Three things I’m loving in the studio this spring!

Every year, my Saratoga Springs photography studio undergoes a huge cleaning and prep for the next season of babies! In addition to this major clean out, I find myself going through all of my wraps, headbands, and outfits for my client closet. It’s a chance to refresh what’s available to each of my families. Not only does it ensure beautiful options for each of them, but it allows me to really evaluate why everything is in my studio. This spring, I can already tell I’m reaching for and using certain props and options for my newborn sessions. Here’s three things I’m loving in the studio this spring: 

Dainty pearl headbands and tiebacks! 

I just added a few new headbands and tiebacks to our ever-growing collection of baby headbands, and every single family has chosen to use at least 1 or 2 of the pearl options in their sessions! I think they’re simply perfect. Timeless and a sweet little accent for your darling baby! 

All of the spring flowers! 

I look forward to tulip season every year, and they are always one of my favorite flowers to incorporate into newborn portraits. Plus, I loved putting some fluffy flowers on our rattan stroller for a new look, too! I will never say no to more flowers in newborn setups! They’re just perfect to showcase the season - without taking away from your baby! 

Soft colors!

If you know me, you know that I can’t get enough of whites, creams, beige, and blush pink when it comes to outfits or setups for babies, milestones, and cake smashes. There was a time when my entire wardrobe consisted of these three colors, and I jokingly said to my best friend that my closet looked like Neapolitan ice cream. Since then I’ve done my color analysis with Amy Latta at House of Color Saratoga Springs (she’s participating in our upcoming client appreciation event in April!) and my closet is less Neapolitan and more colorful with my best Summer colors. But for studio portraits, especially baby girl newborns? Give me alllllll the Neapolitan ice cream colors, please! 

If you can’t tell, I definitely love spring time here at the studio. It’s a beautiful time for portraits - and I can’t get enough of the soft colors and overflowing florals. What’s your favorite prop or outfit for the spring?


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Newborn portrait sessions with handmade pearl headbands

Welcome to the world Baby Vivienne! I’m so happy that I had a chance to bring this beautiful family back to my Saratoga Springs studio. 5 years ago, I captured  big sister Madeleine’s newborn portraits. Now she’s a big sister! It was very special to see how much she’s grown and to watch her bubbly personality shine through as she showed off her new baby sister.

This newborn session feels very springlike to me! We captured a few portraits inspired by Madeleine’s portraits a few years back - including the overhead circle bowl shot. It was special to recreate beautiful memories for this family. I’ve also added a bunch of new headbands including some with pearl details to the studio, which Vivienne’s mother chose for her daughter’s session. I love them so much and I’m so thrilled to see them being used. 

Many of my newborn clients fall in love with the soft colors and my natural style of newborn posing. I always choose to use minimal props to keep the focus on the baby. Pure and sweet, minimal is my focus - so I can capture the connection between family members. These sibling portraits of the girls are some of my all-time favorites, and the colors in the family’s outfits were perfect for the studio. Everything about Vivienne’s session just fit perfectly with my style and I’m so thrilled to be sharing it with you today! 


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Cozy studio newborn portrait session for Winter Lily | Saratoga Springs newborn photographer

I recently had the honor of welcoming Winter Lily to my Saratoga Springs studio to capture her newborn portraits! Winter Lily was accompanied by her big brother, Phoenix, and her parents. Her big brother was SO proud and it was the absolute sweetest thing to watch throughout our session. Our portraits for Winter Lily really focused on the interactions between these two babies and the family together. Winter Lily’s solo portraits featured beautiful pastel colors - and I even got to play with some fun winter overlays and snowflakes! 

While I was photographing Amanda’s family, I knew I was going to fall in love with the final portraits. And, I definitely did! This family’s outfits were perfect in the studio.

When you’re planning what to wear for your own studio newborn portraits, consider light neutrals. Light color shirts reflect light back onto the baby’s face when you hold them up against your chest, it keeps the focus on the family & expressions & love. I’m a huge fan of creating imagery that will be classic, timeless, and simple. Light neutrals help make that possible! 

I’m so happy for this family of four and I’m thrilled that they asked me to document this incredibly special time in their family’s lives! Welcome to the world, Winter Lily! 


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Beautiful newborn portrait session in Saratoga Springs

I’m so happy to be sharing Baby Sahana’s newborn session with you today on the blog! This winter, I captured maternity portraits for Shreya and I was anxiously waiting until their baby girl was born so we could plan her studio newborn session. Shreya and her family are part of our Collective Membership, where you can receive 4 sessions over the course of an 18th month period, so we’ve been able to document some special moments for them already. As a reminder, we’re currently  booking membership clients for 2024! This is perfect for your family if you’re planning to do 2 or more sessions over an 18 month period (not just for baby’s first year clients, either!).

For Baby Sahana’s portraits, Shreya wanted a soft and light color palette. She was excited to incorporate my Moses basket, as it was similar to the one Ariya was in when they did her newborn portraits in South Carolina. I was more than happy to include it - creating imagery that connects your sessions is important to me. 

The other great part about these portraits was that Sahana’s grandmother was present. It was really special to be able to capture all three generations in portraits of the women in the family. You can tell she’s enamored with her granddaughters - and I think the feeling is definitely mutual. I hope that she’ll be able to hold onto and treasure these portraits for years to come. Including other family members, like grandparents, is a wonderful way to create truly meaningful portraits to display in your home! 

I am SO happy I got to meet Baby Sahana now that she’s made her entrance in the world. Her session was really special to me, and I hope that her family loves it as much as I do!


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Best of 2023 newborn sessions in Saratoga Springs

Newborn sessions are special for me. I’m always so honored to be invited into such a beautiful time in my clients' lives to celebrate the arrival of their new baby. Whether their sessions are at home or in my studio, every one of them is as unique as the family I’m capturing. 

For the 2023 year, I was extra lucky with the families who visited me. So many of my newborn clients this year were coming back to see me with their second or third baby, and I’ve been lucky enough to document all of their children’s milestones. It felt beyond special to be in the studio with families I adore and to be capturing yet another milestone for their family. 

toddler pushes baby sister in stroller during newborn session in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography

In addition to our studio sessions, I absolutely adore our lifestyle sessions. Lifestyle newborn sessions are perfect for a relaxed peek into your lives at home. You get to spend your session cuddled up in the living room or all cozy on the bed together, or getting to know your new baby in the nursery that you so lovingly put together before their arrival. It’s a really unique moment and there’s nothing more beautiful than documenting a family at home. 

baby lays in crib under rainbow mural in nursery during lifestyle newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
newborn baby boy sleeps on changing table in front of mountain on nursery wall during lifestyle newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
big siblings hug newborn sister in front of white crib in nursery with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
siblings hold baby sister on couch during lifestyle newborn session in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography
toddler boy hugs newborn sibling in corner of wooden crib in nursery with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents snuggle with son in custom animal inspired nursery during lifestyle newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of five snuggles with baby girl on bed during lifestyle newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hug each other looking at newborn son in living room of home in New York during lifestyle newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
siblings hug baby sister in white crib on pink sheets during lifestyle newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

If a more traditional look is your style, newborn studio sessions are always a great time! They’re wonderfully stress-free - which is one of the best perks, in my opinion. So many families this year told me how much they enjoyed sitting in the studio and how relaxed it made them feel. My favorite memorable compliment was from a dad (who happens to live in my neighborhood!) that had been in the studio for about an hour or so, and between the flowing conversation, the white noise, the cozy temperature, and his sleep exhaustion from his first few weeks with a newborn, he said “I love your studio! It feels like we’re in Las Vegas and I completely lose track of time in here! I mean, what day is it?!?! Where are we?!?!” It was hilarious but also really spoke to me about the atmosphere we create for my families. 

siblings snuggle with newborn sister on couch during newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY studio with Nicole Starr Photography
siblings lay on fluffy rug with newborn sister between them during newborn portraits in studio with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom hugs newborn daughter to her while toddler son playfully plays with her headband as dad holds him in studio with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents snuggle with toddler and newborn sitting together in studio with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mother in white lace dress hugs newborn baby to chest during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
newborn baby boy lays on white pillow in all white onesie during newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mother in ivory dress holds newborn in blanket to chest during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl in white blanket lays snuggled up on bed with chunky pink blanket under her during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy sleeps wrapped in tight white blanket on knit blanket during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy lays wrapped in blue blanket on white chunky blanket on white bed during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps on wooden bed hugging bunny lovely in white blanket during newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dads hug newborn son in studio during newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl snuggles in white knit blanket with pearl headband during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays wrapped in white blanket during during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays in tan wrap with bear ears in Moses basket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays curled up on grey knit blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays on white blanket in white onesie during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps in ivory wrap on knit blankets during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps on wooden bed with ivory wrap and pastel pink blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps on blanket with foxes and horses during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

I can’t wait to watch these little babies grow and invite them back into the studio in 2024 for their birthday sessions! Thank you to every family who trusted me to capture these special moments as they welcomed their littlest loves to the world. 


Best of 2023 newborn sessions with lifestyle and studio newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Celebrating baby sister’s arrival with family portraits - saratoga springs newborn photographer

Welcome to the world, Ava Margaret! This sweet baby girl’s arrival was much-anticipated! Her mama went two weeks past her due date, and everyone was so excited when Ava finally arrived. I couldn't wait to meet her at their studio newborn portraits in my Saratoga Springs studio. This family is absolutely the sweetest and I loved every moment working with them. 

Ava was welcomed to the world by her big siblings, Adam and Ellie. I loved watching her big brother and sister with her! They were so gentle and nurturing, and their interactions were adorable. Plus they loved being involved in the session and even wanted to pose for their own individual portraits, too! I call that a definite win in my book - both as a photographer and mom of two littles of my own. 

For Ava’s portraits, we chose a beautiful neutral palette featuring ivory, tan, and some peach accents for her solo portraits at the end of the session. Most of our session was spent capturing this sweet girl with her parents and big siblings, but I loved being able to slowly transition down to her portraits. We focused on simple setups, with some cozy knit blankets and some of my favorite props to show off Ava’s adorable little features. 

Congratulations to this beautiful family! I’m so happy that your newest member has arrived and is so loved!!  

two big siblings hold baby sister on tan couch during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
two big siblings hold baby sister on tan couch during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
big brother in white shirt and tan shorts holds baby sister in white wrap with headband on tan couch during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
big sister holds baby sister in white wrap with headband on tan couch during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
big sister and brother hold baby sister in white wrap with headband laying on furry rug during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents sit holding newborn baby girl with two children during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in tan sweater holds baby girl in white wrap up to her cheek during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents sit holding newborn baby girl with two children during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in tan sweater holds baby girl in white wrap with flower headband smiling at her during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds baby girl in white wrap up with older siblings standing by her during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad holds baby girl in white wrap up with older siblings standing by her during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad smiles down at baby girl in white wrap up during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in white button up shirt sits on wooden bench during Saratoga Springs family session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girl in linen dress sits on wooden bench during Saratoga Springs family session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in grey shirt hugs baby girl in white wrap to his chest during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hug baby girl in white wrap to their chests during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler girl in linen dress pushes baby sister in wooden stroller during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl in tan wrap lays curled up on white knit blanket during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in white wraps on wooden bed during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in white wraps on wooden bed during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in tan wrap on peach blanket during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Celebrating baby sister's arrival with family portraits with Saratoga Springs newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Neutral newborn portraits with soft gray accents for Baby Roland

I recently had the joy of capturing Baby Roland and his wonderful parents in my Saratoga Springs studio to celebrate his arrival! Roland was so adorable our entire session! He gave us lots of cute expressions when awake, and also so many sleepy snuggles. His parents decided on a neutral color palette - focusing on soft grey accents. Dad wore a light blue shirt and Mom’s cream dress was perfect to complement the pastel choices. They both looked amazing! The portraits of all three of them are honestly some of my favorites from the session. Holley and Michael are incredible and I know that Roland will love looking back on these moments in years to come. 

Holley and Michael came to me after Roland was born to book their portraits. While many families book their newborn session while they are in their second or third trimester, every now and then a family contacts me after their baby has already been born. They often find that they got caught up in all the preparations for baby’s arrival (car seats! onesies! diapers! swing! bassinet! alllllll the things!!), and then once the baby arrives the days pass by in a blur for the first couple of weeks. Often they look up from the chaos and realize how quickly their baby has grown and changed already in just a few short weeks, and that’s when they go, “Oh my goodness, we never booked a newborn session!” And so begins the hunt for a newborn photographer for their little one.

If that is you, don’t worry! We’re sometimes able to fit in last minute newborn bookings because of openings in our schedule, and we’re always able to capture stunning portraits of your brand new baby no matter how many weeks old they are. As you can see from Roland’s portraits, anything is possible - and in the end, you’ll have stunning portraits to remember how tiny your little baby once was! 

brunette mother in cream dress holds baby boy to cheek in cream wrap during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in blue button down shirt hugs brunette mother in cream dress holding baby boy in cream wrap during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in blue button down holds baby boy in cream wrap during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mother in cream dress with ruffled sleeves holds new baby boy in cream wrap against her chest during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in blue button down holds baby boy in cream wrap while mom hugs them both and holds dad’s hand on son during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in blue button down holds baby boy and looks at him in cream wrap during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in blue button down holds baby boy in cream wrap while mom hugs them both during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in blue button down holds baby boy and looks at him in cream wrap during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy in cream yawns laying in white and cream blankets during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy in cream looks at camera laying in white and cream blankets during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy in cream looks at camera laying in white and cream blankets during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy lays in white wrap next to grey bunny with his name on the ear on blue blanket during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy lays in white wrap smiling on grey blanket during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy lays curled up on grey knit blanket during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy’s toys peek out of grey knit outfit during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy lays in grey knit outfit on blue blanket during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Neutral newborn portraits for baby boy with soft gray accents photographed in Saratoga Springs studio with newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Older Awake Newborn Photos With Lots of Smiles

I recently welcomed baby Kiran to my Saratoga Springs studio for his newborn portraits. This little guy was a month old when he and his parents came by, and we were able to enjoy lots of eye contact and adorable expressions during his session because he was a little bit bigger and more awake! I absolutely loved working with Kiran and his family to create their heirloom portraits celebrating his arrival to the world! 

For Kiran’s session, we incorporated lots of neutrals with white. I’m obsessed with their family portraits with everyone in white. They’re stunning! We included a few pops of soft sky blue and sage green, which coordinates nicely with his nursery and their decor at home. I always encourage families to think about where they want to display images when deciding on a theme or color palette. I know Kiran’s portraits are going to look perfect displayed at home! 

My favorite part of working with Kiran and his parents might be that we were able to create a special gallery wall in their home to feature their favorite portraits. I love knowing that they’re going to enjoy these images on their wall every single day as their little boy grows. That’s why I do what I do: I want you to remember these moments and be able to relieve them as time slips away. 

Kiran, thank you for being such a sweet boy for me in the studio! Your session brought me so many new favorite portraits and I hope you’ll always see how loved you truly are in these moments. 

new parents hold son in white onesie during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in white button up shirt holds son in white onesie in front of his chest during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in white button up shirt holds son in white onesie in front of his chest while mom looks over shoulder at son during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in white dress holds older newborn while dad hugs them both during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in white button up shirt holds son in white onesie in front of his chest during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in white dress holds son in white wrap while he smiles at her during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in white button up shirt holds son in white onesie in front of his chest during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in white dress holds son in white wrap while he smiles at her during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in white dress looks down at son laying on white blanket smiling during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy in white zipper onesie lays on tiny pillow with eyes open and fists clenched during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy in white zipper onesie lays on tiny pillow with eyes open and fists clenched during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy lays in white wrap on sage green blanket during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy lays in sage green wrap on chunky ivory blanket during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy lays in sage green wrap on chunky ivory blanket during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy lays on wicker basket in white wrap holding bunny during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy sleeps in white wrap with sea green blanket around him during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy sleeps in wicker stroller on chunky sky blue blanket during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy sleeps in wicker stroller on chunky sky blue blanket during newborn session with older baby photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Older awake newborn portraits with lots of smiles for baby boy with white, sky blue and sage green palette photographed by Saratoga Springs newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Classic newborn & family portraits in our saratoga springs portrait studio

Welcome to the neighborhood, Kiran! Another beautiful baby was born in our neighborhood this year. We’re now up to SIX babies born within the neighborhood in the last year. I love that these little ones are going to grow up together. This newborn session was also special to me because I photographed Kiran’s big brother’s newborn portraits in 2019, too.

I loved seeing Ravi as a big brother. He was soooo excited and 100% into cuddling up with Kiran and taking pictures of the two of them together. We got the cutest sibling portraits! Amy and Raj also loved watching their boys together. I had a wonderful time catching up and hearing how the adjustment from three to four has been going for this sweet family.

For Kiran’s newborn portraits, we chose a classic setup and color palette featuring white and ivory setups and blue accents. Kiran looked so sweet nestled into all of the blankets and wraps during our portraits. He’s so precious and I adored the chance to meet him in my studio! Congratulations to this sweet family. I can’t wait to watch Kiran (and Ravi!) grow up!

baby boy in ivory wrap curled up during Saratoga Springs studio during newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography

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Classic newborn and family portraits in our Saratoga Springs portrait studio photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer

Newborn Portraits with Blush Pink for Second Daughter

There’s nothing quite as special as watching one of my families grow. I photographed this sweet family and their first baby, Giuliana, in the studio when she was born. Now, Giuliana is a big sister to Gabriella. She and her family came back to my Saratoga Springs studio to capture newborn portraits for their second baby girl. It was so wonderful to see everyone again and celebrate their newest member! 

Throughout the session, we created a few nods back to Giuliana’s newborn portraits, include the portrait with her pink blanket and mom’s bracelet. It was really fun to create these images knowing that there was another set of them at home for Giuliana! Gabby was such a sweetheart for me throughout her whole session, too. She was happy to curl up and let her family snuggle her. 

Giuliana was AMAZING during her sister’s newborn session. She wanted to be involved in everything, and she kept coming close to me to “take pictures” with her wooden camera, check on her baby, and tuck her in with the blankets. Truly the sweetest! I am just so blessed that this is my job - and capturing those sweet moments is work for me. 

I can’t wait to see Gabby back in the studio in a few months for her milestone session! She’s going to be so big!! 

big sister in pink dress pushes baby in wooden stroller during studio newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography
big sister in pink dress sits by sister wrapped in cream blanket with pink floral headband during studio newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography
big sister in pink dress sits by sister wrapped in cream blanket with pink floral headband during studio newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography
husband hugs wife in peach gown holding newborn baby girl during studio newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY
husband holding toddler daughter in pink dress hugs wife in peach gown holding newborn baby girl during studio newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY
mom holds  toddler daughter and newborn baby girl during studio newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds  toddler daughter and newborn baby girl during studio newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography
mother in pink gown holds newborn baby girl against cheek in Saratoga Springs NY studio
dad in white button down shirt holds new daughter in cream wrap with pink headband during studio newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY
dad in white button down shirt holds new daughter in cream wrap with pink headband during studio newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY
toddler girl in pink gown holds sister in cream wrap on sofa during studio newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY
toddler girl in pink gown sits on dad’s lap while mom holds baby sister in cream wrap on sofa during studio newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY
dad in white button up shirt olds two daughters during studio newborn session in Saratoga Springs NY
baby girl lays in white wrap with lavender flower headband during Saratoga Springs NY studio newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in white wrap with lavender flower headband during Saratoga Springs NY studio newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photographybaby girl lays in white wrap with lavender flower headband during Saratoga Springs NY studio newborn portraits
baby girl yawns in white blanket wrap next to onesie that says “Handpicked for earth by my grandpa in heaven” during Saratoga Springs NY studio newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl in white blanket clasps hands together wearing white bow headband during Saratoga Springs newborn session in studio
baby girl lays in white wrap on namesake pink blanket during newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in peach wrap on chunky white blanket on wooden bed with peonies around it photographed by Saratoga Springs NSY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
big sister sits with new baby sister in Moses basket in custom monogramed outfits photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Newborn portraits with blush pink accents for second daughter photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Cozy winter newborn portraits for Anna Marie

Welcome to the world (and to the neighborhood!), Anna Marie! I’ve been waiting for this sweet girl to make her appearance since her mom’s maternity portraits. Lauren and Tim welcomed their first baby girl this winter (on their 20 year dating anniversary!!!) and I had the honor of capturing both Lauren’s maternity portraits and their cozy winter newborn portraits after she arrived. If you read their first blog, you know that Lauren and Tim are special to us because they’re our neighbors and moved from Boston last year. We’re so excited to be raising little girls together and I can’t wait to watch Anna Marie grow alongside Adelaide and Grayson!

For Anna Marie’s newborn portraits, we knew we wanted to showcase the winter season. With lots of cozy laters and knits, we were able to help bring the season into her portraits. It was so special watching Lauren and Tim curl up with their little girl in my home studio. Every newborn portrait session is special, but this one meant a little extra! We also wanted to incorporate Lauren’s gorgeous yoga pillow into their newborn portraits, too. I loved being able to photograph this vibrant pillow again - now with Anna Marie nestled in the middle. It was a wonderful way to connect the two sessions and bring everything full circle.

‌Lauren and Tim, welcome to parenthood! I’m so thankful to know you both and now, to know your little girl. We can’t wait to see what this next chapter brings for you three!

mother in peach sweater holds baby girl against cheek during studio newborn session in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography
parents smile holding new baby girl in white wrap with floral headband during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
dad in mint green shirt holds baby girl kissing her forehead during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
dad in mint green shirt holds baby girl in arms looking at her floral headband during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
dad in mint green shirt and mom in peach sweater hold baby girl during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
mother in peach sweater holds baby girl on chest asleep and curled up during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
dad in mint green shirt holds baby girl on arm asleep during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
dad in mint green shirt hugged by mother in peach sweater holds baby girl on arm asleep during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
mother in peach sweater holds baby girl on chest asleep and curled up during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in white wrap with white knit bow on chunky white blanket in studio during newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
baby girl sleeps in white wrap on white and red plaid blanket with wreathes behind her in studio during newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
baby girl lays in mauve knit outfits on tiny bed during studio newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
baby’s feet lay on end of bed during newborn portraits in studio with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl in ivory wrap with knit cap lays on chunky knit blanket during newborn portraits in the winter with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl in ivory wrap lays on chunky knit blanket during newborn portraits in the winter with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl in white onesies yawns laying on vibrant yoga pillow during studio newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl in white onesies yawns laying on vibrant yoga pillow during studio newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl in white ruffle onesies lays curled up on pale pink blankets during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
baby girl in white ruffle onesies lays curled up on pale pink blankets during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
baby girl in white ruffle onesies lays curled up on pale pink blankets during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer

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cozy winter newborn portraits in studio for baby girl with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Best of 2022 Newborn Sessions

What a year! 2022 marked my tenth year in business, and I am so incredibly grateful to every single family that trusts me to capture their most special moments and milestones for them. My son is in his second year of preschool, and one of the things that his teacher has told us parents multiple times is “Thank you for sharing your children with us.” I absolutely love the sentiment, and I feel the exact same way toward each of the families that I work with. SO, THANK YOU. Thank you for sharing your children with me, and thank you for allowing me the privilege of creating artwork that showcases your family’s story. This truly is a dream job, and it is such a joy working with so many lovely families and their babies.

Newborn sessions have always held a special place in my heart, and those tiny little babies with their sleepy yawns and soft, round cheeks are what drew me to become a portrait photographer in the first place.

We welcomed our second baby into our family this year, a baby girl named Adelaide. And as we introduced her to long-time family friends, it occurred to me that for some of them, it had been DECADES since they had last held a baby that small. It is not lost on me how special this job is that I get to do this every day for my job. It really is an honor to be able to hold these brand new babies week after week, curling them up into the sweetest poses and watching magic unfold when they are snuggling in their parents' arms.

Every January, I love sharing a roundup post of some of my favorite portraits from newborn sessions over the past year. I hope you enjoy these sweet little babies as much as I do! This year they will all be coming up on their first birthday, and I look forward to seeing them back in the studio for their first birthday cake smash!

baby girl sleeps curled up in mint blanket with floral headband photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in pink lace outfit in wooden bed photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold baby while toddler big brother looks on sitting on sofa in New York studio with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps with white bow in Moses basket photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold baby in white wrap during newborn portraits in New York studio with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps in chunky wrap with lilac pieces around her during newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in white dress holds baby girl in white wrap with pink headband in Saratoga Springs NY studio with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold newborn baby girl in studio during newborn portraits with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds baby in white wrap during studio newborn session with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad holds toddler daughter and new baby boy in nursery during lifestyle newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
baby girl lays in white wrap on sea green blanket during studio newborn session with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
big sister sits on sofa holding baby girl with pink bow photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy lays curled up in white wrap against blue chunky blanket during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
baby boy lays with hand under chin in white wrap on wooden bed during Saratoga Springs newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps in eskimo inspired wrap and hat laying on cream knit blanket during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps in blue wrap holding wooden snowflake with snow overlay during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps in white wrap on top of gauzy blue wrap during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays with eyes open in white wrap with purple floral headband on chunky knit blanket during studio newborn portraits with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy lays sleeping holding grey movie in white onesie during newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps on mauve blanket with mauve flowers around basket during studio newborn session with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays in white wrap on purple knit blanket with flowers during studio newborn portraits with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays under white blanket with white and gold headband during New York newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in wooden bed with bright red wrap and headband during newborn session with Saratoga Springs newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
newborn baby girl lays on peach blanket on wooden seat during newborn portraits in studio with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
newborn baby girl lays in white wrap on green and peach blankets during studio newborn session with Albany NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays in tan wrap with knit hat during newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY studio with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays on peach blanket with pink floral headband during newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents look down at new baby in white wrap during newborn session in Saratoga Springs studio with Nicole Starr Photography
parents sit with children on bed during lifestyle newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
big brother leans over baby sister with floral headband in Moses basket during studio newborn session with New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in white wrap on peach blanket with cozy knit hat during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography

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best of 2022 newborn sessions with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Mauve & neutral newborn portraits for Seraphina Marie

I’m so happy I was able to welcome Seraphina Marie to my studio for her newborn session! Her parents and I planned a gorgeous and simple session to welcome their baby girl to the world. During Katy’s maternity portraits, she wore a beautiful mauve gown - so we used that as the inspiration for Seraphina’s setups. I love when we can tie sessions together like that for families!

Seraphina was absolutely perfect during her newborn portraits. She was snuggly and loved being with her parents. Capturing new parents holding their baby is always so special to me. Those early days go by so quickly and I want to be sure you remember how tiny your little one was. Katy actually wore the same gown for these portraits that she wore in the maternity photos, too. After we captured portraits of her and her parents, it was time to wrap her and place her on the sweet setups we created. I focused on mauve and cream when selecting pieces for her setups and I love how they look together in the final images!! 

When they came back to the studio for their reveal session, this beautiful family decided on our matted prints. They are going to look so beautiful on the walls of their home! I can’t wait to see how they look when they arrive. They’re some of my favorite products to create with portraits from sessions in the studio. 

mom in mauve gown holds newborn baby girl in white wrap with pink headband while husband holds her arm during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in mauve gown holds husband’s arm as he holds new baby girl during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in cream blanket with floral headband during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in wicker basket on mauve blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in wicker basket on mauve blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in wicker basket on mauve blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in curled up in cream blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in pink knit sweater with floral headband on white blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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studio newborn session with mauve and neutral details for baby girl with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

My favorite textured knits for winter baby portraits

Like all baby photographers, I love prop shopping and adding to my studio's collection. I have many favorite pieces in the studio that I use for nearly every newborn session, and these go-to items photograph beautifully and are well-loved. I always opt for classic neutrals that will match with everything, and I keep my colors in line with my style and the style/color palette that most of my clients use in their homes, too.

grey textured knits, outfits, and hats for newborn baby session in the winter with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer

As the I get the studio ready for all of the winter newborns that will be coming to the studio for their first portrait session, I’ve been shopping for new knits for the studio. During the winter, I’m all about creating soft and cozy layers for your baby. We have a huge variety of hand-knit props from talented artists all around the globe. Wraps, layers, bonnets, sleepy caps, blankets, rompers, overalls, and so much more. They add such beautiful texture to your portraits, creating visual interest - and help keep your little one warm and cozy, too!

baby wrapped in white knit blanket on chunky textured blanket photographed by Saratoga Springs newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Everything you need for your baby’s first portraits, all in one place.

One advantage of going to a photographer who provides everything for you is that they already know what fabrics and colors will photograph best, and you don't ever have to worry about choosing something that is cute in person but doesn't look quite right in the finished portraits. I have everything you need in the studio for your little one's portrait session. Choose from outfits, headbands, wraps and swaddles, bump blankets, bonnets and hats to make your baby’s look complete! 

white textured knits, outfits, and hats for newborn baby session in the winter with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer

During winter sessions, I try to mix chunky knits with softer, finer woven knits, pairing similar colors for a monochromatic look, or using mostly whites with a pop of color. My goal is to make it easy to focus on your baby in your portraits and showcase just how tiny and perfect they are!

baby boy sleeps in blue blanket holding snowflake during newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography
white chunky textured blankets photographed by Saratoga Springs newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays on peach knit blanket and bonnet photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Some of the most popular colors for newborn portraits in our studio are:

white
cream
slate blue or navy blue
mint green or sage green
lavender
blush pink
gray or greige

pink and peach pastel textured knits for newborn baby session in the winter with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
cream textured knits and hats for newborn baby session in the winter with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
blue textured knits, outfits, and hats for newborn baby session in the winter with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer

As you can see, choosing the perfect outfit for your baby’s portraits can be easy and fun! Make sure to talk with your newborn or baby photographer to find out what they have on hand this winter for the perfect, cozy look for your little one!


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textured knits for winter baby portraits photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer

Welcome, Ivy Joy: Newborn Portraits at Four Weeks Old

Welcome to the world, Ivy Joy! It’s so special getting to meet babies after I’ve photographed their mom’s maternity portraits, like Ivy Joy. I photographed her mama’s maternity session this summer while they were anxiously waiting for her arrival. I loved getting to know Heather and Lee better during their maternity session, and I love that we pulled elements of the colors Heather wore into Ivy Joy’s newborn portraits, too. I’m all about creating cohesive images that will pair well together in your albums or on your walls!

For Ivy Joy’s session, she came to my Saratoga Springs studio. She was 4 weeks old, but so sweet and mellow. While she was awake, she had the best eye contact - and that’s one of my favorite things about older newborns. They’re always so sweet!! Ivy Joy was easy to pose and I loved capturing some of her new expressions. Photographing older newborns can come with it’s challenges, but I also love the ways you can capture their personality because they’re a bit bigger now.

Heather and Lee requested the sage green and mustard yellow in her setups - which was a great way to tie into Heather’s maternity portraits. I’m also obsessed with the dark navy setup with the stars. Ivy Joy looked so sweet on it! Come take a look at some of my favorite moments from their beautiful studio session.

new parents pose with daughter during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad holds daughter by window during studio newborn portraits smiling at her photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
new parents smile down at baby girl during newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs studio with Nicole Starr Photography
mom in white linen gown holds baby girl in white wrap during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
new parents look down at daughter during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs newborn photographer
mom holds daughter in white wrap during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs newborn photographer
dad snuggles with newborn daughter in Saratoga Springs photo studio with Nicole Starr Photography
new parents snuggle with daughter on sofa during Saratoga Springs newborn portraits in studio with Nicole Starr Photography
new parents snuggle with daughter on sofa during Saratoga Springs newborn portraits in studio with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in white wrap on sage green blanket with flower headband photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
older newborn lays in white wrap on mustard knit blanket photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl smiles in white wrap with white floral headband on blue chunky knit blanket with blue and gold star backdrop photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in pink knit blanket during studio newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
baby girl sleeps on lace and pale pink blanket during newborn photos in studio with Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps in white lace wrap with succulent inspired headband on sage blanket photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays on backdrop with ivy photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer

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newborn portraits with sage and mustard setups for baby girl photographed by studio newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Classic Studio Newborn Portraits for Baby Ea

Say hello to Baby Ea! Ea’s portrait session was my last newborn session before going on maternity leave to welcome my own baby girl! Ea was the sweetest girl, wide awake for our entire session… but perfectly calm. With that attitude, every single portrait was just adorable and I’m so happy she was so relaxed in the studio. 

For her session, Ea’s parents didn’t have too many requests. We wanted to keep the timeless and classic feeling for each of her setups. One of my favorites was the teddy bear setup because I caught the cutest little smile! Baby Ea is definitely already stealing hearts!! She’s seriously so sweet. Her parents did want to include fresh flowers in her setups, and I personally loved how the purple setup came out with them. 

After their session, we had their ordering session! All of these gorgeous portraits were turned into an heirloom album and circular wooden wall art. I hope that one day Baby Ea flips through her own album of portraits, like my son does, and that they can all look back on these early days of her life with fondness and happiness! 

new parents sit on couch with baby girl in white wrap during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
new parents sit on couch looking down at baby girl in white wrap during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds baby girl in white wrap during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds baby girl in white wrap during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom and dad cuddle with baby girl in white wrap during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad holds newborn baby girl in his arms during studio newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
mom in grey dress holds newborn baby girl in front of her  during studio newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
baby girl in white wrap lays in peach blanket during newborn photos on white wood studio floor photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl crinkles eyebrows laying on mauve blanket during studio newborn session with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps s laying on mauve blanket on wooden bed during studio newborn session with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl curls up in white wrap with tan bear ear hat on laying over peach blanket for studio newborn photos with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl’s foot sticks out of white wrap during newborn photos in studio with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays wrapped up in blue knit blanket in wicker basket for studio newborn session with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in ivory wrap with yellow hand band in wicker basket photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in ivory wrap with yellow hand band in wicker basket photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in white wrap on chunky knit purple blanket with purple flowers under wooden bowl photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in white wrap on chunky knit purple blanket with purple flowers under wooden bowl photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Classic studio newborn portraits with pastel setups for baby girl with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

5 Props I Use in Every Newborn Session

As a studio newborn photographer, my style is all about minimalistic setups and focusing on your baby! Your baby is perfect just as they are, and I don't want to distract from that in your portraits.  I use neutral colors and natural textures to create a clean, timeless, organic look in your baby's first portraits. To create these natrual setups, I do use a few props. Today, I’m sharing 5 props I use in (almost) every newborn session. Many of these props blend right in and you don't notice them at first glance (like the wooden crate and the bowl) because your eye is drawn right to the newborn baby.

baby sleeps in bed photographed by newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography in Saratoga Springs NY studio

Swaddle.  

This is a must-have for every newborn photographer, and the first thing you learn when posing newborns is how to wrap the baby snugly so that their arms and legs don't wiggle out of the wrap.  The swaddle keeps them calm and happy, and it helps them feel secure.  This plus heat and white noise or a shusher app all come together to lull the baby to sleep and make it easy to pose the little one.  I like to use what I call "baby spanx" underneath the swaddle to keep baby extra snug, plus it makes it easy for me to change out the top layer for a new look while baby stays calm and happy while all tucked in.

White crate.

I start all my individual portraits with this one prop!  I like to layer it with whites and creams for neutral portraits, and then as the session goes on, I will add in colors through additional wraps, bump blankets, and layers.  I typically begin with the baby fully swaddled, and then I bring out their arms and flip them to their bellies once they're settled into a deep sleep.

big brother looks over newborn sister laying in white crate during newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays n white wrap on cream blanket during newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY studio with Nicole Starr Photography
baby in white jumper lays on grey knit blanket during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer

Wooden bowl.

From there we move to the wooden bowl!  I love the round shape of it for overhead shots, and these always look so beautiful printed on our round wooden wall art pieces.  I also like surrounding the bowl with greenery or florals to accentuate the shape, plus it works well for posing babies on their bellies and capturing the head-on-hands pose.  

baby lays in blue wrap holding wooden snowflake during newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in white wrap laying on top of peonies and green blanket photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays in white wrap during newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in pink wrap on pink knit blanket photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays in wooden bowl during newborn portraits in studio with Nicole Starr Photography

Bed or cradle.

I love these wooden props for sleepy poses!  We make sure to capture a few overhead shots, full body, and close-up.  Plus, I always enjoy backlit a profile view of the baby, too!

baby sleeps in wooden bed with grey knit blanket and grey love photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby in blue outfit lays on wooden bed photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in cream wrap on wooden bed during studio newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography

White or cream blanket.

I have so many different white blankets with different textures, and I love using them in a variety of ways in my portraits.   Sometimes I use it on the posing bed for traditional posing.  Sometimes I layer it spilling out of the wooden crate.  Other times I will use it as a soft texture underneath the bowl or bed to add a little more dimension to photographs.    

baby sleeps wrapped up in Moses basket during studio newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays wrapped in white swaddle on blue knit blanket in Saratoga Springs NY studio with newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps in white jumper holding teddy love during Saratoga Springs NY newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps with white floral headband under white blanket photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

I’m always of the mindset that less is more when it comes to newborn portraits. I hope that these five props show you that you can truly create beautiful (and long-lasting) portraits for your baby without a lot of involved setups.


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5 props I use in every newborn session shared by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Baby Starr | Classic Black & White Newborn Portraits of Adelaide Olivia

I'm savoring this stage that we're in with our baby girl. I want to remember the newborn squeaks and grunts. How she stretches her little body, arches her back, and curls her hands up by her face. The way that her tiny fingers grasp my pinky and hold on tight. How her legs fit together perfectly like two puzzle pieces when she tucks them up together and fold them across her tummy. I find myself pulling out my phone more and more often to capture videos of this newborn goodness, the precious little mannerisms and reflexes that I know she'll soon outgrow but that I don't want to forget anytime soon. And of course I can't help but document it all on my camera as well, beautiful portraits that I know I'll look back on years from now and feel a yearning to go back to those sleep-deprived newborn weeks when she snuggled up so peacefully on my chest and her breathing synced with mine.

baby girl stretches in classic black and white newborn portrait photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

When capturing Adelaide's newborn portraits, I wanted to document a few that were raw and natural. Perfectly unposed. The black & white images and the clean white background keep the focus on the baby, and all of the sweet little details are front and center.

baby girl stretches in classic black and white newborn portrait photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl stretches in classic black and white newborn portrait photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Some photographers like to refer to this as "baby led posing," and that's exactly what happens to capture images like this. You let the baby run the show, and you let them curl up, stretch, sigh, and settle into the comfy positions that they naturally find comforting because it's how they were curled up in the womb. As the photographer, you can guide them a little bit by wrapping a swaddle around them or gently bringing their arm in when it floats out to the side, but you capture all of that newborn goodness and the natural movements and expressions that they make.

baby girl sleeps in classic black and white newborn portrait photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

These are a few of my favorite sleepy, unposed newborn portraits from Adelaide's first few weeks, and just looking at them now already has me missing those early days when she was so light and tiny in my arms. It really is true that it goes by so quickly, and it's hard to believe it until you're experiencing it that you can miss something already even as it's happening right before your very eyes.

baby girl’s toes in white wrap for classic black and white newborn portrait photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps laying on blanket unposed during classic black and white newborn portrait photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps laying on blanket unposed during classic black and white newborn portrait photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps laying on blanket unposed during classic black and white newborn portrait photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps laying on blanket unposed during classic black and white newborn portrait photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps laying on blanket unposed during classic black and white newborn portrait photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Classic black and white unposed  newborn portraits of baby girl photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Pastel Newborn Portraits for Baby Lakin with Big Sister

Welcome to the world, Baby Lakin! I first met Lakin’s family when they welcomed their first daughter, Quinn, 3.5 years ago. Now they've added another little girl to their family and they came back to my studio again for another set of newborn portraits. I’m SO happy I got to meet their new addition before my maternity leave. 

One of the best parts of working with a family more than once is getting to see how their kids grow up – and adjust to being big siblings. Quinn is an amazing big sister! She was super helpful during the session and wanted to take pictures with my wooden camera prop. It was so sweet. She even told her parents to move closer together and say cheese. At one point, she even posed her baby doll in the wooden bed I used for Lakin. It was adorable!!! I might have to hire her for my studio one day! 

Baby Lakin was sleepy the entire time, and I only saw her beautiful bright eyes as they were putting her in the car seat to go at the end of the session! She was still in that tired stage in the first few weeks of life – but that’s okay. Lakin looked adorable in each setup we chose. Personally, I loved the green wrap we used in the last few images. She looked precious snuggled up under the blanket!!

Thank you to this beautiful family for trusting me not once – but twice – with their girls’ newborn portraits. I’m so honored that I had the chance to work with you twice and celebrate your growing family!! 

family of four sits on sofa during newborn session in Saratoga Springs studio with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
mom sits on sofa with newborn baby girl and her big sister photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents look down at new baby girl sitting on sofa in studio with toddler on lap photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler sits in white lace dress holding newborn baby sister photographed by New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler sits in white lace dress holding newborn baby sister photographed by New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad holds two daughters sitting on couch photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girl snuggles new baby sister laying on rug during Saratoga Springs NY newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
man hugs wife and holds new baby girl during studio newborn session in Saratoga Springs with newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds newborn baby girl in arms during studio newborn photos with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
parents hug newborn daughter during newborn session in studio with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
dad holds newborn daughter in white swaddle sleeping against his chest during photos with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays wrapped up in white wrap with pink floral crown during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
baby lays in white wrap on top of peach peonies and green blanket photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in white wrap with purple headband during newborn session in Saratoga Springs studio with Nicole Starr Photography
big sister leans over newborn baby girl while she sleeps in wooden cradle photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in wooden cradle with pink and green floral headband under green blanket with pearl details photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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newborn portraits for baby girl with pastel setups photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer

Baby Starr | Adelaide's Newborn Portraits

Adelaide Olivia

June 17, 2022

We welcomed our daughter in the middle of June, and somehow an entire month has already gone by! I don't remember time going this quickly when our son was born, but the weeks have all blended into one another and time is disappearing faster than we can keep track of it. I swear I barely blink and another week has passed in a blur of feedings, naps, and doctors appointments!

Sweet little Adelaide Olivia was born on June 17, 2022. She is our rainbow baby, and we waited a very long time for this beautiful baby to join our family. She's finally her, and we are over the moon.

Adelaide is perfect in every way, and we are so in love already. Grayson is the proudest big brother, and he lights up every time he's in the room with her and wants to be involved in everything that has to do with his sister. His grandma keeps saying that "he was born to be a big brother," and it's true that he is really doing an amazing job in his new role already. We love watching him in this transition, and it's so sweet to see how he interacts with his baby sister.

baby girl sleeps in white wrap on pink knit blanket during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in white wrap with hands curled into her body  on pink knit blanket during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography

She spent the first couple of weeks sound asleep, and we couldn't wake her up for anything! She was literally the sleepiest baby I had ever encountered in my 10 years of posing newborns. But that meant that I got to enjoy multiple mini portrait sessions in the studio to capture a few setups each day. This was such a stark contrast to Grayson's newborn portraits, where he wouldn't settle into a deep sleep because he knew mama was close by, and every click of the shutter startled him wide awake. Baby girl knew what to do, and she snoozed and posed and smiled! I had so much fun capturing these first portraits of her, and now I'm excited to choose which ones to print and frame in our home, and many more to put into an album for our growing album collection!

baby girl lays on white blanket with simple white bow headband during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps with white bow in white lace wrap during newborn session in studio with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl smiles as she sleeps with white bow in white lace wrap during newborn session in studio with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps with white bow in white lace wrap during newborn session in studio with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in purple wrap on chunky knit blanket during pastel inspired newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography in Saratoga Springs studio
baby girl sleeps in purple wrap on chunky knit blanket during pastel inspired newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography in Saratoga Springs studio
baby girl sleeps curled up in mint green blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps curled up in mint green blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

For Adelaide's session I enjoyed lots of neutrals, and you all know I'm a fan of classic baby portraits on white backdrops and layers. I pulled out all of my favorite headbands and floral crowns from Polka Dot Poppy, and I added a few new ones with baby's breath as a nod to the baby's breath I wore in my hair at our wedding, and that my mother wore in her hair at her wedding in the 80s!

baby girl sleeps in white wrap with white floral headband  on peach blanket during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in white wrap on peach blanket during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays curled up in white wrap with baby’s breath headband during Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays curled up in white wrap with baby’s breath headband during Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps laying on hands  in white wrap with baby’s breath headband during Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

And of course, I couldn't resist using the same tiny camera prop that I used 4 years ago in Grayson's newborn portraits. Every photographer has got to capture her baby's portrait holding a newborn sized camera, right?!

baby girl sleeps holding camera during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps holding camera during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in white ruffled dress during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in white ruffled dress with pink floral headband during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in white ruffled dress with pink floral headband during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl holds leg in white ruffle onesie during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

I have so much more inspiration for Adelaide's portraits this year, and I'm excited to share more with you as she grows!

Thanks for celebrating our sweet girl's arrival with us!

newborn girl sleeps curled up in white wrap with floral headband during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
newborn girl sleeps in pink onesie on wooden bed during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Classic studio newborn portraits with neutral color scheme for photographer's daughter photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography