In

The Best Newborn Photography Classes

7 min read

Last updated:

learning newborn baby photography

Newborn baby photography is a creative and booming industry for new photographers wanting to break into portrait photography. Just like many other genres of photography, newborn baby photography requires a special set of skills that may differ from the photography you are accustomed to. We put together this comprehensive list of the best newborn photography classes for 2021 to help you get started.

The biggest risk you take when starting newborn photography is handling someone’s most valuable family member. Technically a newborn is less than 2 weeks olds, so there are safety risks involved. It’s important you master the safety risks involved before getting started.

The courses below are not just for professional photographers. There are also courses included for expecting mothers who want to photograph their own children. Each course is different and full of valuable information depending on your skill level.

Newborn Photography Bootcamp

This intensive course on newborn photography taught by Kelly Brown is the perfect place to get started. You will learn how to pose a baby in your home studio as well as advanced techniques on Photoshop edits specifically for a newborn baby.

It takes more time to setup newborns so we recommend this content if you really want to master angles. What we really like about this course is it also teaches you professional business skills. Also, you will learn how to price your newborn photography sessions. Over 50,000 photographers have taken this class and many recommend it. Even more, you have lifetime access, so take your time using these valuable resources.

Pregnancy and Newborn Photography

This online class is all about following your clients through their pregnancy with photography. Not only will you learn newborn photography but also how to keep the child and mother comfortable at your studio during sessions.

Learn from award-winning photographer Ana Brandt as she walks you through techniques and valuable experiences that she has used to shoot babies for years. Her training offers newborn photographers safety techniques and the best environments to learn from. Using the tips in this course you will go from hobby photographer to pro photographer.

Bumps to Babies: Photographing Motherhood

World-famous portrait photographer Sue Bryce and newborn photographer Kelly Brown join together to bring you the best newborn baby content. Sue focuses on how to gain the trust of your clients. And Kelly teaches safety techniques for working with babies.

Even more, Kelly is known as the “baby whisperer” for her excellent baby photography skills. You will learn how to wow clients using her advanced marketing techniques.

Newborn Photography Secrets

Start with this course if you want to dive right into the secrets behind newborn baby photography. Created by professional baby photographer Jose Cruz, who has photographed family and baby portraits for the last 8 years. First, you will learn what to do before the session. Next, what to do during the newborn session including safety skills and how to set props for each baby portrait. Finally, ending the class with business and Photoshop information.

Newborn Baby Photography Class

This class is more for amateurs working on a budget. It offers resources on lighting, content, and techniques for smartphone or DSLR. The class was designed by Marguerite Beaty and caters to people who want to shoot in automatic mode. Learn how to use a home studio to tell a story with your photos. This class is not for professional photographers with lots of experience but more so for hobbyists who would like to start to explore a new genre of photography.

baby photography classes and courses by award winning photographers.

Newborn Photography Master Class

Tracy Sweeney is an Award-Winning Child, Family, and Commercial Photographer who has designed a course to cover everything you need to know about newborn setups. She starts with soothing techniques them moves onto the lighting setup. Lastly, you will learn editing in Lightroom and Photoshop. See more by visiting the course here. 

Newborn Photography: Prepping, Posing, and Lifestyle

These courses are designed by professional studio photographer Tabitha Park. Her courses really put an emphasis on natural and candid lifestyle photos. Perfect for beginner photographers with little to no experience with babies. Above all, this class is especially great for mothers who are expecting and want to learn how to photograph their babies.

Baby Safety and Posing for Newborn Photographers

Another excellent course offered by Kelly Brown, you will learn how to make safety a priority on a shoot. Feel more confident in documenting every detail of a newborn baby in a safe environment.

Because parents are often in a rush to get the perfect photo, you will want to master these safety techniques first. Learn about newborn behavior and how to sanitize your studio. Content also includes evaluating your furniture for safety standards, newborn anatomy, and how to avoid overheating a baby. If parents feel they can trust you around their child, they will keep coming back to you.

The Creative Newborn Photography Studio

Learn to stand out in a crowded newborn photography market. Join international photographer, Julia Kelleher, to learn how to create your own captivating style. First, Julia walks you through how to find your own artistic voice. Moreover, if you are looking for fresh poses that are one of a kind, this is the course for you.

Julia also teaches you how to feel confident in selling packages and marketing your style. By the end of this course, you’ll have the tools and techniques to become the go-to newborn photography studio in your area.

baby safety and posing class.

Baby Photography at Home: Capture the First Year

Global educator and professional photographer, Sandy Puc’ teaches you how to photograph the best photos of your baby’s first year. She begins the class with the biggest environmental challenges you may have while shooting babies. Next, you will learn how to photograph each period differently starting with newborns and moving your way up through 3 to 9 months. Finally, Sandy ends with how to photograph infants 1 year and up.

Baby Plans: Photographing the Early Years

Created by Julia Kelleher, this course is all about designing a baby plan that highlights the child’s growth and keeps clients returning to your studio for the most meaningful milestones in their lives. Full of great business and marketing information, each class walks you through how to develop a marketing strategy, and encourage repeat visits throughout the year.

Moreover, you will learn how to shoot, light, and design images in Photoshop. Lastly, you will become a master at managing your time and building relationships.

Lifestyle Newborn Photography – In the Home

This course is offered by advanced newborn photographer Emily Lucarz. Emily teaches you how to shoot babies and how to gain clients for life. She trains students on how to work in the family’s personal homes. Her advanced training teaches you posing in natural light, preparation, and safety for the family. She also teaches you how to incorporate siblings into your photos. Lastly, you will learn the number one mistakes photographers often make with posing a baby.

classes for posing newborn babies.

Introduction to Newborn Photography

This course has already been taken by over 6000 students and given great reviews. You start off by learning the story of Guille and Marina who have managed to grow their widely successful studio after having their first child. Later, you will learn all the techniques that inspire them and the 7 safety commandments they use in every newborn session. The course ends with a challenge where you have to create three photographs using all the techniques you have learned.

Apple iPhone Newborn Photography Tips

If you only want to shoot newborn and infant photography with your iPhone by Julia Kelleher, this is the course for you. Your phone is capable of taking great images and in this course, you will learn how to take editorial style photos with just a simple smartphone. This course is beginner-friendly and teaches you to understand how light behaves.

The Academy of Newborn Photographers

If you want to go super pro and get certified then your first stop should be the Academy of Newborn Photographers. When you finish this course you will have a certificate to show potential clients. Additionally, the course provides expert training, advice, and feedback. Even better, you can complete the course on your own time and there are no ongoing subscription fees. Finally, you will be listed on their Certified Photographers Directory indefinitely.

photograph of a newborn baby.

In conclusion, there are a ton of courses on the market for learning newborn photography, but we believe this list is a good start. Whether you are an expecting mother who just enjoys photography as a hobby or a seasoned pro there is a course for everyone on the list. Additionally, if you are looking for more ideas on how to shoot newborns, have a look at this article.

If you want to edit your newborn photos in one click, consider our portrait or newborn Lightroom presets. There are so many different artistic directions you can go with portraits; you’ll need the right tools to highlight a baby’s eyes, wrinkled toes, or illuminate unnecessary shadows on your backdrops.

The most important part of photographing a baby is of course the child’s safety, and all of these courses make sure to include information about how to keep the child safe while shooting. Happy Shooting!


See more in

Shares

Share with friends

Krystal Kenney<span class="bp-verified-badge"></span>
Krystal Kenney
Krystal Kenney is an award-winning photographer residing in Paris, France. She has been photographing for over 10 years and enjoys teaching others about the craft. She spends most days shooting events, portraits, and weddings around Paris and working on writing new books.
Responses

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Connect with aspiring and professional photographers

Learn how to improve any kind of photography

Get access to exclusive discounts, courses, rewards, etc
Find daily inspiration in a diverse community

Recommended Articles

24 Tips for Taking Tack Sharp Photos

Your ultimate guide for capturing tack sharp photos, with tips and techniques to upgrade your photography skills.

Last updated:

Tips for Landscape Photography.

Landscape Photography: The Ultimate Guide with Pro Tips

Last updated:

mirrorless vs dslr featured image

Mirrorless vs DSLR Cameras: Which One is Best for You?

A detailed look at mirrorless vs DSLR cameras, pros and cons of each, and which is best for you.

Last updated:

Almost There

To make sure you are a real person,

Please confirm your email to receive our free newsletter. Within the next 5 mintes you should get an email from us. Please open this email and click the button to confirm your email. 

Weekly tips on Photography.

Trusted by 200,000+ amazing photographers