Lifestyle Newborn Session in Nursery

Welcome to the world, Carter August! To document his arrival home, Carter’s parents and I planned a lifestyle newborn session in his nursery at home. This little boy’s nursery is simple and sweet, full of neutral colors and darling accents. It was the perfect space to photograph him, his parents, and his big fur brother! No matter how many times I capture a lifestyle newborn session, it will always feel so special to me. 

Photographing newborns in their nursery is super meaningful. Parents put so much energy, time, and love into preparing the nursery while they wait for baby! You’re creating the very first space that your baby will know as “home” and that’s magical. Families take the time to select the furniture, paint the walls, and decorate with special little details all for their new love. 

Alyssa, Carter’s mama, made a beautiful felted mobile with black labs and stars, knowing that her son’s first best friend was going to be their black lab, Lincoln. She spent months lovingly working on this and dreaming about her sweet baby boy. How special is it now to see her holding him and rocking him in this very nursery, while he watches the shapes of his mobile swirl overhead? 

Carter August, you are so incredibly loved. Thank you to his trio for welcoming me to your home. It was beautiful and your session was wonderful! I’m so happy for you all! 

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Lifestyle newborn portraits for baby #3

Three years ago, I photographed this beautiful family in their home when their middle daughter, Sloane, arrived. It was so special to return back to their home to capture the arrival of their newest little girl, Baby Blake! I could hardly believe how big Sloane and big brother Jack were, too. Time truly does fly by! 

This family’s home has such a neutral and boho inspired vibe. I absolutely love photography in this space. It’s got the best light and the space truly makes my job easy! One of the things mom wanted to do while I was there was recreate some portraits from Sloane’s session with Baby Blake. I’m always a huge fan of families doing this - it creates such a unique connection between portrait sessions. But, I don’t think that she nor I were quite ready for how emotional it would make us, seeing both of her big siblings loving on Baby Blake! 

While we spent most of their lifestyle newborn session in their living room, we also spent a little time in Blake’s nursery. I adored their beautiful Moses basket - it’s a favorite for me in the studio, so I was pleased to see theirs in the nursery! We also captured some sweet photos of Blake and her big siblings in her crib. One of my tricks for creating a new “sheet” in the crib is to add your favorite swaddle blanket, tuck it around the edges, and I’ll clone in the rest later on. This is such a great trick to be able to keep your little one swaddled and show off your favorite blankets during this time! 

To the sweet T family, thank you for asking me to capture these beautiful moments for your growing family. I loved meeting Baby Blake and seeing all of your sweet babies. I hope that you’ll treasure these portraits forever - I know that they’ll hold a special spot in my heart.

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Lifestyle Newborn Session with Toddler in Saratoga Springs

Krystie and Andrew recently welcomed baby Bennett Cyril to the world! I’ve been honored to document this family’s milestones ever since they welcomed their first baby (Easton) into their family, and this time they chose to do a lifestyle newborn session in the comfort of their home to capture these special moments as they welcome their second boy boy home. I loved getting to see them again - and spend time in their beautiful Saratoga Springs home. 

Krystie and Andrew’s home is absolutely gorgeous. It’s got a wonderful light-filled nursery and master bedroom, so figuring out where to capture Bennett’s newborn portraits was a no brainer! Easton was a great sport and snuggled with Bennett in his beautiful wooden crib for me. He was honestly a great big brother our entire session. Lifestyle newborn sessions are wonderful for big siblings, especially toddlers. They can take a break, hang out in their favorite spaces, show me their toys, and even enjoy a snack. It definitely helps them feel more relaxed and excited to be part of the portraits. 

After spending time in Bennett’s nursery, we captured a few portraits of the whole family on Krystie and Andrew’s bed. I loved watching Easton snuggle with his brother! He was so sweet. We finished up the session in their living room. They had the most beautiful built-in shelves and window light - so it turned out to be a perfect spot for their newest family portraits. 

Congratulations to this sweet family! I’m so happy for you all and I loved getting to meet Baby Bennett! I’m so excited to watch him grow and to see Easton settle into his role as big brother. It’s going to be a wonderful adventure.

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A lifestyle newborn session in a mountain-themed nursery

Welcome to the world,  Maverick Henry! I’m so happy to have been able to meet Stephanie and Matt’s sweet new baby boy. They recently came to my studio for maternity portraits, and I was so excited for their lifestyle newborn session. We knew that we wanted to capture Maverick’s newborn portraits at home, in the coziness of his nursery. 

One of the reasons that we wanted to plan a lifestyle session is because Matt is a painter. He hand-painted the incredible mountains on the walls by hand. Stephanie and Matt’s inspiration for the nursery came from the Adirondacks, which is perfect since we live so close! Maverick’s entire nursery was simply beautiful, full of blues and greens. It’s definitely a wonderful space to welcome their first baby boy home to. 

During their lifestyle newborn session, I also got to meet Cash and Cleo, Stephanie and Matt’s two fur babies. They were so precious and very interested in their new little brother. I loved watching them want to be nearby, and hang close during our portraits. Adding your fur babies into your portraits is always a fun perk of a lifestyle session!! 

Maverick, it’s clear you are very loved. Your mom and dad absolutely adore you, and so do your fur siblings. I can’t wait to watch you grow, little guy! 

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An in-home lifestyle newborn session with two big brothers

Welcome to the world, ‌Ella Kate! This sweet girl is so loved and we marked her arrival with an in-home lifestyle newborn session. I’ve been photographing this family since her big brother Miles turned one, and I love capturing portraits for this sweet family year after year and seeing the boys grow into their roles as big brothers. This session was extra special for all of us, too, because Ella is their rainbow baby. She is SO loved and so celebrated. 

We focused on capturing a lot of her portraits in the nursery. Since she’s their rainbow baby, they made the nursery so vibrant and beautiful. I loved all of the rainbow touches, from the tassels on the curtains to the abacus to the sheets and the watercolor mural on the wall. It's so beautiful and a wonderful way to honor their journey with this sweet girl. 

While I loved the nursery, I think I loved the moments with Miles and Oscar even more. They were both so gentle with their new baby sister, as they held her and snuggled near the crib. There’s just something so wonderful about watching new siblings be together. 

If you’re welcoming a new baby this year, consider a lifestyle newborn session! 

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In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Portraits at Christmastime

World, meet Lucas.

This sweet baby boy is proof that miracles really do happen. His mama is one of my closest friends, and we all waited and wished and hoped for his arrival for a very long time. After working as a newborn photographer for over a decade, I truly have such respect and awe for each family’s unique journey to parenthood. For so many families, mine included, the road is long and rough and filled with some twists and turns that break your heart. But when it ends with a sweet little bundle like this boy right here? It makes it all worth it.

Katie and I have known each other for about 15 years. We worked together when I was an elementary teacher in Massachusetts, and then fate brought us back together as roommates in Boston a few years later. We both wound up marrying Jeffs, and you can often hear us refer to “my Jeff” or “your Jeff” in conversation to keep it from getting too confusing. ;o)

We had many conversations about their journey to parenthood, and a few years ago I told Katie that I had had a dream about her the night before. She and I were sitting in front of a Christmas tree holding a baby. I couldn’t tell from the dream whose baby it was or whose lap the baby was on, but I felt certain that it was hers and we took it as a positive sign. For years, that dream kept popping up in both of our minds and gave her a glimmer of hope that good things happen around Christmastime.

And then one day she told me she was pregnant and due at the end of November. She was having her Christmas tree baby!

Katie’s sweet baby boy did not want a November birthday, so he held on until the wee hours of December 1 to start making his arrival into the world known. From the very beginning, or even before the very beginning, he was destined to be a holiday baby.

But the funny thing about that dream is how I couldn’t tell whose baby it was that we were holding. Because as I sat in front of my own Christmas tree holding my own little six-month-old girl while looking at a photo of Lucas that Katie had just texted to me, I realized that it was BOTH OF US with our babies in front of that tree.

I went out to visit Katie & Jeff to document this milestone for their family with a lifestyle portrait session in their home. My little Adelaide came along as my “assistant” and she got to meet her new friend Lucas. Katie and Jeff’s Christmas decor was up, which was the perfect touch to bring this story full circle. I love how you can even see a hint of a window wreath in the nursery portraits! After we finished their portraits, we sat in front of their tree with our babies and we just savored this long-awaited moment.

It’s funny how life works, isn’t it?

Enjoy a peek into this cozy at-home newborn session with this sweet family!

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Lifestyle newborn portraits for baby brother in Saratoga Springs

There’s nothing I love more about this job than working with a family year after year as they grow and welcome new family members. I remember when these sweet parents were pregnant and expecting their first baby. Now, they’ve got a new baby boy and are about to sell their gorgeous home to move to Texas. It’s not an exaggeration to say I’ll miss them, but I’m glad we were able to capture their first weeks as a family of four in their house!

It was so special to welcome Brooks William home, especially because just 2.5 years ago, we did a session in this house with his big sister, Georgia. We photographed her and her parents on their front porch in the summer. I love knowing that they will always have portraits of their babies in their first home!

Brooks William was a joy to photograph. He is such a sweet baby and definitely wanted to be awake a lot of his session - so much to look at! Everyone got a chance to cuddle with him, especially Georgia - who was excited to show me her new baby brother! We worked in his nursery, his parents’ room and made sure to photograph everyone (and their dog!) on the porch, too. I’m so happy I had the chance to see everyone again before they head to Texas!!

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Newborn portraits in a beautiful mauve and floral nursery

Reagan Ann has made her appearance in the world! Alexandra, Dan, and Baby Lincoln are over the moon with their newest family member - and I don’t blame them. When I had the chance to meet her during their lifestyle newborn session, I was instantly in love. This sweet baby girl is SO loved and can we just talk about her nursery?! Her nursery was just gorgeous! Alexandra and Dan chose a mauve and gold color scheme with floral accents and it’s beautiful. I’m so happy we were able to do her portraits in their nursery. What a special memory!

Lincoln’s not quite sure about being a big brother yet but he loved getting to hug mama and look at his little sister. These early moments at home are so precious. I’m thrilled I was able to capture these newborn portraits for Reagan Ann and her sweet family!

Can’t get enough of them? Check out Alexandra’s maternity portraits below!

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Welcoming Baby Home - A Cozy Lifestyle Newborn Session in Saratoga Springs

There is nothing sweeter than an in-home lifestyle newborn session, and I loved every second with Baby John’s family as they welcomed their sweet boy home and showered him with love and kisses. His two big sisters adore him, and it was beautiful to watch them interact with their new brother and with each other. We had such a wonderful time and I truly enjoyed spending the morning with this family capturing and intimate peek into their lives at home with their new baby.

The crib is always one of my favorite spots for newborn portraits, and when it’s filled with creamy neutrals like this one, it’s truly the perfect spot to capture all of that newborn sweetness while still keeping the focus on the baby.

What a proud big sister! She was so excited for her new role as “big sister,” and I know she’s going to love her baby brother soooooo much!

Besides a few swaddles, I don’t bring any props to a lifestyle newborn session. We work with what you’ve got, which usually means incorporating your rugs and bedding as “backdrops” in your portraits. Here the three kids laid down on the nursery rug for this portrait, and later I posed the baby on the blue rug in the master bedroom. Simple & sweet!

This special pillow was made from their grandfather’s shirt, and it was extra sentimental to incorporate it into Baby John’s portraits.

No lifestyle newborn session is complete without a few little monkeys jumping on the bed!

Wondering if a lifestyle newborn session is the right fit for your family? Check out the helpful tips in this blog post to see if this might be just what you’re looking for in your portrait session!

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A Lifestyle Newborn Session at home with 3 big sisters

Sweet little Shiloh is a lucky baby girl. She was welcomed home by her three big sisters, and her first days at home were filled with love and cuddles.

I was invited into this adorable family’s home for a lifestyle newborn session, and I loved getting to document this intimate peek into their lives at home with their newest addition to the family. They live in a beautiful old home filled with so much charm, and it truly was the perfect backdrop to their story.

One of my favorite parts about our lifestyle sessions is that the fur babies get to join in on our portraits! Do you have a dog you’d love to incorporate into your newborn session? A lifestyle session might be perfect for you!

A "Little Unicorn" Inspired Floral Nursery | Boston and South Shore Lifestyle Newborn Photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Have you heard of the brand Little Unicorn?  Most likely you've seen their gorgeous watercolor muslin swaddles, blankets, and crib sheets in your newsfeed, and you've shopped their products in local baby stores. 

They are truly breathtaking, so when I walked into this nursery and found that it was perfectly decorated with Little Unicorn crib sheets, and that this mama of two had a collection of swaddles and coordinating headbands for her two little girls, I was in photographer heaven!

World, meet Blair and her big sister, Quinn.

These two girls are going to grow up sharing a bedroom that encourages their imaginations to run wild with so many whimsical dolls, stuffed animals, and books around them.  I've got the feeling they're going to be the best of friends!

Most toddlers are a little hesitant about bringing home a new baby, but Quinn jumped right into her role of big sister during our photo session with just a little bit of encouragement.  She shared her bed with her baby sister, learned how to hold her safely, practiced shush-ing her when she was fussy, and was oh-so-gentle with Blair the entire time. 

Her mama told me that after I left, she spent the rest of the week asking to hold the baby by herself and reminding her mother what she had to do and where she had to place her arms to keep the baby safe!  How adorable is that?!?!

These lifestyle newborn photo sessions are always so magical as we watch the love unfold for the new baby.  I truly adore watching moms and dads cuddle up with their new addition, talking to them, singing to them, and marveling at every little thing. 

With older babies, the best part is watching the babies respond to mom and dad, making amazing eye contact and calming right down with just a simple touch or the sound of their voice.

Wondering if a lifestyle newborn session is the right fit for you?  Learn more here!

An in-home lifestyle newborn session for Baby Ricky | Albany Lifestyle Newborn Photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Bring me all of your babies!  Or, let me come to you and photograph them at home with one of our lifestyle newborn sessions!   ;o)

Meet Ricky Eugene.

His parents created the most beautiful nursery to welcome him home, and I had such a great time cozying up with them on a snowy winter day in Albany for his newborn session. 

Our lifestyle sessions are a relaxed peek into your life at home as you get to know your newborn.  We often shoot these sessions in the nursery and master bedroom, where you will spend most of your time with your brand new baby.  I love all of the care & details that go into the babies' rooms during the 9+ months you are waiting for your little one to arrive, and it's so special to be able to capture that space for families to show their children many years from now, telling them, "THIS is the space we created just for you.  THIS was your first bedroom in your very first home.  THIS is how much we loved you."

They had the most beautiful windows and natural light pouring into the master bedroom, which made for some gorgeous backlit portraits of mom & dad with the baby.  And of course, their fur baby wanted to join in on the fun, too!

These tiny little details area always my favorite.  Just look at those itty bitty fingers, and the sweet curve of his cheeks!  Doesn't he just melt your heart?

Wondering if a lifestyle newborn session is the right fit for you?  If you're not sure if you like the relaxed session at home, or props in the studio, check out this helpful blog post to help you decide!