Online 12-Week Online Mentoring Programme with Russ Jackson
Each week of the programme focuses on different fundamentals of newborn photography. On completion of the programme, you will have the skills and confidence to build your own portfolio of stunning newborn images as well as a blueprint on how to start your own successful newborn photography business.
Are you looking to start a career in the exciting and profitable world of newborn photography, but not sure where to start?
Are you a photographer that has recently started their newborn photography journey, but you feel the quality of your work is holding you back from charging more?
Are you a social photographer looking to add a new string to your bow, fill your weekdays with profitable sessions, and free up time on the weekends?
It took me five years to build the confidence in my work to charge my clients what was needed to run a profitable business. I don't want you to make the same mistake, so I developed a system to help you achieve your goal of creating professional and sellable newborn baby portraits (for a healthy profit) in just three months. With this twelve-week mentoring programme, I will guide you, step by step, through this process, and upon completion, you will have the skills and confidence to continue to build your own beautiful portfolio of newborn baby portraits and a blueprint to launch your photography business.
This course is a members-only 12-week mentoring program. Each week, there is a live, interactive online lesson that covers an essential element in learning the art of photographing newborn babies and how to prepare for the launch of your business. There is also a two-hour LIVE Q&A session each week to review the week's topic and compare notes on the week's home learning task. All lessons and the Q&A sessions are recorded to watch at a time most convenient for you.
In the first week of the Newborn Photography Foundation Course, we focus on the essentials you need to get started with confidence. Newborn photography is a very specialised genre, which makes investing in the right equipment and tools from the beginning incredibly important.
In this module, we cover:
In week two, we cover the most crucial aspect of newborn photography - safety. Our top priority when photographing newborn babies is ensuring that our tiny clients are always 100% safe and comfortable during a session.
In this module, we cover:
In this module, we also learn how to read babies’ cues and how to settle them into a deep sleep. This is one of the most important skills a successful newborn photographer needs to master.
Week three is all about posing babies. By the end of this module, you will have a thorough knowledge of the six foundation poses that form the backbone of a typical newborn session. The foundation poses are:
In this module, we also cover:
In Module 4, we cover the all-important subject of camera angles. Once we have posed the baby correctly, we want to ensure we get the most out of the pose by photographing the baby from different angles. This is trickier than it sounds, but building a beautiful gallery of unique images is essential without moving the baby too many times.
In this module, we also cover:
Tips on building a diverse gallery of unique images
Image composition guidelines for capturing the perfect image
One of the most important skills of a photographer is to creatively use light to portray our subjects in the most pleasing way. In module 5, you will learn how to use flash lighting to photograph newborn babies.
In this module, we cover:
This module also includes lifetime access to six support videos, teaching you how to beautifully light each newborn foundation poses.
Every newborn photographer should have the skills and confidence to photograph babies with their parents. These are the images that your clients, including the babies, will treasure the most later in life!
In this module, we cover:
A bonus support lesson also guides you on photographing newborn babies with their older siblings.
Module 7 is where everything comes together, and by the end of this week, you will be ready to photograph a real baby for the very first time. You will already understand how to swaddle and pose safely, where to place your camera, and how to position your light. All that is left is to replace your posing doll with a real newborn. In this module, I will guide you step by step in preparing for your first portfolio-building session, where your task will be to create just one beautifully composed image on your own.
In this module, we cover:
This is the BIG week, but you will already have the skills you need to photograph your first newborn baby, and I will guide you every step of the way.
In the digital age, so much of our work depends on processing and enhancing our images with modern editing tools. In this module, I walk you through the complete post-production process from start to finish. Editing can make or break an image, and our goal is to transform a well-crafted in-camera photograph into a polished, timeless piece your clients will cherish forever.
In this module, we cover:
We will also simplify the sometimes confusing topic of colour management, guiding you with a solid workflow to ensure your images will always display and print accurately.
Retouching newborn skin comes with its own set of challenges. From baby acne and dry skin to jaundice and redness, it is important to know how to correct these issues gently and naturally. The goal is always to enhance the image without over-retouching so that the final result remains a beautiful and realistic representation of our tiny clients.
In this module, we cover:
• The essential Photoshop tools for newborn skin retouching
• A step-by-step editing workflow including the use of AI retouching tools
• Creating beautiful black and white conversions
• How to speed up your editing with Photoshop Actions
Although you will be editing the images from your first portfolio-building session, this module also includes three follow-along tutorials that walk you through the essential techniques for retouching newborn photographs.
This is the stage where we build the foundations of your newborn photography business. One of the most common mistakes new photographers make is undervaluing their time and skills. In this module, we focus on the essentials of pricing with confidence and implementing effective sales strategies so you can begin profiting from day one.
We explore the difference between digital and printed products and how each should be priced, ensuring you understand the value behind what you offer.
In this module, we also cover:
Pricing for profit using the pricing calculator
Popular sales approaches, including in-person Sales and Online Galleries
In this week’s support video, I walk you through my preferred sales technique, 'The Reveal Wall', sharing how it transformed my business and helped me consistently achieve orders of £1000 and above in the sales room.
No matter how beautiful our photography is, it means very little if potential clients do not know we exist. In this module, we tackle one of the biggest challenges for any small business: marketing. Once you begin to reach your ideal clients, it is essential to communicate who you are and what you offer with clarity and consistency. This is where strong branding becomes your foundation, from your business name and logo to your website and the signature style of your photography.
In this module, we cover:
As a bonus support lesson, there is an interview with one of the UK’s leading graphic designers and branding experts who specialise in beautiful website design for photographers.
The final week of the course is where everything comes together.
In this module, we focus on the key steps to launching a successful newborn photography business with clarity and confidence. We explore the true value of the service you provide, how to price your work sustainably, and how to cultivate a positive mindset as you move into the next stage of your journey. By the end of this week, you will understand how to value your time, your talent and your expertise, empowering you to build a business that supports both your creative goals and a healthy work-life balance.
In this module, we cover:
To ensure that you get the most out of this course, there are bonus support videos, downloadable course notes, PDF cheat sheets, and other support documents for each of the weekly modules. You will also have access to a members-only Facebook support group. Here, as a community, you will receive real-time support and feedback from Russ and your fellow students.
Apart from the weekly lessons, over 25 bonus support videos are spread out throughout the course. These short but highly educational videos will back up the content covered in the weekly lesson.
You can watch the support videos in your own time, and as with the module lessons and Q&A sessions, you have lifetime access to these videos.
Each week, you can download the course notes for the specific topic covered in the weekly lesson. By the end of the course, the course notes combine to make a comprehensive workbook for you to print.
There are also PDF resource guides, model call templates, Photoshop actions, and printable guides that can be downloaded.
You are not alone on this journey. The dedicated members-only WhatsApp group is a platform where you will receive real-time support from Russ and get feedback on your progress. There is also a private WhatsApp chat (directly with Russ) where you can ask questions and receive feedback, even after you complete the course.
For the first time, graduates of this intake will have the option to attend an exclusive in-person workshop with me. This immersive training day offers a rare opportunity to watch Russ photograph newborns live, then practise shooting alongside me with hands-on guidance. You will refine your posing, lighting and workflow in real time, while also capturing images to add to your professional portfolio.
This workshop is available only to students who complete the online programme and is the perfect way to consolidate your skills with direct, practical experience.
This course is tried and tested! Students who have watched all the lessons and support videos and completed the home learning tasks have all come away with incredible results. The systematic structure of the course and Russ's methodical teaching style allows you to have the confidence and skills to photograph your first newborn 'portfolio building session' in just week 7 of the course. Here are some case studies of previous students of the course:
Hanan enrolled in the course without even having a camera. After completing the first six modules of the programme, she captured these images during her first three portfolio-building sessions.
Here is what Hanan has to say about the course:
“The course was thorough, very informative, well-paced, and also being able to study at home was great! Russ is an amazing mentor, he is so supportive and always there to give guidance whenever it was needed. I am now able to apply the theory I learned from the training into practice by utilising all the tools and useful information gained from this course. It has taught me everything I needed to know about Newborn Photography and gave me enough confidence to launch me successfully into the next chapter of my business. Thank you Russ for such a wonderful experience!”
Jekaterina, started this course as a hobbyist photographer with no prior experience in newborn photography, just a passion for capturing beautiful moments. Under my mentorship, and just nine weeks into the course, she’s already creating stunning, professional-quality newborn images in just her second portfolio-building session!
Jekaterina says:
Taking this newborn foundation course was one of the best decisions I made as a photographer. The course is incredibly well-structured, covering all the essential aspects of newborn safety and comfort. Russ is so knowledgeable, patient, and approachable; I feel very comfortable asking questions. Learning all about composition, editing, and how to work with soft lighting truly elevated my photography and helped to bring a natural and timeless look into my works. I really appreciated the emphasis on safe posing techniques, proper handling, and creating a calm environment for both the baby and the parents. The course is still ongoing, but thanks to Russ, I already feel well-prepared to work professionally and ethically in this field.”
Alex, who lives in Melbourne, Australia, is now running a thriving newborn and maternity portrait business! By implementing everything he learned during the course, and putting in lots of hard work—he’s built an amazing photography business he’s proud of.
Here’s what Alex had to say about his experience:
"I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity to join your course. I’ve learned so many practical skills, like how to soothe babies, handle different situations with different babies, and follow a simple yet effective workflow that has made my sessions so much smoother and easier. These have significantly improved my photography experience and efficiency. On top of that, I took your advice and worked with Jason to build my website—he’s so kind and patient, always answering my questions and helping me create this beautiful site! Thank you again, Russ, for all your guidance and encouragement!”
Susanna dreamed of pivoting from her current employment to starting her new photography business. She attempted a few newborn sessions but soon realised she needed help getting started. Susanna, still in full-time employment and a mum of two, has done an AMAZING job in completing several portfolio-building sessions since beginning the course in January. That’s just three months to get to this level! Let me tell you, it took me years and many, many sessions to get my photography to this level!
Here is what Susanna had to say:
‘Russ! Big thanks. This course was more than I could ever expect. Your teaching is amazing. I’m speechless about how this all could happen in a few months! Thank you so much!
After the birth of her own baby, Chantal experienced a newborn session and loved the idea of starting a career photographing newborn babies herself. Chantal was the perfect student and blew me away with how she completed the practical tasks, studied the course notes and implemented them with her first model portfolio-building sessions. These images are from her first two sessions (taken while the course was still running), and they are just amazing. Well done, Chantal!
Here is what Chantal has to say about the course:
'’I'd just like to say thank you so much for such an amazing course, your support, guidance and specific detailing has been magnificent and I’m so grateful for you putting this course together! I’ve only photographed four babies/families and I’m honestly so proud of how far I’ve come and the results of my hard work, thanks to you. Russ, you gave me the skills I needed to get started and the knowledge to really pursue my dream.
Hi, I am Russ Jackson. I am a specialist newborn baby photographer and educator. I have been a portrait photographer for 24 years and started photographing newborn babies in 2011. Since then, I have established myself as a world-leading newborn photographer and educator. Through my in-person workshops and mentoring services, I have helped over 600 photographers from 38 different countries succeed in newborn photography. I am regularly invited to teach and present at international symposiums and conferences. In 2018, I launched the Russ Jackson Academy, an online resource for newborn and maternity photographers. I still run Russ Jackson Photography, one of London's leading portrait photography studios.
The next course starts on the 20th of April 2026.
A core curriculum of twelve online lessons spread out over twelve weeks.
24 live Q&A sessions with real-time feedback on your progress.
Over 15 hours of bonus support videos.
Weekly course notes and extra support PDFs comprise a printable newborn photography workbook.
Lifetime access to all content.
A dedicated WhatsApp group for all students to communicate with Russ and each other in real time.
Special discounts on equipment suppliers and accessory vendors.
Participation in a Russ Jackson in-person workshop.
The real value of this online course lies in the system I have developed. I will guide you, step by step, through the process, and by the end of the course, you will have the skills and confidence to continue to build a beautiful and professional portfolio of newborn baby portraits.
The price for this 12-week programme is £2000 A four £550 monthly payment plan (total £2200) is also available.
The next course begins on 20th April 2026.
As soon as you register, you’ll receive immediate access to three introductory lessons, along with a detailed guide to the equipment I recommend for completing the mentoring programme.
You’ll also have access to 1:1 mentoring straight away, allowing me to help you plan your equipment purchases and ensure you’re not investing in unnecessary or unsuitable gear. This early guidance alone can save you both time and money.
For these reasons, early registration is strongly recommended.
The course fee is £2,000.
Yes, payment plans are available. You can choose to pay in four monthly instalments of £550.
As soon as your first instalment is complete, you’ll receive immediate access to the first three introductory lessons, and your mentoring begins straight away. This early access allows us to plan your equipment purchases together and make sure you’re fully prepared before the live programme starts.
Many of my students go on to cover the cost of the course within just weeks of launching their newborn photography businesses.
Yes, absolutely. This course has been created specifically for complete beginners, even if you have no prior experience in newborn photography and are feeling unsure about where to start.
You’ll be guided step by step through every stage of the process, from understanding your equipment and newborn safety, right through to creating beautiful, professional newborn images. Nothing is assumed, and everything is explained clearly and calmly, so you can learn at a pace that feels comfortable and achievable.
A strong newborn portfolio is the first essential step to building a successful and profitable business, and you won’t be expected to already have one. In fact, you’ll be supported in capturing your first professional newborn images during the course itself, with ongoing mentoring and feedback to help you grow in confidence.
By the end of the programme, you won’t just have new skills—you’ll have clarity, direction, and the confidence to move forward knowing exactly what to do next.
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Each week’s main lesson is released on Sunday at 9am (London time). This gives you plenty of time to watch the lesson before we go live on Monday evening at 8pm, where we discuss the week’s topic and I answer any questions you may have.
Alongside the main lesson, there are bonus videos that you can watch at your own pace. Some modules also include a short homework task to help you put what you’ve learned into practice.
Every Thursday at 8pm (London time), we hold a live Q&A session called the Thursday Catch-Up. This is where we recap the week’s topic, review homework tasks, and dive deeper into any questions you have. It’s the best opportunity to receive personalised feedback and clarity on the week’s learning.
If you can’t attend the live Monday lesson or the Thursday Catch-Up, don’t worry at all. All lessons and Q&A sessions are recorded and available to watch at a time that suits you.
In fact, I’ve had students give birth to their own babies midway through the course! They were still able to complete the programme and went on to create beautiful images of their own newborns — proof that this course is designed to fit around real life.
Each week includes two live sessions, held on Monday and Thursday, each lasting approximately 60–90 minutes.
To help you fully understand each topic, there are also bonus support videos that you can watch in your own time. Some weeks may include a short practical task to help you apply what you’ve learned.
As a general guide, I recommend setting aside around three hours per week as a minimum to get the most from the programme. That said, the course is designed to be flexible, and all live sessions are recorded so you can fit the learning around your schedule.
Yes, newborn photography is a specialised genre, and there are some additional items you’ll need as you move forward with your newborn photography business. Some pieces of equipment are essential for completing the programme, while others can be added later as your business grows.
You won’t need any equipment for the first two weeks of the course, giving you time to plan and budget without any pressure.
This course is perfectly suited to students starting completely from scratch. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll receive a clear equipment guide showing exactly what you need, when you need it, along with links to approved and trusted resources. Your mentoring begins immediately, so I’ll help you make informed, budget-friendly decisions and avoid unnecessary or costly purchases.
As an enrolled student, you’ll also receive direct links to trusted suppliers, along with exclusive discount codes from my favourite vendors.
For these reasons, early registration is recommended, as it gives you more time to plan, budget, and feel fully prepared before the practical elements of the course begin.
You’ll never be left to figure things out on your own. There are several ways I support you throughout the course:
This level of ongoing mentoring ensures you’re fully supported every step of the way, both during the programme and beyond.
You’ll have lifetime access to all course content, including lesson recordings, live Q&A replays, support videos, and downloadable course documents.
You’ll also remain a member of the private WhatsApp support group even after completing the programme, so you can continue to ask questions and receive guidance as you grow and develop your newborn photography business.
No, the course is designed as a step-by-step, modular programme, with each weekly topic building on the one before it. It’s important that every module is fully understood before moving on, as this ensures you develop strong foundations and progress with confidence.
Newborn photography involves many layers of skill and knowledge, so the course is carefully structured to maximise learning without overwhelming you.
If you’re already photographing newborns, don’t worry, there is always something new to learn. Many photographers with a little more experience find that each week offers valuable insights, refined techniques, and a deeper understanding that strengthens both their work and their workflow.
Each week, there are bonus support videos that I encourage you to watch to deepen your understanding of the topic.
Some weeks also include a small practical task to complete and submit. As this is a mentoring programme, these tasks allow me to assess your progress, offer personalised feedback, and guide you effectively as you move through the course.
The homework is designed to be manageable and supportive, helping you build confidence and skills step by step, rather than feeling overwhelming.
Yes, absolutely. While the course focuses heavily on developing your skills as a newborn photographer, it also provides clear guidance on the business side of things.
Throughout the programme, and especially during the final three weeks, we cover the essential building blocks needed to create a successful and sustainable business. In Weeks 10, 11, and 12, we focus on key topics such as pricing, sales, branding, and marketing, giving you a clear understanding of how to move forward once the course ends.
By the time you complete the course, you’ll not only know how to photograph newborns safely and beautifully, but you’ll also have the knowledge and direction needed to begin building your business with confidence.
Yes! By Week 7, you’ll have built the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to photograph your first newborn model safely and professionally.
From that point on, you’ll be encouraged to photograph several additional portfolio-building sessions during the remaining weeks of the programme. These sessions are a crucial part of developing your style and creating a strong, professional portfolio.
It’s completely normal to feel nervous at this stage, but you won’t be doing it alone. I’ll support you before and after each session, helping you prepare properly and reviewing your work so you feel confident every step of the way.
Many past students have gone on to produce beautiful, professional, and sellable newborn portraits in their very first one or two sessions, always exceeding their own expectations.
Yes! but only if you complete the entire programme.
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