24. March 2026
A Day at Russ Jackson’s Academy: Elevating My Newborn Photography Skills
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Russ Jackson’s Academy, a specialised training programme focused entirely on newborn photography. As a professional newborn photographer in Buckinghamshire, I’m always looking for ways to refine my techniques, enhance baby safety and create timeless, natural photographs that families will cherish forever.
Russ is an excellent coach and has an great way of explaining very technical elements of photography in a clear and concise way that is easy to understand. This immersive experience has not only enriched my skills but also inspired new ideas for my newborn photography sessions in Tring, Aylesbury, Berkhamsted, and surrounding areas.
I was joined on the course by fellow newborn and family photographers, from all over the UK and Romania, building on their skills and growing their businesses. It was a fantastic opportunity to speak to other people in the same industry and share inspiration ideas.
Learning from an Industry Expert
Russ Jackson is renowned for his soft, elegant style and gentle posing methods.
During the day, I learned:
- Wrapping techniques for newborns
- How to create natural, relaxed poses without stressing the baby
- Lighting and composition strategies for soft, timeless photographs
- Using textures, wraps and colours to enhance the studio environment
This training reinforced the importance of patience, observation and creativity. All essential for capturing those goregous newborn expressions.
Hands-On Practice with Realistic Studio Setups
One of the most valuable parts of the academy was the hands-on practice. I watched closely as Russ posed each baby with precision using different textures and colour combinations. This practical experience ensures that when I run sessions in my Ivinghoe studio, every shoot is calm, safe and produces beautiful results. Each photoshoot is different because every single baby has their own needs and demands on the day.
On the day we had two very similar babies in temperament, however one just didn't fancy a long deep sleep meaning it was a little more tricky to get him to sleep throughout the session. This means the results from both shoots were quite different, one is full of lovely family pictures, allowing mum and dad to embrace the cuddles, the other shoot was an 'ideal' very sleepy baby who was very happy being wrapped and posed to get the 'perfect' shot.
Safety First
A key focus of the day was newborn safety. Every pose, prop, and setup prioritises the baby’s comfort and wellbeing. This aligns perfectly with how I conduct my baby photoshoots in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire, gentle, unhurried, and tailored to each family.
Bringing New Techniques Back Home
I’m excited to apply these new techniques in my own sessions, including:
- Wrapped newborn portraits
- Milestone sessions with siblings
- Creative use of pastel colours and textures
- Calm, parent friendly studio experiences
Every session is designed to be safe, enjoyable and result in timeless images that families will treasure for generations.
Importance of continuous improvement
Attending courses like Russ Jackson’s Academy ensures I stay at the forefront of luxury newborn photography. It allows me to provide bespoke, high-quality sessions for families visiting from Tring, Aylesbury, Berkhamsted, Leighton Buzzard, and beyond.
By combining professional training with my passion for capturing newborns’ first moments, I aim to create images that truly reflect the beauty and delicacy of these early days.
Book Your Newborn Photography Session
If you’re expecting a little one and are looking for a newborn photoshoot near Tring or Aylesbury, I’d love to create a relaxed, bespoke session just for your family. You can explore my packages page or contact me to reserve your session today.
