Mastering Baby Lighting: What I Use, Why I Use It, and What You Should Know

Lighting newborns is one of the most important (and misunderstood) parts of baby photography. After 27 years in this industry, I can confidently say this: lighting is subjective—but control, softness, and safety are not optional.

Let’s break down exactly what I use in my studio, why it works, and how you can start building your own lighting setup with confidence.

My Go-To Light Setup

Right now, I primarily use the Profoto B10X Plus, and it has been a game changer.

Here’s why I love it:

  • Cordless freedom – I can take it anywhere. Studio, client homes, on-location… no outlets needed.
  • UV-coated flash – This matters more than people realize, especially when working with newborns.
  • Power + control – It’s incredibly powerful, but still allows me to dial it down for soft, safe newborn lighting.
  • Consistency – Reliable output every single time.

I can comfortably shoot at:

  • ISO 200
  • Shutter 1/200
  • Aperture f/2.8

…and get clean, beautiful results with zero struggle.

Why I Use a 65" Shoot-Through Umbrella

My modifier of choice is a 65" shoot-through umbrella.

Here’s why:

  • Wide spread of light – It wraps around the baby beautifully.
  • Soft quality – Perfect for delicate newborn skin.
  • Natural shadows – Not flat, not harsh… just enough depth to create dimension.

Shoot-through is key for me because it creates that airy, glowing look while still allowing for subtle shadowing. That balance is what gives images life.

My Settings: Baby vs Family

Lighting isn’t one-size-fits-all—even within the same session.

For Newborns:

  • I typically shoot around f/2.8
  • Light is softer, lower power
  • Focus is on gentle falloff and softness

For Family Shots:

  • I move to f/3.5 or f/4
  • I increase the light power to compensate
  • This keeps everyone sharp while maintaining the same lighting style

Same light. Same setup. Just controlled adjustments.

How I Use This Same Light for Maternity

I don’t switch lighting systems for maternity—I use the exact same Profoto B10X Plus, just with different intent and power.

Standard Maternity Lighting:

  • I typically shoot around f/4.0
  • I increase or decrease power depending on distance and mood
  • This gives me a clean, sculpted look while still keeping softness

Backlit Maternity:

This is where things shift dramatically.

  • I place the light behind the subject, aimed at the background
  • The light is usually at full power
  • My aperture is around f/11

This creates:

  • Strong separation
  • Glowing edges
  • Dramatic, high-impact silhouettes

It’s a completely different look using the same light, just repositioned and powered differently.

Let’s Talk About Power (This Is Important)

Many beginner photographers make a critical mistake:

👉 They use lights that are way too powerful for newborns.

You should be able to shoot at f/2.8 or wider without fighting your light.

If your light is forcing you to:

  • Stop down to f/8
  • Or constantly battle exposure

…it’s not the right setup for newborn work.

Newborn photography requires soft, controlled, low-output light. Not harsh bursts.

Your Light Stand Matters More Than You Think

This is something almost no one talks about…

Your light stand can make or break your setup.

I use Manfrotto light stand because:

  • It goes all the way to the floor
  • I can get my light low enough to properly reach newborns
  • It gives me flexibility in angles

Most stands don’t go low enough—and that limits your lighting angles, especially for beanbag setups.

I’ve Used It All (And Here’s the Truth)

Over the past 27 years, I’ve worked with:

  • Softboxes
  • Strip lights
  • Umbrellas
  • Studio strobes

I’ve also used:

  • AlienBees lighting system
  • Einstein flash unit from Paul C. Buff Inc.

And let me be clear:

👉 Those are great budget-friendly options.

If you’re just starting and can’t invest in higher-end gear yet, you can absolutely create beautiful work with them.

The Most Important Lesson: Lighting Is Personal

Here’s the truth no one can shortcut for you:

Lighting is subjective.

What matters most is:

  • What feels comfortable to you
  • What you can control consistently
  • What gives you repeatable results

Don’t chase someone else’s exact setup.

Instead:

  • Learn the fundamentals
  • Understand light direction, softness, and falloff
  • Practice until it becomes second nature

Want to Learn This Step-by-Step?

I teach everything I know about lighting inside my courses—from beginner basics to advanced newborn setups.

If you’re ready to truly understand lighting (not just copy it), this is your next step.

👉 Grab any course for 70% off
Use code: LEARN70

You’ll learn:

  • My exact setups
  • How to control light in any environment
  • How to create consistent, professional results

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