In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Portraits at Christmastime

World, meet Lucas.

This sweet baby boy is proof that miracles really do happen. His mama is one of my closest friends, and we all waited and wished and hoped for his arrival for a very long time. After working as a newborn photographer for over a decade, I truly have such respect and awe for each family’s unique journey to parenthood. For so many families, mine included, the road is long and rough and filled with some twists and turns that break your heart. But when it ends with a sweet little bundle like this boy right here? It makes it all worth it.

Katie and I have known each other for about 15 years. We worked together when I was an elementary teacher in Massachusetts, and then fate brought us back together as roommates in Boston a few years later. We both wound up marrying Jeffs, and you can often hear us refer to “my Jeff” or “your Jeff” in conversation to keep it from getting too confusing. ;o)

We had many conversations about their journey to parenthood, and a few years ago I told Katie that I had had a dream about her the night before. She and I were sitting in front of a Christmas tree holding a baby. I couldn’t tell from the dream whose baby it was or whose lap the baby was on, but I felt certain that it was hers and we took it as a positive sign. For years, that dream kept popping up in both of our minds and gave her a glimmer of hope that good things happen around Christmastime.

And then one day she told me she was pregnant and due at the end of November. She was having her Christmas tree baby!

Katie’s sweet baby boy did not want a November birthday, so he held on until the wee hours of December 1 to start making his arrival into the world known. From the very beginning, or even before the very beginning, he was destined to be a holiday baby.

But the funny thing about that dream is how I couldn’t tell whose baby it was that we were holding. Because as I sat in front of my own Christmas tree holding my own little six-month-old girl while looking at a photo of Lucas that Katie had just texted to me, I realized that it was BOTH OF US with our babies in front of that tree.

I went out to visit Katie & Jeff to document this milestone for their family with a lifestyle portrait session in their home. My little Adelaide came along as my “assistant” and she got to meet her new friend Lucas. Katie and Jeff’s Christmas decor was up, which was the perfect touch to bring this story full circle. I love how you can even see a hint of a window wreath in the nursery portraits! After we finished their portraits, we sat in front of their tree with our babies and we just savored this long-awaited moment.

It’s funny how life works, isn’t it?

Enjoy a peek into this cozy at-home newborn session with this sweet family!

---

Save this post for later!

Lifestyle Newborn Portrait Session in a Coastal Home

I have been lucky enough to document this family’s milestones since their oldest was just a few months old, and now he is six and he is a big brother to TWO little brothers!! I always adore catching up with this sweet family and we share a lot of laughs during our summertime sessions together. This year they were welcoming a new baby, and we did a lifestyle newborn session in their beach house on Cape Cod.

Big brothers Nick and Harry couldn’t get enough of their baby brother, and they snuggled and loved on him the entire time. They truly made my job easy with sibling portraits like this one.

During a lifestyle portrait session we look for rooms in your house that have great natural light.  We didn’t have to look far, as this sun room was directly inside the door when I walked in!  The wicker sectional sofa was the perfect spot for family cuddles.

Do you love this family’s style? This mama is incredible with interior design and decorating. Go follow her on Instagram here, and check out her blog (A Modest Life) filled with tips for family, fashion, and your home!

The boys enjoyed picking out a few spots in the living room for portraits with the baby.  I always bring a light from my studio to bounce off the ceiling in case the other rooms in your home don’t have as much natural light, and it illuminates the space beautifully.  So if your home is a little dark, don’t worry!  We can still capture light and airy portraits like these ones!

---

Save it for later:

A Boho Lifestyle Newborn Session

Lifestyle newborn sessions are always some of my favorites. I love being invited into a family’s home to enjoy a peek into their first few weeks at home with their baby. The moments we capture are so intimate and cozy, just quiet little moments that unfold as you get to know your little one.

These sessions are especially beautiful when there is a new big brother or sister! Just look at Jack and the sweet curiosity he has around his baby sister Sloane!

This family’s home was an absolute dream to shoot in. This was the father’s childhood home, and the family has completely redone it with new flooring & white paint, adding in their mix of boho & midcentury modern furniture for a light and airy look — perfect for photographs!

These cuddly shots of Sloane in the crib with her big brother were some of my favorites!

The master bedroom is always a favorite spot for family portraits, and this one with the white bedding & high ceilings was just dreamy!

---

Inspired by this boho lifestyle newborn session? Pin this image or any from the post above!

Teagan's Lifestyle Newborn Session with Big Brother Cameron

Lifestyle sessions make my heart skip a beat every single time, and it’s all because of beautiful moments like this one.

I love being invited into a family’s home to watch their first weeks at home with their brand new baby unfold. There’s something so magical about capturing these memories for them in their very own space, and knowing that they will show these to their baby one day and tell her that “This is where we brought you home to. This is what your first bedroom looked like that we prepared just for you before you were even born.”

The lighting in Teagan’s nursery was truly golden, and I loved this little nook with the sun shining through the window to illuminate mom & dad with their sweet baby girl! Plus, how in love are you with that mirror and the wall color? Gorgeous!

Cameron is such a proud big brother, and he loved cuddling his little sister! He was so excited to bring his sweet baby sister home and to show me all of his favorite toys.

Our lifestyle newborn sessions at home are always such a joy, and we always have so much fun! From jumping on the bed to cuddles & kisses, they are filled with memories these families will never forget.

---

Inspired by this lifestyle newborn session? Pin this image or any from the post above!

Welcome Home, Emily Ann! Lifestyle Newborn Portraits in Boston

Walking into this sweet family’s home was a moment of deja vu. I felt like I was just there for Connor’s newborn session, and then I blinked and he became a big brother! I loved meeting his new sister Emily and watching this little family become a family of four. Plus it was so amazing to see Connor now as a toddler & big brother. He was so sweet and gentle with his sister, and I adore all of the amazing sibling shots we were able to capture during their lifestyle newborn session at home.

Checking out those itty bitty baby toes!

A "Little Unicorn" Inspired Floral Nursery | Boston and South Shore Lifestyle Newborn Photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Have you heard of the brand Little Unicorn?  Most likely you've seen their gorgeous watercolor muslin swaddles, blankets, and crib sheets in your newsfeed, and you've shopped their products in local baby stores. 

They are truly breathtaking, so when I walked into this nursery and found that it was perfectly decorated with Little Unicorn crib sheets, and that this mama of two had a collection of swaddles and coordinating headbands for her two little girls, I was in photographer heaven!

World, meet Blair and her big sister, Quinn.

These two girls are going to grow up sharing a bedroom that encourages their imaginations to run wild with so many whimsical dolls, stuffed animals, and books around them.  I've got the feeling they're going to be the best of friends!

Most toddlers are a little hesitant about bringing home a new baby, but Quinn jumped right into her role of big sister during our photo session with just a little bit of encouragement.  She shared her bed with her baby sister, learned how to hold her safely, practiced shush-ing her when she was fussy, and was oh-so-gentle with Blair the entire time. 

Her mama told me that after I left, she spent the rest of the week asking to hold the baby by herself and reminding her mother what she had to do and where she had to place her arms to keep the baby safe!  How adorable is that?!?!

These lifestyle newborn photo sessions are always so magical as we watch the love unfold for the new baby.  I truly adore watching moms and dads cuddle up with their new addition, talking to them, singing to them, and marveling at every little thing. 

With older babies, the best part is watching the babies respond to mom and dad, making amazing eye contact and calming right down with just a simple touch or the sound of their voice.

Wondering if a lifestyle newborn session is the right fit for you?  Learn more here!