your photos.
Fix: Hang a white sheet or towel opposite the window to bounce light onto bub, brightening their tiny toes. Swaddle tightly (like in my wrap video here) to keep bub calm. My $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course builds confidence to soothe even contact sleepers who can’t be placed down without unsettling!
Tip: Use earthy or neutral coloured swaddles—mums swoon, less likely to date, keeps it timeless!

bounce white sheet better lighting newborn toes details

3. Angle Bub for a Golden Glow

Struggle: Flat light misses that pro sparkle.
Fix: Turn bub’s face slightly toward the window for a gentle glow on their cheeks. Shoot a swaddled pose or hold bub against your chest (hands peeking out, super cute!). Edit with my $27 Mobile Presets for vibrant pops. My $179 course dives deep into lighting secrets!
Tip: Shoot mid-morning for calm vibes!

bub glow held on dads chest for photography

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

Struggle: Lighting feels tricky and stressful.
Fix: Here’s my trick: soft windows, bounced light, and angled poses create stunning shots in minutes—it doesn’t have to be long or complicated! My free masterclass will have you lighting like a pro in less time than your little one’s nap, plus you’ll master styling, posing, and calming, inspired by Sheyne Rowley—check our incredible interview with Sheyne here!
Tip: Want more? My masterclass nails lighting 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 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— with styling, posing, lighting, calming, and sleep tips from Tara at The Gentle Sleep Specialist she’s sorted bubs sleep for the first 3mths! Get the full course here but see the Free masterclass offer first or you’ll pay full price. 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

    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!

    EXPLORE WITH ME

    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.

    FOLLOW ME

    T.0439 932 229

    E. jessica@jessicajanephotography.com.au