Summertime Family Portraits at SPAC in Saratoga Springs

One of the best parts of quarantine has been spending more time at home & out in our yard. This is the first summer that Grayson is mobile and able to walk around & really play outside in the yard. One of the big perks of being home and out in the yard more (rather than just rushing in and out from work & the grocery store!) is that our neighbors are home and hanging in their yard more, too! With the slower pace, quarantine has brought so much connection to so many families. It’s definitely a silver lining to all of this!

Grayson asks us nearly every day to “go play with the girls”, and he loves talking about them and the cool toys in their backyard. He’s especially obsessed with their dump truck & sand box! He listens for their voices when he’s outside, and he’s always the first one to comment when he hears them outside playing. These kids have had snacks together on the driveway, blown bubbles through the fence, and watched the leaf truck come and pick up our leaves. They have shrieked in excitement when the fire hydrant sprayed all over the road when getting flushed, waved to the school bus that comes by every morning, jumped in a kiddie pool together, and shared countless homemade baked goods from one porch to the other.

It’s been a blast, and Grayson loves having these new friends to play with next door!

Naturally, we celebrated the end of quarantine with a socially distant portrait session at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, which is only 2 miles from our house! This family enjoys attending many shows at SPAC every summer, and it wound up being the perfect backdrop for their family portraits.

Genevieve and Lucy were all smiles and they loved the attention of the camera! They enjoyed skipping & dancing, and we shared lots of giggles during their session.

This portrait of the sisters together is everyone’s favorite, and it’s going to be a beautiful canvas for them to enjoy at home! I can’t wait for it to arrive back from my photo lab, and I know Grayson will love watching me unwrap it from the box and be so excited when he sees his friends in the picture. He’s always my little assistant when it comes to photo deliveries, and he’s going to love being my assistant for this extra special delivery when it comes in!

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At Home with Baby | A Lifestyle Family Portrait Session in Saratoga Springs

Have you noticed more and more of your friends’ portrait sessions take place in their home? And not in their home with a flimsy backdrop set up, but on their couch, cuddled up on their bed, playing on the floor in the nursery, or sharing a snack at the kitchen counter.

You might be asking yourself, what’s the deal? Are these lifestyle sessions just trendy right now?

But no. They’re not trendy, they’re timeless.

These portraits show your family at home, in your space that is so uniquely you, cuddled up together and just loving on your children. These are family portraits that show you relaxed and having fun, and personality is infused into everything from the decor and the outfits to the tickles and the smiles. These sessions make my heart skip a beat because they are just so much fun, for families AND for me!

I absolutely loved being invited into this sweet family’s home to capture the three of them loving on their little girl at almost 12 months old! Little miss Avery truly lights up their world, and there was so much joy in watching her smile, giggle, and push herself.

Plus, my favorite thing about going into a family’s home for a lifestyle portrait session is finding beautiful little corners of their home with gorgeous light, and this family’s home was filled with amazing spots for them to cuddle up for portraits!

Ahhhhh, just look at those bright, sparkly eyes! What a beauty!

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Best of 2019 Family Sessions

Whew, what a year! We do most of our family sessions outdoors from May through October, and it’s always so much fun scouting out new locations, bringing clients to my favorite picture-perfect spots, and watching magical moments unfold with the sweetest families and their little ones.

Today on the blog we’re sharing a peek into some of our favorite family portraits from 2019! From the beaches of Cape Cod and foliage-lined sidewalks in Boston, to gardens, park & neighborhoods in Saratoga Springs. Enjoy a look at some of the most beautiful moments that we captured on camera last year, and then start dreaming up your own family’s next portrait session!

In the cooler months we headed indoors for some lifestyle family sessions! I love light-filled homes for these cozy family sessions!

It really was such an AMAZING summer on the Cape! Definitely filled with some of my most memorable family sessions on so many gorgeous beaches.

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Golden Fall Family Portraits in Saratoga Springs

When your friends become clients, that’s always an extra special session!

I first met Allison in prenatal yoga when we were both waiting for our baby boys to arrive. The boys were born about two weeks apart, and they’re the best of friends. They give each other the cutest hugs, they reach across the strollers to hold hands while we’re on walks together, and Grayson is constantly shouting “JB! JB! JB!” when I tell him we’re going to get together with his friend. It’s adorable.

So when they asked me to capture their fall family portraits? How could I possibly say no?!?! We met at one of my favorite fall spots in Saratoga Springs and enjoyed all of the cuddles, tickles, and laughs with this family of three.

JB clearly loved the camera! This sweet boy is full of personality and he has the best smile. He is a little adventurer and he is always on the go. It was so much fun to capture this toddler stage of exploration and curiosity!

I’m pretty sure we made his whole week when he got to swing in mommy & daddy’s arms! Just look at the glee on his face!

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Three Generations - An Extended Family Session with Boston Family Photographer

Want to hear about two awesome grandparents?

These grandparents live just miles from all of their kids and grandkids. Their house and yard are literally designed to welcome everyone there to spend time together. From kid-sized coat hooks on the wall, a snack drawer filled with all of the kids’ favorite things, a custom “tree house” in the back yard with bunk beds for each grandchild, a zipline through the trees, a giant tree swing, and so many more fun things, these kids are going to treasure these memories of hanging out at their grandparents’ house.

We got together for an extended family portrait session in their own back yard, a place that is so special to all of them and that the grandparents have meticulously maintained with gorgeous landscaping. There were so many beautiful spots for portraits, and plenty of vibrant colors from all of the flowering plants.

Everyone had a blast!

Our extended family sessions are relaxed but fast-paced (because kids are fast-paced!). They are filled with games, tickles, lots of running around, and so many hugs.

This is their tree house. Amazing, right?!

This was such a fun family session, and I’m so grateful that we were able to capture these memories for them in their favorite spot!

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Dancing with Mama - Fun family portraits at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs, New York

This is TWO, and it was SO MUCH FUN!

I absolutely love photographing toddlers because they always bring all of the cuteness to their portrait sessions, and Miss Gianna was no exception. She came dressed to impress in what she called her “ballerina dress” and she wanted to show me how to twirl. We had so much fun with her family at the Hall of Springs, and I am in love with these summertime portraits!

Spinning, hugs, tickles, and kisses. That’s what portrait sessions are made of.

Our family sessions are relaxed & playful, and we always take enough time for the kids to warm up and become familiar with me, my camera, and our surroundings! Gianna has enjoyed many sessions with me over the years, so she was comfortable right away and we were able to capture so many cute moments of these three all cuddled up together.

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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.  

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!

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!

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

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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.

7 Tips for your Fall Family Portrait Session | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer

Fall is the busiest season of the year for family portraits, and rightly so! The cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and cozy sweaters make everyone want to cuddle up together and capture their family on camera!

I absolutely love this season, even if it is so short-lived. There’s just something so welcoming about the first mug of hot cider, the smell of those cider donuts that you can get at the apple orchard, the crunch of the leaves beneath your feet, and pulling out all of your cozy sweaters and your favorite pair of boots.

With our fall family portrait sessions just around the corner, today we’re sharing a few tips for your next photo session! Read on for plenty of great ideas, and beautiful outfit inspiration for your family photos, too!

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Always have a rain date.

The season is such a short one, and the weather is unpredictable! I always encourage my families to reserve their session date AND a backup rain date when they book their session. That way if it rains on the day of your session, no worries! We already have your makeup session scheduled on the calendar!

Keep these things in the car.

We’re going to be moving around a lot during your session, and you don’t want to have to keep track of anything (besides your kids!). Sunglasses, hair elastics, bulky cell phones or wallets that will show in your pockets, stroller, diaper bag, baseball caps. All of these can stay in the car during your session.

Have a favorite family quilt or blanket? Bring it to your session!

Blankets are your best friend for fall sessions. Not only do they protect your clothes from damp grass or leaves on the ground, but they look oh-so-cozy and inviting and they encourage everyone to snuggle up together. Whether you’re sitting on the blanket, or waving it up and down in the air “London Bridge” style while the kids run underneath, blankets and colorful patchwork quilts are one of my favorite accessories for a fall portrait session.

Embrace the leaves.

As everyone relaxes in front of the camera and the kids start to let their personalities shine, I like to encourage the kids by telling them that they will be able to have a leaf fight at the end. This always brings out the biggest smiles and laughs, and we capture beautiful portraits of them jumping into great big piles of leaves and tossing them in the air over their heads. Act like a kid and don’t be afraid of tossing the leaves in the air, getting a few in your hair, or laying down in a pile of dry leaves for a very colorful overhead shot cuddling your babies. After all, this is the only time of year we can capture such beautiful scenery with built in props (literally!) falling down around us!

Bring your dogs!

Just tell me ahead of time so that we can plan for it, but I love to encourage families to bring their four-legged family members to their sessions. I always recommend taking the dog for a nice long walk right beforehand to tire him/her out, and bringing a leash & treats to use during the session. Have a plan for after we finish with the dog in your photos, too. Will someone come with you to the session to watch the dog while we capture a few photos of you and the kids? Will you be able to tie him up to a nearby tree with a treat for a few minutes?

Layer up, especially the kids!

If your session is in mid-to-late October, it can get a little chilly outside when you’re just wearing light layers! Bulky coats never photograph well, so I always suggest adding another layer like a t-shirt or onesie underneath your kids’ outfits. Just a little something for added warmth that won’t add bulk or show through their clothes. Warm kids are happy kids!

Babies and toddlers — plan on September or very early in October!

Speaking of warm kids being happy kids, this is especially true with babies! If your (oldest) little ones are younger than three, I highly suggest scheduling your session for September or early October when it is warmer outside. We can still do a late fall session if there are no other dates available, but we have a better chance of warmer days earlier in the season to keep your little ones happy.

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Looking for some outfit inspiration for your fall family portrait session? Click here to find plenty of what to wear ideas for your family photos!

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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.  

What to wear & Where to shop | Cozy outfit ideas for your family portraits this fall

It’s not easy planning for family portraits. You worry about finding the right photographer, choosing the perfect date and a beautiful location. Then you stress about finding something to wear, and you cross your fingers and hope for the best when it comes to your baby’s mood and the weather.

From our very first phone call, I reassure families and I let them know that I will take care of every single one of those worries. We’ll choose a date & time together, and a rain date (just in case!). I’ll share a few of my favorite locations with you that I know are perfect at the time of day we’ve selected, and I’ll also help you find outfits for every single person in your family. You’re even able to wear outfits available at the studio for mamas and babies!

Then during your session I will use every trick up my sleeve to keep everyone in a happy, playful, and relaxed mood. In the end, the whole thing is a piece of cake and you don’t have to worry about a single thing — leave it all to me, and you just relax and enjoy a fun hour with your family!

But of course, the most frequently asked question I always get from families is “What do we all wear?” Read on for tips for cozy outfits for your family’s portrait session this fall.

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8 things to look for when planning your family’s outfits for a fall photo session

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Layers

Layers add dimension and personality to any portrait, and they also help keep you warm in the fall when the temperature starts to drop! Cardigans, rolled cuffs peeking out from under a sweater, lightweight jackets, boots layered over leggings or jeans, a lightweight infinity scarf. These are all great ideas to add depth and color to your photos.

PRO TIP: Start with a base layer on the kids for warmth — this can be a onesie or shirt underneath their outfit, something that won’t show. Then add their outfit on top! Warm kids are happy kids!

Rich Colors

Fall is such a vibrant season, and you can add vibrant pops of color to your outfits, too! Plum purple, mustard yellow, navy blue, maroon. These are all gorgeous colors that really pop against other neutrals in your outfits. Plan to use 2-3 colors (including a neutral like white, cream, gray) in everyone’s outfits, and think about what will really pop against the scenery!

PRO TIP: I recommend avoiding neon colors, black, and green.

Plaid

Plaid looks amazing in the fall, and it evokes such a cozy feeling! Plus, if you choose one plaid shirt or dress you can use all of those colors as inspiration for the rest of the family’s outfits.

PRO TIP: I suggest only having one family member with a plaid shirt because two or more can look too busy.

Patterns

Solids look great, but having everyone in solids is boring! Bring in a pattern with a dress or a blouse to add a little more interest and personality to your portraits. Just like with not putting everyone in plaid, don’t put EVERYONE in patterns either because they can clash and just look too busy, taking the focus away from everyone’s beautiful faces. Do a mix of patterns and solids.

Boots

Boots always look amazing in photographs on moms and little girls! For the kids, think beyond their colorful sneakers or casual shoes and find something a little more stylish. You can find lots of cute options at Old Navy and Target in the kids sections, and Gap also has so many adorable ones, too!

Cozy Knits

Sweater knits look amazing in fall family portraits, especially ones with a little texture. They just invite everyone to snuggle up together! Plan on layering a sweater or two on a few people in your family for the picture perfect look.

Jeans

If you’re looking for a more casual look, jeans are perfect. A darker wash is the most flattering, and I’d suggest avoiding distressed jeans if they have gaping holes in the knees so that when you sit on the ground your kneecap isn’t showing through at an unflattering angle. We’ll do a few family portraits sitting on the grass and playing in the leaves, so I want you to be comfortable!

Don’t be afraid to glam it up!

Ruffles, tulle, sequins, a frilly skirt. These all look AMAZING on moms and little girls, and I love when families want to dress up for their portraits! I was so excited when this mama wanted to wear a gold sequin skirt for her session, and it looked incredible against the golden foliage.

PRO TIP: Amazon has a skirt that has become wildly popular for mamas in portrait sessions. Search “chiffon maxi skirt” and you’ll find plenty of colors. The waist is adjustable, and the length changes based on the size. If you’re short, order a Small. If you’re tall, don’t be afraid of ordering the Large or XL for the length. There are tons of colors available, and these look best with a fitted top. Some moms pair it with a white lace long sleeve top (also available on Amazon!). Others like a white t-shirt. Others do a buttoned up chambray shirt tucked into the skirt. Others like a cardigan over a tank top.

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where to shop

For mom:
Lulus
Amazon
Rent the Runway (rentals)
J. Crew
Loft
Chicwish
Gap
Old Navy

For the kids:
Cat & Jack at Target
Old Navy
Janie & Jack
Crewcuts by J. Crew
Gap Kids/Baby Gap
Zara
H&M
Amazon
Rainey’s Closet (fancy rentals)
Lulu and Roo
Mini Boden
Hanna Andersson

For dads:
Dads have it easy. Layer on a button down shirt, sweater or vest, and jeans. They probably already have all of this in their closet, or they can choose neutrals or a plaid or patterned shirt from their favorite store to coordinate with the outfits selected for everyone else.

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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.  

Lazy Days of Summer - A Fun portrait session at an ice cream shop!

I always have so much fun photographing this family, and when mom told me she was up for a nontraditional session of her boys this summer, I knew just what we should do:

ICE CREAM!

We’ve done cake smashes and milestone sessions together, holiday portraits and family photos outdoors in the summer and fall. But with two toddler boys, you know what we’ve never done? MADE A REALLY BIG MESS AND JUST PLAYED!!!

I suggested we meet at a playground adjacent to an adorable little ice cream shop, and she loved the idea! This is my favorite local ice cream shop because not only is the ice cream delicious, but the red and white striped umbrellas are picture perfect!

Oscar & Miles were definitely up for the challenge of enjoying their ice cream cones, and they didn’t mind one bit that it dripped everywhere with sprinkles raining down all over their clothes. I couldn’t stop laughing with their mom & dad, and we had such a blast watching these boys enjoy such a carefree summer activity. My favorite part is that they’re going to get to look back on these summertime photos for yearssssss and remember their boys just as they were at this stage, with ice cream dripping down their elbows and sprinkles dotting their tiny fingers.

Are you considering a more relaxed and non-traditional portrait session for your little ones? Let’s chat about what you LOVE to do, and what you want to remember most about this stage of life with your kids!

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Summer Lovin' - Adorable brother & sister photo session at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs

The Hall of Springs is less than two miles from the studio, and it is one of my favorite spots for quick family portrait sessions! The landscaping is always gorgeous, and the marble floors bounce so much light back up onto the subjects. Plus, there are lots of different areas to enjoy for great variety in the session!

I had so much fun with Austin & Avery during their sibling session at the Hall of Springs in SPAC this summer. They were all smiles and giggles, and we captured so many adorable portraits of this duo!

This one is my favorite! Such a cute little hug!

I love those two little teeth peeking through!

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Boston Family Portraits in Beacon Hill with Nicole Starr Photography

The thing I miss most about living in Boston is getting into the city and enjoying the streets as the backdrop for my photo sessions, but lucky for me I head back there all the time to work with clients and I still get to suggest the most beautiful spots in the city for their portraits!

I especially love Beacon Hill for family sessions. The sidewalks are adorable and they are always decorated with the most beautiful flower boxes, plus the brick buildings, colorful front doors, and quaint shutters are picture perfect! Even better? All of the cutest shops are in Beacon Hill, like this sweet flower shop!

I thoroughly enjoyed photographing this adorable family in Boston. The flower stand was perfect for sibling portraits of the two sisters, and their yellow dresses simply popped against the floral background.

We always have so much fun during our family sessions while we play games, tickle, and fly the kids around like superheroes. Just look at those smiles!!

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A Relaxed Family Session at Home

This lifestyle session in the S family’s new home in Saratoga Springs was so perfect! I absolutely loved capturing the four of them together in the space where they are most comfortable — at home!

We started off playing in big brother’s room, and he was so happy to show me his little tent and play peek-a-boo with his baby brother.

My favorite room in the house was the nursery. There was a wall of windows, and it was perfect for lots of family cuddles and kisses! Big brother Henry was so sweet with baby Charlie, and I loved watching these two adorable brothers together!

Like all of our in-home family sessions, we always love cozying up in the master bedroom and capturing the whole family together on the bed.

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Fall Family Portraits in Downtown Saratoga Springs, NY

2018 was the year I fell in love with shooting family sessions in downtown Saratoga Springs. I stepped away from the more traditional photo shoot locations and instead scouted out some new streets and corners with perfect patches of light to bring families, and it was such a joy!

We wrapped up the fall season with this sweet family session, and I loved getting to play with these brothers on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. We finished up at Congress Park for the fall foliage, and they had a blast playing in the leaves. This was truly such a fun session!

How sweet is this portrait with Alex & Ben and all of the beautiful foliage? We turned this one into a 24” wooden artwork for their walls, and I loooooove how it looks printed large for this family to enjoy!

Look at that great big grin! You wouldn’t ever believe he was shy when we started the session, would you? Ben had a BLAST! Especially when we told him he could throw leaves on his brother (keep scrolling and you’ll see it!).

At the time of our session, Alex was still learning to walk. A week later he was running all over the place. I love that we captured this shot of his whole family supporting him and cheering him on with his first steps!

Fall Family Portraits at Yaddo Gardens

Believe it or not, this was my first time shooting at Yaddo Gardens and I absolutely loved exploring this beautiful new location with the sweetest family.

When Matt contacted me this summer and asked about planning a surprise portrait session as a gift for his wife, I was all in! I love it when husbands reach out about planning portraits, and it’s always fun to coordinate this gift with them. Because you know what? Moms love photos, and they never, ever get to be in the frame. They deserve to celebrate this stage of motherhood they’re in and have it captured beautifully on camera! So we planned the perfect session for Rebecca and their girls.

Look at these sweet sister cuddles!

Oh my goodness. This one stops me in my tracks. It’s one of those photos that truly bring to life the saying, “If you think my arms are full, you should see my heart.” This is the photo that she’ll come back to thirty years from now and remember what it felt like in those days that flew by when her girls were small.

Discovering new areas of Yaddo was so much fun, and I love the variety in backdrops! The rose garden with this beautiful staircase was perfect for a few casual family portraits.

And of course, what child can resist running up and down the covered path?

Family Portraits in the Woods with Boston Family Photographer

Ohhh, sweet little Julia Grace! You steal everybody’s hearts with your smile!

I was so excited to meet up with this family again, and I couldn’t believe how much little Julia Grace had grown since last summer! With her flowing hair and energetic run, this sweet and expressive little girl was no longer a baby! She is at such a fun age right now, and I loved capturing that on camera as she cuddled up with her parents on a very windy day in the woods.

Flying baby! She couldn’t stop laughing while flying with her daddy, so of course he kept doing it again and again and again just to hear that happy little belly laugh!

Little Miss Independent just started walking recently after many months of practice and hard work, so this photo was extra special and a cause for celebration! Plus, look at those matching shoes with mom!

Simple Studio Portraits with Sisters | Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer

Camille & Lydia joined me in the Attleboro studio for a milestone session, and these two sisters brought all of the cuteness and cuddly hugs with them!  I had so much fun capturing them together, and I can't believe how much they've grown since Camille's newborn session last summer.  It was wonderful to see them again, and I love that we used this same chair in their newborn session and again now that they've grown!

Our milestone sessions are simple & classic with set-ups that showcase your little ones without too much "fluff" in the background.  A cream wall and rug, or a soft white bed are all that you need!  Add the babies and kids, and they bring the cuteness!

Doesn't she look like she's getting ready to conduct an orchestra here?  Camille has SO MUCH PERSONALITY, and she was an absolute blast to photograph!

Summertime Family Portraits on Beekman Street with Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer

One of my favorite things about summertime is scouting new locations for all of our family portrait sessions.  (Okay, okay... trips to the Cape, fresh peaches and berries, lots of porch time, and iced chai lattes are also on that favorite things list!)

But seriously, I love finding new spots where the light just comes through perfectly and that make such a beautiful backdrop for portraits.  This little corner on Beekman Street in Saratoga Springs is a new favorite, and so many families have enjoyed this little block with me this summer!

We started Declan's birthday session with some outdoor portraits, and I fell head over heels in love with this tiny little charmer.  Just look at his adorable smile and that little hand wave!

This is always SUCH a fun age to photograph, and having an active baby/toddler takes the pressure off of mom and dad for "how do I stand", "what should I do"?  Instead, you're just playing with your little one, sharing lots of tickles and laughs, and having a grand old time!

Baby on the go!

We're in the middle of family portrait season, and I'm looking forward to lots of gorgeous new locations to be the backdrop for new family memories this summer!  Have a favorite spot?  Let me know!

Best of 2017 Family Sessions with Saratoga Springs and Boston Family Photographer

Oh. My. Goodness!  This is one of the most fun blog posts I publish all year because it is FILLED with laughter, tickles, mama cuddles, splashing in the ocean, little kids flying in daddy’s arms, and all of my favorite moments that unfolded during our family portrait sessions in the past 12 months.  

Every year I love going back through our sessions and sharing a few favorites on the blog.  This year was unlike any other, and it was filled with more smiling families than I can even begin to count.  I had so much fun getting to know (and reuniting with some of my very favorite!) families in Saratoga Springs, Boston, and Cape Cod.  

Our family sessions are very popular during the warmer months from May through October, and we see a few families at the studio during the winter and spring, too.  I love spending time outside during our family photo shoots.  The best location is always somewhere where we have a lot of space to let the kids roam and play — a park, a field, or a beach are always a lot of fun and photograph beautifully.  You know that I’m a coastal girl at heart, so our sessions at the beach are always my favorites and I have so many beaches that I love on the Cape — if you’re looking for the perfect spot for your family’s photo session on Cape Cod, just ask! 
 

Enjoy a peek at a few of our most memorable family sessions from 2017, and be sure to check out our other “BEST OF 2017” blog posts!

Best of 2017 Cake Smash Sessions
Best of 2017 Lifestyle Sessions
Best of 2017 Studio Newborn Sessions
Best of 2017 Maternity Sessions
Best of 2017 Beach Sessions on Cape Cod
Best of 2017 Fresh 48 Sessions
Best of 2017 Brothers & Sisters: Candid and Fun Sibling Portraits

Best of 2017 Beach Sessions | Cape Cod Family Photographer

Honestly, if I could live near the coast and photograph families there every day, I would be one very happy photographer!  Sandy toes, salty windswept hair, the sound of waves crashing on the shore, and always bringing home a little bit of sand in my camera bag are a few of the things that make me smile in June, July, August, and September when we head to the beach for our portrait sessions.

Our beach sessions on Cape Cod in the warmer months are some of my favorite sessions that we do all year, and I love planning these summer vacation sessions with families each spring as they begin the countdown to their trip over the Bourne & Sagamore Bridges to the Cape.  

This year was filled with so many fun families, and I spent the entire second half of July and all of early August on the Cape, heading to a different beach every night with families for their sunset session.  We photographed in Dennis, Yarmouth, Hyannis, Harwich, Falmouth, Mashpee, Eastham, Bourne, and off-Cape in Marshfield.  

2017 was also the year of SO MANY RAIN DATES!  All of the unexpected thunderstorms meant that we took advantage of the backup rain dates we had planned ahead of time for many of these beach sessions.  I was so grateful to all of the families for their flexibility in reserving two evenings of their vacation for their session just in case the weather wasn't cooperating. 

Oddly enough, in 2016 we didn't need to use a single rain date for our beach sessions, but in 2017 we used so many of them!  It all worked out in the end, and those overcast evenings at the beach resulted in the most magical moments that were enveloped in fog & mist.

One of the things I love most about our summertime portrait sessions on Cape Cod is reuniting with families that I have photographed for years, and meeting their friends that they have referred for their own family portraits! 

We have so much fun running across the sand, laughing, climbing on jetties, and exploring the coastline that the hour passes quickly and before we know it, the sun is going down and everyone is heading out for an ice cream treat before bedtime.  

This year the families were not afraid to get wet, and almost every single family ventured into the waves for a few truly beachy photos!

Enjoy a peek at a few of our most memorable sandy moments at the beach from 2017, and be sure to check out our other “BEST OF 2017” blog posts!

Best of 2017 Cake Smash Sessions
Best of 2017 Family Sessions
Best of 2017 Lifestyle Sessions
Best of 2017 Studio Newborn Sessions
Best of 2017 Maternity Sessions
Best of 2017 Fresh 48 Sessions
Best of 2017 Brothers & Sisters: Candid and Fun Sibling Portraits