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!! 

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10 questions newborn photographers want you to ask before booking a session

Expecting a baby is such an exciting time for families - and planning your newborn portraits is always a lot of fun, too. But it can be overwhelming if you’re not sure who to hire or where to take your newborn baby. As a newborn photographer who’s been photographing babies for many years now, I’ve come to realize that there’s some important topics you should discuss with your newborn photographer before ever booking a session.

1. What safety training do you have with photographing newborns?

This is the most important question you can ask the photographers that you are considering for your little one's first portraits. Newborn photography requires specialized training, and you don't want to trust just anyone with a camera when it comes to your baby that is only a few days or weeks old. You want to hire someone who has in-depth safety training and who knows how to safely handle and pose a newborn -- because posing a newborn safely is much different than handling a newborn in your day-to-day life at home. There are many opportunities for newborn photographers to learn these skills both in-person and online. I have done a variety of workshops and even mentored other photographers, and I continue my newborn education every year with new workshops and trainings. I've photographed hundreds of newborns since 2012, and their safety is my #1 priority in every single session. Safety trumps a cute pose every single time.

2. How many newborn sessions do you schedule a month?

Some photographers run a high volume studio, which means they take on dozens of clients each month. I run a low volume, high service business so that I can devote more time and attention to each client. This also allows me plenty of flexibility in scheduling newborn sessions depending on when each baby arrives. I take on a limited number of newborn clients each month so that I can be sure to fit everyone on the calendar with plenty of wiggle room for babies who are early and late arrivals.

3. Is the studio cleaned and sanitized between sessions?

This has always been important to me as a business owner, and now more than ever we are paying extra attention to all of the ways to make our studio safe for our littlest clients. Every hard surface is disinfected before a session, and every fabric and soft prop is sanitized as well. Read more about our Covid policies here on the blog.

4. What happens during a newborn session and how long is it?

There's nothing more stressful than becoming a new parent. There are so many unknowns in the first few weeks, which is why I like to prep families ahead of time for their newborn session so that they know exactly what to expect. My studio sessions typically last 2-3 hours, and you can read more about what to expect from start to finish here.

5. Do you have a newborn session prep guide?

I give every family a welcome packet upon booking their session, and it includes a prep guide with tips on what to do and what to expect before, during, and after their portrait session! I tell all families that this may be their first time, but I've done this literally hundreds of times, so I do whatever it takes to make their experience easier and less stressful.

6. Is family posing included?

Not every newborn photographer includes family and sibling portraits in their sessions. If the first family portrait is something that is important to you (I know it is to me!), then look for a photographer that includes this. I encourage all families to jump in front of the camera for a few portraits at the beginning of their session because I can guarantee you that these are the memories you'll want to look back on one day -- just how tiny your baby was all curled up in your arms and the way your toddler looks at their new sibling before leaning in for a kiss. See some of my favorite family moments captured during newborn sessions in this Best of 2021 Newborn Portraits on the blog!

7. What happens if the baby cries or won't settle?

This happens. And actually, speaking of things that happen during a newborn session, so does poop. And you know what? We just go with it! I wrap and swaddle the baby, rock and gently bounce the baby, turn up the heat, play white noise or a shusher, and use a few baby whisperer techniques that I've picked up over the years that calm even the fussiest babies. I tell all families that all babies settle eventually, and we just go with it knowing that once they settle we'll be able to capture the most beautiful portraits of your little one. In the meantime, I love a good awake newborn portrait and these are a great opportunity to capture their wide variety of expressions and interaction with family members. No time is ever wasted, but we also take our time and don't rush through anything.

8. What should we wear? Do you offer a client closet?

This is one of my FAVORITE questions, and if clients don't mention this to me on our phone call then I 100% make sure to bring it up! I have lots of tips for families to make choosing an outfit simple, and I even provide a closet filled with dresses for moms to borrow for their portraits. I know what it's like as a new mom when you're not sure what is going to fit right after delivering your baby. That is why I have carefully selected a variety of long dresses in flowy, neutral fabrics and flattering styles that look amazing on new moms. You're welcome to borrow one for your portraits when you book your newborn session with me! Find more tips for what to wear on the blog, including for dad & siblings!

9. Can you come to our home?

Some photographers offer lifestyle portrait session in the client's home. I love these sessions, and they are a beautiful and relaxed peek into your lives at home with your new baby. If you want the convenience of a photographer that comes to you, this might be something to consider! These sessions look and feel quite different from a studio session, so be sure that they're the right fit for you before booking.

10. What is included in the price?

This is going to be different for every photographer. There are some photographers that sell only prints, and others that sell only digital images. There are photographers that will design your birth announcements and albums, and help you select wall art that will be perfectly sized and will complement the decor in your home. There are other photographers that will send you an online gallery and leave the rest up to you to figure out. Find the photographer whose process fits your needs. Are you looking for photos to post on Facebook? Or are you looking for beautiful artwork to enjoy at home and keepsakes to pass down to your children?

Over the past decade of working with families, I have found that most new parents are overwhelmed with life at home with a new baby, and that is why I offer a full-service experience that includes an in-home ordering appointment where I help them select their favorite images. I print everything for them from my professional labs, and bring them artwork that is ready to hang and enjoy. When working with me, families don't have to worry about when they'll have the time to log into a gallery, figure out which images are their favorites, determine which sizes will fit on their walls, make sure the ones they chose look good together, find a decent lab to send everything to print, design an album, make and print their own cards, etc. It's literally all done for them while they get to soak up those first few weeks with their brand new baby and not have to worry about anything else.

I realize that everyone has a budget in mind when scheduling their portrait session, however, I also believe that you shouldn't choose your newborn photographer based on price alone. These are memories that you are going to treasure for the rest of your life, and the birth of your child is one of the most important milestones your family will ever celebrate. You want your portraits to reflect that, and you want your printed products to stand the test of time so that you can pass these keepsakes down to your child one day when they are grown.

Make sure you choose a photographer whose style you love. Look carefully at their work and see if you can imagine it hanging in your home. Learn about the service they provide and the products they will create for you, and think about the ways they can make your life easier as a new parent when it comes to enjoying your portraits.

Are you expecting a little one? Reach out today and let's chat about how I can create a memorable portrait experience for your family!

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Blush Pink Newborn Portraits with Adorable Big Sister

Baby Sienna was as sweet as can be! She joined me at our Saratoga Springs portrait studio for her newborn session along with big sister Gianna, who I have been photographing since SHE was a little baby. I absolutely loved watching these two sisters together and capturing their very first portraits as a family of four. We used a lot of creams and blush pink to go along with Gianna’s previous sessions so that everything will coordinate beautifully on their gallery wall in the living room, and I just love how it all turned out!

Plus, I am officially in love with the white room we’ve built into the corner of the new studio. The light coming through the curtains is beyond magical and it is so soft and perfect in portraits. Don’t you just love these family portraits?!?! Mama looked amazing in the white lace dress from the studio’s Mama Wardrobe, and she chose the most adorable looks for big sister, too!

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A Tour of Our Brand New Portrait Studio in Saratoga Springs

Ahhhhh, I am so excited to share this with all of you! Welcome to my new baby portrait studio in Saratoga Springs!

I have had a home studio since 2015 when we lived in a tiny little apartment in Boston. That was the year I decided to leave my full-time teaching job to focus solely on my business. Back then we turned our living room into a full-time studio and I crammed way too many props into that itty bitty space. I look back at photos of that first studio now and think, “Really?!?! How did we do that?!”

But the space didn’t matter and my clients were happy, which is all that really mattered!

Then we moved to Saratoga Springs in 2016 and I had a larger, separate studio space in our basement. It worked great for what I needed, but it still had its limitations and things that wish I could change in an ideal world. However, moving a fireplace and getting rid of necessary doorways wasn’t in the cards for our starter home, so I made it work the very best I could and it was a wonderful space where I welcomed so many babies and families over those 4 years!

Then in October 2020 we moved into our dream home in Saratoga Springs, and that home has my DREAM STUDIO SPACE!!! When we first toured the house I realized that the huge basement had so many possibilities for a portrait studio in terms of layout, shooting space, and prop storage. There is a lot more wall space, which is perfect for backdrops and displaying samples, plus the drop ceilings are my favorite way to hang props and garlands for a 3D effect in our cake smash setups.

Everything about the space is truly a dream come true.

When we moved in we had to give the entire space a facelift. It had green walls and red vinyl flooring, which we tore out the very first night we bought the house. We spent 1.5 weeks painting and installing new flooring, and setting everything up just so before my holiday sessions in early November. It was crazy how quickly we were able to get it done, and the transformation in such a short period of time was truly mind-blowing!

Now a few months later I have put the finishing touches on most of the studio space. There are a few more changes and additions I will be doing this winter, but when I look at the studio now I still can’t believe it’s mine. All of these years of hard work, all of these years of pinning studio inspiration photos and saving beautiful studio posts on Facebook, and I have pulled it all together and brought it to life in my very own home. I am truly grateful and still in disbelief that it’s mine!

Without further adieu, welcome to the new home of Nicole Starr Photography, my boutique portrait studio in Saratoga Springs, New York!

The studio is filled with wraps, handmade outfits, and tiny headbands and hats for your newborn session. This is the posing bed where we photograph your newborn baby, and when you arrive at the studio you are able to choose your favorite layers, wraps, and headbands for your little one’s portraits.

All of my props are natural textures and colors, and I favor wood, whitewashed wood, natural fibers, and woven baskets for truly classic and clean portraits. Learn more about why I love neutrals for baby portraits here!

I have also amassed quite the studio wardrobe filled with adorable little outfits for babies and toddlers, and stunning dresses for mamas!

And yes, I have more cake stands than most professional bakers! Perfect for our cake smash sessions!

My ultimate goal is to make the studio a welcoming place for every family that walks through the door. That is why we have a comfy couch to relax on. A changing pad to make diaper changes a little easier for you. An allergy-friendly and kid-friendly snack cart. Coffee and tea. A toy corner to entertain toddler siblings during newborn sessions. I want you to be able to sit back, relax, and let me take care of you so you do not have to worry about a thing while you are in the studio. Just enjoy the experience!

This is the “white room,” my main shooting area. We do most family portraits here, as well as baby portraits!

I hope you enjoyed this little peek into our studio, and I hope you’ll visit in person sometime soon! Be sure to reach out to plan your session a few months in advance since the calendar does fill up quickly!

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Vivienne's Older Newborn Portraits

One of the things I love most about this job is connecting with families and watching their little ones grow. This family has trusted me to capture ALL THREE of their babies’ newborn portraits, and they have 24” canvases hanging in their home from each session. I’ve loved watching the boys grow, and I was so excited to celebrate their baby girl’s arrival with them.

We originally planned on capturing newborn portraits for Vivienne, but she was born right when everything started shutting down with the quarantine so we had to postpone. We eventually got into the studio for her milestone session, and we even managed to capture a few sleepy portraits of this sweet girl! She’s starting to show more personality now, and those rolls on her arms and legs are one of the many perks of waiting a bit for her older “newborn” portraits!

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Welcoming Baby Brother - A Studio Newborn Portrait Session with Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer

I have been lucky enough to create portraits for this sweet family ever since they had only two little ones… and now they have FOUR! I absolutely loved celebrating their SON’S arrival with a studio newborn session. The big sisters were extra excited about their baby brother, whose gender was a surprise until birth, and they showered him in love and kisses the entire time.

We captured the sweetest cuddles with mom and dad, too. Lynsey rocked a flowy white gown from our Mama Wardrobe in the studio, and it looked so beautiful on her! I just love how clean & classic these mommy & baby portraits are in a neutral color palette!

Being their first boy, we had to pull out some blues for his portraits! The studio is stocked with gorgeous handmade knit layers in so many colors, and I love this navy on him.

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Classic Newborn portraits in our saratoga springs portrait studio

Lately I’ve been starting all of our newborn sessions off with UNPOSED portraits of the baby in a simple white onesie. When the family arrives we chat, gently take the baby from the carseat, and place the baby on our posing beanbag in the onesie they arrived in for a few captures of them just being themselves. I love these moments of unposed perfection, and the sweet little details that we are able to capture! Even more, I adore when the family joins in.

Then we swaddle the baby up for some gorgeous family portraits.

Why the swaddle? Newborns are accustomed to being tucked in nice & snug (after all, they just spent nine months curled up in a tiny little space!). The swaddle helps to keep them calm & content, and it also reduces their startle reflex. Usually the babies fall right to sleep and we’re able to move them around and capture a variety of portraits before slowly working their limbs out of the swaddle and carefully moving them into different positions.

These are some of my FAVORITE family portraits. Isn’t baby Isla just the cutest? Her little smile melts my heart!

Clearly baby sister gets her cuteness from her big brother! He did such an amazing job and I love these sibling portraits that we captured during their session.

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A Newborn Session for Austin and Big Sister Avery

You guys aren’t going to believe the adorable sibling portraits we captured during Austin’s studio newborn session.

This handsome baby boy has the sweetest big sister, and she was AMAZING during his portrait session. I love every single photo of the two of them together.

We turned one of their portraits into a 24” circle wooden wall art piece, and when I pulled it out of the box I literally gasped. It truly took my breath away with how beautiful it was, and I’m so excited for it to be hanging in Austin’s nursery.

I loved the beautiful neutral set-ups that just let this sweet baby’s creamy skin and dark hair POP. He was so sleepy and angelic, and it really was a dream session!

Doesn’t he look so sweet in navy and white stripes? This is one of our studio outfits, and I love how perfectly it fits sweet little Austin! The way he crosses his tiny feet just melts my heart, too!

A Gray and Cream Neutral Newborn Session for Dylan | Saratoga Springs NY Newborn Photographer

Dylan Shiloh was 8 pounds, 4 ounces of squishy perfection.

This sweet baby boy was so cuddly at our Saratoga Springs studio for his newborn session.  We captured the sweetest parent portraits and I know his family will love looking back on these many years from now and remembering just how tiny he was, and how he curled up in their arms to snuggle in close.

His mama requested all neutrals for his session, and creams and grays were the perfect palette to match their decor at home.  

These tiny newborn details get me every time!  I just adore their little fingers and toes, and the way their brand new skin flakes on their wrists and ankles.  

The best thing about 8 pound babies?  Those BACK ROLLS!!!  Dylan had rolls for days, and I loved being able to capture those on this perfect little baby.

Welcome Baby James | A Neutral Newborn Session with Boston Newborn Photographer

I love watching families grow, and it's always such an honor when parents come back to me with Baby #2 for their newborn session.  

Meet James Christos.

I first met this sweet family when big brother Lucas was born two years ago, and I was thrilled to hear that they were expecting their second baby boy this spring!  We planned their newborn session at our Attleboro portrait studio, and when I asked mom what she was looking for she told me -- "VANILLA."

Whites, creams, and neutrals.  "Vanilla" is my thing, and the simplicity of it goes perfectly with our classic newborn sessions!

James wasn't a huge fan of sleeping, and we were able to get some adorable wide-eyed baby poses with him all wrapped up.  He loved being snug in our wraps, and they kept him nice and calm throughout the session while he looked around at everything going on around him.  

When he finally did fall asleep, it was pure magic!  This sweet baby boy was so cuddly and flexible, and he curled right up into the same positions that he was in in the womb.  I just love how peaceful he is while sleeping!

Curious about our newborn sessions?  Check out this helpful post to see if a studio newborn session is the right fit for your family!  (We have THREE types of newborn sessions, and there's the perfect style for everyone between our studio, lifestyle, and Fresh 48 sessions!)

Lillian Wynne - A Simple Newborn Session at our Attleboro Portrait Studio - Boston MA Newborn Photographer

Blush pink, cream, white, and gray.  These simple & classic colors always come together in the most beautiful way for our studio newborn sessions, and I was thrilled when Lillian's mom asked me to style her daughter's session in these tones.

This sweet baby girl's gender was a surprise.  Since this is their second child and their first daughter, of course Lily's mama was excited to incorporate some girly details into her newborn session like our adorable headbands and bows, and all of the prettiest textures.

Big brother James was so sweet with his new sister, and I love the cozy family portraits that we captured of this family of four.  Family portraits are always a favorite part of our newborn sessions as we get everyone together to cuddle up with their new addition, and adding a toddler into the mix always makes them 10X more fun with the tickles, giggles, and kisses! 

Love this classic & girly studio newborn session? 
Enjoy a few more recent studio newborn sessions here on the blog!

Emma Adele's Newborn Portraits
Kona Helen's Newborn Session
Quinn Madlina's Newborn Portraits

Your New Favorite Storybook - A Peek into our Newborn Albums - Saratoga Springs NY Newborn Photographer

Did you see last month's album blog post?  Click to see why these fine art albums are my absolute favorite keepsake that we offer with our sessions, and check out this beautiful baby girl's album, too!
 

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Today I'm excited to share another fine art album from one of our recent newborn sessions.  Declan James came to our Saratoga Springs studio and we did a classic neutral session with a few nautical elements incorporated into his portraits.  This sweet little boy loved being swaddled, and we captured so many gorgeous images of him with his proud parents. 

These albums tell such a beautiful story, and they are truly a special way to celebrate your baby's arrival.  I love how we weave all of his portraits together in an album that they will pass down to him one day when he's older!

While I love a sleepy newborn all curled up in a little pose, there's nothing I adore more than parent shots.  Look at the awe and pride on these new parents' faces as they hold their baby boy!  It's truly magical to witness.

Oh, sweet boy.  You're going to melt so many hearts with those soulful eyes of yours!

Did you know that the best time to book your newborn session is in the second trimester?  Read more about our newborn sessions here, and contact us today to start planning your baby's portrait session!  
 

Welcome, Kona - A Neutral and Minimalist Studio Newborn Session - Boston Newborn Photographer

Many years ago, I remember thinking that white, cream, and beige were "boring."  I lived in an apartment with all white walls, and I couldn't wait to get out of there so that I could paint all of my rooms different colors.

Flash forward, and nowadays there is nothing I love more than neutrals.  Give me all of the whites, creams, and grays, and my heart is happy.  Especially with our newborn sessions -- these babies are so fresh & pure, and these soft neutral colors are the perfect complement to truly showcase how beautiful these new little ones are on their own.  There is nothing to distract from their perfection!

Kona visited me at our Attleboro studio with her big sister Kailani.  Her mom requested all neutrals, because just like me, her heart goes all pitter-patter when she sees those whites & creams together.  Kona's skin was so creamy and beautiful, and her dark hair perfectly framed her face, making her pop against our simple backdrops.

This sleepy little girl wanted to see what was going on, and while she resisted sleep for awhile, she eventually gave in and closed those beautiful sparkling eyes of hers.  Not before we got some great wide-eyed shots first, though!

It's always unpredictable with toddlers and newborns, and Kailani took awhile to warm up to the idea of being in a portrait with her baby sister.  Later in the session, she decided now would be the perfect time and she walked on over and kissed Kona right on her forehead without prompting.  She's already becoming such a good big sister!

Love what you see?  Check out these neutral newborn sessions at our studio, too!
 

Quinn's Neutral Newborn Session at our Saratoga Springs Portrait Studio - Saratoga Springs NY Newborn Photographer

Ohhhhhh my goodness!  Quinn Madlina officially melted my heart during her newborn session.  Please bring me all of your cute, cuddly, smiley little babies!

I just loved photographing this sweet baby girl.  She was so calm and peaceful the entire session, and such a beauty, too!  I don't think I've ever seen a baby with more perfect lips than Quinn, and those dark curls just framed her face perfectly!

I always tell families that if they have a special family heirloom they'd like to incorporate into their newborn session, to bring it along with them.  Quinn's mother told me she still had the newborn blanket that was made for her when she was a baby, and I was thrilled when she pulled this beautiful handmade pink & white blanket from her diaper bag.  Quinn was a fan, too!

I've been having so much fun incorporating our new chunky knit layers into our newborn sessions at the studio lately, and I just love how these soft textures complemented Quinn's beautiful complexion.  Doesn't she look amazing against cream fabrics?!?!  Such a beauty!

Grandma joined us at the studio for their newborn session, and I always love it when grandparents jump in for a three generation portrait and a few individuals with their new grandbaby.  She was absolutely beaming while holding her new granddaughter, and I can already tell that she is going to have so many wonderful adventures with this sweet baby girl.  

Did you know that the best time to book your newborn session is in the second trimester?  But don't worry, sometimes we're able to fit in an appointment at the last minute, too!  Be sure to reach out right away to save a date on the calendar for your little one -- sessions are best done within the first two weeks of their arrival!

Bringing Home Evelyn - A Lifestyle Newborn Session with Saratoga Springs Newborn Photographer - Saratoga Springs NY Newborn Photographer

I love going into a family's home for their lifestyle newborn session, and visiting sweet Evelyn's family was no exception.  It's always magical to be invited into a family's space to watch those beautiful moments unfold as they get to know their brand new baby.

We spent an hour together with the most alert baby girl who wanted to observe everything that was going on around her.  Most newborns tire out after a short while, especially with so much activity going on around them, but Evelyn was determined to show off her sparkling eyes in all of her newborn portraits.  I'm so glad she did -- look at how beautiful she is!!

One of the things that ALL families worry about before a lifestyle newborn session is -- what if my house is a mess????

Many times before their session, I reassure the new moms and dads that I 100% expect to see laundry, clutter, dozens of baby items, food, and other evidence of their life around the house.  Honestly, that's what life at home with a new baby looks like! 

But I understand that you might not want to always remember the laundry, so I have a few tricks up my sleeve to make every single home look magazine-worthy.

While our lifestyle sessions looks so perfectly clean and organized, you have to remember that just what's in the frame is magazine-worthy.  There are always mountains of laundry, bulky bassinets and diaper genies, and a couple of pairs of shoes in the corner behind me.  And what's in the frame is pure perfection.

You don't need a lot of space or great big windows to capture beautiful lifestyle images at home with your newborn.  All you need is a tidy little corner of your home, a little bit of good light, and an outlet nearby for me to plug in my studio light -- that's all it takes!  As long as you don't mind when we rearrange a couple of things to pull them out of the camera's frame to keep the focus on YOU & YOUR BABY, we're going to have gorgeous images of your little family together.

Want to see my FAVORITE blog post about seeing a home through a photographer's eyes?  Check it out here, and see how a crowded lime green bedroom became a gorgeous neutral space for this family's session.

A Pumpkin Spice Inspired Newborn Session at our Saratoga Springs Portrait Studio - Saratoga Springs, NY Newborn Photographer

I just love everything about fall -- pumpkins, plaid, cider donuts, sweater weather, homemade chili, and so much fall baking that my kitchen smells amazing for the entire month of October.

That's exactly why I was thrilled do bring just a touch of fall into a recent newborn session at our Saratoga Springs portrait studio with sweet little Teagan.  How adorable is she all wrapped up for the sweater weather season?

Every time I'm able to catch a smile during one of our newborn sessions, I tell the parents just how lucky we were to capture that fleeting moment.  Teagan's smile is so beautiful, and she looks so happy to be all snuggled up with those sunflowers.  Did you notice the little matching headband?  That was created especially for this set-up!

Of course I am all about the creamy white pumpkins.  I've never been a huge fan of orange and red, but if you can find fall decor in neutral colors, then I am all over it!  I picked up these pumpkins at the local Sunnyside Gardens here in Saratoga Springs.  They had so many varieties of pumpkins besides just big round orange ones, and I love these petite ones that were just perfect for our newborn session props.

Are you looking to add a touch of seasonal decor to your upcoming newborn session? We've incorporated twinkle lights, greenery, and candy canes for the holidays; penguins, puffy white snow, and fuzzy hats in the winter; a hint of hearts for Valentine's Day; tulips and other dainty flowers in the springtime... the possibilities are truly endless!  Let's chat about planning a creative little set-up for your upcoming session!  

A Fine Art Album for Newborn Quinn Madlina | Saratoga Springs NY Newborn Photographer

Imagine curling up on the couch with your little one, pulling out their favorite book, and telling them the story of when they came into your family. 

Imagine their tiny little fingers turning the pages and pointing out "mama," "dada", and "baby", hovering over a sleeping newborn photo of your tiny little baby all wrapped up and cozy.  

Imagine passing this album down to them 30 years from now when they have children of their own, showing them just how small and how loved they were, and giving them a glimpse into your life as a new parent as they are about to embark on their own journey into parenthood.

That's why we create our Fine Art Albums.  That's why they are my FAVORITE heirloom product for families to enjoy from our sessions.  That's why I have a growing collection of them in my own home -- they are gorgeous keepsakes that will quickly become your most treasured posessions, telling your family's beautiful story through images.

The very first time I spoke on the phone with Quinn's mother, she told me right away, "We're album people.  We're definitely going to want to create an album after her newborn session."  They have albums from all of their family milestones, filling their shelves with memories.  So of course we created the most beautiful album of all to celebrate their baby girl's arrival.

The pages are printed on photo paper and are truly breathtaking -- you have to see them in person, and the quality will blow you away! 

I also give my clients durable and kid-friendly products that will fit their lifestyle.  Don't worry about keeping it in a box to keep it perfect.  The lustre coating on the pages protects against tiny fingerprints, and if your baby drools on it you can just wipe it off with a cloth without worrying about damage.  This heirloom will hold up over the years and it will stay looking as beautiful as ever as your child grows.

My favorite thing about our albums is that we weave together all of your session images to tell a story, YOUR STORY.  Just look at the excitement on these new parents' faces!  That's what you want to remember years from now as your baby grows up and doesn't fit so perfectly curled up in your hands.  

Check out a few of our other favorite albums on the blog!
 

Willem Todd's Studio Newborn Session for a Tiny Aviator Pilot - Saratoga Springs Newborn Photographer

When your daddy works in aviation, you can bet you're going to have a little bit of an aviation theme in your newborn portraits.  And in your nursery.  And probably in your first birthday, too!

Willem Todd joined me at the studio for a newborns session, and I loved the thoughtful little pilot items that his parents brought in to reflect his father's career and also their love of travel.  How cute is this sweet little pilot?

Of course, we always capture some classic and simple shots in our newborn sessions without any props where the baby can be the focus.  Grays and whites have been my favorites lately, and they were such flattering colors against Willem!  Plus, how sweet does he look in my tiny little white romper?

I've been playing with some new white-on-white setups in the studio lately, bringing in the simplest of colors so that the baby is the star and just pops against a classically simple backdrop.  I love these next two images of Willem on the beanbag, with the waterfall wrap cascading around him!

Willem's mom and dad are both Dutch, and his dad actually lived in Holland before they met!  Of course we had to incorporate these wooden clogs into their son's session as a little nod to their heritage.  Do you recognize the tiny clogs?  Take a peek at their maternity session to see where these "klompen" made their very first appearance!

I just love their family portraits!  Amy & Lo are such attentive parents already, and they are so in love with their baby boy.  When they arrived at the studio I told them to relax, sit back, close their eyes for a few minutes to catch up on some sleep.  Like all new parents, they were exhausted, but they said, "No way!  We'll just fight off sleep.  We don't want to miss a thing!"  

They were truly beaming as they held Willem and marveled over how perfect he was -- granted, they were definitely sleep deprived so some of the joy radiating off of them could have also been exhaustion, but still, joy trumps exhaustion!   ;o)  

I first met Willem Todd when he was only 22 hours old at Glens Falls Hospital for his Fresh 48 session.  Enjoy his Fresh 48 blog post here!  

Wondering if a studio newborn session is the right fit for you?  Check out these blog posts about our three types of newborn sessions to determine which is the perfect fit for your family's style & needs!

Declan James - A Saratoga Springs Newborn Session - Saratoga Springs NY Newborn Photographer

You know what I love during our newborn sessions?  When I get a wide-awake baby who is so curious about the world and they give the most amazing eye contact.  

Declan James did not disappoint, and this sweet baby boy definitely won the staring contest at our Saratoga Springs newborn studio.  Don't you just love those sparkling eyes of his?

We recently added new knit layers to the studio collection, and I loved incorporating these soft and chunky textures into his newborn portraits.  

Doesn't he look so cozy all wrapped up and sleeping?  (Because yes, Declan finally fell asleep... which I suppose means that I won the staring contest after all!!)

These overhead birds-eye shots are always my favorite showing just how tiny these newborn babies are in our baskets and bowls!

Like so many of our NSP families, Declan's mom and dad are fans of the ocean and love that nautical theme.  They brought an adorable hand-knit outfit from a friend with a cute little anchor on it, so of course we took a few portraits of Declan in his sailor gear!

And finally, our family portraits always make me smile!  This new mom & dad were so excited to cuddle their baby boy and pose with him when he was all wrapped up tight.  We loved how he kept bringing his feet up to his face, and no matter how we moved his little toes he kept wanting to use that one foot as a little kickstand for his cheek.  What a flexible little boy, and you can definitely tell how he was curled up just like this in the womb only two short weeks before these portraits were taken!

Did you know that the best time to book your newborn session is during the second trimester?  The fall and early winter months are already filling up -- contact us today to book your newborn portrait session!

Is a Studio Newborn Session the Right Fit for You? - Studio Newborn Photographer

With so many options in the newborn photography world, how do you know which is the right fit for you?  Today we're talking all about studio newborn portrait sessions, and how to know if that's the right style for your family.

I offer three types of newborn sessions -- studio sessions, lifestyle sessions in your home, and Fresh 48 sessions at the hospital.  Each one tells a different story, and gives you a different style of images.  Some families choose to do just one session, others do a combination of two (typically Fresh 48 and then either lifestyle or studio), and still others do all three!

Fresh 48 sessions are natural, raw, and filled with emotion.  They are a peek into your first hours meeting your newborn baby, and they are filled with some of the most magical moments I ever have the pleasure of photographing.  Sure, the hospital decorating choices might leave a little to be desired, and you're going to be exhausted because you just delivered a baby the day before, but these are moments you will never get back and you will always cherish.  Check out our blog post about why you might want to consider hiring a Fresh 48 photographer.

Lifestyle sessions are a relaxed, intimate peek into your lives at home in the first few weeks of bringing home your baby.  They are unposed, and we capture you just as you are in your home.  We also take care to capture all of the details of the nursery that you carefully planned for 9 months, and give you portraits that you'll be able to show your child as they grow and tell them all about the house they came home to when they were born.  Check out our blog post about lifestyle sessions to see if this might be the best fit for you!

But today, it's all about the studio sessions!  How do you know if they are the right fit for you? I get asked this question all the time by expecting parents, and here are a few things to keep in mind.  If these facts resonate with you, then a studio session is probably the best fit for you!  

1.  You love those classic family portraits against a clean background, where everyone is looking at the camera.  

In the studio we capture shots with mom & dad, siblings, and everyone alone with the baby.  If you love the more "posed" style of family portraits, book your studio session!

2.  You can't get enough of those adorable little bowls, baskets, and crates that we pose babies in!

The studio is stocked with simple, classic props that won't detract from your baby's beauty.  All of my props are natural wood, driftwood, or painted white.  Wraps and other items are all natural materials that are perfectly soft against baby's delicate skin.  If you love those shots of baby wrapped and curled up in bowls and baskets, a studio session is the right fit for you!

3.  You love those newborn poses of babies on a blanket, with their head on their hands.

Newborn photographers are trained in newborn safety, and they know how to safely position your little one in those sweet little poses that melt every parent's heart.  We use a posing beanbag in the studio covered in blankets to give your baby a safe cushion, and we know just how to prop them up and support them to get them into those curly little positions.  If you adore clean & uncluttered backgrounds, this is perfect for you too since these poses are not something that can be achieved at home on your bed.

4.  Your heart skips a beat when you see those tiny little headbands and hand-knit newborn outfits, and you love a perfectly coordinated set.

We have headbands, bonnets, basket stuffers, and perfectly sized outfits that are 1,000,000 times cuter and more classic than anything you'll find at Target.  Trust me on this one: use the cute little accents that your photographer has in the studio because they are created to be photographed, and they will look so classic on your newborn baby.

5.  You have a prop that you'd like to use.

If you have a special item that is sentimental or a family heirloom, please bring that to your session!  We typically only have time to incorporate 1-2 additional items into your baby's setups, and it's nice to not let your little one be overpowered by too many props.  But if you have something small that is related to your family (your grandmother's quilt, a bracelet you wore as a baby, an item related to mom or dad's career or how you first met), let's incorporate it into your session!  It is always so much fun to breathe a little personality into your portraits, and they're guaranteed to be images that you love for years to come.

But what would I recommend not bringing?  

Well, you know those little crocheted outfits of animals sold on Etsy?  They're typically made with low-quality yarn and the baby's skin gets irritated when rubbing up against them, plus the baby almost always overheats in those hats and diaper covers.  A sweaty baby is an unhappy baby, and we won't be able to soothe them to get the shot.  

I also wouldn't recommend bringing a shot list from Pinterest -- discuss any inspiration with your photographer ahead of time, but remember that you hired them because you trust their style and their artistic vision.  

Leave the fluffy flower headbands from the baby store at home, as well as all of those cute little newborn onesies and shoes -- they're often too large on the baby anyways, so they're swimming in sleeves that don't fit and shoes that keep falling off.  (Baby toes are adorable -- let's showcase them!)  Plus when your baby is all curled up and sleepy you can't see the text/design on the onesies very well.  Save them for visits with family and cute cell phone pictures of them in their car seat.

6.  Finally, if you love those sleepy newborn shots of the baby perfectly posed or wrapped up to show how small they are, the studio is the perfect place to capture that!  

I have dozens of wraps, blankets, and faux furs in the studio to pose your baby on, and I love finding new combinations to keep every session fresh.  At the studio it's easier to get the baby to sleep because we keep it a toasty 80 degrees with white noise in the background, allowing us to pose your baby naked, or wrapped up snugly in a swaddle to get them to sleep.  If you love those sleepy shots, a studio session is for you!

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So, a studio newborn session feels like the right fit for you!  What's next?

Get in touch with your photographer while you're still pregnant to schedule your newborn session.  Most moms reach out during the second trimester.  Newborn sessions are penciled in on the calendar based on your due date, and photographers only accept a certain number of due dates each month to give each family the flexibility in scheduling that they deserve.  

Then as soon as your baby arrives, tell your photographer so that they can set a date for your session!  It's important that studio sessions take place (ideally) within the first two weeks of the baby's arrival, so don't delay!