Five years of memories - looking back at some of my favorite portraits from Grayson’s first five years

When you become a parent, time moves at warp speed and the years really do seem to fly by. I don’t know how in the world it happened, but our little baby Grayson is now FIVE years old. It doesn’t feel all that long ago that he was this tiny 5 pound, 15 ounce baby curled up in our arms. Now when he sits on my lap, his head is level with mine and he wraps his arms around me in the tightest “knock you over hug” that he can muster.

Five feels like such a huge milestone. As he says, “it’s a whole hand!” This year he will start kindergarten. He’ll ride the school bus next fall (he’s been waiting years for this moment!). He’ll take the training wheels off his bike. He’ll learn to tie his shoes. We’re reading his first chapter book together, and he loves cuddling up on the couch and listening to the story. He marches into preschool without looking back, his bright yellow backpack bobbing along the sidewalk as he walks in with his friends. He’s turning into this smart, funny, independent little guy. It’s so cool to see, but it’s also bittersweet knowing that we blinked and he went from this little baby to this cool and confident kid.

As any photographer would, I’m going back through my archives of family photos and sharing all of my favorites from Grayson’s first five years. Enjoy a peek into this wild ride of ours!

Fresh 48 photo on the left (above) by Lauren Kirkham Photography. I’ll always treasure the portraits from our hospital session with Lauren from when Grayson was only one day new!

This peek-a-boo photo above is my absolute FAVORITE portrait from Grayson’s infancy. I’ve had it hanging in our dining room for years, and I don’t see myself taking it down any time soon!

Summertime family portraits on the beach with Sarah Zollo Portraits. It was such a windy evening, but I love the movement that it lent to our images. Grayson was still a few weeks away from walking when we did this session, and we got the cutest images of him standing up and falling onto his bottom on the beach in this session!

More mommy & baby portraits from Sarah Zollo, right after Grayson turned one!

Our first birthday cake smash with Grayson & his birthday buddies! We got the Birthday Crew together again to recreate this session for their fifth birthday. Scroll to the end to see how they’ve grown!

Continuing with our gingerbread tradition, we did gingerbread house portraits each Christmas, and now we make our gingerbread houses together every year! It’s one of Grayson’s favorite holiday traditions. In 2022, we went a little crazy and made FOUR different gingerbread houses for the holidays.

Lots of silly stay-at-home moments during 2020!

Look at his wild & crazy hair! He’s on the front porch of our new house in 2020! Grayson started calling it “the pretty house” before we moved in, and he still calls it that! We are so grateful that we found this house and this incredible neighborhood, and we’ll never stop appreciating how wonderful this move was for our family.

Halloween costumes! Choo choo train (2020), unicorn (2021), astronaut (2022).

He took these photos with me in the studio on my birthday in 2021. I love his cute snuggles and that adorable smile! (Also, that was some crazy long pandemic hair!)

My beach-loving boy loves our summer trips to the Cape! Last year he lingered behind me when we were leaving the beach, and I turned around to see where he went only to find him laying down in the sand making “sand angels” (like snow angels). He can’t get enough of the beach, truly!

I love the many sides of him! Grayson was obsessed with learning about outer space for about a year, and because of that we all learned more than we had ever known about the planets and different parts of our galaxy. He loves everything pink, and will randomly put on his pink butterfly wings and head to the store or the playground while wearing them. He knows every type of truck imaginable, has spent thousands of hours playing with his train tracks, and is really into Hot Wheels at the moment. He has an engineer’s brain and loves to build complex train track layouts with multiple levels, and now intricate marble runs, too. He’s always been into music ever since he was a few weeks old and would calm down immediately with the first notes of Justin Timberlake’s song, “Say Something,” and now he is starting to play little bits of songs by ear on Adelaide’s toy piano. He is incredible.

First time riding a big kid bike on his fourth birthday!

He really has turned into the best big brother. Adelaide is obsessed with Grayson, and everything he does puts a smile on her face.

We traveled to Connecticut for newborn portraits with Saren Cassotto Photography, and she captured the sweetest sibling portraits of our two babies. We had so many good ones to choose from, and I have a bunch of favorite sibling portraits in different spots all around the house, and in Adelaide’s newborn album. This kid really brought the smiles that day!

I hope the next five years don’t go nearly as fast as these five did, but I know that they will. For now, I’ll try and slow down to savor it all, and celebrate this little boy!

Happy FIFTH birthday, Grayson!

Making Memories with Grandparents & Grandkids: Extended Family Portrait Session in our Saratoga Springs Studio

Nicole and Chris are longtime clients and I've photographed their two babies and all of their milestones ever since they were born. It’s such a special gift to be able to see my clients year after year and watch their kids grow up. I absolutely adore Elli and Colton. So, when Nicole and Chris reached out about surprising his mom with a portrait session for Christmas, I was absolutely on board! Together, we planned an extended family session with Chris’s brother and his family.

The day of their session was so much fun. I loved watching Elli and Colton with their cousin, Easton. Easton and Colton are only a few days apart, so their bond is incredibly special. Extended family portraits are SO important to me because I love photographing all the relationships, especially grandparents and their grandkids. It’s so sweet. I loved watching Nicole, Chris, and their family just be together in the studio.

I also absolutely loved the colors of the outfits they chose! When planning extended family portraits, coordinating outfits can be a bit tricky. Obviously the images will wind up in multiple homes, so try to consider where they’ll be displayed as you choose your palette. Stick to a color palette of 3 or 4 total colors for everyone’s outfits. This family did a great job with that - definitely use it for inspiration! When you’re thinking about studio portraits, too, the lighter colors will photograph so beautifully!!!

Psst!! A quick update about 2022’s outdoor portrait season! This year we’re only scheduling outdoor family portraits this for May, September & October. With limited availability, I expect the calendar to fill up even faster than ever. Be sure to reach out early to reserve your spot! If you’re thinking of an outdoor session in 2022, NOW IS THE TIME TO SCHEDULE.

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Outdoor Family Portraits in Saratoga Springs with a One Year Old

Can we talk about how adorable this family is?!?!

We celebrate Henri’s first year with family portraits at SPAC in Saratoga Springs, and it was so much fun to see how much this sweet boy had grown since his winter milestone session. He is full of personality & big smiles, and he loves walking all over the place! We truly had a blast as we spent the evening laughing and talking, and capturing the most beautiful memories for this family to enjoy on the walls of their home.

Standing up like a big boy! One of the things I miss most from when my toddler was a baby are those chunky baby legs, so we made sure to choose an outfit for Henri that would emphasize those cute baby rolls that will only be there for a little while.

I love that we captured so many portraits that show his tiny front teeth! Soon he’ll have a mouth full of teeth, but for now it’s just those little ones in the front peeking through. So adorable!

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Inspired by this fun outdoor session? Pin this image or any from the post above!

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

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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Inspired by these fun poses for young children during family sessions? 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.  

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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Save these tips by pinning the image below or any from the post above!

About Nicole Starr Photography 

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

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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Pin this image or any from the post above for inspiration for your family’s fall outfits!

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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.  

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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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!

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!

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

Family Fall Portraits with Grandma and Grandpa - Boston & Saratoga Springs Family Photographer

Three generation sessions are always so much fun!  Grandma & Grandpa always bring a whole new level of excitement to our family sessions, and I love watching them interact with their grandchildren. 

In these sessions we always make sure to capture the more traditional "looking at the camera" shots (because that is what grandparents are always looking for!), and then we add in lots of playful candid moments as well!

Josslyn has been coming to me for her portraits since her first birthday, and this was the first time I watched her with her grandparents!  She loved cuddling up with them, and she was a huge fan of tickling them to make them laugh for the camera.  We definitely shared a lot of laughs during their fall family session!

Family Portraits on Saratoga Lake with Saratoga Springs Family Photographer

I always love checking out new locations for our family portrait sessions, and when Nia reached out to me and told me that she lives on Saratoga Lake, I knew that we would find the perfect spot for her family photos!  The lake did not disappoint...

Baby Blake was the most handsome little guy, and he gave us about a million different smiles during our hour together, each one unique.  At 8 months old, he is filled with personality and it's so clear that he brings so much happiness to his parents' lives.  I love all of the adorable moments we captured of the three of them!  

This is the family's dock on the lake where they spend so much time in the warmer months, and it was the perfect spot to document their baby's first fall portraits.  Imagine returning to the same spot throughout the year to document their family's life, and what that will look like 10 and 15 years from now! 

That's the thing about photographs. 
They are a part of your family's legacy.

Family Portraits at Home with Saratoga Springs Family Photographer

Fall is such a short-lived season here in New York, and we only get to enjoy these colors for a few weeks before everything becomes cold & gray (oh, hey, November!!).  I've been loving all of our outdoor family sessions lately, taking full advantage of the warmer weather, the vibrant colors, and the chance to be outside without a heavy coat.  

When Jenny told me about her vision to photograph their family at home in their backyard with their beagle, and she started talking about a furry vest for her daughter and a leather jacket for her son, I just knew we were going to have a beautiful session together!

These playful, unposed portraits are always some of my favorites, and I loved watching this family love on each other (which from the little ones, sometimes included hugs that turned into sibling tackles!).  I don't think I've ever laughed so much during a session!

Airplane arms!  Isn't he the cutest?

While we've wrapped up our family sessions for the year (because, who wants to be outside when everything is cold and gray???), I'm looking forward to a busy winter at the studio with lots of babies and mamas-to-be.  And I'm already day dreaming about warm springs days, buds on the trees, lots of colorful blossoms, and our playful outdoor family sessions in 2018!
 

An Extended Family Session at Congress Park in Saratoga Springs NY - Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer

Let's bring together all of the cousins, aunts, uncles, grandchildren, and grandparents and CELEBRATE YOUR FAMILY.

Extended family sessions are always a lot of fun, and when this family reached out to me about a session with 17 family members, I knew that we were in for a very memorable evening together!

The grandkids were so much fun and they had us running all over Congress Park chasing the ducks.  During these sessions we always capture portraits of the grandkids all together, with their grandparents, and individual portraits, too!

This session was a special gift to the grandparents to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.  In 50 years, they have created this huge and loving family.  That's pretty amazing that they are all together today all because two people fell in love 50 years ago!

So playful!  These brothers kept me on my toes and we had a lot of fun and shared a lot of laughs during their family's portraits.  And every time that Connor, the littlest one, wasn't looking at me?  It's because he was looking at the ducks!  Ducks are clearly much more interesting than photographers.   ;o)  

Alexzandra was home from college and joined us for their session.  She was also the professional cousin wrangler a few times during the shoot!

These boys just blew me away with their compassion.  When I asked what his favorite thing was about his brother, one of them replied "I think his best quality is that he's always very complimentary.  He makes everyone feel good."  What an insightful young man, who completely melted my heart with that comment!

Thinking of a family session for mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, and the grandkids?  How about some cousins, aunts, and uncles?  Let's get together and plan your session today!  
 

What to Wear in Fall Family Portraits | Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer

While I'm not the biggest fan of pumpkin spice (but only because I don't drink coffee!!), I do love fall soooooooo much.  Apples, crisp leaves, bonfires, lots of pumpkin baked goods, and it's finally time to bust out sweaters, scarves, and my favorite brown boots.

Plus, fall is one of my favorite seasons to plan outfits for photo shoots!  We get to layer so many cozy textures and colors together to really give your family's portraits some personality.  You've been following our "What to Wear" series, you've seen our wardrobe tips for SPRING FAMILY PORTRAITS and BEACH FAMILY PORTRAITS.  Naturally, tis the season to talk about fall wardrobe options for your next photo shoot!  

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Choose 2-3 colors plus a neutral, and use a little bit of it in everybody's outfit!  

Or stick to a color palette or colors in a similar family! These families used shades of blue with khaki and cream as neutrals, and it came together beautifully!

Accessorize and don't shy away from texture!  

Earrings, a statement necklace, scarves, boots, a belt, or even a second layer with a sweater or cardigan all add more interest to your portraits.  Plus, they help to showcase your unique style and personality!  Different knits and fabrics also give your layers more interest and they look AMAZING on camera.  Don't be afraid to have a little fun when choosing your outfits for your family's portrait session.

Think of the location we'll be shooting in, and also of your wall decor.  

You want your colors to complement both.  If your home has mostly neutral colors on the walls, then you may not want bright red or orange in your portraits.  If we're shooting in a grassy area with lots of evergreens, avoid wearing green and instead choose a color that will pop against the trees like purple, cream, or mustard yellow.  

Fall colors to consider for your family's portrait session:
All Jewel Tones
Plum
Gray
Navy
Cream
Mauve
Mustard Yellow
Burgundy
Emerald Green
Beige
Brown
Chambray
Khaki


Fun accessories for a little pop of personality:
Boots
Scarves
Statement necklace
Bracelet
Layers: sweaters/cardigans

 

Happy Father's Day! | Boston & Saratoga Springs Family Photographer

Happy Father's Day weekend!

This weekend, I want to give a shout out to all of the dads who are absolutely rocking this whole parenthood thing.  I meet so many amazing families every single week, and I love being able to capture these sweet moments between dads and their little ones.  These little babies are going to grow up and have such a special bond with you, unique from every other relationship in their lives.  Enjoy every second of it, because they won't be this tiny to curl up in your arms forever!

For today's post, enjoy a peek at a collection of some of our favorite images from dads celebrating their first (or second, or third!) Father's Day this year.  Happy Father's Day to all of these amazing men.  Enjoy the weekend!

6 Tips to a Successful Portrait Session with Babies & Young Children {Boston Family Photographer}

baby girl doing tummy time with a floral backdrop

Vivian is quite possibly the smiliest baby girl that I have had the pleasure of photographing in the studio.  This little girl did not stop smiling for even a second of our session, and that gummy smile stretched from ear to ear with sparkling eyes and the sweetest little giggle.  Happy and curious, she loved the camera.  Just look at those sparkling eyes!

baby girl pink and flowers

However, not all babies come to their sessions ready to bust out a smile, and there are so many tips that I give families to help their little ones be comfortable here in the studio during our portrait sessions.  Our sessions are light, playful, and fast-moving to keep the little ones' attention and capture the most beautiful memories of your family.

On top of the games, songs, silly dances, and fun little toys that I like to pull out during our sessions, there are a few things that parents can do to help their child have a fantastic experience, too.  Read on for a few ideas before your session, and enjoy more of Vivian's sweet little smile.

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

It's hard looking cute for an hour!  Bring a bite-sized snack or a drink that won't stain their lips or tongue, and take a few moments between shots to cuddle with your little one.  Puffs, cheerios, and goldfish are perfect for a quick little pick-me-up between photos, and they even fit right into the baby's hard so we don't see them in the photo!

baby with stuffed animal lovies

Babies crave familiarity.  Bringing a lovie, a blanket, their favorite toy, or a cherished book can do just the trick.  Plus, it's a great way to incorporate their favorite things into the photographs!

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

For toddlers and other young children, tell your child that we are going to a special place where we will play lots of games and have fun together.   Nicole (that's me!) will be there and will play with us, too, and sometimes she will take pictures when we are having fun.  

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

Throughout the week before your session, practice different expressions in the mirror with your child (ages 2+).  Have them show you their sad face, silly face, happy face, kitty cat face, excited face, puppy dog face, etc.  Kids are still learning how to create a natural expression on their faces, and sometimes they see a camera and go a little overboard with the smile.  We want their most natural expressions that show who they are inside, truly showcasing their personalities.  When they do a smile that is particularly adorable, praise them and point it out to them.  Then try saying, "I love your happy face!  Can you show me that one again?"  Repeat this throughout the week and they will be comfortable in front of the camera when we get together.

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

Sometimes a child can have TOO many people tell her what to do, where to look, how to act.  Take a break and wander off for a few minutes, leaving me with your child.   A lot of the time they loosen right up and their true personalities really shine when left alone with just the photographer.  This little girl's mom went off to "check her phone", and right away her daughter was laughing, twirling, and making silly faces with me.  Then this little guy wanted to show me his favorite spot in his yard, and once we were behind these stunning yellow bushes he told me all about his secret fort and why he loves it there.  Sometimes kids just need a little space.  Let's give them that during the session for a few minutes to help them become more comfortable to open up to the camera.

boston rustic photography farms

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

Most importantly, remember to HAVE FUN during our session.  I'm talking to you, mom and dad!  ;o)  Don't stress out if your little one isn't cooperating.  Trust me, we are still capturing beautiful moments on camera.  Besides, children can pick up on the stress in adults and will feel it themselves, causing their behavior to be even less than ideal.Simply follow my lead as we redirect the children, keep the session light and playful, and move on to the next set-up if this one is not working.  We can always come back to it later in the session.  By remembering to have fun, we will create memories that are truly stunning and you will love these photographs for many years.  Aren't these photos of moms and dads interacting with their children so much more lovely, dynamic, and emotional than the stiff poses of years past with everyone looking straight ahead at the camera?  YES!  There's connection, laughter, and excitement shining through in every single portrait.  Let's create some memories for your family.  What are you waiting for?  Click on the "CONTACT" tab above and let's chat.

Daniel Alexander {Boston Newborn Photographer}

Daniel Alexander

April 10, 2014

9 pounds, 13.8 ounces   |   20.5 inches

Marathon Monday was a marathon of a newborn session!  I visited Anabela and Paul and their new little addition, Daniel.  He greeted me with his big blue eyes and his sweet little lips all puckered up.

Just like the runners, Daniel was wide awake and ready to go!  Rocking and shushing and swaddling.....  No way!  Daniel was not having any of that sleepiness that we were trying to get him to move into, so we took advantage of his alertness and got some great lifestyle family photographs.  This little boy loved being in his mommy and daddy's arms, and as long as he was cuddled up close to their heartbeat, he was a perfect little angel.

There it is!  A sleepy little yawn!  Love this shot over dad's shoulder.Thank you for a beautiful session, Anabela and Paul!  I truly loved getting to welcome your little boy into the world and document his first days on camera for you.  Keep sharing the love with that sweet little boy of yours.