Essential Camera Settings for Newborn Photography
Hey, it’s Jess! Getting those soft, dreamy newborn pics doesn’t have to be a head-scratcher—I’ve got the camera settings that’ll make your shots sing, whether you’re a parent or just starting out in photography. I’m a country Vic photographer who’s juggled a bub and a lens, so I know simple’s best.
Here’s my go-to guide to capture that pure innocence without the fluff. Want more tricks? My free masterclass has you covered in 30 mins!
1. The Three Camera Settings You Need:
Aperture: Go wide—f/2.8 or f/3.5. Blurs the background, keeps bub the star. Dreamy vibes, no effort.
Shutter Speed: Fast—1/250 or up. Freezes tiny wiggles and smiles, no blurry mess.
ISO: Low—200–400 indoors, up to 1600 if it’s dim. Keeps pics clean, not grainy. Modern cameras handle higher ISO like champs.
2. Focus Tricks that work for Newborn Photography:
a) One Point Manual Focus: Precision is key. Choose one focus point and switch to manual focus mode to have full control over where you want to focus. Aim for the newborn’s eye closest to you, ensuring that the eyes are sharp and crystal clear in the image.
b) Using the Forehead for Exposure: To set the correct exposure, focus on the subject’s forehead while keeping the exposure lock engaged to correctly expose the image. This technique ensures that the newborn’s delicate skin tone is well-exposed, and the highlights are not blown out.
3. What Camera’s Best for Newborn Photography:
For pro newborn photography, picking the right camera’s a big deal—image quality and performance hinge on it. Full-frame DSLRs or mirrorless with high-res sensors and killer low-light skills (think Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji) are my top picks—reliable gear that shines. Want the deep dive? Check my Choosing the Perfect Camera for Newborn Photography.
But here’s the thing: if you’re a DIY mum just wanting to capture sweet moments at home, you don’t need all that. Good lighting and a steady hand beat fancy cameras any day. Hello, phone mums—you can totally snap gorgeous pics with what’s in your pocket!
4. Lighting That Pops – Newborn Photography:
a) Natural Light: Position baby near a large window with soft, diffused light (no direct sun). This provides a warm and inviting glow, highlighting the newborn’s features, no fuss.
b) Artificial Light with Softbox: If shooting indoors or in a studio, consider using artificial light with a softbox. Softboxes create an even illumination and eliminates harsh shadows.
The debate between using artificial lighting equipment and relying on the beauty of natural light has long been a topic of interest in the newborn photography community. Here we explore the benefits and downsides of each approach.
Wrap It Up
Dial in these settings, focus right, and pick your light—you’ll snap newborn pics that melt hearts. It’s less about tech and more about feel, and I’ve got your back. Want the full scoop? My free masterclass makes it dead easy—30 mins to pro-level shots!
Meet Jess, a newborn photographer obsessed with capturing those tiny, fleeting moments, based in country Victoria, Australia. She’s been there—juggling a camera while raising a newborn herself—so she totally gets how overwhelming it can be for parents.
That’s why Jess is all about making it easier. She’s got FREE online goodies for parents and photographers, packed with quick, no-fuss tips to snap gorgeous photos of settled, sleepy newborns like a pro.
Whether you’re a parent desperate to freeze those early days in time or a photographer ready to up your game, Jess has your back on this wild, beautiful ride.
Want to get started? Check out Jess’s FREE Newborn & Baby Photography Made Easy Masterclass. No experience? No problem! In under 30 minutes, you’ll pick up simple tricks to nail professional-quality baby pics, feel more confident, and ditch the frustration.
WATCH NOW – her next free webinar’s just around the corner!
