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!

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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!

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?!?!

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!

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!

This boy LOVED the frosting!!!

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Outfit ideas for your photo session at the beach

Our Cape Cod family sessions at the beach should be fun, relaxing, and sandy… just like a day spent dipping your toes in the water and collecting seashells!

However, one of the biggest worries that mamas always tell me is that they have NO IDEA WHAT TO WEAR. That’s where I come in. This might be your first time planning coordinating outfits for a family photo shoot, but lucky for you I have done this hundreds of times and I have a few simple tricks to make it easier for you.

Plus, once you have a few outfits in mind you can always email them to me to get a second opinion on which ones will photograph best together!

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White looks amazing in the summer.

Everyone looks a little more sun-kissed when they wear white, and it really pops against the scenery at the beach. When in doubt, wear white.

SHADES OF BLUE

Pull inspiration from the colors at the beach. Many shades of blue look incredible by the seashore. I especially love light blue, chambray blue, and other muted shades of blue. Navy blue is classic, too!

HINT: Avoid any overly saturated, super bright blues because it just looks a little unnatural at the beach. Notice how most of the blues in this blog post have a touch of gray in them. That’s perfect.

Use colors you would find in nature.

Think of a sunset at the beach, and plan your colors accordingly. Blues, beiges, white, light pink, lavender, mint green, aqua. These all look incredible at the beach. A faded red also looks really nice (like those classic Nantucket red shorts that are everywhere in New England in the summertime).

PLAID

It’s super classic, and very summery. Also, gingham is very in this year, too!

How to style lots of family members?

If you stick to the tips above, it’ll actually be really easy. When in doubt, tell everyone to wear shades of muted blue with neutrals like white, cream, and khaki. That’s the easiest option when working with extended family and trying to coordinate 3-4 households for a large group portrait.

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Inspired for your session? Pin this image or any from the post above for your session!

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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, and she also works with families at her Attleboro, MA studio and on location in Boston and on Cape Cod. 

Having spent more than 20 summers on Cape Cod, this area truly feels like home when we get together for family photo sessions at the beach. Trust Nicole to capture your family beautifully while having fun out in the salt air!

When you Take a Toddler to the Beach - Cape Cod Family Portraits in Harwich

When you take a toddler to the beach, he’s going to want to run and play, jump and sing. He’s going to chase the birds, put his toes in the water, and climb the lifeguard chair. He’ll search for rocks, throw sand, and give you a dozen shells to put in your pocket….. which you’ll forget about until you pull them out of your dryer a few days later. ;o)

When you take a toddler to the beach, you are bound to have SO MUCH FUN. That’s what makes this family portrait session on Cape Cod so memorable — Holden was an absolute blast, and I loved playing with this little guy and watching him cuddle up with his mom and dad against the perfect backdrop of sea & sky.

One things that moms and dads always worry about before their portrait session is — “Oh my god, what if my kids misbehave?????”

And I always remind them that kids will be kids, and that’s exactly what we’re going to capture on camera! The running (sometimes the running away, haha!), the games, the smiles, the shy looks while they’re still warming up to a new person and a new place.

We are capturing their personality, and I never ever ever expect “perfect behavior”, whatever that is anyways! To me, perfect behavior for a kid is being perfectly yourself, and I will play lots of games and have a lot of tricks up my sleeve to get them to listen and guide them in a few of the family shots. But overall, we just have fun together!

And check out how much fun Holden had!! Just look at that smile!

While last weekend were our last beach sessions of the season, I am already missing those sandy toes and dreaming of next summer on Cape Cod. I can’t wait to capture more amazing family memories like these ones!

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Did you love this session? Check out more beach fun on the blog!

Family portraits at West Dennis Beach

A Low Tide Family Session at Corporation Beach

The Family Beach Session that had me Laughing the Whole Time!

FAQ's for Baby Photographers | Saratoga Springs NY and Boston MA Newborn Photographer

I’ve been a baby photographer since 2012, and I’ve had the privilege of photographing hundreds of adorable babies & children in New York & Massachusetts.  Before every session I schedule a pre-consultation with my clients, and it’s usually a simple phone call to answer any questions and give them a feel for what the session involves. 

Over the years I’ve answered the same questions dozens of times, so I thought I would compile them into a helpful FAQ post for new clients!

Have a question that I haven’t answered here?  Drop me an email to hello@nicolestarrphotography.com and I would be happy to chat with you!

What is the best age to photograph?  I’m worried my baby is too young — or too old!

Our newborn sessions typically take place during the first two weeks after a baby is born.  I usually like to see babies at the studio after day 5 because they’re getting the hang of eating by then, and if your baby had a circumcision he’ll be healed and comfortable on his belly by then.

BUT WHY SO YOUNG?  Well, during those first two weeks your baby is still getting used to life outside the womb.  They are very sleepy and flexible, allowing me to achieve many of those adorable and cozy poses with them all curled up tight.  After two weeks their limbs become more rigid and less flexible, and they are often much more alert as they begin to stretch and explore the space around them.  Baby acne usually arrives between weeks 3-4, so ideally we’ll plan your session before then. 

For milestone sessions, around months 3-4 is perfect because your little one is smiling, reacting to the world around them, and getting used to tummy time with better neck control by then.  I also love love LOVE milestone sessions between months 6-9 when your baby is sitting up unassisted.  When babies are upright they are so happy and content, and their personality just shines.  This is my favorite age to photograph!

For birthday sessions, we schedule these between months 10-13 depending on how soon before the first birthday party you would like your finished artwork!

Help!  I have no idea what I want to do with my photos!

I hear this all the time, and many families originally think, “I’ll just get the digitals and decide later on.”  But you know what happens 90% of the time when families do this?  Those JPEGs sit in a file on their computer and never get looked at.  Life gets in the way and the images never get printed for a year, two years, three years.

That’s why I make it a priority to schedule your gallery reveal and ordering appointment within two weeks of your session.  We set aside an hour together to go through your gallery, see what products there are, and find which possibilities are the very best fit for your family!  I want to help you enjoy your images & artwork right away, and to find the best way for your images to fit into your lifestyle. 

Here are a few popular possibilities for what to do with your images besides lose them on a hard drive somewhere:
-Create birth announcements, birthday party invitations, or thank you cards to mail to family & friends
-Enjoy a linen-covered album from your session, or from your baby’s entire first year!
-Decorate the walls of your nursery.  We can even plan your session style to coordinate with the nursery theme and colors.  
-Grandparents love photo gifts.  Let’s give them some beautiful new artwork!
-Hang a large family portrait in a  place that will put a smile on your face every day.

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Where do your sessions take place?

Most of our portrait sessions are in the studio.  Lifestyle newborn sessions and lifestyle family sessions take place at home — these are relaxed and generally unposed, and I don’t bring props or complicated set-ups with me.  These sessions showcase real life happening in real spaces in your home. 

I love shooting outdoors in the warmer months.  Here in the northeast, that generally means May through October, but for really young babies who are sensitive to temperature changes, I would recommend scheduling between June and September if you’re hoping to head outside.    Warm babies are happy babies, and happy babies make for great photographs!

What do you have in your studio?

Lots of simple backdrops, neutral colors, a few classic props, faux fur rugs, plenty of wraps and blankets, headbands, and handmade tiny outfits.  I do use one studio light for all of our sessions, so you’ll see a big umbrella with a light in it, too.  During our newborn sessions we turn the heat WAY up in the studio so that your little one is comfy, and it’s very toasty in there with our fake fireplace going strong.

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I’m so worried that my child is going to be fussy or cranky!  What happens then?  

Kids and babies are so unpredictable, and I am used to their changing moods.  Most babies act differently on photo day because they’re in a new space, with a new person, and they can sense that their parents are stressed or nervous.  First, I recommend that you stay calm and trust me to capture beautiful images of your baby.  Know that we will go with the flow and do everything possible to keep your baby in a cheerful mood.  If your baby senses that you are anxious, they will feed off of your anxiety, so stay calm!

I have so many tricks for newborns to create an environment that will lull them into a relaxed state.  You’ll see me use heat, wraps, shushing, rocking, and other little tricks to put them right to sleep.

Older babies are easily distracted and I’ll use songs, games, and toys to grab their attention.  If they start to get fussy, a quick distraction with a new toy or song will engage them and make them forget whatever it was they were fussing about in the first place!  Some babies need a break for fresh air, a walk around the studio, a favorite snack, cuddles, or a song on your phone.  That’s okay!  I am always generous with time, and if your little one needs a few extra minutes to settle in we’ll take our time.  Follow my lead, and we’re going to have a great time together!

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What if my child is sick the day of the session?

Tell me right away!  Healthy babies are happy babies, and I’m usually able to reschedule your session.  Ideally you’ll tell me as far in advance as you are able (48 hours before is perfect if you notice your little one is coming down with something), but we don’t want to force a baby through a session when you know that he’s cranky because he has a fever.

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This is kind of embarrassing, but I’m worried my baby might pee (or poop!) on something in the studio…

It wouldn't be the first time that has occurred!  Poop happens, and it’s nothing to worry about. 

We keep wipes on hand to clean everything up quickly, and everything gets washed and sanitized after the session.  Don’t be embarrassed, and please don’t apologize a million times.  I expect a little mess to happen with every session, and if we get a baby who doesn’t soil something during their session, I consider it a fluke and we were very lucky that day!

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What should my baby wear? 

For studio newborn sessions, you don’t have to bring a thing!  I have everything you need in the studio.  Your images will be classic and timeless with a simple wrap, bare skin, or one of my unique hand-knit outfits that are so tiny and perfectly sized for your baby.

For lifestyle newborn sessions, we’ll also use wraps or pretty swaddles that you have at home.  A classic white onesie is always perfect — the smaller the better.  Because newborns are so tiny, they are swimming in most newborn clothes and all that extra fabric never photographs well, so be sure to try their outfit on ahead of time to ensure that it’s snug and not too baggy.

Milestone sessions are a little bit different.  For 3-4 months we’ll generally just do a few wraps and simple rompers that I have in the studio.  If you have a snug knit outfit (so many cute options at Zara Baby!), send me a picture ahead of time.

For 6 months and up, there are so many cute options for your baby.  Check out Etsy for adorable rompers and overalls in knit fabrics.  Look for neutral colors that aren’t too busy or distracting for the most classic look.  Details like lace, pockets, stripes, texture, and embroidery are always fun, too. 

A note on headbands — babies have tiny heads.  Let’s not overwhelm them with huge puffy flower headbands.  I have petite tiebacks that are the perfect size to complement your baby’s perfect features without being too distracting.  If you’d like to bring something, the smaller the better. 

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How about those cute crocheted outfits I see at big box stores and on Etsy?

Okay, I’m going to be really honest with you here….  No.  Don’t do it.  Those crocheted turtles, foxes, and firemen outfits are never the proper size for a newborn baby.  They are always much too big and leave gaping holes when you put them on the baby, plus the crochet stitch doesn’t lie as smoothly to hug a baby’s curves like knitting does. 

Plus I have found that the yarn is usually a very poor quality that causes the poor little babies to overheat, and nearly 100% of the time when you put a baby in one of those hats and diaper covers they get itchy and hot.  They’re fussy and inconsolable within seconds.  I’m sorry to say it, but as cute as they are on the hanger they’re not that cute on a fussy, crying, sweating baby. 

Instead, we can do a tiny prop or accent in your set-up to represent that turtle, fox, fireman (or whatever other theme it is you loved!).  I’ve had babies holding their dad’s police badge, posed on a fireman’s helmet, and snuggling up with a tiny felted animal like a teddy bear or a penguin.  I’ll use the outfits we have in the studio that are high-quality fibers that allow your baby’s skin to breathe, and that are sized perfectly to their tiny bodies.  

A Cape Cod Family Portrait Session at Bass River Beach in Yarmouth - Cape Cod Family Photographer

What's a little wind matter when your family is this adorable?

Baby Sophia and her family joined me at Bass River Beach (Smuggler's Beach) in Yarmouth for a family portrait session.  With summer coming to an end, it was a windy evening and we had the beach all to ourselves.  It was such a perfect evening!

I have spent the past 15 years coming to this beach since it is close to my family's home in Dennisport, but this was my first time shooting a portrait session there and I fell in love with the landscape.  There's beautiful seagrass, a gorgeous jetty, a boardwalk and a fishing pier, and it overlooks West Dennis Beach and the Bass River.  The sand dunes protected us from the wind, and also gave us a little extra shade as the sun was setting.  

Sophia didn't mind the breeze in the least, and she was happiest when her hair was blowing all over the place!  This little sweetheart loved the sand, and of course she kept trying to eat everything in sight.  

Grandma joined us for a few family portraits, and she told me that this is the beach that her children grew up going to.  This is their family beach, and it'll be the same one that is home to so many summertime memories for Sophia as she gets older.  

Just look at her!  She is already a beach baby!

We enjoyed SO many family sessions at beaches all over Cape Cod and the South Shore this summer and fall, and I'm already looking forward to creating even more sandy & salty memories next year!

Relaxed Family Portraits at Popponesset Beach in New Seabury | Cape Cod Family Photographer

I just love this family!  I've been following them on their journey of parenthood since before Lizzie was even born -- from maternity portraits to newborn sessions & cake smashes, we have captured so many memories together over the years!

This was our first time doing an outdoor session with the kids, and Lizzie & Gavin had so much fun running around Popponesset Beach and playing in the sand.  It was an overcast evening, which made for the perfect misty backdrop for this family's memory-making session.  Plus, the beach was almost empty and we had the entire stretch of sand to ourselves!

Our family sessions at the beach on Cape Cod are always playful and relaxed.  See a lifeguard chair?  Climb it!  Want to run on the board walk?  Go ahead!  Fan of collecting rocks?  Have at it!  Kids can be themselves -- curious explorers who can't help but laugh and chase each other, and we capture so many real memories for your family!

The first time I ever met Kate she had just gotten engaged, and now she's a mom of two amazing little kids with such big personalities!  I really do love getting to develop these amazing lasting relationships with the families that I work with while watching their kids (and families!) grow!

Gavin loved the sand, and of course he figured out that if he threw himself face-first into the sand we would all start laughing.  So it happened again and again, and we got the best smiles out of him!  Such a carefree and fearless kid!

As the weather cools off, I'm already feeling nostalgic for our beach sessions!  Thankfully we'll continue beach sessions on Cape Cod through October, so there is still time for some salt air memories!  Plus, beach portraits on your holiday cards are so refreshing.  Email us to book your session today!  

Breastfeeding Babies with Down Syndrome | Saratoga Springs and Boston Baby Photographer

Sometimes the stars align and you find yourself exactly where you were supposed to be, surrounded by people that are going to inspire you & change you.

That is exactly what happened when Ella Gray Cullen, the founder of the nonprofit Julia's Way, contacted me and together we organized this session on the beach with 10 strong mamas and 10 warrior babies.  

But here's the catch -- all of these babies rock an extra chromosome and happen to have Down syndrome, and we gathered on the beach to celebrate their journeys in nursing and their mamas' journeys in breastfeeding.

I loved every minute of this evening together -- cuddling the cutest babies, hearing their stories, and laughing together as the babies were just being their sweet little selves!  

From Ella Gray Cullen, enjoy a little peek into the heart behind the photo session that has since begun to inspire a movement to help others reimagine life with Down syndrome, and check out her full blog post here.....

"I was disheartened by hearing from women who had been told that their babies likely wouldn't nurse. Some were told by their doctors or other medical professionals that they shouldn't even bother. My breastfeeding relationship with my daughter is one of the greatest treasures I have and I felt sad to hear women say they felt they couldn't have that just because their child had Down syndrome.

Many, if not most, babies with DS can breastfeed and for those that can, and whose mothers would like to do it, the benefits are immeasurable. Feeding your child is always a personal choice, but some of these women didn't have a choice because of their medical professionals. Somehow, my vision of posting a photo of myself nursing my daughter on my personal Facebook page to create awareness spawned a non-profit dedicated to reimagining life with Down syndrome and suddenly we had 10 women who volunteered their time.

These women nursed their babies and children despite challenges most people could never have imagined including months' long NICU stays, heart failure, open heart surgery, pulmonary hypertension, duodenal atresia, leukemia, prematurity, and hypothyroidism. These women came together to give a gift to new and expectant moms, something many of them feel that they didn't have enough of: encouragement from real moms, like themselves, who struggled through the early and difficult days and eventually met success, usually when they least expected it. We want to say you can do it! We are here cheering you on! and go, mama, go! "

You know the most amazing thing that has come out of this evening on the beach?  

It's not that the story has started going viral online, but it's the reaction that so many mamas have had to our posts.  The comment sections have been filled with mothers sharing their own personal journeys, telling us about their little ones with Down syndrome, and giving a glimpse into their breastfeeding journey.  What we love the most is hearing other mothers tell us that they are advocating for their little ones and doing everything possible to open a whole world of possibilities for their babies.  Keep it up, mamas!  You're doing an amazing job!

A huge thank you for all of the shares on our posts, including:
La Leche League USA
Love What Matters
PopSugar Moms
Hanover Wicked Local

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JULIAS WAY has big plans to continue the momentum we've gained from the shoot, and part of this advocacy involves an informational video, publishing a book, and spreading the word in medical offices across the country.  Please consider donating to support this cause!

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A Seaside Family Portrait Session in Harwichport on Cape Cod

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

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

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

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

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