8 Tips for your Family Portrait Session at the Beach - Cape Cod Family Photographer

Summer is almost here, and I am so excited to welcome so many families to Cape Cod for their family portrait session on the beach! This is one of my favorite times of year because I love visiting the Cape and being able to capture other families and their special memories at the same time. This summer will be extra fun because I have so many of my longtime New York clients planning their summer vacations to Cape Cod around their portrait sessions! I’ve been living in NY for eight years now, and these families have heard me talk about the Cape for years, and now so many of them are excited to bring their little ones to this classic beach spot this summer!

I have been spending my summers on the Cape for more than 25 years, and I have so many favorite beaches, bike paths, ice cream shops, and more that I love sharing with my clients when they schedule their Cape Cod portraits. Every single one provides the perfect vibes for summer portraits - and it always makes for an unforgettable evening! I love that I know this area inside and out and can give them an inside scoop on where to go, what to do, and what to pack!

Today’s blog post is filled with tips for your family portrait session at the beach. Read on for lots of great ideas, plus plenty of beautiful outfit inspiration for your family! I want your session to be truly enjoyable and feel like an extension of your summer vacation!


Plan accordingly for traffic.

On the Cape, Saturday and Sunday are typically the heaviest traffic days coming over both bridges. Plan to come early in the morning and make a day of it!

Baby’s first trip to the beach?

The beach can be a sensory overload for some babies.  Get them used to the sand by letting them play with and sit in sand a few times before your session.  Make sure they have bare legs and feet so that they get used to the feeling of the sand on their skin.  Bring a blanket (neutral colors look best!) if they might need a layer to sit on.

What to wear

Colors that you would find at the beach look incredible in portraits — shades of blue, khaki, linen, white, cream, blush pink, lavender, teal, mint, aqua, and gray are my favorites.  We have many helpful blog posts with outfit ideas — check them out here! 

Keep these in the car…

Sunglasses, hair elastics, cell phone, wallet (bulky things that show in your pockets), stroller, diaper bag, baseball caps or visors. Trust me: you don’t want them in your portraits! It’s better to just leave them behind so you don’t have to keep track of them during your session.

Always have a rain date.

I will let you know 4 hours in advance if we’ll have to reschedule due to the weather, but even on cloudy days we can get some great portraits! Clouds mean less direct sunlight, which is better for all of us. As long as it isn’t outright raining or storming, we’ll try to keep your session. But, planning a backup date never hurts!

Protect your skin.

Try to avoid a sunburn the week of your session.  Especially on your face and nose! It’s no fun - but it also will show up in your portraits.

Barefoot is best! 

We’ll leave our sandals at the entrance to the beach so we can walk in the sand easily.

8 tips for your family portrait session on the beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Embrace the sand & the water, and don’t be afraid to get wet!

I love finishing the session in the water.  Let’s be adventurous and walk in the waves or let the kids splash around a bit.  Bring a towel or a change of clothes for the kids just in case they get a little too excited at the opportunity to splash!  

8 tips for your family portrait session on the beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

PLAN FOR AFTER YOUR SESSION

Keep a towel in the car to brush sand off of everyone’s feet after the session. I also recommend keeping a travel-sized container of baby powder in the car. Sprinkle a little on everyone’s feet and calves, and the sand slides right off!

If you have a long drive back home, pack the kids' PJs in the car so they can change into them right after the session and sleep on the way home. I’m a huge fan of anything that will help avoid meltdowns after portraits!


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8 Tips for your Family Portrait Session at the Beach - Cape Cod Family Photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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. 

Our Cape Cod sessions occur from June through September at beaches all over the Cape. Be sure to reach out early to plan your family’s portrait session as these always fill up early in the season!

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

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

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

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

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

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Extended family photo session while on vacation on Cape Cod

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cape Cod Family Portraits at Corporation Beach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you know the term “head swap”?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cape Cod Family Photos at Lighthouse Beach in Chatham

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

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

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

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

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

Their grandmother is going to cherish this photo forever!

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

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

Cape Cod Family Portraits at Corporation Beach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grayson's Summer on Cape Cod

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Such an awesome summer!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.  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.  

Celebrating 40 Years - An extended family portrait session on Cape Cod

Extended family sessions are always so much fun. While some may think that they are complicated & logistically challenging (You want me to get HOW MANY people looking at the camera at the same time?!?! And smiling, too?!?!), I actually really enjoy them!

I look at every extended family session as a beautiful opportunity to enjoy a peek into this whole family’s life together. It’s like being invited to their Thanksgiving table when everyone is so excited to be around one another, inside jokes are flying, and the kids are off having a blast at the kids’ table. Stories circle around the group, and the grandparents are always up for some tickles for the grandkids.

My favorite part is looking at the two grandparents and thinking that everyone is here because the two of them fell in love.

And that’s exactly what this family portrait session on Cape Cod felt like. This couple was celebrating 40 years of marriage, and 40 years of family vacations in Harwich. Their daughters and their grandchildren all got together for family portraits, and it was SO. MUCH. FUN.

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …

We always start off with the kids to capture a few individual & sibling portraits, and the kids love running along the beach, telling me stories, and singing songs to get comfortable in front of the camera. These kids absolutely rocked it and I love how cute they were!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …

Did I mention how much fun we have during our sessions? Dancing, running, twirling, piggy back rides. All of your favorite things about childhood, captured in your portraits.

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …

Love this extended family session on the Cape? Pin this image or any from the post above for inspiration!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …

My favorite sunset at the beach - cape cod family photographer

I enjoyed the most perfect sunset of the entire summer with this sweet family! Looking through their portraits takes me right back to that warm summer evening on Cape Cod filled with gorgeous golden light, sandy toes, and the cutest little giggles from the kids. I’m already missing these summer sessions, but I’m so excited to share this one on the blog today!

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

One of my favorite things about spending my summers photographing families on Cape Cod is discovering new beaches. Every family has “their” beach, and it’s amazing because many families introduce me to beaches that are new to me that they have been going to for 10, 20, 30 years! I first discovered this beach a few summers ago with another family that always vacations in the neighborhood, and when Aimee contacted me and told me they were staying near the bridge, I knew we had to meet at this perfect spot for their portraits!

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

Catherine is the cuddliest, and she was so happy to be in her daddy’s arms! I love all of her adorable expressions, and especially her laugh!

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

Tickle fight for big brother Charlie! Our family sessions are always so much fun and very relaxed, and it shows when your portraits have big belly laughs and grins in them!

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

Little Miss Catherine has been working very hard on her walking skills, and it was so special to be able to capture the whole family’s effort and encouragement in these portraits. Look at her go!

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

Inspired by this Cape Cod family portrait session? Pin this image or any from the post above!

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

About Nicole Starr Photography 

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

Seaside Smiles - family portraits at their beach house | cape cod family photographer

This summer was all about finding inspiration in new places on Cape Cod for our family portrait sessions.

For the first time ever I brought families to cute little downtowns with shingled buildings, a handful of new beaches, and I was even lucky enough to photograph this family’s portrait session at their waterfront beach house!

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

I love that the white trim, gray shingles, rocking chairs, blue hydrangeas, and Lilly Pulitzer print dresses all scream CAPE COD IN THE SUMMERTIME!! But even more meaningful was that they will get to enjoy these portraits up on their walls, bringing them right back to those warm summer memories on Cape Cod.

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

Inspired by this Cape Cod beach session? Pin this image or any from the post above!

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

And Baby Makes 3! A seaside family portrait session at the beach | Cape Cod Family Photographer

Little Miss Rosie was such an adventurer during her family’s Cape Cod portrait session at the beach! We met up at sunset to catch that perfect golden light, and it was truly a gorgeous evening. Rosie marched all around the beach and into the water, and made us all laugh with her endless giggles and babbling!

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

It was a windy evening (the beach usually is!) but we made it work in our favor and captured family portraits with plenty of movement & action!

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

A salty sea baby taking first steps on the beach!! Love this!

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

Save this image or any from the post above for inspiration for your beach session!

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

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.

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!


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.

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…

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.

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…

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).

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…

PLAID

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

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…

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.

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…


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

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

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!

A Playful Family Session at the Beach - Harwich, Cape Cod Family Photographer

This was one of my favorite family sessions of the summer! We were waiting for a thunderstorm to roll in on Cape Cod, and we snuck in this portrait session at the beach right before the rain started. The overcast skies made for an incredible backdrop, and these brothers just stole the show!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

I first met this family back where Nicholas was only 6 months old, and now he’s a big brother! We did Baby Harrison’s newborn photos, and in the blink of an eye he turned into a toddler who was excited to run all over the beach and point out all of the seagulls flying overhead.

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

This shot of the boys is my FAVORITE image from the entire session. I love how playful and wild and carefree it is! They framed this one to hang in their beach house, and it’s going to look amazing up on the wall. I wish I could wake up to this photo every day — I would start each morning with a smile just by looking at this!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

Their family photos are truly some of my favorites because mom and dad got lost in the moment with their kids, playing and laughing and not worrying about where to look or who to make smile for the camera. They just had fun together, and that joy shows in their portraits!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

A Sunset Portrait Session on West Dennis Beach with Cape Cod Family Photographer

When the very first photo of the session looks like THIS, you know it’s going to be an amazing hour together!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

JJ looked at me and automatically did what his family has coined his “sweetheart pose”, and he rocked it. His big sister Keira loved getting her portrait taken at West Dennis Beach, too, and we had so much fun during their sunset family portrait session on Cape Cod this summer.

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

This little spot near the Bass River was a new location gem for me this summer, and I love how the seagrass became covered in water as the tide came in. It created the perfect spot for a little dancing with Keira’s flowy dress!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

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)

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

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.

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

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!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
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Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
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Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

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!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

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

Fun Family Portraits at West Dennis Beach with Cape Cod Family Photographer

I always love when families come back for their portraits year after year, and when I see a family's name in my inbox after a few years it always puts a great big smile on my face as I get ready for another fun session with them, excited to see how much they've grown and changed.  

This is one of those families.

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We met when I was a first grade teacher in Massachusetts, and while I never had any of the three kids as my students, we did enjoy a few sessions together and spent a lot of time designing a gallery wall in their home.   When Wendy contacted me this spring and told me she'd love to plan some beach portraits and that she was excited to add to their gallery wall in the living room, I was all in and we started planning their Cape Cod family session!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

We met at the very end of West Dennis Beach at the Bass River for their sunset session, and it was the perfect spot for cuddles, tickles, and lots of splashing in the water!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

I just love everything about this photo.  They went in for a family hug.  Little sister is hidden on the inside (see that arm sticking out?) and her big brother couldn't resist peeking out with the most amazing smile.

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

This was truly such a fun evening together, and I can't wait to see what their new gallery wall looks like with these beach portraits on display!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

Family Portraits at Low Tide on Cape Cod

Now that everyone is back to school, it's time to look back longingly at the beach days of summer, don't you think?

And what better way to do that than with a family that I once did the whole "back to school" thing with?  I've known this family for years, and their oldest daughter Jenna was a student in my first grade class back when I was a teacher in Massachusetts.  Now she's entering 8th grade!!  

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

We got together at Corporation Beach in Dennis on a perfect low-tide evening this summer and we had so much fun doing portraits together in the sea grass, on the jetty, and just exploring the parts of the beach that are normally covered in water!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

Jenna & Annabelle warmed right up to the camera and they wanted to tell me all about their summer and their school year.  They were absolutely goofy to get the other one to smile, and we laughed so much during their session.  

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer

Enjoy those summer memories as you move back into the school year routine!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer