The Best Presets for Newborn Photography: Secrets to Perfect Editing

As a newborn photographer with years of experience behind me, I've learned that the right editing can turn a beautiful photo into a memorable one. One of the most important tools I use in my editing process is presets. Not only do they save me time, but they also help maintain a consistent style that's essential in newborn photography. In this article, I’ll share what I consider the best presets for this type of photography and how I use them in my daily work.

Why Are Presets Important in Newborn Photography?

Newborn photography is a very delicate field, and every detail counts. Natural light, warm tones, and soft hues are essential to convey that calm and innocent atmosphere we want in every image. Presets are an excellent way to create a specific style, ensure consistency across photos, and add a unique touch to your images.

For me, presets are vital in the editing process, especially when I have to edit multiple photos from the same session. They allow me to quickly achieve a cohesive look without losing the authenticity of the moment. Additionally, presets reduce editing time, allowing me to focus more on the creative aspect and interacting with my clients.

What Are the Best Presets for Newborn Photography?

1. Presets for Warm and Bright Tones
   In newborn photography, warm tones are crucial. A preset that enhances shades of beige, peach, and cream will give the image a smooth, relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, a preset that balances the light so that the baby's skin remains natural but slightly brighter can make a significant difference.

   Personally, I use presets that add a subtle pink or warm yellow tint to my photos, especially when photographing babies in the first few days of life, when natural light plays such a vital role. My favorite preset is one that adds a slight peach or soft yellow tint while maintaining the image’s gentle and delicate feel.

2. Presets for Brightness and Transparency Effects
   When photographing newborns, I want each photo to feel clear and transparent. In this sense, presets that enhance the overall brightness and emphasize the fine details of the baby’s skin are incredibly helpful. Presets that improve skin clarity and eliminate harsh shadows are the ones that can give the image that “silky skin” effect.

   Also, if you have beautiful natural lighting but want to add extra brightness, a preset with slightly reduced contrast but higher exposure can make the baby appear even sweeter and more "bathed" in natural light.

3. Pastel Tone Presets
   When it comes to newborn photography, pastel colors are a popular choice. Presets that enhance these colors without making them too saturated or overwhelming are ideal. I often use presets that slightly boost soft pink, light blue, or pale yellow tones, creating a peaceful, soft atmosphere in the image.

   In settings where white or very light colors dominate, presets that subtly add a "blur" effect on the edges or enhance the light tones in the background help create a natural contrast with the main subject—the baby.

4. Vintage Look Presets
   Although newborn photography tends to focus on clean and bright images, there are times when a vintage or “film” look can add emotional depth to the images. Presets that introduce a warm sepia tone or enhance the image textures are perfect for creating a more nostalgic and sentimental atmosphere.

   These presets are great for family shots or more intimate moments in a newborn photoshoot. Sometimes, I like to add a preset with a slight grain effect, which gives a classic, film-like feel to the photo.

5. Clean and Natural Look Presets
   More often than not, the most desired look in newborn photography is one that’s natural and clean. Presets that adjust the white balance and exposure while keeping the fine details of the baby's skin intact are essential for achieving this effect. These presets offer a natural aesthetic without too much contrast or overly saturated colors.

   For example, in many of my sessions, I use presets that maintain the natural skin tones, slightly enhance the background details, and allow the photos to look as authentic as possible.

How Can Presets Help You in My Editing Course?

What's Included In This Online Masterclass

1-Hour 20-Minute of detailed tutorials 

21 Photoshop Actions & 

2 Presets Included for both Strobe Light and Natural Light

In this comprehensive online video course, I will guide you through:

Step-by-step editing of 5 different newborn photos.

How to create the perfect Froggy Pose by combining two images.

Editing family photos, on a seamless paper and in a Boho Style Decor.

How to install and use the Presets & Actions I’ve created in Adobe Photoshop.

Correctly adjusting exposure for flawless results.

Enhancing both fair & dark skin tones for a natural, beautiful finish. 

 Lifetime Access:  Learn at your own pace and revisit the material anytime.

 Easy-to-Follow: This course is delivered in English and is structured in a simple, clear format, making it easy for anyone to quickly master the editing.

+ Newborn Photography Editing Guide

You will recieve a 11 page downloadable PDF-guide that contains important details about all the aspects you need to consider in order to achieve the best results when using my Presets & Actions:

Camera settings

Light settings

Required equipment (lens, strobe, light modifier, light stand)

My photo editing equipment 

What colours to use in your compositions

⏳👉 Unlock Your Presets – Limited Time Offer!

In my online newborn photography editing course, I offer the very presets and actions I use daily to create those dream-like images. The course includes step-by-step tutorials on how to use these presets to add that warm, natural look that makes all the difference in your photos. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to perfect your editing techniques, presets are an essential tool that will allow you to create your own style quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Presets are an invaluable ally for any newborn photographer, saving time while giving your images a professional, cohesive look. Whether you prefer warm tones, soft pastels, or a vintage style, the right presets can completely transform how you edit your photos. If you’d like to learn how to use these tools at an advanced level and perfect your newborn photography editing techniques, I invite you to join my online course, where I’ll share all my editing secrets for newborn photography.