Quick answer
Set up your Westcott FJ400 II Newborn Portrait Lighting Kit by assembling the umbrella and strobe, positioning the light at a 45-degree angle above the baby, and using the FJ-X3 trigger to fire wirelessly from your camera.
Why the FJ400 II works for newborns
Newborn eyes are sensitive, so you need a strobe that can be dialed down to a low power level while still providing soft, even light. The FJ400 II offers a wide power range and rapid recycling, which means you can shoot quickly without harsh flashes. The included 7' umbrella creates a large, diffused light source that wraps around the baby gently.
Positioning for safety and flattery
Never point the bare strobe directly at a newborn. Always use the umbrella or a softbox to diffuse the light. Position the strobe at a 45-degree angle above the baby’s head, about 3–4 feet away. This creates a soft loop shadow on the face and avoids direct light hitting the eyes. A common mistake is placing the light too close, which can overexpose the skin and create harsh shadows.
FJ400 II Newborn Kit setup steps
- Assemble the umbrella and strobe: Attach the umbrella shaft to the light stand, then slide the FJ400 II strobe onto the stand’s stud and tighten the knob. Open the umbrella and secure it in the bracket so the reflective surface faces the strobe. Check that the umbrella is fully opened and locked; a half-opened umbrella creates uneven light.
- Set the strobe power and trigger: Turn on the FJ400 II and set the power to 1/32 or lower for a newborn. Insert the FJ-X3 trigger into your camera’s hot shoe, turn it on, and ensure it is on the same channel as the strobe (default channel 1 works for most setups). If the strobe does not fire, verify the trigger channel matches the strobe channel and that the trigger is fully seated in the hot shoe.
- Position the light and test: Place the light stand about 3–4 feet from the baby at a 45-degree angle above their head. Take a test shot and check the histogram. Adjust the power up or down in 1/10-stop increments until the skin tones look natural without clipping highlights. A common mistake is starting at full power. Always begin low and increase gradually to avoid overexposure and discomfort for the baby.
Product used in this guide
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FJ400 II Newborn Portrait Lighting Kit: The Westcott FJ400 Strobe delivers industry-leading performance with rapid recycling time and AC/DC capability. Fast recycling means you can capture fleeting newborn expressions without waiting for the flash to recharge, and AC/DC lets you shoot in any room without hunting for an outlet.
FJ400 II Newborn Portrait Lighting Kit
