A dreamy cake smash at the beach with Cape Cod Baby Photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Back when my son was a baby, I did a cake smash on the beach for him the summer after he turned one. That turned out to be my first ever cake smash at the beach, and since then I’ve done many first birthday celebrations at the beach while visiting Cape Cod every summer. Our daughter celebrated her first birthday in June, which was perfect timing for a cake smash later in the summer during one of our trips to the Cape! I absolutely love creating this special memory with my babies. 

We went to my favorite beach right at sunset, and we set up right in the surf where the water was coming up in gentle waves onto the sand. I love the effect it had in the portraits – completely dreamy! Adelaide looked so precious in her pink dress and enjoyed her cake. She actually dug right into her cake, and her expression when she is leaning into it with both hands and her tongue out just cracks me up! Her big brother helped towards the end and I can’t express how it made my heart swell to see my two babies playing together in the surf and the sand. 

This was definitely the messiest cake smash I’ve ever done between the frosting and the wet sand, but it was so worth it! Happy birthday to my sweet baby girl!

baby girl looks down at white cake on pink cake stand during cake smash on Cape Cod with Cape Cod MA cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl licks white cake on pink cake stand in front of the ocean during cake smash on Cape Cod with Cape Cod MA cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl kneels in sand licking wooden spoon with icing in front of the ocean during cake smash on Cape Cod with Cape Cod MA cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl kneels in sand playing with wooden spoon with icing in front of the ocean during cake smash on Cape Cod with Cape Cod MA cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl kneels in sand playing with wooden spoon with icing on cake during cake smash on Cape Cod with Cape Cod MA cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl in pink and white striped romper plays with icing on white cake during cake smash on Cape Cod beach by the surf with Cape Cod MA cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl in pink and white striped romper licks wooden spoon with icing from white cake during cake smash on Cape Cod beach by the surf with Cape Cod MA cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl in pink and white striped romper licks wooden spoon with icing from white cake during cake smash on Cape Cod beach by the surf with Cape Cod MA cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl in pink and white striped romper licks wooden spoon with icing from white cake during cake smash on Cape Cod beach by the surf with Cape Cod MA cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler girl in pink and white outfit plays with cake and wooden spoon during cake smash on Cape Cod beach by the surf with Cape Cod MA cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
big brother helps sister with wooden spoon on white cake during cake smash on Cape Cod beach by the surf with Cape Cod MA cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
big brother helps sister with wooden spoon on white cake during cake smash on Cape Cod beach by the surf with Cape Cod MA cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girl in pink and white romper plays with icing with wooden spoon on white cake during cake smash on Cape Cod beach by the surf with Cape Cod MA cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Extended family photo session while on vacation on Cape Cod

Ashley and her family are just the sweetest! They made their first visit to the Cape in 2022, from Western New York and they loved it so much, they decided to come back this summer! When they booked their trip, Ashley reached out about planning a Salt Air session on the beach in Dennis, MA. I’m so happy that we were able to make their session work - and include the grandparents, too. 

I absolutely loved working with this family. They were so much fun and we couldn't stop laughing. And they looked incredible! Ashley decided to use nature as inspiration for their outfits, pulling lots of tans, greens, and blues for their clothing choices. Ashley had the most beautiful pink dress to bring the palette together, too. Honestly, I love how everything looked on the beach. We even had a slightly darker sky that day, which looked amazing against their outfits. 

I have lots of games and prompts that I like to use during our family portrait sessions, and we really are able to get the best expressions and natural smiles out of everyone this way. Ashley’s family made it a lot of fun - and they were such good sports. The prompts and game make for a memorable time together that is so much more enjoyable than just “saying cheese”. I love how we get such natural smiles and giggles, especially from the kids. 

I’m so happy that this sweet family made this portrait session possible. I hope that they treasure these portraits for years to come and the memories made here last a lifetime! 

family poses with grandparents during Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
grandparents hug 2 grandsons in front of sea grass during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family laughs together with grandparents in pastel outfits during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
woman in pink dress hugs mom in purple dress with two sons in front of sea grass during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in tan polo stands with two sons on his shoulder during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
couple holds hands walking along beach waterfront during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in sea green polo sits on dune by sea grass on beach during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in tan polo sits on dune by sea grass on beach during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boys hug parents standing by sea grass and wooden fence on beach during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boys hug parents standing by sea grass and wooden fence on beach during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family holds hands walking on beach along water during summer family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boys hug mom in pink gown standing on sand on beach along water during summer family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boys jump in to ocean during summer family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad carries sons along sand laughing during summer family portraits on Cape Cod with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Extended family photo session while on vacation on Cape Cod photographed by MA beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Capturing three siblings' personalities with family portraits at the beach

This summer has been a dream come true. I’ve been able to make lots of memories with my own family and I had the joy of capturing several Cape Cod family portrait sessions during our time in Massachusetts this summer. Nicole’s family session on Corporation Beach on Cape Cod was one of those sessions. I’ve been doing portraits for Nicole’s family since her oldest son turned one, so it was incredibly special to get together on the Cape for a Salt Air session this summer! 

One thing I love about capturing this family is that Cameron, Teagen, and Liam are always a lot of fun. Each of their personalities always comes out while we play and work, so it’s a great time capturing them all. This year, Cameron and Liam got to wear matching Vineyard Vines shirts - and they both looked absolutely perfect! You could just tell that Liam was beyond excited to be matching his big brother. All three of them were great for me - laughing, hugging, and just having a great time on the beach together. It made my job super easy and I’m thrilled with the natural and joy-filled moments their Salt Air session was made of.  

Nicole planned another set of perfect outfits - with white as the base color. She mixed in some navy blues and the light blues that came on the boys’ hoodies. Teagan’s dress looked so similar to Nicole's, which was also super special. I loved seeing how she looked at her mama throughout the session. Their outfits truly looked amazing on the beach and I love how it helped them pop against the sand and water around them.

Thank you for trusting me to capture another set of portraits - and another set of memories. I’m so thankful to know you all and I can’t wait to see you again soon! 

three siblings lean together sitting on dune on Corporation Beach during Cape Cod family portraits photographed by MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
three siblings lean together sitting on dune on Corporation Beach during Cape Cod family portraits photographed by MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of five poses in white and navy outfits on dune at Corporation Beach during Cape Cod family portraits photographed by MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of five poses in white and navy outfits on dune at Corporation Beach during Cape Cod family portraits photographed by MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad lifts toddler son while sitting with wife and two children between dunes on Corporation Beach during Cape Cod family portraits photographed by MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
blonde girl in white linen dress plays on sand dune on beach photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents laugh with three children sitting on their laps between dunes on Corporation Beach during Cape Cod family portraits photographed by MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
blonde girl in white linen dress plays on sand dune on beach photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
blonde toddler in blue and white Vineyard Vines shirt and shorts plays on sand during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mo holds blonde toddler in blue and white Vineyard Vines shirt and shorts during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
blonde toddler in blue and white Vineyard Vines shirt and shorts walks on beach during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
three kids hug woman in white linen dress on beach during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mother in white linen dress twirls on beach with two kids during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in white and navy outfit holds two kids while son hugs him during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in white and navy outfit holds son in white and blue Vineyard Vines outfit during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in white and navy outfit runs on beach holding two kids during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in white and blue Vineyard Vines outfit hugs sister in white linen dress on beach during family photos with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold hands and swing kids walking on beach during family photos with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Family portraits on Corporation Beach on Cape Cod with MA beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Laughter-filled family portraits at the beach, Cape Cod family photographer

Working with families year after year is such a beautiful gift. I’ve worked with the Rovaldi family since their first son’s newborn session - and now they’ve got three beautiful grown kids. They’re some of my favorite long-time clients from Boston and every time I get to see them, it’s like catching up with old friends. This year, we met for new family portraits on the beach on Cape Cod at Corporation Beach! While we’ve been working together for years, this was their first time doing portraits on the beach. I think they turned out beautifully and I hope that Christina and Matt feel the same way! 

The day of our session, we met around low tide near sunset. It was absolutely perfect! We had the dreamiest light to start their session - with all of them near the dunes and seagrass. As we got towards the end of the session, we moved to the water and it was so fun to watch the kids get mom and dad at the very end. I love the beach for family portraits, I think it just naturally brings out so much joy for everyone! 

Christina and Matt chose a beautiful blue and white palette for their outfits that looked amazing against Corporation Beach. I just love how Lucas, James, and Vivienne looked sitting together on the sand. So cute!!! I also suggested that they bring along baby powder for when our session was over. When you dust it on everyone’s legs, the sand slides right off - which makes leaving the beach a breeze! 

Thank you for trusting me for another year, Christina and Matt. I’m so happy I got to see you all on the Cape and can’t wait until next year! 

three siblings sit in blue and white outfits on dunes at Corporation Beach in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
three siblings hug in blue and white outfits on dunes at Corporation Beach in Dennis MA photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
young girl with brown hair sits in white dress and bow on Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in blue linen shirt carries daughter in white dress and bow on Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents stand with three children in blue and white outfits in sand on Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy with brown hair sits in white shirt and grey shorts on Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents stand with three children in blue and white outfits laughing together on Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
young boy with brown hair sits in blue linen shirt and grey shorts on Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of five poses in blue and white outfits on sand by water on Corporation Beach at sunset photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of five walk in blue and white outfits swinging toddler between parents by water on Corporation Beach at sunset photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in blue and white dress stands with three children by water on Corporation Beach at sunset photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
kinds run around parents in ocean during family portraits on Corporation Beach at sunset photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad runs holding sons under his arms along Corporation Beach at sunset photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Family portraits on Corporation Beach in Dennis MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Sand Dunes and Coastlines: Family portraits at sunset on Cape Cod

If you’ve been following my blog this past year, you may recognize this family! Katie is my dear friend (and former roommate!) who lives out in the Boston area, and I have loved documenting all of their milestones for them as they celebrate their first year with their sweet baby boy. This summer, we photographed their first ever family portraits at the beach in Dennis, Cape Cod! Not only was it special to capture Katie, Jeff, and Lucas again - but it was also so meaningful to have them somewhere that means so much to me, too. 

As always, Katie, Jeff, and Lucas were amazing during our session. Katie looked absolutely perfect in a blue summer dress and it looked amazing with Jeff’s simple white button down and blue shorts. Lucas looked adorable in a little plaid outfit. I LOVED all of the blues and whites. It was the perfect choice against the sunset and dunes. 

Corporation Beach is one of my favorite spots for family photos on Cape Cod. We had the perfect sunset the evening of their session, too. I always love how the sun goes behind the dunes at this beach. It’s the most amazing location at low tide! So dreamy for beach family portraits. 

Katie and Jeff, thank you for trusting me with your memories again. I feel so lucky to be watching Lucas grow alongside you and to have a front row seat to your journey into parenthood. 

parents stand on Corporation Beach in Dennis, Cape Cod holding toddler son on hip photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in blue dress holds son on hip standing on dunes on Corporation Beach in Dennis, Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in white button down holds son on hip standing on dunes on Corporation Beach in Dennis, Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad makes son laugh standing on dunes on Corporation Beach in Dennis Cape Cod
parents hold toddler son standing on dunes on Corporation Beach in Dennis, Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler in plaid shirt sits on sand during family portraits n Corporation Beach in Dennis Cape Cod with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler in plaid shirt sits on sand during family portraits n Corporation Beach in Dennis Cape Cod with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents play with son on beach by water at sunset on Corporation Beach in Dennis Cape Cod with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad plays with son on beach at sunset on Corporation Beach in Dennis Cape Cod with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in long blue linen dress kisses son’s cheek standing on beach at sunset on Corporation Beach in Dennis Cape Cod with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in long blue linen dress holds son upside down laughing on beach at sunset on Corporation Beach in Dennis Cape Cod with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in long blue linen dress holds hands with husband while carrying son walking through ocean  at sunset on Corporation Beach in Dennis Cape Cod with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom  and dad hug son standing in ocean  at sunset on Corporation Beach in Dennis Cape Cod with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom  and dad hug son standing in ocean  at sunset on Corporation Beach in Dennis Cape Cod with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom  and dad hug son standing in ocean  at sunset on Corporation Beach in Dennis Cape Cod with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Fun family portraits with cousins on Cape Cod

The last time I saw this family was when I just gone full-time with my business after leaving my teaching carreer in 2015, so to say I was excited to see them this summer is an understatement! It’s been 6 years since Baby Anna’s cake smash and when I opened up the inquiry email, I couldn’t stop smiling. Anna and Mikey have grown so much, and I got to meet their cousins, aunt, and uncle for these fun family portraits on Cape Cod at Corporation Beach, too.

Their Dennisport portrait session was so much fun! It’s always great to watch kids just be kids - especially on the Cape. The sand and the waves crashing just make everyone happy. These little ones loved playing with each other and swinging like monkeys between their parents. I’m not lying when I say we just went out and had the best time together!

I hope their grandparents absolutely love all of these photos. They have the cutest grandkids and I’m just so happy I had the chance to photograph Anna, Mikey, and their family again. Enjoy this peek into their beach portraits from this summer!

cousins hug on beach on Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
siblings hug on the beach during photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
brother gives sister piggy back ride during family photos on the beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
siblings hug on beach during photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of four hugs on beach during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girl jumps during photos on the beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad hugs two kids during Cape Cod family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of four hugs by wooden fence on Cape Cod beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in blue polo sits on sand during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family sits in sand during beach family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girl plays in sand during beach family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom hugs son during beach photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of four hugs by wooden fence on beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
cousins stand in ocean during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girls twirl in sand during beach photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family plays in the water during beach photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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fun family portraits with cousins on Cape Cod with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Cape Cod Family Portraits at Corporation Beach

I am so happy I got to see this beautiful family again! They are local to me in New York, but like me, they vacation on the Cape every year. So when they reached out about setting up a portrait session on the beach, I was thrilled! We met up for a sunset session at Corporation Beach in Dennis, and it was absolutely gorgeous.

This isn't my first session with Reese, Matteo, and their parents. When Matteo arrived, we captured studio newborn portraits for him and his family. Since then, he has grown so much and now he is starting to show off his big personality! I love these summer nights with toddlers, running around with big laughs and sandy toes.

Reese and Matteo's grandparents joined us for part of their session, too. It's so special to me to capture these summer memories for the whole family. We lucked out with a gorgeous night for everyone to come out on the beach. Corporation Beach is seriously one of my favorite beaches at sunset in Dennis - especially during low tide. I can't wait for you to see this entire session!

baby sits in the sand during Cape Cod family photos with MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
big sister plays with brother in sand during beach family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
siblings play in the sand during family photos on Corporation Beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler in blue jumper sits on dunes during beach photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girl in blue dress sits in sand during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
daughter in blue dress hugs mom in white gown on beach during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom hugs toddler by wooden fence on Corporation Beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of four poses on dune at Corporation Beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad holds two kids on beach during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family poses with grandparents during Corporation Beach family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
grandparents pose with babies during family photos on Corporation Beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of four sits on beach during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom and daughter twirl on beach during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler walks through water at Corporation Beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
siblings run through water in Dennis with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad holds son during beach family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
little girl twirls in water during family beach photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Cape Cod family portraits at Corporation Beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Family Portraits on Cape Cod with Grandparents & Baby

This sweet family happens to live closer to my Saratoga Springs studio than the Cape, but when they were planning their summer vacation to Cape Cod they reached out to this Saratoga/Cape Cod family photographer to book their session!

We met at their favorite beach that they love to visit year after year: Nauset Beach.  It was the perfect evening for sandy toes and enjoying the last golden rays of the sunset.  There happened to be live music at the beach that night, and I loved listening to the notes drifting over the dunes towards us.

This was Baby Wyatt’s first summer on the Cape, and this little boy LOVED the beach!  Some infants are a little hesitant when it comes to the texture of the sand and the volume of the waves crashing against the shore, but all of that didn’t phase this beach baby!  He was all smiles and giggles, and he loved putting his toes in the sand and trying to walk along the shore while holding hands with his mama and daddy.

We captured a variety of family portraits in this extended family session at the beach, and I love how Wyatt happily went to each family member and cuddled up in their arms.  

baby sits in sand during Cape Cod family portraits with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler lays in sand during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
grandparents hold toddler during beach photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
grandmother looks at toddler during beach photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom poses with grandmothers and toddler on beach in Cape Cod with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family poses on beach during portraits with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
grandmother kisses toddler during beach family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad lifts toddler during family photos on the beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds son on beach during family portraits with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler holds parents’ hands during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents walk with toddler on beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family poses on beach during portraits with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family poses on beach with toddler during portraits with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler walks on beach with mom during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler sits on sand during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom stands with toddler on the beach during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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family portraits on Cape Cod with grandparents and baby photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Cape Cod Family Portraits at Skaket Beach with Teenagers

This family portrait session at Skaket Beach on Cape Cod felt like a blast from the past.  The last time I photographed this sweet family was in 2014 when I was still teaching first grade and running my little photography business on the side.  Their kids were still so little then, and now to see them all as teenagers was quite the sight!  We had so much fun during their sunset session at low tide, and I love the portraits that we captured together.  So many favorites for them to enjoy in their home!  Back in 2014 they designed a gallery wall with me during their ordering appointment, and now 7 years later they still loved the layout and wanted to update the portraits in the same frames!  

teenager sits on beach during Cape Cod family portraits at Skaket Beach with MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
sisters hug on sand dune on Skaket Beach during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family poses on Skaket Beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family poses on beach during portraits with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
husband kisses wife’s cheek on Skaket Beach during portraits with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family holds hands walking through water photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
sisters hug on beach during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
teenage siblings hug on beach during family photos photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Cape Cod family portraits at Skaket beach with teenagers photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Family Portraits and a Cake Smash at Sagamore Beach - Cape Cod Family Photographer

When Cecilia’s family reached out to me about planning a family portrait session at the beach and mentioned that her birthday was right around then, I suggested we add in a cake smash at the beach! Cecilia’s mama was excited about that, and we planned to meet at the same beach where we did their family portraits two years ago. We all love the wooden boardwalk there leading up to the beach, and knew it would be perfect (and less sandy!) for the cake smash!

This family read all of my tips about planning outfits for your beach session and came up with the most perfect combination of clothes for everybody. I especially loved the little white romper on the birthday girl!

toddler in white dress sits on wooden dock with floral headband at Sagamore Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of five stand on wooden walkway during portraits on Sagamore Beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
siblings sit on wooden wall at beach during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad holds daughter with Down syndrome in pink dress during Sagamore Beach family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in blue polo leans against wooden fence on beach during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family walks on beach holding hands during Sagamore Beach family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

It was a foggy evening and we finished the session just before the rain moved in. I actually love fog at the beach and how it covers everything in a soft, misty white blanket. It creates a magical scene where everything is just a bit out of focus, and I absolutely loved the fog at this beach that evening!

mom hugs son on Sagamore Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds toddler in flower crown on Sagamore Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

This portrait of mom and baby reminded me so much of the very first portrait I ever took of this gorgeous mama with her first daughter when she was almost one. Check out that very special session (with TEN babies!!!) here!

family of five stands on the beach during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler sits on wooden walkway with cake for cake smash on the beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby eats cake sitting on boardwalk at Sagamore Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler sits by white cake on boardwalk during Sagamore Beach cake smash photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in polo smiles with icing on his face during portraits at Sagamore Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
sister helps toddler with cake on boardwalk during Sagamore Beach cake smash photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
siblings sit on boardwalk during beach family photos photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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family portraits and cake smash at Sagamore Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Cape Cod Beach Sessions are Coming Soon

Summer is almost here, and you know what that means:
let’s all head to the BEACH!


Every year I look forward to spending a few weeks on Cape Cod in the summer. My parents now live in Dennisport year-round, and we’ve been spending summers on the Cape for more that 20 years. Grayson gets to grow up heading to the Cape with me for a couple of weeks every July & August, and I love every second of it. We walk to the beach multiple times a day, and he loves the sand and the water and truly can’t get enough of his time at the beach. At 3 years old, this will be his fourth summer on the Cape (how is that even possible?!), and I love watching him evolve into a little beach baby as the years go by.

I know that the Cape is special to sooooo many families. And it’s funny, but the number of families I talk to in New York who also happen to vacation in Dennisport is truly mind-blowing. It’s definitely a popular spot for families, and there are so many great places in the area for salty summertime memories.

As summer approaches I start filling up my calendar with portrait sessions on the beaches of Cape Cod. This year I’m spending more time on the Cape than any previous summer, and all of our sessions are almost completely booked!

As I hit “publish” on this blog post today, I currently have room for THREE MORE FAMILIES in August.

***WEEKEND*** August 14 (rain date August 15)
August 18 (rain date August 19)
***WEEKEND*** August 20 (rain date August 21)

young girl in Lily Pulitzer dress smiles on Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girls in pastel dresses walk on sand photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
young boy sits with mom on wooden bench in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

The sand. The wind. The sun. These are all natural elements that we embrace during our salt air sessions on Cape Cod. Read on for more tips for a successful portrait session at the beach!

brothers laugh on the sand in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

The first step in every portrait session is an email & a phone call. I would love to chat with you to see if this is the perfect session for your family this summer! Send me a message through the button below!

mom and grandmother hold girls in matching colorful dresses on beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
couple swings son during beach portraits photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler leans on wooden ladder on the beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

You may have noticed that all of the families in this blog post absolutely ROCKED their outfits, right? They did that with a little help from me! I’ve compiled a list of tips to make planning outfits easy for your beach session. Long gone are the days of matching khakis and white shirts, and here to stay are mixed colors and patterns for real personality in your family portraits. Learn more here as you start to plan your family’s outfits for your next portrait session!

sisters hug on the beach in pastel dresses photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family poses in little town during Cape Cod photos in the summer photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family jumps off dunes on the beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Information for Cape Cod family beach sessions in the summer shared by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Cape Cod Family Portraits in Dennis

I loooooved seeing this family at their favorite beach in Dennis for their family portrait session this summer! Their Cape house is literally steps from the beach, and they’ve been coming here for generations.

I haven’t been to many beaches on the Cape where you have to climb a huge sand dune to get to the water, and it was extra special to watch their sweet little girls climb up over the top and run down towards the sea, knowing that they are going to create so many magical childhood memories there on that stretch of sand just like their mama did when she was a little girl.

toddler walks up sand dune in Cape Cod during family portraits in Dennis photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girl in Lily Pulitzer dress walks on sand in Dennis photographed by photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler girl smiles while her hair blows in the wind during Cape Cod portraits by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Beach hair, don’t care! This was definitely one of my favorite images from their session!

little girl stands in Lily Pulitzer dress in Dennis photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents pose with daughters during Dennis beach family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom poses in navy blue dress with daughters on Dennis Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

It’s always a joy when grandparents join in for family portraits, and I loved capturing this happy grandmother with her adorable granddaughters in everyone’s happy place!

grandmother stands with granddaughters in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom and grandmother pose with little girls on Dennis Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family walks along waterfront in Cape Cod photographed by MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
Cape Cod family photos on Dennis Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler and baby girl play in sand during family photos on Dennis Beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl stands in front of ocean during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad lifts girls during family photos on beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Dennis Beach family portraits in Cape Cod with Lilly Pulitizer dresses by Nicole Starr Photography

Baby Girl's Cake Smash at the Beach - Cape Cod Family Photographer

Ohhhh, I miss those warm summer beach days already!! Every summer I spend more than a few weeks on Cape Cod. Nearly every evening is spent with families at the beach, laughing & collecting seashells, running & jumping the waves while capturing portraits the entire time.

One of my favorite evenings last summer was the night I met this sweet family in Harwich for Niamh’s first birthday cake smash at the beach.

Beach cake smash session in Cape Cod with Cape Cod family and cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Pleasant Road Beach was the perfect spot for a cake smash with the little wooden boardwalk stretching across the sand, the waves crashing on the shore just ahead of us. We brought a few sand dollars and starfish for the decor, but kept it simple to keep the focus on the birthday girl.

one year old reaches for cake on the boardwalk at Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family and cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography 
baby looks at cake during cake smash on the beach with Cape Cod family and cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography 
toddler girl crawls around cake on boardwalk photographed by Cape Cod family and cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography 

Niamh LOVED her cake! I always love it when babies dig right in and take a bite out of their cake by leaning into it.

toddler bites cake during cake smash with Cape Cod family and cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography 
baby girl looks at elegant white cake for cake smash with Cape Cod family and cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography 

Her big sisters were eager to join in, and they waited patiently for their turn. Then everybody dug into the cake together!

big sisters help birthday girl with cake smash photographed by Cape Cod family and cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography 
sisters enjoy cake during beach cake smash photographed by Cape Cod family and cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography 
big sister poses on beach during family session in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Of course we also did family portraits on the beach, and I love how perfectly golden the light was that evening with the most beautiful sunset. Aren’t their sundresses beautiful and just right for summer portraits?

sisters pose in pastel dresses on beach with Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
beach milestone portraits for young girl with Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
tdler plays in the sand during milestone portraits with Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
sisters walk through sand on beach during family photos with Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents pose with three daughters on the beach photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad poses with birthday girl on beach during family photos with Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom sits with three daughters on wooden steps photographed by Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom poses with birthday girl on wooden steps at beach with Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of five walks through water in Cape Cod during beach photos with Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family walks through water during beach photos with Cape Cod beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Cape Cod cake smash photographed by family and cake smash photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Family Photos with Grandparents at the Beach - Cape Cod Family Photographer

Do you know the term “head swap”?

This terms is used when a photographer uses Photoshop and takes a head (or a body, or a part of the backdrop) from one photo and moves it onto another photo to create a composite. When done correctly, you can’t even tell anything was changed and it just looks like the perfect photo where everyone is looking and smiling.

Some people are familiar with this term, and when I explain it to other people they look at me like it’s some type of sorcery. But honestly, it’s a very common term in the photography world and photographers need to do head swaps more often than you might think. Especially in family sessions. Especially in extended family sessions.

The photo below, for example, took SEVEN head/body swaps to create and image with every single family member looking towards the camera!

This is definitely not the norm, but when an old friend from high school reaches out for a family portrait session at their favorite beach on Cape Cod, I might go a little above and beyond when it comes to the editing to give them that one perfect photo that includes all 5 toddlers and every adult looking!

Family portraits with grandparents at the beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Beach family photos in Cape Cod MA, family session on the beach, beach photos in the summer
grandparents pose with their five grandchildren on beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Beach family photos in Cape Cod MA, family session on the beach, beach photos in the summer
boys play in the sand in blue gingham shirts during family photos photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Beach family photos in Cape Cod MA, family session on the beach, beach photos in the summer

Extended family portrait sessions are always a blast and I love getting to meet all of the smaller families that make up the big family. I especially love when we have so many little grandchildren to photograph! Seriously, how cute are these kiddos?!?! Just adorable!

toddler plays in the sand wearing pink gown photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl plays in sand wearing pink dress photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler boy in blue button up shirt smiles on wooden bench along beach in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
brother and sister sit on bench in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold children in the sand with ocean behind them photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler holds mom’s hand while sitting on wooden bench in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family with three boys sits in sand during photoshoot in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

But of course, toddlers at the beach make for a lot of running around in the sand at sunset. Definitely worth all of the extra sand in my camera bag and the extra sweat after an hour of chasing them! I truly had a blast with this family and we enjoyed the most beautiful Harwichport sunset for their portrait session.

mom sits on sand holding sons photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Family photos with grandparents on the beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Cape Cod Family Photos at Lighthouse Beach in Chatham

Ohhhhh, this session makes me miss the Cape already! This family met me at Lighthouse Beach in Chatham for the most perfect sunset one evening in August. We captured their family portraits on a nearly deserted beach, and it was so beautiful and fun.

The kids were full of personality and they had us laughing the entire hour, and I loved watching them play and joke together, knowing that these are going to be the summertime memories they have for the rest of their lives. I look back at my summertime memories as a kid and the Cape is prominent in all of the best ones, and it’s pretty amazing getting to watch those future memories unfold for other children knowing that one day they’ll look back at these summers the same way I look at mine.

siblings sit on the beach in Chatham MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
beach family portraits in Chatham MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
daughter in blue dress with white bow sits on Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
girl spins on the sand in Chatham MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
little boy in gingham shirt sits on the beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
Lighthouse Beach family portraits in Chatham MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
brother hugs two sisters on Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
Lighthouse Beach family portraits in MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography

I love extended family sessions like this one, and it’s always fun when grandparents and cousins join in the fun. We capture a mix of portraits of everyone in all of the different groupings, and when they kids are older like this it’s always such a breeze!

family poses on beach with grandmother photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
family of 5 poses on Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
family hugs on Chatham beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
sisters hug during Lighthouse Beach family photos photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
mom sits with two daughters in pastel outfits for summer beach portraits photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography

Their grandmother is going to cherish this photo forever!

MA family portraits on Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
family portraits on Lighthouse Beach in Chatham MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
family of five hugs along water’s edge at Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
family jumps off sand dunes on Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
mom hugs daughter in pink dress on Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
family portraits on Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
sunset family portraits at Lighthouse Beachphotographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Lighthouse Beach family portraits on Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Cape Cod Family Portraits at Corporation Beach

I’ve been photographing the R family since their oldest was around 6 months old. These boys are used to being in front of the camera, and they bring all of the smiles & laughter to their portrait session. Within 30 seconds of pulling out my camera, they were hamming it up at the beach while being silly together. I just love the sibling portraits we captured of these two brothers together that really showcase their personalities and all of the childhood fun of a summer on Cape Cod!

brothers play in the sand on Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
sunset family portraits at Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
child plays in sand on beach in Massachusetts during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Our beach family portrait sessions on Cape Cod are some of my most-anticipated sessions of the year. I look forward to them all year long, and our families do, too! For this session we met at Corporation Beach in Dennis just before sunset for beautiful family photos to capture that golden light that is magical at the beach at that hour. One of my favorite things about Corporation Beach are the sand dunes, and this little nook is perfect for some portraits all cuddled up together.

Family plays on the beach during portraits photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hug two sons during beach photos on Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
Corporation Beach family portraits photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of four stands on beach during family session at Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
son playfully poses during Corporation Beach family session photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
sunset family portraits of mom and two sons photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Then as the sun sinks further in the sky we head towards the water to dip our toes in and capture that golden light. Perfect, right? Plus, they did such an amazing job coordinating outfits. I love the patterns together!

Corporation Beach family session photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

This beach also has gorgeous sea grass that emerges in low tide. It’s one of my favorite spots for low tide because of the variety in scenery at that hour.

Corporation Beach family portraits of family in light blue and white outfits photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family portraits on Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom lifts son overhead during beach family session photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family lifts son walking along beach in front of ocean photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of four walks along Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Cape Cod family portraits at Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Grayson's Summer on Cape Cod

Another summer come & gone. How is that even possible?!?! We only get 18 childhood summers with our kids, and the years are just going by so fast.

This was Grayson’s third summer on Cape Cod. My parents live in Dennisport and we love spending a few weeks with them in June, July, and August. We’re so lucky to get to enjoy so much time in the sunshine & salt air, and it was just what we needed after months at home! Every September is so bittersweet to see another beachy summer come to an end, even more so this year.

This year was especially fun because Grayson was so excited to go to “the beach house”, as he calls it. He lovesssssss the beach, so every time we started talking about going to the Cape he would throw all of his favorite things in a bag and tell me he was ready to go right now — even if it was days before we were actually going to make the trip! We visited our favorite beaches at least twice every day and he was obsessed with chasing the seagulls and plovers, throwing seashells into the waves, and filling up his dump truck with sand. At the end of each visit he never wanted to leave, and I have the feeling he’s really going to miss these laid back beach days!

toddler sits on yellow bench in Dennisport during Cape Cod summer portraits with Nicole STarr Photography

I brought Grayson to one of my favorite little spots in downtown Dennisport where there is a giant DENNISPORT mural painted across an entire building. I have a photo from his first summer on the Cape when he was 3 months old all snuggled up in my arms in front of this same mural. Now this summer he was so happy and fun and he loved exploring this little pocket garden and checking out all of the details in the paintings! I can’t wait to add these to our annual family photo album!

Summer portraits on Cape Cod with Delmar NY photographer Nicole Starr Photography
portraits in Dennisport Capde COd photographed by New York photographer Nicole Starr Photography
Cpe Cod portraits in Dennisport photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

We also managed to sneak in some sunset portraits at the beach on our very last night on the Cape. You know how the cobbler’s kid never has any shoes? Well, the beach photographer’s kid never has any beach photos! All of my nights were booked with family sessions and rain dates were filled up, so we snuck his photos in after I finished my very last session of the summer at one of my favorite spots in Harwich.

I promised Grayson we’d bring this sailboat prop that I have used with other families for years. I was so happy to use this with my own little boy, and I never want to forget his windblown blonde hair and those sturdy toddler legs running through the sand!

toddler boy plays with wooden boat with blue sail on Cape Cod beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
summer portraits in Cape Cod on the beach with little boy in suspenders photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
portraits of young boy on by lifeguard stand on Cape Cod beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
beach portraits at sunset with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
Dennisport beach portraits in Massachusetts photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Plus a few cell phone photos of our summer fun! Seriously, this kid LOVES the beach! In July he insisted on walking to the beach with a pool noodle under each arm every. single. time.


Such an awesome summer!

Dennisport beach portraits in Cape Cod with MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Best of 2019 Beach Sessions on Cape Cod - Cape Cod Family Photographer

Every year I start counting down to July & August because our Salt Air Sessions on Cape Cod are some of the most magical moments that I love capturing on camera every summer.

And guess what???? Summer is almost here, and we are now filling up the calendar with family portrait sessions on the beaches of Cape Cod!

Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…

A salt air breeze in your hair.
Sandy toes.
The gentle waves crashing over your feet.
A symphony of seagulls overhead.

It doesn’t get any better than that!

Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…
Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…
Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…
Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…
Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…

I’ve been spending summers in Dennisport for more than 20 years, and I have so many favorite beaches in Dennis and Harwich, and even a few favorite ones in Eastham & Falmouth! Every year a family introduces me to a new hidden gem, a stretch of sand that I haven’t explored before, and if we’re lucky it becomes one of my very favorites — like this beach in Bourne with a gorgeous weathered pier leading up to the sand!

Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…
Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…

I am so grateful for all of the families that trust me to capture these beautiful summer memories for them. You only get 18 summers with your little ones, and these are the sun-soaked memories you want to cherish. The ones that will define their childhood summers and make Cape Cod hold a special place in their heart. That is why I love these portrait sessions so much!

Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…
Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…
Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…
Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…
Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…
Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…
Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…

We still have a few dates available in July & August 2020! I would LOVEEEEE to see your family then!

Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…
Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…
Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…
Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…
Nicole Starr Photography shares her favorite Cape Cod family portraits | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits , beach family portrai…

Inspired by these portraits? Save this image or any from the post above as inspiration for your beach portraits!

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Sea, Sun, and CAKE! Holden's Cake Smash at the Beach with Cape Cod Baby Photographer

How is this sweet boy already ONE?!?!

It feels like we were just welcoming him to the studio for his newborn portraits. Then we blinked and it was time for his 6 month milestone session. And now suddenly this Baby Planner is one and we’re celebrating his first birthday with a cake smash at the same beach where we did his mama’s maternity portraits a year earlier!

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This was my first cake smash in the sand at one of my favorite beaches on Cape Cod, and it was so much fun! This coastal family loves everything about the beach, and it was only fitting that we tie that into every single one of their son’s portrait sessions during the first year.

When I mentioned the idea of doing his cake smash at the beach, his mom was so excited and started envisioning her sweet boy smashing his birthday cake on the boardwalk where they had posed as a family of four a short year earlier. And now, can you even handle how much cuteness is packed into one portrait?!?!

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Nicole Starr Photography | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits | Cape Cod cake smash, beach cake smash, beachside cake smash, Cape …

These big brothers dote on their little brother, and Holden soaks it up! He is such a happy baby, and I love watching the ways that his family showers him in love!

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When planning a cake smash at the beach, figuring out what to wear is simple — a swimsuit, of course! Holden looked adorable in his little swim trunks, and they showed off his cute belly and arm rolls to celebrate this stage of “babyhood on the brink of toddlerhood” that he is in right now!

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This boy LOVED the frosting!!!

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Nicole Starr Photography | Boston Family Photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod portraits, beach session, beach portraits, MA beach portraits | Cape Cod cake smash, beach cake smash, beachside cake smash, Cape …

Inspired by this beach cake smash? Pin this image or any from the post above to save it!

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Brothers at the beach - a family portrait session at south village beach with cape cod family photographer

The beach is the perfect place for making sandy memories, and I loved this relaxed & playful session with brothers Taylan & Altan on Cape Cod!

We spent the evening running up and down the sand, climbing the lifeguard chair, and looking for clams. It was the perfect evening, and we had so much fun capturing their beautiful family portraits at the beach.

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Weeeee!!!! This might be one of my favorite prompts with families — everyone always has the best expressions when their little one goes flying up into the air like a monkey! Altan loved it!

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And of course big brother wanted a turn to swing, too!

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Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…

Inspired by this playful and fun beach session? Pin this image or any from the post above!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…

About Nicole Starr Photography 

Nicole Starr specializes in newborn, baby & family photography and has been serving families in New York and Massachusetts since 2012.  She has a portrait studio in Saratoga Springs, NY for families in the Capital Region.  Nicole also works with families year round at her Attleboro, MA portrait studio, and on location May through October in Boston and on Cape Cod.  Nicole has a clean and classic style, and the studio is filled with neutrals and luxe fabrics.  We use very minimal props to keep the focus on your perfect little baby.  Our sessions are relaxed and fun, and we’ll enjoy an hour together (or up to 3 hours for a newborn session!) laughing, cuddling, and capturing authentic smiles and belly laughs with your little ones.