A Family Portrait Session in Saratoga Springs Spa State Park - Saratoga Springs & Albany Family Photographer

Oh my goodness, this family is the absolute sweetest and it was such an honor to capture them all together for a family photo session in Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs!

I first met Kaley a few months ago at a get-together for local photographers in the Capital Region.  We connected again at a coffee shop where we spent hours talking life, business, and everything in between.  She told me about how her little boy, Remi, took her on a date to Red Robin, got all dressed up, put on a bowtie, told her to put on something pretty, and held the door for her at the restaurant.  He even insisted on paying for the meal.  I mean seriously, how cute!!!!  I fell in love with her adorable son and his amazing mannners on the spot, and I knew that the rest of her family would charm me as well!  

Then we started talking about capturing some family portraits before her exchange student, Daniel, returned to Mexico at the beginning of the summer.  When I was about the same age as Ellis and Remington , my family hosted three exchange students for three straight years.  Then in college I went to live with a family in Argentina, which kicked off a decade of international travel for me!  So of course I have a special spot in my heart for families that take on an exchange student and welcome another family's child into their home like one of their own.  

We got together for a very fun session at sunset in Spa State Park, right next to SPAC in Saratoga Springs.  It was the perfect summer evening for a relaxed and playful session together, and I loved every moment with this sweet family!

Aren't their outfits just perfect?

I always help families plan their outfits before their portrait session, and like most moms, Kaley messaged me and said, "Help!  I have nothing to wear!"

A half hour later she magically pulled together the most beautiful collection of outfits that were already in their closets, and that held so much meaning for their family!  Remi's shorts & suspenders were handmade and belonged to his grandpa, while the floral dress that Ellis is wearing was made by her great grandmother!  

Are you ready to capture some beautiful & light-hearted memories with your family?  Let me do all the work and plan a worry-free session for your family this summer!
 

Using Rainey's Closet Dress Rentals for my Portrait Studio Wardrobe

Can I let you in on a little secret?  It's the way that every little girl can feel like a princess for her portrait session.  It's called Rainey's Closet.  

Every photographer (and mom!) wants to find the perfect outfit for their portrait sessions.  You want something unique, fun, and just a little bit whimsical.  Something a little bit fancier than your everyday clothing, because photo sessions are a time to have a little fun and experiment with something new!

But that can get a little expensive, especially if you're just going to wear it once, and even more so if your little girl will outgrow it in no time at all.

The solution?  Rent the perfect dress for your session!

Rainey's Closet is a boutique rental company, similar to Rent the Runway, but with couture dresses and adorable little outfits for babies, little girls, and even some items for little boys!  Their website is filled with the most popular brands that photograph so beautifully -- Tutu Du Monde, Dollcake, Nellystella, Well Dressed Wolf, Joyfolie...  The list goes on and on!

I adore this service because for about $35, you can rent the most perfect dress that will truly make your session that much more magical.  A dress that is perfect for twirling, with little hints of sparkle and lots of movement that looks amazing on camera.  

I have discovered so many gorgeous brands and gowns through this website, and it's definitely a favorite resource of mine that I recommend to all of the families I work with.  Planning a beach session this summer?  Rather than spending $30-40 on a dress at the store that you may or may not love, and one that may or may not photograph nicely, rent one from Rainey's Closet that will look STUNNING for your session and that will make your little girl feel like a princess.

I would love it if you'd use my unique referral code
when you rent from Rainey's Closet!  

It's 141372.

Many moms like to send me pictures of the outfits they are thinking of before the session, and then it's so easy to pick one of the dresses from Rainey's Closet to coordinate.  Their colors are soft with lots of neutral tones that will go well with every combination you could possibly dream up.  I have marked dozens of their dresses as favorites, and pinned even more on our wardrobe inspiration boards on Pinterest.  Stuck on outfits?  Start with Rainey's Closet and the rest will come together beautifully!  

For more wardrobe inspiration, check out these helpful links!

Pinterest: Spring Wardrobe Inspiration for Family Portrait Sessions

Pinterest: Beach Wardrobe Inspiration for Family Portrait Sessions

Blog: What to Wear for your Family Portrait Session

Happy Father's Day! | Boston & Saratoga Springs Family Photographer

Happy Father's Day weekend!

This weekend, I want to give a shout out to all of the dads who are absolutely rocking this whole parenthood thing.  I meet so many amazing families every single week, and I love being able to capture these sweet moments between dads and their little ones.  These little babies are going to grow up and have such a special bond with you, unique from every other relationship in their lives.  Enjoy every second of it, because they won't be this tiny to curl up in your arms forever!

For today's post, enjoy a peek at a collection of some of our favorite images from dads celebrating their first (or second, or third!) Father's Day this year.  Happy Father's Day to all of these amazing men.  Enjoy the weekend!

What to Wear for Your Family Portrait Session this Spring

Do you have a portrait session coming up this spring or summer, and you're wondering what to wear?  OR, have you been putting off a portrait session because you're worried you'll never find matching outfits for everybody?  

Stop worrying, and let me help you!

Long gone are the days of matchy-matchy outfits -- come on, you know what I'm talking about!  White button down shirts and blue jeans on every member of the family, or black tops and khaki pants on every single person.  That style is incredibly dated, and it's no fun at all!  That's not how you normally dress in real life, so why should that be how you dress in your portraits?

When we plan a custom portrait session together, I want to create images for you that reflect who you truly are.  I want to show your personality, your unique style, and to give you artwork that will complement your home decor so that you can proudly hang your favorite memories over the sofa or in your hallway.  I want your portraits will blend in seamlessly and complement your space & your decor.  

This post is filled with ideas on what to wear, and you can find many more looks including easy ways to shop what you see in the images over on our Pinterest board.     Looking for even more ideas, along with some photo inspiration?  Check out this blog post from 2015 to see perfectly styled sessions with some of my favorite clients!

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Choose 2-3 colors, including a neutral color, and use a little bit of it in everybody's outfit!  Here we're selecting from shades of blue and gray to coordinate everyone's clothing.

Keep your fabrics similar!  If mom is wearing a linen sundress, then you don't want dad to be in a sweater and heavy jeans!  Actually, have you noticed that none of these inspiration boards include jeans?  Fitted dress pants look great on dads, and they definitely give your portraits a much dressier, classier look!  Try shaking things up with a look that's a little bit different from your everyday jeans, and you might just love it!  Layers also look amazing in portraits -- a vest on your son will be so adorable over a button down or a T-shirt!

While I don't recommend everyone wearing solid white, it's a nice addition to any wardrobe compilation!  Here the texture on the dress keeps it interesting, as does the pattern on the little sister's leggings.  Play with patterns and texture to give your wardrobe more personality -- the more you have, the more you will love your images!

Think of the location we're going to be shooting in, and also think of your complexion & hair color.  Choose a color palette that flatters you and that you feel comfortable and confident in.  Blush and cream doesn't suit everyone, and some women look stunning in vibrant jewel tone colors!  Go with what works for you, and let me know how I can help you pull all of the outfits together!

Be daring!  Have a little fun with patterns.  Spring is the perfect time to incorporate floral patterns into your outfits for a family portrait session, and there's nothing I love more than seeing a mom completely rocking it in her floral print dress.  If you love it, wear it!  Then choose a few colors from that design and base the other family members' outfits on those colors to coordinate.  Below, we chose the coral, gray, and white from the dress to use in everyone else's outfits.

Last but not least, if we're going to be shooting outside anywhere other than the beach, don't forget the shoes!  Your perfectly styled outfit will look just a little bit "off" when your son's everyday-wear fluorescent green light-up sneakers are paired with his gray & blue vested outfit.  Simple, neutral shoes are best to protect your feet during the session, but be sure everyone tries their shoes on and wears them around for at least 1-2 hours before the day of your session to ensure that they fit comfortably.

After all of that beautiful inspiration, are you ready to book your family portrait session?  We're now booking for the spring and summer, and I would love to capture some gorgeous memories for your family -- perfectly styled, of course!  
 

A Stylized Portrait Session for Mom & Four Children - Saratoga Springs Photography Studio

Do you know what's coming up this weekend?  Our Celebrating Motherhood event in Boston!  

I am so excited to capture lots of beautiful, candid, and truly breathtaking moments shared between moms and their little ones.  I'm looking forward to pampering them with hair & makeup by Tiffany Cantin, HMUA of Six Bay Road Salon.  I can't wait to watch moms, babies & grandmas come together for three-generation memory-making.  And I'm truly looking forward to watching the REAL moments unfold...

Like this one: 

Baby Sister knows that all eyes are on her and she is the star of the show!

April came to the studio for her Celebrating Motherhood session with her four children.  She's also a photographer, but has very few portraits of her with all of her babies, and she was thrilled at the opportunity to capture them all together in this moment.  I just love the way her daughter snuggled up against her, and the way her oldest son was so serious when the camera came out, turning those soulful eyes towards me.  Her younger son was an absolute blast, so funny and full of energy.  And baby girl was just so happy, knowing that everyone in her family was going to give her cuddles, tickles, and sweets throughout the session.

The pink gown that Mia wore is an absolute favorite of mine.  I rented it just for this session, and now I'm scouring websites to find one to add to our studio collection.  It's the perfect twirling dress, don't you think?

Mom and her boys.  One day they will tower over her.  One day their voices will be deep and melodic, and she'll no longer be able to fit them on her lap.  One day they'll be scooping her up into great big hugs in their strong arms.  But today, she's enjoying every bit of their childhood while it lasts!  

This last little outtake is a favorite of mine from their session!  Are you ready for the story behind the image?  

Our Saratoga Springs studio is on the whole first floor of our home.  April's family was in the studio in the late afternoon, and I heard the front door open and close when my husband Jeff came home from work.  I called him downstairs, and he popped his head in to say hello.  Before he came in, baby sister was all over the place in typical toddler fashion.  But the moment Jeff walked into the room, she stopped, completely mesmerized.  We were able to capture the image above within seconds of him coming into the studio, and when he went to leave, the image below is what happened next!  She didn't want him to leave, and ran towards him with her arms wide open searching for a hug!  ;o)   It's definitely my favorite outtake of 2017!

Just a few spots left for this weekend's Celebrating Motherhood portrait sessions!  I'll be in Attleboro on May 6, and in Saratoga Springs on May 20.  Click below to reserve your session!

Did you love this motherhood session?  
Check out a few more recent favorites on the blog, too!

A Springtime Mommy & Me Session

Portraits of Motherhood

A Springtime Mommy & Me Session in our Saratoga Springs Studio

This sweet little family was so much fun for their springtime session at our Saratoga Springs portrait studio!  If you haven't noticed, I have been loving all of our spring sessions lately.  I'm shaking off the winter blues by incorporating lots of flowers, greenery, and pastel colors.  Plus, these adorable little headbands from Sweet Ivie are my new favorites, and they're part of a new collaboration I'm doing with the designer!

This family has been living abroad for a few years, and they just moved back to the U.S., so it was the perfect time to capture some sweet memories of this gorgeous mama and her little ones!

Federico had the most amazing curls, and such a spunky personality!  He is an adventurous little guy who brought his big imagination into the studio.  The moment he saw my curved bench he decided that it was (of course!) a racetrack, so he pulled his toy cars out and started racing them up and down the seat of the bench!  Love his creative little mind!

Daphne was the sweetest little thing, and she loved pretending to feed the birds on our new hand-painted Lavender Fields backdrop by walking over to them with flowers in her hands and letting them have a little nibble.  She spent the second half of our session bonding with the birds, and we were able to capture so many adorable images of her and those sparkling blue eyes!

Love her dress?  Me, too!  It's from Nellystella, and you can rent the same one from Rainey's Closet for your upcoming session!  You'll be seeing a lot more of Rainey's Closet on our website in the coming months because their dresses are so soft & whimsical, and absolutely the best quality out there for unique looks for your session!

Love the backdrops?  Check out a few other recent spring sessions at the studio!

Hazel & the Lavender Fields Backdrop

Two Sisters with their Sweet Ivie Headbands

Book your Celebrating Motherhood Portrait Session!

This unique event has been designed just for the mothers and their children as we gather together to celebrate YOU.

You are amazing.  You are strong.  You are wonder woman.  You are beautiful.  You have the hardest and the most rewarding job in the world.  You are raising these tiny humans filled with compassion & love, and you are doing a spectacular job. You deserve this.

We believe that moms are beautiful.  We believe that the love that a mother shares with her babies is the most breathtaking thing in the world.  We believe that you deserve to be pampered, you deserve to feel gorgeous, and you deserve to have stunning memories captured on camera with your little ones.

We believe that these moments should be enjoyed and shared with your children over the next many, many years.  Rather than always hiding behind the camera, it is your turn to step in front of it and capture this amazing love you share together. Document it, cherish it, and show it to your children when they are grown.

What is the Celebrating Motherhood Event?

If you've been following my page for awhile now, you're familiar with the most popular event that I host all year!  This is the third year hosting the motherhood event, and my very first year bringing it to mamas in two states!

Join me at the studio for some portraits and pampering!

Attleboro  |  May 6

Saratoga Springs  |  May 20

Arrive early and treat yourself to our complimentary hair & makeup services to make you feel and look your best.  Sip on a mimosa from our mimosa bar and enjoy a sweet treat while our team gets you ready for your portrait session!

This year we're really creating an unforgettable experience with:

• Hair & Makeup for mom
• Boutique gowns available for little girls
• Swag Bags filled with goodies from our favorite small businesses
• Gorgeous portrait keepsakes
• A three-generation package to include grandma, too!

Your children will only be this little for a little while, so capture them in this beautiful & fleeting stage that they're in.  Give them memories to look back on with you 20 years from now.  Let them see how happy they made you as a mother, how you gave the very best cuddles, and that they got their smile from you.  

As a mom, be sure to get in the picture because you will never, ever regret giving your children these memories with you to look back on one day.

This is my favorite event and I love watching mamas and their babies, taking the time to make them feel beautiful and so amazing about this incredible job they're doing with their little ones.  You are ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL, and I would love to celebrate that with you!

A very special thank you to our team of vendors that is making this day happen!

Tiffany Cantin, HMUA (Attleboro)

Brianna Nichols, Makeup Artist (Saratoga)

Laura Graver, Hair Stylist (Saratoga)

Simply Made

Sweet Ivie

Butterfly Baby

Merry Go Sweets

Crown City Bread Company

Coconut Crowns

Rainey's Closet

Portraits of Motherhood: Slowing Down to Capture the Moment (Saratoga Springs & Boston Family Photographer)

I just love our motherhood sessions.  Every time that I am so lucky to capture a mama and her babies in front of the camera, it's my absolute favorite experience!  So often moms hide behind the camera, shying away from stepping in front of the lens, focusing instead on just their children and saying that another day, another time, another month, then they'll get in a picture with their children.  For so many moms, it just isn't a priority right now.

But I like to think otherwise.  

I think that motherhood is such a beautiful journey (even the tough bits!), and that you deserve to capture this on camera.  I believe that getting moms in front of the camera with their babies is one of the most amazing gifts that you can give to your children.  

During every single phone call I have with moms before their sessions, I always tell them how they will be so grateful they spent a few minutes capturing a handful of portraits with their babies, because soon their little ones will grow up.  They won't cuddle up in your arms anymore.  They will no longer fit on your lap.  You'll forget how their cheek felt rested against your shoulder, and the way their tiny hands wrapped around your fingers for comfort.  They'll go out into the world as independent children, then teenagers, then adults.  And that is the moment when you'll be so grateful for these images that take you back in time.  

These images freeze a moment and bring you back to the early days of motherhood filled with chubby baby cheeks, melodic giggles, and that amazing baby scent that you'll be so nostalgic for when they are grown.  These images will remind you of sticky fingers, goldfish cracker crumbs, and boo-boos covered in colorful bandaids.  You'll recall the way they sang their favorite songs in a high-pitched voice, making up the words to the parts they didn't know yet.  You'll remember the way they held their baby brother and sang lullabies while giving their new sibling a kiss on the forehead -- you'll even remember the part where the kiss turned into a toddler tackle because... well, toddlers!!  

And then one day, when your babies have babies of their own, you will give them these portraits of the two of you.  You'll show them just how tiny they were, how loved they were, and how much happiness they brought into your life.  They will see a glowing and confident mom who was proud to be in a photo with her little one, a mom who put herself first sometimes and made it a priority to capture these beautiful moments with her baby rather than always hiding behind the camera.  

And they will understand, and treasure these portraits that much more when they have a glimpse of you as a new mom.

If you've been hesitant about getting in the picture, giving a long list of reasons why you shouldn't be in front of the camera right now... stop.  And think of the even longer list of reasons why you SHOULD step in front of the camera.  

Or, just think of the one reason why, the most important reason in the world: your child.

Motherhood is a crazy beautiful journey, and you're doing an incredible job.  Celebrate it!

Our popular Celebrating Motherhood Sessions will be on May 6 (Attleboro) and May 20 (Saratoga Springs).  I would absolutely love to see you there!  

Registration opens on April 3, and spots are expected to fill very quickly as this event always sells out within a couple of days.  Be sure to join our newsletter for more info, and follow our Facebook page for announcements and links when registration is open!   

Family Portraits in our Saratoga Springs Studio

While I spend most of my time in the studio with sleepy little newborns, birthday babies enjoying their first taste of cake, and toddlers who are filled with curiosity & excitement, every now and then I have a family visit me whose children are grown and they want to capture this new stage that their family is in.

The D. family came to me for a family portrait session while both daughters were home from college on break, and I was excited to welcome the girls, their mother, and their grandfather in for a fun and relaxed portrait session together.  Being a small family, they share such a close bond and it was so beautiful to see.  We spent an hour together and they regaled me with stories of innocent pranks the girls used to play on their mother, adventures they've had together, and so many moments that had us all laughing.

Their grandfather was so excited to tell me all about his daughter & granddaughters, and he was happiest when surrounded by these three beautiful women that he helped raise and shape.  He truly was beaming the entire time, though my favorite story of him came after our session when I received this message about the first time he saw his family's photographs:

"I went out to visit Dad for the long weekend, and you would have gotten a kick out of him.  Jossie texted the images to us while we were at lunch at a restaurant, and he was nearly in tears over them.  But he quickly recovered, and began practically tackling people -  from our waitress to the folks at church and store clerks  – so he could show them the photos on his phone!"  

That just made my day!  

Thank you for such a wonderful session together, D. family!  I hope your family will enjoy these memories up on the walls of your home for many, many years.

A Relaxed Family Session on a Bed | Saratoga Springs, Albany & Boston Family Photographer

Dreamy backlit images, fluffy white beds, and lots of light.  Those are a few of my favorite things, and I love that this entire session is filled with all three!  

I've been photographing Veronika's family since her daughter was born, and when she told me that Baby #2 was on the way and that they'd love to get some new family portraits a few months after his arrival, I was thrilled to see this sweet family again to capture some new memories of everyone together.

We had a relaxed and comfortable session on our giant studio bed, and everyone was bathed in the natural light pouring through the windows.  I love the beautiful moments we were able to capture of this gorgeous mama and her two little ones.  

Her baby boy Charlie has the wisest, most soulful eyes of any baby I've ever met.  He is such a sweetheart, and I love these images that capture his observant personality perfectly.

And Sophia is growing into such a beautiful, fun, and talkative little girl!  It doesn't even feel like that long ago we did her 3-month milestone session at her home, and now she's grown into a vibrant little girl and a nurturing big sister.  She was so good with her baby brother, and I loved watching how well she took care of him.

Do you love the bed as much as I do?  Email me at hello@nicolestarrphotography.com and let's chat about planning a relaxed studio session for YOUR family!  

Rustic Family Photos at a Saratoga Springs Farm

Sometimes the stars align and you luck out with a perfect fall evening like this one for your family's portrait session.  Crisp fall air, a gorgeous golden sun, and the most beautiful foliage all came together for this family's session in Saratoga Springs.  

When Lynsey first contacted me about planning her family's fall portraits, she knew she wanted something rustic.  I'm sure the words "barns," "fields," and "weathered wood" all came up in conversation.  I immediately thought of the perfect location for their portrait session, one that I drive past almost every day where I can't help but pull over to the side of the road to watch the sun set because it is just so beautiful as that golden ball of fire slips beneath the line of trees out at the edge of the field.  I reached out to the owner of this local Saratoga Springs farm to ask about photographing on their property, and thankfully, they said yes!  

The tall corn fields were one of my favorite backdrops at the farm that day.

Aren't McKenzie & Taylor just the cutest together?  After our session, McKenzie's mom told me that McKenzie spent the whole next week talking about when she would get to play with her "big friend" again -- haha, that's me!  

She definitely had a lot of fun running & playing on the farm during our session, and her personality really shines through in these images.  She takes such good care of her little sister.  Plus, those pigtails just make your heart melt, don't they?!?!  She could totally be in an advertisement for Janie + Jack with that adorable outfit she's wearing!

I love our family sessions because there are so many opportunities to laugh, cuddle, play, giggle, and just relax with your loved ones.  Imagine getting to look enjoy this image and soak it in every single day for the next thirty years...  pretty amazing!

We're now booking family sessions for 2017!  Our spring & summer months fill up quickly, so plan ahead and email me today to chat about your family's memory-making adventure.   hello@nicolestarrphotography.com

A Playful Family Photo Session at the Beach | Cape Cod Family Photographer

Beach sessions are my favorite, but the summer beach season is always too fleeting here in New England!  That's why I'm always so thrilled when families ask me to join them for a family photo session on Cape Cod during their summer vacation.  Don't get me wrong -- I still love going to the beach all the other months of the year, but there's something so classically summertime about a sunny day on Cape Cod with sand between my toes, bare shoulders, and a beautiful sunset with the song from an ice cream truck dancing through the air.

I met Tess and her family at Corporation Beach in Dennis, and we had such a great time exploring the sand dunes and checking out the sea creatures in the little pools of water that the low tide had left behind.  Her boys are full of energy, so of course we were up and down the beach running all over the place during our sunset session.

Newborn photographers joke that newborn sessions are their cardio (except that it's not a joke and it's true that a three-hour session in an 80 degree room is a very good workout!).  Well, beach sessions with an hour spent running through the sand in the summertime are a family photographer's cardio.  ;o)  

I loved exploring the beach with this family to keep up with their two sons, and we had a blast on the lifeguard chair.  Their mom later told me that they're normally not allowed to go up on the lifeguard chair, so they were beyond thrilled to climb on up during our photo shoot to play!  Just look at those smiles!

Thank you for such a wonderful session together, M. family!  

I hope you'll enjoy these classic summertime memories for many, many years!

A Seaside Family Portrait Session in Harwichport on Cape Cod

I love the beach.  Seriously, my dream home would be a beach house where I could look out at the water every single day and take a walk in the sand every single night.  So when families ask me to join them at the beach for a portrait session, the answer is always, "Yes!  See you at sunset!"

I had so much fun with Robyn, Pete, and their birthday boy Nicholas during our session together at Pleasant Road Beach in Harwich.  This beach is close to their home, and one that Pete spent his summers at growing up.  The rocks on the jetty, the shingled houses behind the tall seagrass -- they all mean so much more when they have a story to them, and it made for the perfect backdrop for this family's session.  Plus, it was a nice little piece of saltwater heaven that they introduced me to for the first time, and a new favorite spot on the Cape!

Isn't this little plaid romper just perfect for our session?  I love the styling on this session, and everyone's outfits came together perfectly for some modern family photos at the beach.

In addition to family photos of everyone playing together, I love to capture a few quiet moments with mom & dad alone with the baby.  These sweet little cuddles are always some of my favorite moments to capture!

We're now booking family sessions through October, and be sure to contact me now because they fill up early!  By the way, the beach in the fall is still an absolutely beautiful location for photos.  Sweaters, sand, and hazy skies.  Just sayin'.     ;o)

A Family Session & a Cake Smash in Downtown Boston

Even though we've moved to Saratoga Springs, I find myself going back to Boston more than just a little bit to visit with clients and capture some beautiful memories for them.  Boston has always had my heart, and I can't even begin to count how many hours I have spent wandering the streets of that city with my camera in hand.  It is such a BEAUTIFUL city that I truly can never get enough of.  Because of that, I still love every chance I get to head downtown for a portrait session, and this one was no exception!  

This family session in Downtown Boston was one of my favorite sessions lately.  We stepped out the family's front door and we were in the heart of Newbury Street, and only one block away from the tree-lined Parkway on Commonwealth Avenue.  This was the perfect backdrop for their family photos, capturing the hustle & bustle as well as the beauty of their neighborhood, and I love the images that we were able to capture together.  These ones here in the park are some of my favorites, especially with their little dog, Bojangles!

After their sun-dappled family photos outside, we went indoors for Brodie's cake smash to celebrate his first birthday.  His parents wanted to tie in their love for Boston with Brodie's dad's Scottish background, so we found the perfect balance of the two: a Make Way for Ducklings cake smash with a plaid Scottish kilt, and a cake from Jennifer Lee's Bakery on Hanover Street in Boston.  

Brodie wasn't quite sure what to think of his cake, which happens sometimes during our cake smashes!  Some babies dig right in, loving the mess and the sweetness, while others are a bit more hesitant and would rather keep their fingers clean.  ;o)  Brodie was a little trooper, and he kept going back for another taste time and time again.  Now that he's had his first few bites of cake, I bet he will love his cake at his party now after sampling frosting for the first time during his smash!! 

JUST A REMINDER TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS!  

We're planning stunning holiday sessions this year, and I can't wait to share all of the details with you.  Sign ups for our Limited Edition Holiday Sessions will be released on October 3, and if you subscribe to our newsletter you will have priority access to scheduling your family's session.  Trust me, these are going to be SO GORGEOUS and you don't want to miss this!  Join our newsletter list today!

SESSION DATES:
OCTOBER 29 & 30, ATTLEBORO, MA
NOVEMBER 5 & 6, SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY

A Saltwater Family Portrait Session on Cape Cod

The email started a little something like, "Hey Nicole!  We're going to Cape Cod in July.  We'd love to have you come join us at the beach for a photo session.  Are you free then?"

Without missing a beat, I was 100% in!  I absolutely love photo sessions on the beach, creating beautiful sandy & salty memories for the most amazing families.  Plus, I was thrilled to see this family again.  We first met last winter for baby Amalia's newborn session, and we've stayed in touch throughout the year planning more opportunities to capture some gorgeous memories for their family.  I was so happy to join them at the beach for a large, extended family session when all of their family would be in the same state, and when I learned the meaning behind this session I loved it even more.  Read on...

Many years ago, when their own children were little and before they were known as "Gigi and Grandpa" and were instead just "Mom and Dad", this grandmother was in her dentist's office when she saw a beautiful family photo taken on the beach.  Her kids grew up going to Corporation Beach in Dennis every summer, driving there in their sandy beach buggy every day to splash in the waves, dig in the sand, and soak up the sun.  Right then she knew that she wanted to do a photo session like that of her own family one day, but the years passed and her children grew, and eventually they had children of their own.  And still, no photo session.

So this summer they decided to make it happen.  Both of their granddaughters would be back in Boston at the same time, and all three of their children would be here.  They decided to bring the whole family to the Cape for a fun vacation and a gorgeous session together, and this grandmother FINALLY got her portrait session on the beach that she had first dreamt of twenty years ago.

I'm heading back to the Cape next week for a few more family sessions.  Will you be joining me on the beach?  I can't wait!!

Splashing Around in the Fountains of Saratoga Springs

Shortly after moving to Saratoga Springs, I was thrilled to get together with this lovely family for a sunset portrait session in Congress Park.  This was their first photo shoot as a family of four, and my goal was to make everyone as relaxed and comfortable as possible so that they could truly look forward to their photo shoot and love the natural images that we captured together.  

After spending some time exploring the duck pond at Congress Park (which, if you haven't heard about the ridiculously popular ducks in this town yet, definitely ask a resident about them -- they stay here all winter because of the heated sidewalks!!), we wandered over to the beautiful pavilion at Congress Spring for a few more photos.  We never intended to get wet, but when little Andrew spotted that fountain he ran directly to it and went up on his tiptoes to get a better look.  He LOVED splashing around in the water, and getting his sister Teresa all wet.  

They shared the best giggles at this classic Saratoga landmark, and I was so happy to hear their mom tell me a few weeks later that now every time she drives past the fountains, she thinks of our fun evening splashing in the mineral springs and the joy on her children's faces.  THAT is what this is all about -- creating memories and capturing them in the most beautiful way so that you can enjoy them forever.

Are you looking to create some amazing memories with your family?  Use the contact tab above and let's chat about planning a portrait session for your family!  Now booking in New York, Boston, and Cape Cod!

Saratoga Springs Family Photographer: A Springtime Studio Session

Kate was the winner of our Launch Day Giveaway with the #NSPrebrand party in January.   We planned her Petite Milestone session in the studio to coincide with her little one's first birthday.  Kate's family has come to me for their portrait sessions since her first pregnancy, and we've photographed her maternity session, Lizzie's newborn portraits, Lizzie's first birthday cake smash, Gavin's newborn session, and now a sweet & simple milestone session just in time for Gavin's birthday.  

I have just loved watching her family grow over the past few years, and seeing the artwork from our sessions up on the walls of their home makes me so happy.  Even though I'm moving to New York soon, I look forward to coming back to continue capturing these moments for them.

I love everything about the image above.  It's not perfectly posed, they're not both looking at the camera, and you can't even see half of the baby.  But you know what?  It's the perfect moment that shows just how much love this big sister has for her little brother.  It shows that adorable all-in attitude that she takes to giving hugs, and the protective nature that's inherently there for her baby brother.  To me, it's perfect.  

Thank you for such a wonderful session together!  I look forward to seeing your family again soon, Kate!  

Thinking of planning your portrait session?  Contact me and let's chat!  I'm accepting sessions in Saratoga Springs starting in mid-June, and I'll be back in Massachusetts (Boston and Cape Cod) for a few select dates in June, July & August.  I would love to plan a time to create these beautiful memories for your family!

A Rustic Family Photo Session with the Perfect Blue & White Wardrobe

Wondering what to wear for your family's portrait session?  Look no further than this family's stylish post!  

I was completely in awe of the beautiful styling that this mom pulled together to coordinate outfits for her family of five, and I love the shades of blue and complimentary patterns that really make her photos pop.  All families receive a what to wear guide before their session with helpful wardrobe tips, and they can also view this post for inspiration.  This mom pulled it off flawlessly, and I love how the colors look so amazing against our rustic scene, too!

This mom is always behind the camera capturing amazing photos of her children, and like many moms out there, she is rarely in those photographs with her kids.  I always encourage moms (and dads!) to get in the frame with their children and capture some special moments of all of them together.  Your children are going to look back on these photos in 20, 30, 40 years and they are going to love seeing how loved they were, how beautiful you are, and how happy everyone is together.  Plus, doesn't she look like a supermodel with the wind gently blowing her hair just so?  ;o)

Finally, I just love the personality that shines through from the big brother in this image!  Watching Jack & Lily with their baby sister was so beautiful, and seeing how they took care of her, watched out for her, and knew just what to do to get a smile out of her was absolutely amazing.  They truly are such a beautiful family, inside and out.

A Playful Outdoor Fall Photo Session at Larz Anderson Park

This is what happens when you bring two brothers outside for a photo session on a chilly November day: Giggles, laughter, wrestling, running across the park to warm up, and SO.MUCH.FUN.  Nathan & Noah were an absolute blast to capture on camera, and I am so happy that we fit in a last-minute photo session for these boys in time for their family's holiday cards.

These two arrived to Larz Anderson Park ready to play, and the beauty of our laid-back sessions is that playing is always an option.  It's even encouraged!  I always aim to capture the real you -- your real smiles, your real laugh, and the real way that you elbow your brother in the ribs when you think no one's looking.   ;o)  After all, these are the moments their mom will remember in 20 years, and these are the ones I want her to treasure right now.

I love the smirk in this photo below!

This next photo was captured after the boys were jumping off the wall, and I'm pretty sure they were trying to fly.  Any mom of boys knows that this is just how your photo sessions go.  So, like any mom of boys, this mom was worried about what we did or didn't capture during our session together.  Of course, I told her that it's not all of the crazy moments that we capture -- though we do get a few of those, too!  It's the millisecond in between, and knowing right when to click that shutter button to capture the photo of her boys that she will have on the wall for the next 20 years.

This one right here.  That's the one.

Are you a parent living in Newton, Brookline, Brighton, JP, Roslindale, West Roxbury, Chestnut Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods?  Check out Macaroni Kid -- Newton-Brookline!  The boys' mother, Ali, runs this weekly e-newsletter and website bringing you a list of local family-friendly events.  There is so much amazing information for families on their website, including DIY projects, recipes, local events & festivals, shopping guides, crafts for your kids, and coupons for some special savings for your family!

Macaroni Kid is also on Facebook, so be sure to follow their page for daily updates for family fun!

Macaroni Kid featured Nicole Starr Photography earlier this fall after hearing about our photo sessions for National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  Check out the featured post here.

2015 Year in Review Video by Nicole Starr Photography

2015 has truly been an incredible year, and I want to thank all of you for sharing so many magical moments with me!  

Enjoy this beautiful little video of some of our favorite images from the year.  I look forward to another beautiful year of storytelling in 2016!

To every family that asked me to tell their story: thank you.
To every mom who let me cuddle her newborn baby: thank you.
To every dad that wanted to surprise his wife with a keepsake gift: thank you.
To every creative entrepreneur that connected, laughed, shared, asked, taught, and learned with me this year: thank you.

And to every single person that connected with the stories in my photographs, commented on my images, shared their own stories with me, and let these beautiful families into their hearts through the images that I shared with you: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.