Newborn portrait sessions with handmade pearl headbands

Welcome to the world Baby Vivienne! I’m so happy that I had a chance to bring this beautiful family back to my Saratoga Springs studio. 5 years ago, I captured  big sister Madeleine’s newborn portraits. Now she’s a big sister! It was very special to see how much she’s grown and to watch her bubbly personality shine through as she showed off her new baby sister.

This newborn session feels very springlike to me! We captured a few portraits inspired by Madeleine’s portraits a few years back - including the overhead circle bowl shot. It was special to recreate beautiful memories for this family. I’ve also added a bunch of new headbands including some with pearl details to the studio, which Vivienne’s mother chose for her daughter’s session. I love them so much and I’m so thrilled to see them being used. 

Many of my newborn clients fall in love with the soft colors and my natural style of newborn posing. I always choose to use minimal props to keep the focus on the baby. Pure and sweet, minimal is my focus - so I can capture the connection between family members. These sibling portraits of the girls are some of my all-time favorites, and the colors in the family’s outfits were perfect for the studio. Everything about Vivienne’s session just fit perfectly with my style and I’m so thrilled to be sharing it with you today! 


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Our Studio Refresh: A Peek inside our Saratoga Springs Portrait Studio

I can still hardly believe that this studio is mine. It’s one of my favorite places to be in Saratoga Springs, and it’s filled with everything that I find beautiful and inspiring — lots of light, soft fabrics, pretty neutrals, natural wood and rattan, linen, dainty little flowers on itty bitty headbands, and just a touch of subtle sparkle here and there.

With the new year, I’ve been looking forward to spending a little extra time in our Saratoga Springs baby portrait studio getting everything organized. I made some pretty significant changes to the layout in 2023, and I’m finally getting around to photographing the space now so that I can share it with all of you!

We’ve been in this particular studio since 2020, and it has grown and evolved to fit the needs of our clients since then. I’ve always had a knack for maximizing space and carving out little corners to serve a purpose (the toy corner! the snack cart! our prop storage! our new dressing room area! and the secret hiding place for allllll of the cake stands!). Ever since I had my very first classroom as a first grade teacher back in 2009, I’ve enjoyed being able to look at a space and figure out exactly how to configure it so that every space has a purpose, yet it all flows together seamlessly. This studio has been such a fun spot to design and bring to life, and while there will always be more little changes to come, I’m excited to share our 2024 studio with all of you today!

If you’re looking for a Saratoga Springs photographer for your next family or baby portrait session, I would love to chat with you and help you bring your vision to life! We have everything you’ll need in the studio, and I look forward to creating beautiful artwork for your family.

Newborn portraits for Julian’s Baby Sister

Welcome to the world, Baby Lucy! I photographed Lindsay’s maternity portraits earlier this year and now her little girl has arrived! She and the family came to my Saratoga Springs studio for newborn portraits and I was so happy to get to meet Lucy! She’s absolutely precious. 

During Lucy’s newborn session, I had some flashbacks to capturing her big brother’s newborn portraits 2 years ago. It was fun to have them all back in the studio for new portraits. During his mom’s maternity session, Julian was a bit hesitant about being on camera. We managed to get some smiles. But, the studio is stocked with lots of toys and snacks (turns out he loves Goldfish!), so we had a good time for his sister’s newborn session. He was amazing - and even came to check on his baby sister while she was swaddled up for her portraits. It was adorable! 

I absolutely love the color palette that Lindsay chose for Lucy’s portraits. We focused on beautiful neutrals and introduced some soft pinks to round out the color palette. Her mom wore a beautiful pink gown from the studio and I loved how the texture photographed. Lucy wore some sweet floral headbands, too. She looked so perfect throughout the whole session!! 

Thank you to this sweet family for allowing me to capture another newborn session. I’m so happy to meet Lucy and thrilled we got to work together to document your growing family again! 

mom in mauve gown with lace detailing at top holds baby girl in white wrap with pink and white flower headband during studio newborn session in Saratoga Springs with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in mauve gown with lace detailing at top holds baby girl in white wrap with pink and white flower headband during studio newborn session in Saratoga Springs with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in mauve gown with lace detailing at top holds baby girl in white wrap while toddler leans to kiss baby sister while dad holds him during studio newborn session in Saratoga Springs with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in mauve gown with lace detailing at top holds baby girl in white wrap while toddler leans to kiss baby sister while dad holds him during studio newborn session in Saratoga Springs with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in mauve gown with lace detailing at top holds baby girl in white wrap while dad holds toddler in studio newborn session in Saratoga Springs with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in white shirt holds newborn daughter in white wrap with pink and white flower headband photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in white shirt holds newborn daughter in white wrap while mom looks over his shoulder photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in white shirt holds newborn daughter in white wrap while mom and toddler big brother sit together on couch photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler big brother leans over baby sister in wooden crate sleeping during newborn portraits photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad kisses newborn baby girl in white wrap with pink flower headband during newborn portraits photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mother in mauve gown with lace detailing holds baby girl in white wrap with pink flower headband during newborn portraits photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby in ivory wrap with ivory headband sleeps on chunky knit blanket in white wicker bed during newborn portraits photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
big brother leans over to talk to baby sister sleeping in wooden bowl with chunky knit blanket during newborn portraits photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Classic studio newborn portraits for baby girl with cream and pink color palette photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography.

White & blue newborn portraits in our light and airy studio

One of the most special parts of my job as a newborn photographer is getting to welcome families’ brand new babies and seeing their first babies turn into big siblings. It’s always so magical to have those deja vu moments when looking at the new little siblings and seeing similarities to their big brother or sister’s portrait session from a few years earlier. That was definitely true with sweet Parker’s session. About 2.5 years ago, I did his big brother Ollie’s newborn portraits. I was definitely experiencing deja vu as I photographed Parker! 

For Parker’s newborn session, we chose a simple palette of white and blue to incorporate in his outfits and setups. I always aim to keep things simple and focused on the baby in our light and airy studio, so that your portraits always remain classic and timeless. Nothing crazy, always classic! Parker looked so sweet, all bundled up and was an angel - sleeping well for me throughout the session. Ollie especially loved when Parker was in my Moses basket and he could look at Parker and fawn over him. It was SO sweet to watch him be so excited for his little brother. I know these two are going to be great friends one day! 

While Parker did sleep for most of his session, we did get a few portraits near the end of him with his eyes open. As much as I love sleeping portraits, I always adore babies with their eyes wide open! They’re so precious. Congratulations to Ollie and his family for welcoming Baby Parker to the world. I can’t wait to watch him grow! 

baby boy lays in white wrap in Moses blanket during Saratoga Springs NY studio with Nicole Starr Photography

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White and blue newborn portraits in our light and airy studio with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Newborn Portraits with the Cutest Toddler Big Brother

I loved working with this super sweet family to welcome their little girl to the world! We planned a studio newborn session to capture her first portraits and their first portrait as a family of four. It was so special - and absolutely beautiful. Mom wanted to include lots of soft florals and greenery. Paired with beautiful neutrals, everything came together in such a lovely way! I always love these soft pastel colors for little girls.

‌When we were discussing what to wear, Mom decided to borrow a gown from the studio’s Mama Wardrobe. This is by far one of our most popular dresses and is super flattering on all mamas. The detail on the neckline and sleeves photographs so beautifully! I absolutely love and get so excited when mamas ask to use this dress!

‌Throughout the whole session, big brother was curious about his little sister. He and I had a great time laughing and finding little games (and tricks) to keep him involved in the session with her. I think the images of them together are just so beautiful. He’s going to be a great big brother as he continues to grow up!

After their session, the family returned to the studio to discuss heirloom products. They created a gorgeous album with their favorite portraits. I’m so happy with it and I hope they’ll cherish it forever! ‌

mom in white gown sits holding newborn daughter on soft while hugging toddler son during newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY studio with Nicole Starr Photography
dad in blue button up shirt holds newborn daughter on sofa while hugging toddler son during newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY studio with Nicole Starr Photography
dad in blue button up shirt holds newborn daughter alongside wife and toddler son during newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY studio with Nicole Starr Photography
new parents look down at daughter in white wrap during newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY studio with Nicole Starr Photography
dad in blue button up shirt holds daughter in white wrap in front his chest during newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY studio with Nicole Starr Photography
mother in white dress with lace details holds newborn daughter in arm in white wrap with floral headband during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
baby girl in white wrap with floral headband lays on white blanket in Moses basket during newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
baby girl in white wrap with floral headband lays on white blanket in Moses basket while toddler brother leans in to touch her blanket during newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
baby girl in white wrap with floral headband lays on white blanket in Moses basket while toddler brother looks at her during newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
baby girl in lays in white knit blanket with pink rose floral crown during newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
baby girl in lays in white knit blanket with pink rose floral crown on bed during newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
baby girl in lays in white knit blanket with pink rose floral crown on bed during newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
baby girl in lays in white knit blanket in wicker basket on chunky ivory blanket photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
baby girl in lays in white knit blanket on furry blanket while big brother looks over her photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer

Newborn portraits for baby girl with the cutest toddler big brother in Saratoga Springs NY studio photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Mauve & neutral newborn portraits for Seraphina Marie

I’m so happy I was able to welcome Seraphina Marie to my studio for her newborn session! Her parents and I planned a gorgeous and simple session to welcome their baby girl to the world. During Katy’s maternity portraits, she wore a beautiful mauve gown - so we used that as the inspiration for Seraphina’s setups. I love when we can tie sessions together like that for families!

Seraphina was absolutely perfect during her newborn portraits. She was snuggly and loved being with her parents. Capturing new parents holding their baby is always so special to me. Those early days go by so quickly and I want to be sure you remember how tiny your little one was. Katy actually wore the same gown for these portraits that she wore in the maternity photos, too. After we captured portraits of her and her parents, it was time to wrap her and place her on the sweet setups we created. I focused on mauve and cream when selecting pieces for her setups and I love how they look together in the final images!! 

When they came back to the studio for their reveal session, this beautiful family decided on our matted prints. They are going to look so beautiful on the walls of their home! I can’t wait to see how they look when they arrive. They’re some of my favorite products to create with portraits from sessions in the studio. 

mom in mauve gown holds newborn baby girl in white wrap with pink headband while husband holds her arm during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in mauve gown holds husband’s arm as he holds new baby girl during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in cream blanket with floral headband during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in wicker basket on mauve blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in wicker basket on mauve blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in wicker basket on mauve blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in curled up in cream blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in pink knit sweater with floral headband on white blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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studio newborn session with mauve and neutral details for baby girl with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Pastel Newborn Portraits for Baby Lakin with Big Sister

Welcome to the world, Baby Lakin! I first met Lakin’s family when they welcomed their first daughter, Quinn, 3.5 years ago. Now they've added another little girl to their family and they came back to my studio again for another set of newborn portraits. I’m SO happy I got to meet their new addition before my maternity leave. 

One of the best parts of working with a family more than once is getting to see how their kids grow up – and adjust to being big siblings. Quinn is an amazing big sister! She was super helpful during the session and wanted to take pictures with my wooden camera prop. It was so sweet. She even told her parents to move closer together and say cheese. At one point, she even posed her baby doll in the wooden bed I used for Lakin. It was adorable!!! I might have to hire her for my studio one day! 

Baby Lakin was sleepy the entire time, and I only saw her beautiful bright eyes as they were putting her in the car seat to go at the end of the session! She was still in that tired stage in the first few weeks of life – but that’s okay. Lakin looked adorable in each setup we chose. Personally, I loved the green wrap we used in the last few images. She looked precious snuggled up under the blanket!!

Thank you to this beautiful family for trusting me not once – but twice – with their girls’ newborn portraits. I’m so honored that I had the chance to work with you twice and celebrate your growing family!! 

family of four sits on sofa during newborn session in Saratoga Springs studio with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
mom sits on sofa with newborn baby girl and her big sister photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents look down at new baby girl sitting on sofa in studio with toddler on lap photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler sits in white lace dress holding newborn baby sister photographed by New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler sits in white lace dress holding newborn baby sister photographed by New York newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad holds two daughters sitting on couch photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girl snuggles new baby sister laying on rug during Saratoga Springs NY newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
man hugs wife and holds new baby girl during studio newborn session in Saratoga Springs with newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds newborn baby girl in arms during studio newborn photos with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
parents hug newborn daughter during newborn session in studio with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
dad holds newborn daughter in white swaddle sleeping against his chest during photos with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays wrapped up in white wrap with pink floral crown during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
baby lays in white wrap on top of peach peonies and green blanket photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in white wrap with purple headband during newborn session in Saratoga Springs studio with Nicole Starr Photography
big sister leans over newborn baby girl while she sleeps in wooden cradle photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in wooden cradle with pink and green floral headband under green blanket with pearl details photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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newborn portraits for baby girl with pastel setups photographed by Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer

Baby Starr | Adelaide's Newborn Portraits

Adelaide Olivia

June 17, 2022

We welcomed our daughter in the middle of June, and somehow an entire month has already gone by! I don't remember time going this quickly when our son was born, but the weeks have all blended into one another and time is disappearing faster than we can keep track of it. I swear I barely blink and another week has passed in a blur of feedings, naps, and doctors appointments!

Sweet little Adelaide Olivia was born on June 17, 2022. She is our rainbow baby, and we waited a very long time for this beautiful baby to join our family. She's finally her, and we are over the moon.

Adelaide is perfect in every way, and we are so in love already. Grayson is the proudest big brother, and he lights up every time he's in the room with her and wants to be involved in everything that has to do with his sister. His grandma keeps saying that "he was born to be a big brother," and it's true that he is really doing an amazing job in his new role already. We love watching him in this transition, and it's so sweet to see how he interacts with his baby sister.

baby girl sleeps in white wrap on pink knit blanket during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in white wrap with hands curled into her body  on pink knit blanket during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography

She spent the first couple of weeks sound asleep, and we couldn't wake her up for anything! She was literally the sleepiest baby I had ever encountered in my 10 years of posing newborns. But that meant that I got to enjoy multiple mini portrait sessions in the studio to capture a few setups each day. This was such a stark contrast to Grayson's newborn portraits, where he wouldn't settle into a deep sleep because he knew mama was close by, and every click of the shutter startled him wide awake. Baby girl knew what to do, and she snoozed and posed and smiled! I had so much fun capturing these first portraits of her, and now I'm excited to choose which ones to print and frame in our home, and many more to put into an album for our growing album collection!

baby girl lays on white blanket with simple white bow headband during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps with white bow in white lace wrap during newborn session in studio with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl smiles as she sleeps with white bow in white lace wrap during newborn session in studio with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps with white bow in white lace wrap during newborn session in studio with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in purple wrap on chunky knit blanket during pastel inspired newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography in Saratoga Springs studio
baby girl sleeps in purple wrap on chunky knit blanket during pastel inspired newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography in Saratoga Springs studio
baby girl sleeps curled up in mint green blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps curled up in mint green blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

For Adelaide's session I enjoyed lots of neutrals, and you all know I'm a fan of classic baby portraits on white backdrops and layers. I pulled out all of my favorite headbands and floral crowns from Polka Dot Poppy, and I added a few new ones with baby's breath as a nod to the baby's breath I wore in my hair at our wedding, and that my mother wore in her hair at her wedding in the 80s!

baby girl sleeps in white wrap with white floral headband  on peach blanket during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in white wrap on peach blanket during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays curled up in white wrap with baby’s breath headband during Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays curled up in white wrap with baby’s breath headband during Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps laying on hands  in white wrap with baby’s breath headband during Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

And of course, I couldn't resist using the same tiny camera prop that I used 4 years ago in Grayson's newborn portraits. Every photographer has got to capture her baby's portrait holding a newborn sized camera, right?!

baby girl sleeps holding camera during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps holding camera during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in white ruffled dress during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in white ruffled dress with pink floral headband during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in white ruffled dress with pink floral headband during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl holds leg in white ruffle onesie during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

I have so much more inspiration for Adelaide's portraits this year, and I'm excited to share more with you as she grows!

Thanks for celebrating our sweet girl's arrival with us!

newborn girl sleeps curled up in white wrap with floral headband during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
newborn girl sleeps in pink onesie on wooden bed during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Classic studio newborn portraits with neutral color scheme for photographer's daughter photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Studio Newborn Portraits for Baby Mihira

Meet Baby Mihira! This sweet little girl and her family came to my studio recently for her newborn session. Mihira was 3.5 weeks when she came for her portraits, so she was more awake than many of my newborns. Because of that, we got some truly gorgeous eye contact that comes from her being a little bit older – it was perfect!! 

When we began planning Mihira’s portraits, we discussed a simple color palette that focused on neutrals and a lot of ivory. This meant that we could bring in pops of colors through our props, like peach peonies and a beautiful purple wrap. I love being able to take a simple setup and add a bit of variety with simple wraps, props, or other pops of color because we kept everything else straightforward. Mihira looked so sweet in each setup, too! 

One of the most special parts about Mihira’s portraits is that her extended family came for portraits, too. I was able to capture her with her parents, cousin, and grandparents. I absolutely love when families come for newborn portraits – what a great reason to get the family together and update your portraits all at once! Enjoy a peek into sweet Mihira’s newborn portraits – she’s seriously perfect!! 

parents hold new baby girl with grandparents and extended family around them during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in lace gown holds baby girl in white wrap with flower crown during studio newborn session in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography
mom in lace gown and dad in brown shirt cuddle with baby girl in white wrap with flower crown during studio newborn session in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography
dad kisses baby girl’s forehead during studio newborn session in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography
older newborn girl lays in white wrap with pink and peach flower crown during studio newborn session in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays in white wrap on chunky purple knit blanket with flower crown during studio newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
baby girl lays in wooden bed with red and white wrap during studio newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
baby girl lays curled up in mustard blanket on white studio floor during newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography
new parents hold baby girl during newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs NY studio with Nicole Starr Photography

Welcoming Jordan Elliot - Newborn portraits for this family's third baby boy

Welcome to the world, Jordan Elliot! I’m so happy to have welcomed the Popper family back to my studio for their third baby boy’s newborn portraits. This sweet family has three boys: Jonas, Jacob, and Jordan - all 22 months apart and I’ve had the honor of capturing all of their newborn portraits. It’s truly an honor to be invited back into their life to document their milestones and new additions as they grow.

When we began to plan Jordan’s newborn portraits, Natalia and I knew that we wanted to create portraits that would coordinate with his older brother’s newborn portraits, too. That would ensure that all three boys’ portraits could easily be displayed together and enjoyed cohesively. Because of that, we stuck with blues and greys to match the other two boys!

It was so fun too see everyone in the studio together while we photographed Jordan. Jacob and Jonas were thrilled to introduce their new brother to me and showing him off! Capturing their interactions might have been one of my favorite parts of this sweet session. Enjoy a look into Jordan’s newborn portraits today!

parents with three baby boys sit on sofa in studio photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad kisses newborn son’s nose during studio newborn session with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold baby boy in arms during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold baby boy in arms during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold baby boy and two big brothers in arms during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds newborn baby in white wrap on shoulder during studio newborn photos with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds newborn baby in white wrap on shoulder during studio newborn photos with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy sleeps in wicker Moses basket during newborn portraits in studio with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
big brothers look at new baby brother in wicker Moses basket during newborn portraits in studio with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
big brother look at new baby brother in wicker Moses basket during newborn portraits in studio with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
baby sleeps on blue blankets and blue chunky wrap during newborn photos in studio with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps on blue blankets and blue chunky wrap during newborn photos in studio with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy sleeps in white wrap on chunky grey knit blanket during studio newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs with Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy sleeps in white wrap on chunky grey knit blanket during studio newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs with Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy sleeps on his belly in white wrap on chunky grey knit blanket during studio newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs with Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy lays on wooden bed in blue sleeper with eyes open photographed by Saratoga Springs with Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy lays on wooden bed in blue sleeper with eyes open photographed by Saratoga Springs with Nicole Starr Photography

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classic studio newborn portraits for family’s third baby boy with wicker Moses basket photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Welcoming this family's third baby boy with newborn portraits!

Everytime I work with this family, I’m reminded about how much of a privilege it really is. This is their THIRD baby and I’ve photographed all three boys now. I met them during 2018 when their oldest was just a few months old, and they frequent my studio often for milestone sessions now. There is truly nothing like the joy of watching families grow and meeting Baby Rhys was just the next wonderful part of our story together!

When we were planning, Jen (their mom!) had a few props she wanted to incorporate in the portraits. I’m a huge advocate of making your portraits yours with sentimental props and setups. Jen knew she wanted to include a tiger, because Rhys is the tiger zodiac sign - how fun! She also wanted to include some shamrocks because his name has Welsh and Scottish roots. I love that we were able to create these beautiful custom setups for this sweet boy!!

I can tell these three boys will be the best of friends. Rhys’ big brothers, Jackson and Xander, were just over the moon their entire session. They wanted to hug and show off their new brother to me and we had a lot of fun! I’m so happy to see this family again and can’t wait to see them soon for Rhys’ first milestone portraits!!

mom in green dress holds baby boy during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby in white wrap holds mom’s arm during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom and dad hug newborn baby boy during studio newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold newborn baby boy and two big brothers in Saratoga Springs studio with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of five poses in Saratoga Springs studio with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad holds son in white wrap during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents sit on sofa with three boys during studio newborn session in Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
two big brothers in plaid shirts hold new baby boy on rug during newborn photos with Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy lays in white wrap on furry blanket in Saratoga Springs NY studio with Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds newborn son with grandmother holding her arm during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
newborn baby boy lays in white wrap during studio newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
baby lays on small wooden bed with grey wrap during newborn portraits at studio with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
baby lays on small wooden bed with grey wrap during newborn portraits at studio with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
baby lays on blue wrap holding baby tiger during newborn portraits in Saratoga Springs studio with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby curls up in basket in white wrap with green shamrocks around him during newborn portraits with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps in tan blanket holding bunny lovie during newborn portraits in studio with NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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newborn portraits for baby boy in Saratoga Springs NY studio photographed by Nicole Starr Photography

Springtime newborn portraits with florals and hints of purple

Welcome to the world, Avery Marie! Everything was in bloom at the studio for Avery Marie’s springtime newborn portraits. Since her mom’s favorite color is purple, we decided to lean into the purples and spring season for her setups. I have a funny feeling it will be a favorite color of Avery for years to come.

Purple looked amazing on both Avery and her mom. Her mother chose to wear a lavender gown from our Mama’s Wardrobe, and I’m so glad she did! It was the perfect color on her with her hair and complexion, and it looks amazing against the baby's complexion, too!

Avery’s parents brought a few props for their session that are special to them, including a fun little ice cream movie. They love ice cream, so it was the perfect prop to celebrate that connection they’ll share with Avery one day. Her mom also spent years as a ballet dancer, so we made sure to incorporate a tutu for one of the photos. It was purple, of course!

Avery, you are SO loved and I can’t wait to see you grow this year. You are so lucky to have your incredible parents with you along the way.

baby girl sleeps in white wrap with purple floral headband photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps wrapped in white blanket on setup with lilacs and purple accents photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad kisses daughter with purple floral headband during studio newborn portraits photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
new parents pose with daughter during studio newborn portraits with NY newborn Photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in purple gown holds baby girl in purple floral headband photographed by NY newborn Photographer Nicole Starr Photography
new parents hold baby girl in purple floral headband photographed by NY newborn Photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl lays on purple knit blanket with purple floral blanket wrapped around her during newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
baby girl lays on purple knit blanket with purple floral blanket wrapped around her during newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography, Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer
baby girl lays in ivory wrap on bed of tulips during newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl curls up with ice cream blanket during newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in pink wrap during newborn portraits with floral inspiration photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in purple tutu during newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps under white blanket during newborn portraits in studio with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer

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Springtime newborn portraits with florals and hints of purple photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

A Checklist of What to Bring to Your Newborn Session

Preparing for your newborn session shouldn’t be a stressful experience! One of the reasons I love offering in-studio newborn portraits at my Saratoga Springs studio is that I’m able to take care of so much for my families. I want their newborn session to be something joyful, low stress, and enjoyable. So today, I’ve put together a quick checklist of what you should bring to your newborn sessions! You might be surprised that it’s just a few items…

Here’s what to bring to your newborn session:

A zip-up sleeper. Dress your little one in a zip-up sleeper (no snaps) so that it is easy to undress them when you arrive.

Pacifiers… Avoid a wub-a-nub or any pacifier with a stuffed animal attached to it, and just bring a plain pacifier. I like the Soothies brand, the green ones that the hospital uses because they’re easy to use and won’t leave any marks around baby’s face as they’re using them!

baby girl sleeps in crib during newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
what to bring to your newborn session: tips from Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Milk! Be prepared to nurse or feed a bottle during the session, and bring whatever you need to be comfortable.

Comfy clothes for mom & dad to change into after we finish family portraits. I recommend light layers because we keep the studio toasty for the baby, who is used to a constant 98 degrees inside of you!

baby sleeps in white wrap laid on top of mustard blanket photographed by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy sleeps in blue and white wrap during newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Diapers. Most babies go through 2-3 diapers during their portrait session. Sometimes less, sometimes more. I keep newborn diapers in the studio that you are welcome to use, but it doesn't hurt to keep your diaper bag is well-stocked, too.

new parents look down at baby girl during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer
baby holds sonogram during NY newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography, New York newborn photographer

Patience. We work around the baby's mood and if they need breaks to eat, get changed, and be soothed, we take our sweet time and keep your little one comfortable. Some babies calm more easily than others, and some babies need a little extra time and attention to settle into the poses. Eventually all babies give in to the white noise, the shushing, the heat, and the power of a good swaddle, and I guarantee you that we will capture the most beautiful portraits of your little one even if they need a little longer to feel comfortable. Be patient and just remember that your baby is in good hands!

baby sleeps holding grey teddy bear during newborn portraits with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer

That’s it - that’s all you need to bring to your newborn session. I have everything else on site that you might need including both a baby and mama wardrobe, carefully chosen props and setup pieces, and even spaces for families to rest during our portraits. Being a new parent can be hard, but having a successful newborn session is easy!


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what to bring to your newborn session: a checklist from Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Gianna's Studio Newborn Portraits with Blush and Lavender

Welcome to the world, Gianna! This sweet girl came to the studio at 2.5 weeks old for her newborn session, along with her mom and dad. I loved getting to see them all and finally getting to meet Gianna! I had been waiting impatiently since Jillian’s maternity session at the stable.

For Gianna’s newborn portraits, we kept things classic and simple with a blush and lavender color scheme. She got to use some of my favorite headbands from Polkadotpoppy and she looked absolutely adorable in every single one!! After the classic setups were done, we used some of the fun props her parents brought along. We did her mom’s maternity portraits at her stable and with her horse, Zita, so it was fitting that she brought one of her saddles. Her dad has been dabbling in homemade pasta, so they brought some of it with them. Gianna makes the cutest little chef! It was a fun nod to her Italian heritage, too. :o)

I absolutely love her sweet newborn portraits and I hope you will, too! I’m so happy I got to meet you, Gianna. You are so loved!


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Studio Newborn Portraits for the Littlest Yankees Fan

Welcome to the world, Joseph Paul! How precious is this little guy? He came into the studio recently for his newborn portraits and I just can’t get enough of him. Joseph Paul was super alert during our session, giving me lots of wide-eyed looks. It was adorable! After a bit, he did fall asleep (I guess I must be boring ;O) and we were able to capture more traditional portraits of him swaddled up. That’s what the magic of a good swaddle, white noise, and heat in the studio will do!

When we were planning his newborn portraits, Joseph Paul’s parents asked if they could bring in a few special items. One of them was a onesie from the restaurant where they met for the first time. How sweet is that? I love that they wanted to honor the place that brought them together andstarted their love story - which lead to this sweet baby. His parents are also HUGE Yankees fans and brought in a jersey inspired onesie to celebrate that. We included Yankees colors throughout his sessions and I have to say, I always love a good blue and white color palette.

Enjoy a little look into this precious studio newborn session to celebrate Joseph Paul!


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Newborn Session with Blush and Cream Pumpkins

Meet Evelyn Marie, or "Evie" as her parents like to call her! This sweet little girl graced my studio recently for her fall inspired newborn portraits. From pumpkins to neutral colors in her setups, this session was a dream come true for fall lovers! You might recognize her parents because they were just featured on the blog during their maternity session. Evie decided to come 3 weeks early so they came back to the studio pretty quickly for their newborn session… but it was great to see them all again so soon!

One of my favorite parts about Evie’s newborn session was that we replicated some of the portraits we put together for their maternity session. It was really sweet to see the commonalities between their portraits! I know they’re going to look amazing together in their heirloom album. Patty and Jared were so much fun to work with for both their maternity and newborn session with Evie. I absolutely adore them both and I hope to see them again more over the next few years!

Enjoy this look into their fall newborn session to celebrate sweet Evie!!!


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Older Newborn Portraits for a Sweet Baby Girl

Welcome to the world, Nora! Sweet Nora is a NICU Warrior who was born 2 months early. She spent 5 weeks in the NICU before she was able to come home with her incredible mom. When she was finally able to come to the studio for her newborn portraits, she was already 9 weeks old. But, that’s okay! Nora Jean was just adorable for me, curling up and sleeping during her session. We even got a few portraits of her with a tiny little smile!!

Because Nora’s dad is in the military and overseas, he wasn’t able to be with us for her portraits. Instead, Nora’s grandmother came along and we were able to capture her with her beautiful granddaughter. It’s such a special relationship and I’m honored I could document it for this sweet family forever. I love the color scheme we chose for this session, too. Nora’s mom loves dusty rose and sage green, so we used it throughout the session and captured some truly beautiful portraits.

However, the entire family was able to be online with me during their ordering session! With 5 screens total, Nora’s mom, grandparents, and dad were able to join in on Zoom. It was a lot of fun getting to show her dad the portraits for the first time. And, while watching the slideshow video, Grandma said happily, "I can't see through all the tears!"… so, I’d say they were a hit!

mom holds daughter during older newborn portraits for baby girl with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds newborn daughter during newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds newborn baby in floral crown during portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom and grandmother hold newborn baby girl during portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds baby girl during newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
older newborn baby girl sleeps in white wrap during newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl in white wrap with flower crown sleeps during newborn photos with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby in pale pink knitted wrap and cap sleeps during newborn photos with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby in pale pink wrap sleeps and smiles during newborn photos with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps on sage green blanket with floral headband photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in flower headband during newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in mauve blanket among floral wreath during newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps in mauve blanket during newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in purple blanket with bear ears on head during newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl sleeps in white wrap during newborn photos with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps curled up during newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Older newborn portraits with dusty rose and sage green accents for baby girl photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Classic Studio Newborn Portraits for Baby Boy

Sibling portraits are some of my favorite images to create during newborn portrait sessions in my Saratoga Springs portrait studio. I absolutely adore watching toddlers in their new role as big brother or big sister as the cuddle up with their family’s newest addition. They always have the biggest, proudest smiles!

But sometimes, those are often the hardest portraits to capture of the entire session! Toddlers are wildly unpredictable and their attention moves so quickly from one thing to the next, so I have lots of tricks up my sleeve to get those portraits that melt mama’s heart of her two babies together, and to get them as quickly as possible so that big brother or big sister can get back to the important things in the studio — toys and snacks!

Big brother Elliott turned out to be one of the easiest big brothers I have had in the studio this summer! He was ready with the cutest smiles, and he loved hugging his new baby brother. He knew he was doing a great job, and he thoroughly enjoyed being the star of the show and getting to cuddle his new baby. We couldn’t stop laughing when he came over, let me click the shutter exactly one time with the most perfect smile, and then ran off to play some more. Hey, as long as we get that one perfect shot, we’re good! ;o)

Did you know that sibling portraits with young toddlers are often composites? This means that two photos are blended together in Photoshop. The number one reason I do this is for the baby’s safety!

big brother holds newborn brother during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs, NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler hugs newborn brother during studio session with Saratoga Springs, NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Every newborn portrait session also includes family portraits, and cuddles with mama and dada are always the sweetest! Plus, I’m still obsessed with the soft clean light in the studio!

Wondering if a studio session is the right fit for you? Go to this blog post for a simple checklist to see if studio or lifestyle portraits are more your style!

mom holds son during newborn photos in studio with Saratoga Springs, NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents snuggle with son during newborn session in studio with Saratoga Springs, NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Ahhhhhh, this one in dad’s hands is my fave!!

dad holds newborn son during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs, NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby sleeps in bed during newborn photos with Saratoga Springs, NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

A newborn session wouldn’t be complete without sleepy portraits of the new baby! Ezra gave the cutest little yawn. I can’t decide which is cuter: newborn yawns or newborn smiles?

baby yawns in bed during newborn photos with Saratoga Springs, NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy in white outfit lays on blue blanket for newborn photos with Saratoga Springs, NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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studio newborn portraits for baby boy photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Welcome Baby Nathan! Newborn Portraits with Big Brother

This blog post comes with a story about your favorite photographer, too many boxes arriving in the mail, and the big reveal of this family’s heirloom album. ;o)

This sweet family ordered an album with all of their favorite newborn portraits, and I placed the order the day before I left for a week and a half on the Cape. For me, a week and a half by the sea is like hitting the reset button, so when I came home I could barely remember what I had done before leaving for the Cape.

When I came back to my studio I had a mountain of boxes waiting for me from my different portrait labs, and opening them felt a bit like Christmas morning because I couldn’t remember what was inside of them. Blame it on the mom brain, or blame it on the salt air.

But then I got to this one box. When I opened it up I saw the gray album box inside, and I remember lifting the cover and thinking, “Who’s album is this one?” Then I saw the sky blue linen and the soft colors in Nathan’s newborn portraits, and honestly I gasped when seeing how beautiful it all was together. This family wound up choosing the most perfect linen to complement their portraits, and the finished product was truly breathtaking. That was my favorite package I opened this summer, and I definitely enjoyed watching the family unwrap it a few days later to enjoy it for themselves!

toddler hugs newborn baby brother during studio portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler holds newborn baby boy in armed chair during studio portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Big brother Aiden was soooooo excited about his new role as big brother, and he gave us all the smiles! We captured so many sweet portraits of these two brothers together and I love all of the family ones, too. I’ve loved watching this family grow over the past couple of years, and it’s hard to believe that just a few short years ago they were brand new parents bringing their son to my old studio for his portrait session! Check out big brother’s newborn session from almost 3 years ago here!

mom in pale pink dress holds new baby boy during studio photos with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents snuggle with new baby boy during newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom hugs toddler while holding new baby boy during studio session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold new baby boy and toddler during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad sits on stool holding new baby boy and toddler son during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad snuggles with new son during studio portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold newborn son against chests backlit in studio photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy sleeps in white bucket on white chunky blanket during studio newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

We used some of the same colors and layers in Nathan’s newborn portraits as we did in his big brother’s a few years ago. I’m a huge fan of blues, grays, creams, and whites in newborn portraits, and I love how seamlessly they all go together!

Nathan’s mama gave me the biggest compliment when she was sitting in the studio during their session. She looked around and told me that the studio was so relaxing to be in, and that nearly three years ago as a new mom she had felt the same way. Despite all of the crazy unknowns of motherhood and the countless things that all of us mamas have to figure out in those first few weeks with a new baby, somehow I helped her feel more comfortable at least during those couple of hours she was here for her session. That made my heart so happy to hear.

Because yes, I want to give you beautiful portraits and artwork that you’re going to enjoy for generations. But more importantly I want you to embark on this journey of motherhood (or the next chapter of it if you’re welcoming baby #2 or #3!) and feel a little more confident, a little more understood, a little more prepared to take on the crazy unknowns. I’m a mom, too. I’ve literally gone through this exact same journey, and whatever it is you’re feeling, you’re not alone. That’s why I try so hard to connect with all of the families that I work with to see how they’re doing and offer any little tidbits that might make those first few weeks at home a little easier with the new baby.

Because your newborn session is not just about the photographs. It’s also about taking your baby out of the house for maybe the first time besides the pediatrician appointment, and connecting with another mama who has been in your shoes who can help you feel a little less lost and a little less alone.


Wondering what to expect in your newborn session? I’ve done this hundreds of times and my job is to make it as easy and stress-free as possible for you as a new parent! Check out this blog post for what to expect!

baby sleeps on teal blanket during newborn photos with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays on bed on blue blanket holding bear during newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby boy sleeps with grey bear during newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
big brother looks at newborn in white box photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
newborn baby lays in box on grey chunky blanket photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby lays in striped knit outfit during newborn photos with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Newborn session with big brother photographed by Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography