The Essentials Course
The proven system to master newborn photography — and finally feel confident behind the camera.
Imagine this…
You walk into your next newborn session calm and prepared.
The lighting feels natural, your poses flow effortlessly, and you finish the shoot in less time — without the stress.
Your clients can’t stop gushing over their images, and you leave the studio proud, not panicked.
You finally know what you’re doing — and it shows in every photo.
That confidence?
It’s not luck. It’s the result of learning with a clear system that actually works.
You’re the one building this dream — this course just gives you the map.
You’ve been doing everything you can — watching tutorials, collecting free guides, learning through trial and error. Some sessions feel like magic, others leave you second-guessing everything. Lighting still throws you. Posing doesn’t always flow.
It’s not that you’re doing it wrong — you just haven’t been shown a process that truly connects all the pieces.
That’s where Essentials comes in.
A simple, step-by-step system that turns confusion into confidence and helps you finally feel in control behind the camera.
Introducing: The Essentials Course
This course has everything you need to photograph newborns beautifully — even as a beginner.
A self-paced online course that walks you through every part of the process
From setup to final gallery — so you can create professional-level work with confidence.
Light
Learn how to master both regular lighting patterns and backlighting to create consistent, dreamy results every time. Throughout the course, Kathryn walks you through how to adjust your lighting step-by-step and explains the exact camera settings she uses to achieve beautiful, professional-quality images.
Safe Posing Techniques
Learn the safest and most efficient newborn posing flow for any session. Kathryn demonstrates each pose with care and attention to baby safety. For a deeper understanding of safe handling and positioning, she highly recommends enrolling in the Safety 101 Course for comprehensive safety training.
Posing & Wrapping
Simple soothing and wrapping techniques. We cover the bum up pose, the stuffy side pose, and the huck fin pose on the posing bed. Then we transition to props and demonstrate the bow wrap swaddle, then we lead into sibling and family posing. We also demonstrate props such as the “bucket pose” done inside a crate, as well as the romper in a basket natural pose.
Editing
Edit your newborn photos to achieve clean, timeless results. In this exclusive workshop, Kathryn takes you behind the lens and shares the RAW images from the session to download, so you can follow along step-by-step in her editing class. You’ll refine your workflow, perfect your edits, and gain access to exclusive discounts on the exact tools and resources she uses — all available through the MomTog Educate website.
PDF Posing Workflow
Everything in this course has been compiled into a convenient workbook-style PDF you can download and reference anytime. It includes images of each pose with helpful tips and tricks, plus a complete list of all the tools and materials needed to confidently implement what you’ve learned in your future newborn sessions.
I started just like you — nervous, overwhelmed, and desperate to get my lighting right.
Hey, I’m Kat.
For 13 years, I’ve been photographing newborns and helping photographers transform their skills into thriving businesses.
I built Essentials to be the course I wish I had when I was starting out. It’s clear, actionable, and built for real photographers with busy lives.
Because you don’t need another overwhelming course… you need a system that works.
What Makes This Different
Most courses throw techniques at you. Essentials gives you a full framework:
Learn it. Clear video lessons that break everything down.
Apply it. Real-world exercises to build muscle memory fast.
Grow it. Start building your client process and confidence immediately.
This isn’t theory — it’s tested by hundreds of photographers who now shoot with ease and book with confidence.
AMANDA K MARQUARDT
“I did my first session with the courses under my belt…I legit cried on my session from being so grateful I got the course!!”
I would never have dreamt of doing these shots. If you don’t have the course… GET IT!!
Worried that after all you’ve invested, maybe you’re not cut out for this? Here’s the truth — you’re not the problem. You just haven’t been taught newborn photography in a way that truly makes sense.
translation & captions
Want to learn in your own language? The Essentials Course is currently being translated into Spanish and German, with full captions available. If you speak a different language, you can submit a request — and we’ll do our best to add it to our translation list so every photographer can learn comfortably and confidently.
posing & lighting
Master studio lighting and posing with clear, step-by-step instruction. Inside the Essentials Course, Kathryn teaches how to confidently use Rembrandt and backlighting techniques to create soft, professional results every time. You’ll follow a complete posing flow — from setup to final shot — learning how to position baby safely, shape your light with purpose, and achieve beautifully consistent images in every session.
editing
You’ll also get access to a full start-to-finish editing video, where Kathryn walks you through her complete process in real time. Download the RAW files and practice alongside her — so you can build muscle memory, refine your editing style, and see your progress with every session.
student perks
As a MomTog Educate student, you’ll save on all presets and actions — plus enjoy VIP status with first access to exclusive coupons, special announcements, and limited-time offers. It’s our way of helping you elevate your work while rewarding your dedication to learning.
Show off your certificate of completion & badge!
Show your clients that you’ve invested in professional training to safely and confidently handle their newborn — giving new parents the reassurance they need. Upon completing the Essentials Course, you’ll receive a personalized certificate signed by Kathryn Barredo, ready to print and display with pride. You’ll also earn a digital badge to feature on your website, showcasing your dedication to newborn safety and professional growth.
essential poses only
1 time payment
$250
Satisfaction Guarantee
Need help understanding something? We will help you as much as you need! We have a large facebook community on facebook and you are welcome to tag @kathrynbarredo for specific help! Just mention you own the Essential Course!
After this course you will:
→Photograph newborns confidently
→Cut your session time in half
→Produce consistent galleries
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have a question?
What qualifications do you have to teach this course?
With over 13 years of experience specializing in posed newborn photography, Kathryn Barredo has mastered both the art and safety of working with newborns. She’s taught hundreds of photographers through her in-person workshops and online programs, helping them gain confidence, refine their skills, and build thriving businesses. Kathryn’s approach is practical, encouraging, and deeply rooted in real studio experience — making her the perfect guide to help you grow from beginner to confident newborn photographer.
Is this course suitable for beginner photographers?
The Essentials Course was created specifically for beginner newborn photographers who want to start strong and skip the overwhelm. Every lesson breaks down complex concepts — like lighting, posing, and soothing — into clear, easy-to-follow steps. You’ll learn not just what to do, but why it works, so you can build lasting confidence from your very first session. With a structured workflow, guided practice, and real examples, this course gives you the solid foundation every photographer needs to grow successfully.
Will I be able to immediately implement what I learn in my sessions?
You can start implementing what you learn right away because every lesson in the Essentials Course is built for real-world use — no fluff, no filler. Kathryn teaches practical techniques you can immediately apply in your next session, from posing flows and lighting setups to soothing methods and editing steps. The course is designed so you can watch, practice, and see results the same day — giving you quick wins and lasting confidence as you grow.
Do I need any special equipment or tools to apply whats taught in this course?
To get the most out of the Essentials Course, you’ll need a DSLR or mirrorless camera and one of the following lenses: 50mm, 35mm, or 24–70mm. You’ll also need a safe, comfortable space to practice your newborn posing techniques — this can be a home studio or a small setup with natural light. Everything else, including lighting guidance, workflow, and posing direction, will be covered in the course. A willingness to learn and practice consistently is all it takes to see results.
How long will it take to complete the course?
The course is designed to be flexible and self-paced, so you can complete it on your schedule. Most photographers complete it in a few hours, but you can take your time to fully digest and practice the material.