For the Love of Neutrals: All About Why My Baby Portrait Studio is Filled with Whites & Creams

Neutral & Natural.

Whites. Creams. Tans. Grays. Blush pink.

Weathered wood. Whitewashed wood. Linen. Wool. Textured fabrics. Delicate details. Handmade with love.

That describes my studio in a nutshell, and all of the elements that I love to incorporate into your baby’s portraits. You won’t find any crazy props or cluttered setups here. I am all about keeping the focus on your baby and showcasing their perfect little details and personality while embracing simplicity.

It’s timeless. It’s classic. It’s beautiful.

From the wooden props to the furniture & the walls, almost everything in the studio is shades of white & cream. I have a few colors of seamless paper and lots of colorful balloons, garlands, and flowers that we use for cake smash sessions. I use wraps, chunky wool bump blankets, and headbands for pops of color in our newborn portraits. But after many years of designing sessions and creating artwork for families to hang in their homes, I am drawn to those soft neutral colors and I just can’t get enough of them!

One of the questions I get asked often is WHY. So today I’m sharing a few of the reasons that our studio is filled with neutrals for our baby portrait sessions.

1. Neutral portraits match everyone’s decor.

Whether your home is decorated in neutrals, bold colors, or darker tones, family portraits in soft neutral colors will look good on any wall in your home. What if you redecorate in a few years and completely change your style? These portraits will still look perfect on your walls with the new decor. Your artwork is meant to be timeless, to last for generations, and to become a part of your home. Our neutral color base helps that happen!

2. Neutrals keep the focus on your baby’s personality & tiny features.

When you look back at these portraits in 15 years, you want to remember your daughter’s big smile and those cute little elbow dimples. That is why we keep the background clean and uncluttered with tones that make your little one’s features pop.

3. Neutrals don’t have to be boring!

I could work with all whites & creams every day and never grow tired of it! Layers, textures, different fabrics, and a mix of tones keep it interesting! Plus we add pops of color with outfits, flowers, and blankets.

---

Save this image or any from the post above!

Ravi's Newborn Portraits with a Beautiful Wedding Sari

Ravi’s newborn portrait session at our Saratoga Springs studio was extra special because his mama brought her wedding sari to use in the session! Scroll to the end to see this sweet baby boy’s portraits on the beautifully embroidered red and gold sari as a nod to his family’s heritage and to his parents’ story together!

We started this new Baby Planner’s session with family portraits, and I love all of the sweet cuddles we captured with the proud parents. So many (come on, it’s more like ALL!!!) new moms and dads are tired and exhausted when they bring their babies home, but I promise you that they never in a million years regret stepping in front of the camera to capture these snuggles with their new babies.

These are the portraits that I want my clients to look back on in 5 years, 10 years, 30 years and remember exactly what the weight of your baby on your chest felt like, how their tiny chest moved up and down with each breath, and the sound of those little squeaks as they settled into your arms to get comfortable. This is why I always encourage parents to step in front of the camera. The exhaustion will fade, but you’ll always be so glad you captured these memories.

Ravi’s birth announcements were also holiday cards, so we made sure to capture a few classic holiday portraits of their baby boy.

And finally, the beautiful wedding sari!

---

Love this newborn session? Pin this image or any from the post above to save for inspiration!

Beautiful Newborn Portraits at our Saratoga Springs Baby Photography Studio

Our latest Baby Planner has arrived, and she is oh-so-sweet!

Meet Elliana. She visited me at the studio and was the most cuddly little baby. I love that we captured these portraits of her resting in her mommy & daddy’s arms to show just how small she was when she was born!

Looking over dad’s shoulder is always one of my favorite angles to capture during a newborn session. This is the view you’re never going to forget when you think back on holding your daughter in those first few weeks, and seeing this image twenty years from now will bring you right back to feeling the weight of her in your arms and the way she made her happy little newborn sighs when she settled in comfortably.

Can you find the hidden hearts in the portrait below?

---

Inspired by this sweet newborn session? Pin this image or any from the post above!

Product Showcase - A Lavender Linen Album for a Studio Newborn Session

---

Pin this image or any from the post above for design inspiration!

A Pretty Lavender Newborn Session for Baby Kinsley - Saratoga Springs Studio Newborn Photographer

We shared sweet baby Kinsley’s Fresh 48 session at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany last week, and today I’m excited to share her newborn portraits at our Saratoga Springs studio!

This adorable baby girl was an absolute dream for her newborn session. She was sleepy and cuddly, and we captured so many beautiful family & sibling portraits during her session. Her mama wore one of the lavender gowns from our Mama Wardrobe (all of our clients have access to beautiful dresses for their session to make even outfit planning stress-free!), and I love how the dress coordinated perfectly with the purple layers we used for this springtime newborn girl.

Big brother Killian loved tickling his baby sister!

---

Love this lavender newborn session? Pin this image or any from the post above!

---

About Nicole Starr Photography 

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

Piper Mae's Newborn Session with Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer

I’ve been starting our studio newborn sessions off with some unposed portraits of the babies in simple white onesies, and you know what? I’m in love with this look!

Sweet little Piper Mae joined me at our Saratoga Springs portrait studio for her newborn session, and this adorable red head was such a sleepy little angel. We captured so many cute family portraits, and adorable springtime ones of her all by herself, too!

Piper’s mama wore a gown from our Mama Wardrobe at the studio. Doesn’t she look incredible in this shade of mint?

Piper was born with her legs up by her head, so of course she was most comfortable stretching her legs out straight and waving them around in the air. I’m so glad we were able to capture this in a portrait for her family to remember her special arrival by!

---

Love this newborn session? Pin this image or any from the post above!

---

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. 

The portrait studio is filled with neutrals, luxe fabrics, and very minimal props to keep the focus on your perfect little baby.  Our sessions are relaxed and fun, and we’ll enjoy an hour together (or up to 3 hours for a newborn session!) laughing, cuddling, and capturing authentic smiles and belly laughs with your little ones.  

What to Wear to Your Newborn Session - Parent and Sibling Wardrobe Inspiration

So, you scheduled your newborn session and you listened to me say that you don’t need to worry about the baby’s outfits —our Saratoga Springs studio is stocked with wraps and cute handmade outfits that will be perfect on your little one.

But then a moment of panic sets in….. what are YOU going to wear?!?! What is going to fit one week postpartum? What’s your spouse supposed to wear? What looks good on camera?

Sooooooo many questions, and you’re not alone! All new moms and moms-to-be ask me the exact same questions. That’s why I’m here to make it easy for you as you figure out what to wear to your newborn portrait session.

Whether we’re photographing your newborn session at the studio or in your home, these tips apply to all families. Read on for lots of great ideas!

---

Wear a gown from our studio wardrobe, or a maxi-length dress like the one from your baby shower!

Long dresses are super flattering on new moms, and we have tons of them available at the studio. They elongate your body and are very elegant and classic in portraits. I suggest sticking to soft, flowy fabrics that are not too clingy around your midsection. We have lots of dresses in the studio’s Mama Wardrobe that you can choose from, and you are welcome to bring your own, too!

Always stick to white, cream, and other light neutrals on top. AVOID BLACK AT ALL COSTS.

While everyone always says that black is the most slimming color to wear, it’s really the least flattering option when we’re doing newborn portraits in my light & airy style. Because you’ll be holding your baby on your chest, a dark color is going to make the baby’s skin appear rough, red, and shadowy. Stick to light colors that bounce lots of light back on the baby to really illuminate their complexion, and yours!

Lace details are gorgeous! So are any other PRETTY little details on your outfit.

Lace has such a beautiful texture in photographs, and other lightweight fabrics photograph beautifully, too.

Keep in mind the STORYTELLING DETAILS in your portraits. Have a favorite necklace or a ring with sentimental value? Wear those to your session, and you’ll tell your child the story behind the jewelry for many years as they look back at their portraits.

What about the dads?

The most popular colors I see for dads are white, light blue, and gray. These go great with your neutral top or dress, and they coordinate beautifully with any colors that might be in the outfits, too.

If dad is a fan of button down shirts, wear one! Roll the cuffs to be a little more casual because he doesn’t need to look like he just came from the office for portraits with his new baby.

If he’s a laid back kind of guy, I love the look of a long-sleeved henley or a solid tee for portraits.

What should the kids/siblings wear?

I love helping with outfits for the big brothers and sisters! I always recommend sticking with neutrals like white, cream, gray, blue, beige, blush pink. Clothing can have patterns on it, but nothing too loud and crazy, and definitely no words or characters/cartoon pictures. The most classic portraits are ones where the outfits don’t compete for your attention, but they’re subtle enough that you can focus on the sweet moments between the new siblings. Look at how the outfits just blend in below and instead your eye is drawn right to the smiles & connection!

As for shoes, barefoot is always my favorite for the kids!

Whatever you wind up wearing, ultimately you want your family’s portraits to feel classic, timeless, and easy. I love being able to provide families with outfit ideas and items from my baby & mama wardrobes - making it even easier for you to relax and enjoy your newborn portraits!

---

Save this post for later!

Welcoming Baby Michael with a Pure & Natural Newborn Session: Saratoga Springs & Boston Newborn Photographer

Spring is all about celebrating new life, and that is no exception here in the Nicole Starr Photography studio!  With so many newborns coming in for their sessions, I have felt like the luckiest girl in the world getting to cuddle with all of these sweet new babies!  

Michael was born only one day after Lucas, our last newborn session that I shared on the blog with you.  This tiny and healthy little baby arrived a few weeks before his due date, and when he came to the studio at just over 5 pounds I knew we would show how tiny he was in his photographs.  I love it when they curl up in these sleepy little poses, just like they were in the womb only a few short days ago!

You know me, and I always love the pure & natural newborn images.  Soft colors, natural textures, and classic styles that keep the focus on the baby rather than on the props.  Michael's session was no exception, and I just love how his beautiful skin shines in these images against the creamy fabrics.

However, my FAVORITE images from his session are the ones with his happy new parents.  They were excited, amazed, in awe, and impressed by this tiny human being that they brought into the world together.  Michael loved cuddling up with his mommy and daddy, and I just adore these gorgeous parent shots that we captured on camera.  They are such naturals as a new mom & dad, and the peacefulness that they brought into the room with their baby was so beautiful.   Congratulations, Vinessa & Mike!

Finally, we were so happy to capture this sweet moment of Michael in his father's police hat honoring his dedication to the Boston Police Department.  This one will be going up on a wall in their home!

A Springtime Newborn Session for a Sweet Baby Boy: Albany Newborn Baby Photographer

Lucas Benjamin
March 16, 2016
8 pounds, 6 ounces, 21 inches

Every time a family walks into the photography studio with their brand new baby, I feel so excited and honored to capture these sweet moments for them.   New moms & dads have had their world turned upside down and inside out with the arrival of their little miracle baby, and they are adjusting to all sorts of new schedules and routines, but for a few hours we slow it all down and just soak in the newness of their tiny little one.  We celebrate this amazing little life and capture all of the tiny details.

Every newborn session is filled with lots of cuddles, and Lucas's session was no exception.  This little boy was such a sweetheart and I loved capturing his tiny newborn goodness from the other side of my lens.  His parents both enjoyed the delivery of his wall art and fine art album yesterday, making today the perfect day to showcase his studio newborn session with a blog post!

This little boy was such a good sleeper, and he was in dreamland for most of our session!  I just love these beautiful images that we were able to capture of this sleepy little baby during his newborn session.  When his mom told me that she wanted some springtime colors for her springtime baby, I was so happy to pull out my favorite vintage quilt for his set up.

These sleepy little photos below are some of my favorites, and I just love how tiny and cozy Lucas is all tucked into his little bed.  Plus, doesn't he have the most handsome and adorable profile in the second image?  Those little lips and that tiny bump of a nose, plus his mini mohawk.... ahhhhhh!!!  Doesn't it melt your heart?!?!

Rainbow Baby Mateo: A Fresh 48 Hospital Newborn Session

Mateo Rocco
January 31, 2016

Mateo's mom & dad waited a long time to hold their baby boy in their arms.  Mateo's name means "a gift from God," and he truly is a gift to his parents.  He is their rainbow baby, a miraculous gift that made them parents again after they lost their first daughter much too early due to a genetic condition.  

Mateo's parents could not wait to welcome this little boy into their family and to meet their first daughter's little brother.  I've read that some people believe rainbow babies to be handpicked for families by their siblings in heaven.  What a wonderful concept.

When I visited Mateo's family in the hospital for their Fresh 48 session, the powerful love that these new parents shared for their baby boy was breathtaking.  During the moments of calm in their hospital room, they shared the sweetest moments as they got to know their son for the first time.

From the first cuddles to sharing duties and chatting about who does a better job with the swaddle, Mike & Christine were the most calm, relaxed, and chill new parents that I have met.  They were just so happy to bring their baby boy home later that day, and it was clear that the many months anticipation brought them to a moment of pure joy & peace.

Mateo was a sleepy little thing the entire time I visited them in the hospital moving easily from his bassinet to the bed to his parents' arms.

Newborn Baby Tommy: Saratoga Springs Newborn Photographer

Everyone has their ideal client, and you work hard to find them.  But what I'm noticing is that more and more often, my perfect clients are finding ME.  We chat during their pre-consultation, and they mention simple set ups, a focus on baby, soft neutral colors, and the most tender family moments that they want captured on camera.  

Tommy's family was no exception, asking for a pure & simple session with soft grays, blues, whites, and a few nautical touches to tie in with his nursery theme.  I had been dreaming of the perfect nautical image for awhile now, and I was so happy to finally bring it to life!

Tommy's mom is an active member of the local Boston blogging community.  She manages her own health & fitness website and video collection at www.sarahfit.com.  She has shared with the world her personal journey of a healthy pregnancy and continues to share health and fitness tips for the postpartum mom.  

This gorgeous mama came in for their session, and she truly glowed with happiness while holding her brand new baby boy in her arms.

His dad definitely shared a few "proud papa" moments, too.  Watching a new dad with their baby is always the sweetest thing!  I'm so happy we captured these moments for their family.

Finally, is there anything sweeter than itty bitty baby toes?  No, I don't believe there is.  Tommy was such a little charmer, and his parents are lucky to cuddle with this sweet bundle of love every day.