Spring family portraits with Saratoga Springs Photographer

Katie and Zach are the sweetest parents. I’ve loved getting to know them over the last few years as their boys Carter and Bennett have grown up. I’ve had the joy of photographing these brothers for their milestones in my studio over the last two years and each session is better than the last. There’s some real magic that happens when a family trusts you as much as Katie and Zach trust me. 

All of my cake smash sessions include time for updating family portraits. We were all so excited about the blossoms on the stress in my favorite spot in Saratoga Springs. It’s such a short-lived season here in Saratoga, and it’s my absolute favorite time of year to photograph families.These pink blossoms just lend themselves so well to soft pastel colors in the spring! 

Katie and Zach dressed the boys in super cute blue, green and pink colors. They worked perfectly in the park! You can never go wrong with blue and white, and chambray is one of my favorite fabrics for spring and summer. You always want to aim for a mix of patterns and solids, but keep in mind not to have too many people in patterns or the outfits will be visually competing for your eye, and you won’t be able to focus on the happy subjects. Katie and Zach did a wonderful job of balancing out the patterns and solid colors for their portraits. I’m just in love with the final images! 

Katie and Zach, thank you for trusting me to capture your sweet boys again! I absolutely adore working with all of you. 

toddler in pink and blue plaid shirt sits on wooden box in Congress Park during Saratoga Springs family portraits with Nicole Starr Photography
parents stand holding two sons in Congress Park during Saratoga Springs family portraits with Nicole Starr Photography
parents stand holding two sons in Congress Park during Saratoga Springs family portraits with Nicole Starr Photography
dad tosses toddler in the air during spring family portraits in Saratoga Springs park with NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad tosses toddler in the air during spring family portraits in Saratoga Springs park with NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in jean dress holds toddler on hip hugging him in Saratoga Springs park with NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds one year old son on hip in Saratoga Springs park with NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents stand with toddler in plaid shirt standing on white box and one year old on dad’s hip during Saratoga Springs park with NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
two young brothers sit on wooden box during Saratoga Springs park with NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler in blue onesie sits on wooden box during Saratoga Springs park with NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Spring family photos with Saratoga Springs family photographer Nicole Starr Photography in park.

Family portrait inspiration for spring family photos

Spring is one of my favorite time to photograph families. Everything is blooming, there’s pastel and soft colors everywhere and the weather is always so lovely. No matter what season we’re in, I’m asked about what colors or outfits families should wear to their sessions. I LOVE helping my families determine their outfits because I want them to truly love their final portraits. Here’s a few things to consider when planning your outfits for spring family photos.

dad lifts toddler during spring family photos with Saratoga Springs NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents pose with little girl in white dress during spring family photos in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography

What colors do you have in your home?

If your home leans towards darker and richer colors, then the fall might be better for your artwork. But if your home is filled with light neutrals and soft colors, the spring is a better fit. The softer colors outside will be the perfect complement to the decor in your home. Those are also some of the colors you should consider when planning outfits, so that when you display your portraits, they fit in naturally!

mom sits on white swing with daughter at home during spring photos with Saratoga Springs NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents pose with toddler during family photos in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography

How to choose colors and patterns:

No matter when we photograph your family, the principles of outfits remain the same. You want to try to avoid matching completely with each other. Instead, lean for complimentary colors, like a pastel palette. I recommend starting with one family member’s outfits (usually mom’s) and then choosing the rest around that piece. Pull the colors to compliment for everyone else’s outfits. Try to avoid large or loud patterns.

parents pose with toddlers on street with flowers photographed in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography
toddler sits on street by flowers in downtown Saratoga Springs with NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds baby on sidewalk during spring family photos with New York family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Plan age appropriate outfits and outfits you can move in.

Remember, kids will be kids during our sessions. And we want that! So, make sure whatever you choose, they’re comfortable in. If they’re not, it will show. I’m all for special outfits for your photos, but I recommend making sure your little ones wear them at least a little bit of time before our portraits. Otherwise, choose something you know they’ll be happy in and will smile for us wearing. In fact, that goes for everyone. Make sure your entire family is comfortable and can move during our portraits. I like to have my families move, walk, and play during our time together!

sisters hug on sidewalk in Saratoga Springs NY during family photos with Nicole Starr Photography in the springtime
toddler runs in bowtie and white button up shirt during spring family photos in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography
two kids hug mom during spring family photos in Saratoga Springs with Nicole Starr Photography, NY family photographer
mom kisses son outside Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs during spring family photos with Nicole Starr Photography

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Family portrait inspiration for spring family photos with Saratoga Springs NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography