Quick answer

Choose Lightroom presets when you want fast, consistent color and tone across a whole newborn session, and add Photoshop actions when you need precise retouching like skin smoothing, eyelash enhancement, or complex cleanup. For a complete baby workflow, start with a dedicated newborn preset pack such as Bella Baby Newborn Presets & Brushes, then layer in a retouching action set like Pretty Retouch Actions & Makeup Collection for portraits that need extra polish.

Match the tool to your editing software

Your editing software decides which tools you can actually use. Lightroom presets work inside Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw, while Photoshop actions require Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. If you edit most of your newborn sessions in Lightroom, a preset-based workflow keeps everything in one place and lets you sync adjustments across dozens of images at once. If you rely on Photoshop for retouching, actions automate repetitive steps like skin smoothing, color correction, and sharpening. Many photographers use both: presets for global color and tone, actions for targeted fixes.

Decide between one-click speed and layered control

One-click presets are ideal for culling and basic edits when you need to deliver a gallery quickly. They apply a consistent look across an entire session, which is especially helpful for newborn photographers who shoot in varied lighting conditions. However, presets are not a substitute for retouching. Actions give you layered control: you can run an action, then adjust opacity, mask areas, or combine multiple actions to address specific issues like redness, blotchy skin, or fine hair details. The trade-off is time—actions require more steps per image, but they produce a more polished result for close-up portraits.

Check the included tools for newborn-specific needs

Newborn editing often involves challenges like jaundice, dry skin, and uneven color. Look for presets and actions that include brushes or tools designed for baby skin. For example, Bella Baby Newborn Presets & Brushes includes retouching and color correction brushes alongside one-click presets, so you can smooth skin and correct color without leaving Lightroom. If you work in Photoshop, the LUXE Newborn Photoshop Actions Collection offers 60 essential workflow tools to retouch and color correct, including remedies for challenging newborn sessions. Read the product descriptions to confirm the set covers the specific issues you face most often.

Decision rules for buying newborn editing tools

  • If you edit in Lightroom and want one-click consistency: Choose a preset pack with newborn-specific brushes, like Bella Baby Newborn Presets & Brushes, so you can adjust color and skin without switching to Photoshop. Best for high-volume sessions where speed matters.
  • If you retouch in Photoshop and need deep cleanup: Choose a comprehensive action set like LUXE Newborn Photoshop Actions Collection to automate retouching, color correction, and session-specific fixes. Best for close-up newborn portraits with skin challenges.
  • If your sessions include parents or siblings: Add a portrait retouching set like Pretty Retouch Actions & Makeup Collection to handle skin smoothing and makeup enhancement for all ages. Best for family-centered newborn shoots.

Product facts

  • Bella Baby Newborn Presets & Brushes: Bella Baby Newborn Presets & Brushes for Lightroom includes one-click newborn presets designed to layer with workflow presets, plus retouching and color correction brushes. You can handle both global color and local skin retouching in Lightroom, which speeds up editing for photographers who prefer to stay in one application.
  • LUXE Newborn Photoshop Actions Collection: LUXE Newborn Photoshop Actions Collection includes 60 essential workflow tools to retouch, color correct, and remedy challenging newborn sessions. This is a comprehensive action set for Photoshop users who need to fix complex issues like skin imperfections and color casts without building edits from scratch.
  • Pretty Retouch Actions & Makeup Collection: Pretty Retouch Actions & Makeup Collection includes over 68 actions plus a bonus set of false eyelashes and an eyelash applicator, with customizable skin retouch actions for soft, natural smoothing. If your newborn portraits include older siblings or parents, this collection adds portrait retouching and makeup enhancement that a baby-specific set may not cover.

Who should buy which tool

Best for

  • Newborn photographers who edit primarily in Lightroom and want consistent color across a session
  • Photoshop users who need automated retouching and color correction for challenging newborn skin
  • Photographers who shoot newborns alongside parents or siblings and need portrait retouching tools

Not for

  • Photographers who only shoot in black and white and do not need color correction tools
  • Editors who prefer to manually adjust every slider and avoid one-click presets
  • Those who do not use Lightroom or Photoshop