Quiet Grace: Capturing the Beauty of Intimate Maternity Portraits

Taylor and Brian’s maternity session was truly one of my favorite maternity sessions of 2024. I loved this studio session, and I felt so creatively inspired working with this couple. Taylor wanted a more intimate maternity session to embrace the beauty of her changing body as they awaited the arrival of their baby girl. We planned a more bare-bones style session with simpler outfits and flowy fabrics. Taylor and I love how it turned out!

When mamas-to-be go through pregnancy, there are so many changes in their bodies that can unearth many emotions. From feeling amazing, confused, inspired, awesome, jarred, and even exhausted - the experience can be overwhelming and so special. One of the things I love about maternity sessions is being able to embrace all of those feelings in their portraits. My goal with every session is to help mamas feel incredible and inspired by what their bodies are building and to embrace the beautiful changes as they get ready to welcome their babies. I know it can be so much, but I love when mamas like Taylor aim to document and showcase what’s so special about this journey. 

Before their ordering appointment, Taylor told me she was a little nervous to view her portraits. I was thrilled to be able to help her turn those nerves into excitement and awe.She later shared with me how grateful she was and how beautiful the session made her feel as an expecting mother. I’m so happy I got to work with you, Taylor and Brian. Thank you for trusting me with this special experience!

expecting mom holds baby bump wearing white button up shirt and green panties set during intimate studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photography Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mom sits holding baby bump wearing white button up shirt and green panties set during intimate studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photography Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mom sits holding baby bump wearing green panties set during intimate studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photography Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mom holds baby bump wearing green panties set with white button down shirt and husband also touches her belly during intimate studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photography Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mom holds baby bump wearing green panties set with white button down shirt and husband also touches her belly during intimate studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photography Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mom holds baby bump wearing green panties set with whit crop top during intimate studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photography Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mom holds baby bump wearing green panties set with whit crop top during intimate studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photography Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mom holds baby bump wearing green panties set with tulle wrapped around her belly during intimate studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photography Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mom holds baby bump wearing green panties set with tulle wrapped around her belly during intimate studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photography Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mom holds baby bump wearing green panties set with tulle wrapped around her belly during intimate studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photography Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mom holds baby bump in pink dress with the skirt floating around her during intimate studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photography Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mom sits on wooden stool in white buttons shirt holding sonogram over her baby bump during intimate studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photography Nicole Starr Photography

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Intimate studio maternity portraits for expecting mama-to-be photographed by Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Casual Maternity Portraits with Jeans and a White Tee

Stephanie and Matt are welcoming their first baby soon and reached out about studio maternity portraits. I loved the idea, especially after they began telling me about their vision. Stephanie and Matt wanted a more casual look and a dressier option, but everything would be photographed in the studio. I think their maternity session turned out so, so classic! 

Much of Stephanie and Matt’s portraits centered around their outfits. For their more casual look, they decided on jeans and a white t-shirt. I think it’s a great classic look that will stand the test of time. They both looked super relaxed, which I’m always striving for. After that look, Stephanie wanted a dressier option. She chose one of my gowns from my studio’s Mama Wardrobe and looked incredible! Both looks were stunning on my new hand-painted canvas backdrop. I love this option for a more fine art look for portraits here in the studio. I’m so happy I got to use it for Stephanie and Matt! It really added a stunning vibe to their portraits. 

After their session, I have to admit I LOVED going through their gallery with both Stephanie and Matt.They’re both so excited about this season of life and were thrilled to see their portraits come to life. I’m so happy I could help them document this special time for their growing family. 

expecting mom in classic white t-shirt and jeans sits on bed in Saratoga Springs NY studio during classic and casual maternity portraits with Nicole Starr Photography

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Casual and classic maternity portraits for mom in jeans and white t-shirt with hand painted backdrop in Saratoga Springs NY studio photographed by Nicole Starr Photography

Autumn maternity portraits with a toddler

Andrea and Robi are expecting their second baby girl and reached out to me about family portraits in Congress Park this fall to celebrate their pregnancy! I love these two and their sweet daughter, Giuliana so much. It was a joy to see them all and hear about how things have been going for Andrea through her pregnancy.

The day that we planned to meet in Congress Park turned out to be stunning. We had the most beautiful fall colors all around us and I was just obsessed with capturing this family of three (almost four!) in them. Their little girl, Giuliana, had a great time playing in the leaves too. She looked so sweet in her little blue dress and boots. Her parents had a great time hugging and snuggling up on her, making her laugh!

Andrea brought two looks to the session - a dressier maternity gown and a casual fall ensemble. I think the mix was perfect! She picked a beautiful pink gown to start the session and it popped against the yellow trees. I always love a good maternity gown! Afterwards, she changed into a more casual outfit for the rest of her portraits. The black shirt and leggings were a great option for the fall colors around us.

I’m so excited for this sweet family and hope to meet their second little girl soon!

toddler in blue dress sits on wooden stool in fall leaves during family portraits in Congress Park photographed by NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in pink maternity gown holds baby bump while kissing toddler on forehead with husband on other side standing in fall leaves during family portraits in Congress Park photographed by NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler in blue dress stands in fall leaves during family portraits in Congress Park photographed by NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in pink maternity gown holds toddler daughter with husband during fall family portraits in Congress Park photographed by NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in pink maternity gown holds baby bump while hugging husband during fall family portraits in Congress Park photographed by NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in black outfit with plaid scarf holds baby bump during fall maternity portraits in Congress Park photographed by New York maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in black outfit with plaid scarf holds baby bump while looking at husband during fall maternity portraits in Congress Park photographed by New York maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in black outfit with plaid scarf holds baby bump while hugging husband during fall maternity portraits in Congress Park photographed by New York maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in black outfit with plaid scarf holds toddler on hip in little black jacket and scarf during fall maternity portraits in Congress Park photographed by New York maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in black outfit with plaid scarf holds toddler on hip in little black jacket and scarf with husband hugging them both during fall maternity portraits in Congress Park photographed by New York maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Autumn maternity portraits in Congress Park with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Classic White Gown Maternity Portraits for One of My Dearest Friends

This was such a special portrait session for both of us. Katie is a long-time friend of mine from Massachusetts, and she’s that special kind of friend that can brighten any day with a text or a call. I really treasure our friendship, and I love how fate brought us together as friends. When she told me that she and her husband were expecting, I was soooooo excited for them! They waited a long time for this news, and we talked about it a lot over the years while wishing and waiting and hoping. Their little baby is proof that miracles really do happen.

Of course I told her that I would love to document all of their milestones for them, and the very first one was with maternity portraits here in the studio when she was visiting for a few days! Katie looked so gorgeous and radiant in a few of the white gowns from the studio’s Mama Wardrobe, and she was the very first mama to wear this beautiful new gown with the crocheted sleeves.

A fun little side note for you: Were you a loyal fan of the TV show This is Us? I was, and the moment I saw Katie in this dress I couldn’t help but tell her that she reminded me of Sally, Uncle Nicky’s hippie girlfriend in the 60s. Maybe this came to mind because I happened to be rewatching the entire series while on my maternity leave, which is when I did Katie’s portraits, but either way, this became known as The Sally Dress and I think it’s so fitting.

expecting mother stands in white gown holding baby bump during studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mother stands in white gown with lace sleeves holding baby bump during studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mother stands in white gown with lace sleeves holding baby bump during studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mother stands in white gown with lace sleeves holding baby bump and smiling down during studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mother stands in white gown with lace sleeves holding baby bump and smiling over shoulder during studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mother stands in white gown with lace sleeves holding baby bump laughing during studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mother stands in white gown with lace sleeves holding baby bump during studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mother stands in white gown with lace sleeves holding baby bump during studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mother stands in white gown with lace sleeves holding baby bump during studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mother stands in white gown with lace sleeves holding baby bump during studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mother stands in white gown with lace sleeves holding baby bump during studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting mother stands in white gown with lace sleeves holding baby bump during studio maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Classic white gown maternity portraits in studio with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Saratoga Springs Maternity Portraits with a Horse

I can’t believe I’m finally getting to share Jillian’s maternity portraits with you! When she reached out to book her portraits, she mentioned the idea of having her session at Rolling Oaks Stable with her horse. I was absolutely excited for that! What’s more classic Saratoga than portraits with a horse?!

Jillian, her husband, and I all met up at the stable for their maternity session. I couldn’t wait to meet Jillian’s horse, Zita. Zita was an absolute dream for us - even wearing a sweet floral garland while Jillian cozied up next to her. I know these two (well, three with Zita!) are excited to welcome their baby girl Gianna to the family. This sweet mama can’t wait to bring her little one out here and introduce her to the stables. What a special moment it will be for Gianna and Zita to meet one day soon!

For her session, Jillian chose to wear two of the maternity gowns I have in my mama’s wardrobe. Both looked amazing against the backdrop of the stable. I can’t wait to see which portraits they choose to display in their home as they await Gianna’s arrival. I’m so excited for this sweet family! Enjoy this absolutely dreamy Saratoga Springs maternity session featuring Zita!!

woman poses with horse at Rolling Oaks Stable during maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
pregnant woman stands by horse with floral collar during Saratoga Springs maternity session with New York maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
woman in lace gown holds name sign during maternity photos with Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting parents pose with horse at Rolling Oaks Stable holding name sign for daughter during maternity photos with Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
husband kisses wife’s cheek during maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting parents look at mom’s belly during maternity session at Rolling Oaks Stables with Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
woman in red maternity gown holds belly posing by red barn at Rolling Oaks Stable during maternity session with Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
husband hugs wife from behind holding baby bump during maternity session on farm with Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting parents hold hands on mom’s belly in red dress during maternity session on horse farm with Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in red maternity gown stands next to black horse at Rolling Oaks Stable during maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting couple pet horse during maternity session on farm in New York with Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
black and white portrait of woman holding belly during maternity session with Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Saratoga Springs NY maternity portraits with horse at Rolling Oaks Stable photographed by New York maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Summertime Maternity Portraits - Saratoga Springs Maternity Photographer

I love celebrating new babies’ arrivals with their families, but one of the stages that I also really enjoy is the maternity session! There is so much anticipation and excitement as couples await their little one’s arrival, counting down the days until they become new parents.

These parents-to-be joined me for some classic portraits in our white, light-filled studio. This glowing mama borrowed a few dresses from the studio’s Mama Wardrobe, and she looked absolutely amazing in them!

Did you know I have a client closet filled with dresses for mamas to wear during their portrait sessions? This takes all of the work out of planning outfits and wondering what to wear and how it will fit you — these dresses are neutral colors in flowy fabrics with gorgeous lace details that photograph beautifully. Just look at how perfect they are on this stunning mama!

dad holds mom’s belly in Saratoga Springs NY studio during maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom hugs belly in lace gown during studio maternity session with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold New York Yankees hat during maternity photos in studio with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting parents hold onto sonogram during maternity photos with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom sits in boho egg chair during maternity photos with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in one strapped gown holds belly standing by fountain in downtown Saratoga Springs photographed by Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting parents hold mom’s belly standing by fountain photographed by Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Then we went to downtown Saratoga Springs for some outdoor portraits at sunset. This mama is having a baby boy, and she chose a blue infinity wrap dress from the client closet for her outdoor portraits. I love how this color pops in the summer sun! And check out the beautiful bokeh with the sun streaming through the trees!

mom in teal maternity gown holds belly during photos in Downtown Saratoga Springs with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
expecting parents hug on street in Downtown Saratoga Springs with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Can’t wait to celebrate their sweet baby boy’s arrival with them soon!

mom in teal dress laughs holding belly during maternity photos with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Downtown Saratoga Springs maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Christmas Maternity Portraits in a Greenhouse with Poinsettias

When Amy reached out to plan a maternity session, she knew she wanted to go back to her family’s nursery where she did her first maternity session a few years ago. This place holds a special meaning for her family, and it’s a place where her children will spend countless hours growing up. Plus, it’s picture perfect!

We had a private greenhouse all to ourselves filled with poinsettias just a few weeks before Christmas. It was truly magical. We captured portraits of Amy in one of the gowns from the studio’s Mama Wardrobe, and her son Willem joined in for a few cuddly photos, too!

I absolutely love the colors and how the red flowers pop against the whites and the neutrals. If only I could find a way to photograph all of my sessions in a greenhouse with perfectly soft light and beautiful plants! Just gorgeous!

toddler plays in front of poinsettias during New York maternity session with Nicole Starr Photography
mom in lace gown holds belly and hugs toddler during Christmas maternity session in greenhouse photographed by Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
Christmas maternity session with poinsettias in greenhouse photographed by Delmar NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom twirls son during Christmas maternity session in greenhouse photographed by Loudonville NY maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds belly and smiles while standing with poinsettias during maternity photos by maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom holds belly during Christmas maternity session in greenhouse photographed by Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom kisses toddler during maternity photos in greenhouse with poinsettias photographed by Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom and toddler pose in greenhouse with poinsettias during maternity photos by maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom and son pose in greenhouse during maternity portraits with Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler hugs mom’s belly during maternity photos with Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Christmas maternity portraits in a greenhouse with poinsettias photographed by Saratoga Springs maternity photographer Nicole Starr Photography