Springtime Motherhood Portraits at our Client Appreciation Event

I’ve always loved doing motherhood portraits, and this spring I decided to create a Client Appreciation Event to show all of our 2022 families just how grateful I am that they trusted me to capture their family’s milestones last year. This Client Appreciation Event could not have been more fun. I loved catching up with all of my 2022 families and seeing how all of those sweet babies had grown! It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of business and motherhood, but it was so nice to slow down and hear what was going on in everyone’s lives this spring.

Each family that I work with - whether I’m capturing newborn portraits, a milestone, cake smash, or family photos for the year - is so important to me. Family portraits are special. Honestly, they’re one of the only times moms get in the photos and I know the process can feel overwhelming. It’s always been my goal to create a stress-free and joy-filled environment for my families during their portrait sessions. It’s why I have a client closet, a snack bar, and props/outfits onsite for sessions.s I want every single one of my clients to feel special and pampered, and our Client Appreciation Event was one more easy way to do that.

The spots for our Client Appreciation Event filled up right away, and the moms have been raving about the experience. I had a blast catching up, pampering these incredible moms some more, and capturing a few photos too. I’m already excited to plan for next year’s event for our 2023 clients! Thank you to everyone who made 2022 so special - and to all of my already amazing 2023 families. I’m so thankful for each and every one of you!

mom holds daughter during springtime motherhood portraits at client appreciation event in Saratoga Springs NY photography studio with Nicole Starr Photography
toddler laughs  in front of gold arbor during client appreciation event in Saratoga Springs NY photography studio with Nicole Starr Photography

One of my favorite parts of our Client Appreciation Event was the swag bags we gave everyone! All of the businesses included are local, small business owners and mamas themselves!

Swag Bag Contributors:

Cookie Tastic
Kiwi and Rose (earrings)
House of Colour Saratoga Springs
Turn a New Leaf Intuitive Massage
Kallisto Gems
The Broadway Grind

A huge thank you to our other collaborators:
Hair stylist: Jessica Lee of Sanctuary Salon in Saratoga Springs NY


Save this post for later!

Springtime Motherhood Portraits with Florals and a Boho Egg Chair

I have been doing a springtime Celebrating Motherhood portrait event for as long as I can remember. It’s one of my favorite times of year to create something beautiful with lots and lots of flowers and photograph mamas just loving on their babies.

This year I went with a boho floral setup incorporating our wicker egg chair, and I absolutely loved how it photographed. It’s the perfect size for some cuddles, and it looks stunning with the white walls and giant white window in the studio. Plus, with the new (bigger!) studio, I was able to keep our egg chair setup all spring and we even incorporated it into a few other families’ portrait sessions for a shot or two here and there.

As always, neutrals are my go-to outfit recommendation in the studio. A few families did a gorgeous pop of color combined with those light neutrals, and it all came together beautifully. Scroll down for a peek at some of my favorite portraits in our boho floral egg chair prop this spring!

mother in pink dress hugs son during springtime motherhood portraits in boho egg chair with florals photographed by Saratoga Springs NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in pastel pink gown plays with son during springtime motherhood portraits in boho egg chair with florals photographed by Saratoga Springs NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mother and son play during springtime motherhood portraits in boho egg chair with florals photographed by Saratoga Springs NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler in purple onesie plays on boho egg chair during portraits in Saratoga Springs NY studio with Nicole Starr Photography
mom plays with daughter on studio couch during springtime motherhood portraits with florals photographed by Saratoga Springs NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mother in white dress holds baby during springtime motherhood portraits in boho egg chair with florals photographed by Saratoga Springs NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler stands on  boho egg chair with florals photographed by Saratoga Springs NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in jeans and white shirt holds toddler on lap during springtime motherhood portraits in boho egg chair with florals photographed by Saratoga Springs NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mother kisses toddler during springtime motherhood portraits in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography
toddler hugs mom during springtime motherhood portraits in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography
toddler plays on egg chair during springtime motherhood portraits in Saratoga Springs NY with Nicole Starr Photography

Save for later:

Springtime motherhood portraits with florals and boho egg chair photographed by NY family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Getting in the Picture: My Quarantine Self-Portraits with Grayson

Recently I shared a “Letter to All Moms: Please Get in the Picture!”. I talked about how important it is to make sure we document the fact that WE WERE THERE in our little one’s childhoods. In fact, we are often so “there” in their daily lives that we never have any pictures to prove it!

I get it. I truly do! During Grayson’s first year I had only a handful of photos of me with my baby. There was nothing I ever wanted more in life than to be a mom, and I spent my days documenting everyone else’s motherhood, but I barely had any photos of my own experience with my baby.

So I set out to change that.

I took an online course in self-portraits. I purchased a tripod. I learned how to use the interval timer on my camera, and how to nail the focus when looking through my lens at the empty spot on the floor (or chair, or steps) where I would be. I joined online communities for inspiration & encouragement. I started sharing these photos, talking with other moms, and holding each other accountable for getting in the picture more often so that our babies would have memories to look back on one day, and so that we could look back on this stage of motherhood 20 years from now and remember what it felt like when our littles held our hands, sat on our laps, and curled up close to us.

And I am so glad I did!

During the coronavirus quarantine I created many goals for myself, and one of them was to get in the frame more with my little boy. I wanted to capture our daily lives. At the beginning of quarantine, we spent a lot of time indoors because it was so cold and rainy outside. This giant cardboard box became a reading nook, a hiding place, a soccer goal, a train car. So we got inside for a few photos!

Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…
Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…

Grayson’s room is the one room in the house that gets the BEST LIGHT all day long. I especially love the way the light streams through the windows in the mornings. We always cuddle up in this chair to read three books before nap and before bed, plus many more books throughout the day. Our little guy loves books! So of course that was something I wanted to document, too! Plus, look at him with his little purple ball! He always finds a ball to hold!

Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…

We have spent soooooo much time outside in the yard. He helped me with yardwork in the early spring, trying to “rake” leaves with his tiny snow shovel, and picking up stray sticks to put them in a pile. Then we started gardening, planting flowers, watering flowers, and planting tomatoes & strawberries. I do not have a green thumb, but every year I wish I did! So we’re trying it out, and he’s getting so excited to watch everything grow! Plus, he discovered that he really likes to play in the dirt — even though he hates being messy!

Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…
Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…
Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…

We have baked SO MANY THINGS during quarantine! I’ve always loved to bake, and he has been my little helper in the kitchen since very early on. We made him a learning ladder/stool when he turned one, and he has been standing and helping at the counter ever since! He especially enjoys baking, and he gets so excited and yells “Yayyyy! Baking! My favorite!” whenever it’s time to bake, running into the kitchen and climbing right up on his stool.

I wanted to document our baking adventures, but our little baking corner of the kitchen is so dark and narrow, so I moved everything to the table where we get great light through the patio doors. Grayson helped me scoop and measure. He can name and identify all of the ingredients, and he counts the eggs when passing them to me. Somehow we haven’t broken a single egg yet, but I’m just waiting for the day we have gooey egg dripping down the side of the bowl!

Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…
Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…
Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…

Another realization in this self-portrait process?
Apparently I own A LOT of striped shirts!!!

Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…

The official taste tester in the Starr household! He takes his job very seriously!

Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…
Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…
Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…
Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…
Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…

You don’t need anything fancy to get in the photos more with your own kids. Set your phone up on the counter and press the timer, then run into the frame and love on your kids. Hand your camera off to your partner and ask them to snap a few photos of you doing something you love with your kids.

Just get in the picture. You will treasure these memories forever!

Getting in the picture: the art of self-portraits with a toddler | Nicole Starr Photography shares her tips for self-portraits with her toddler in Saratoga Springs, New York | Saratoga Springs NY family photographer, Saratoga Springs NY children's p…

A Mommy and Me Session in the Boston Public Garden

Meet Jack. The smiliest, most adorable little boy who I had the pleasure of photographing in the Boston Public Garden this spring with his mama. This sweet 4 year old is constantly on the go, and we spent a playful hour together filled with giggles, laughs, and bubbles for an extra special Mommy & Me portrait session.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY Family Photographer | Loudonville NY Family Photographer, mommy and me session, mommy and…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY Family Photographer | Loudonville NY Family Photographer, mommy and me session, mommy and…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY Family Photographer | Loudonville NY Family Photographer, mommy and me session, mommy and…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY Family Photographer | Loudonville NY Family Photographer, mommy and me session, mommy and…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY Family Photographer | Loudonville NY Family Photographer, mommy and me session, mommy and…

Boston is such a beautiful city in the early spring, and tulip season is always breathtaking. The misty weather didn’t dampen our spirits, and Jack and his mama layered on their rain gear and enjoyed splashing in the puddles in the garden.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY Family Photographer | Loudonville NY Family Photographer, mommy and me session, mommy and…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY Family Photographer | Loudonville NY Family Photographer, mommy and me session, mommy and…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY Family Photographer | Loudonville NY Family Photographer, mommy and me session, mommy and…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY Family Photographer | Loudonville NY Family Photographer, mommy and me session, mommy and…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY Family Photographer | Loudonville NY Family Photographer, mommy and me session, mommy and…

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY Family Photographer | Loudonville NY Family Photographer, mommy and me session, mommy and…

About Nicole Starr Photography 

Nicole Starr specializes in newborn, baby & family photography and has been serving families in New York and Massachusetts since 2012.  She has a portrait studio in Saratoga Springs, NY for families in the Capital Region, and she also works with families at her Attleboro, MA studio and on location in Boston and on Cape Cod. 

Our sessions are relaxed and fun, and we’ll enjoy an hour together laughing, cuddling, and capturing authentic smiles and belly laughs with your little ones.  

Celebrating Motherhood Sessions with Boston & Saratoga Springs Portrait Photographer

It's hard to believe that we just wrapped up our THIRD year of Celebrating Motherhood sessions!  This was the first year I brought the sessions to Saratoga Springs, and my third year capturing these special moments for our Boston-area mamas.  (Check out the 2015 and 2016 sessions here!)

This year's event was extra special.  In Boston we enjoyed hair & makeup by Tiffany Cantin, HMUA of Six Bay Road Salon.  In Saratoga, Breeanna Nicholas Artistry and Laura Graver pampered our moms with hair & makeup.  

Sweet Ivie was one of our sponsors, providing lots of lovely headbands for the little girls to enjoy, while Simply Made created beautiful bandana bibs and bowties for the baby boys.  And special thanks to Crown City Bread Company for the sweet treats, and Butterfly Baby for goodies in the swag bags for the moms.  And of course, our beautiful and whimsical wardrobe was supplied by Rainey's Closet!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer

Now, let's get to the fun part!

Ohhhh, these moms & their babies were just the sweetest!  I always love capturing these sweet little moments between them, slowing it all down to celebrate the beauty of motherhood and of this sweet but fleeting stage of having little ones at home.  Pampering the moms with hair & makeup always makes them feel extra glamorous, and these moms were such naturals in front of the camera!  They showered their little ones in cuddles and kisses, and we captured so many beautiful moments for them to enjoy!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer

Waiting for baby is always such a special time filled with anticipation & love.  Laura joined us with her son, who is about to be a big brother!  He leaned in close to listen to his baby sister, and he was just the sweetest!  Plus, seriously now... how amazing does Laura look?!?!  She has such a beautiful glow about her!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer

Funny story behind this image below...  So often little kids lean in for a quick peck on the cheek, and they pull back before I can click the shutter.  Laura told her son to "pretend you're a zombie sucking brains out" to get him to slow down for a kiss.  I doubled over laughing, so surprised at this description.  But it worked!  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer

Sofia was an only child last year when she came with her mama to our motherhood sessions, and her mom was waiting on Baby #2's arrival.  This year I was so lucky to get to meet her little baby sister, Catania.  Their grandfather was there for moral support, and he truly saved the day by capturing the girls' full attention and getting them to smile for us.  They lit up the moment he walked in the room, and it's clear to see that he shares a very special bond with his granddaughters.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer

And the twins!  Bella and Finley have been coming to me since their newborn portraits, and I was so happy to see these girls at our Motherhood event this year.  Their mama appeared so calm & relaxed, which is definitely a feat for a mama of two little ones under two!  The girls looked like princesses in our dresses from Rainey's Closet, and we had so much fun capturing the sweetest cuddles of them with their beautiful mama.  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer

The last time I saw Michael and his mama, he was a tiny six-pound newborn baby!  Now he has such a big personality, filled with smiles and ready to give hugs to everyone in the room.  We had so much fun in their three-generation session, and his mother and grandmother were such a joy to capture together for their portraits!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer

This was Elyse's first year at our motherhood event with her son, after meeting at my DSLR workshop a few years ago.  Her little boy loved being the center of attention, and jumping on the bed was definitely his favorite part!  He curled right up into his mama's arms, enjoying lots of cuddles.  He won't always be this small, and he won't always come looking for hugs and kisses, which is why it's so important to enjoy every single one now while you can!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer

Heather came to our event for a three-generation session with her two little ones and her mother, and I loved capturing some sweet moments of all of them together!  Plus, their outfits were beautifully coordinated with the pops of pink and teal that went so well with her maxi dress.  Looking for more tips on how to select outfits for everyone in your family?  Check out this helpful blog post on wardrobe ideas for your session this spring!

saratoga springs family photographer
saratoga springs family photographer
saratoga springs family photographer

A Stylized Portrait Session for Mom & Four Children - Saratoga Springs Photography Studio

Do you know what's coming up this weekend?  Our Celebrating Motherhood event in Boston!  

I am so excited to capture lots of beautiful, candid, and truly breathtaking moments shared between moms and their little ones.  I'm looking forward to pampering them with hair & makeup by Tiffany Cantin, HMUA of Six Bay Road Salon.  I can't wait to watch moms, babies & grandmas come together for three-generation memory-making.  And I'm truly looking forward to watching the REAL moments unfold...

Like this one: 

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer | Boston MA Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer | Upstate NY Photographer | Family Photographer

Baby Sister knows that all eyes are on her and she is the star of the show!

April came to the studio for her Celebrating Motherhood session with her four children.  She's also a photographer, but has very few portraits of her with all of her babies, and she was thrilled at the opportunity to capture them all together in this moment.  I just love the way her daughter snuggled up against her, and the way her oldest son was so serious when the camera came out, turning those soulful eyes towards me.  Her younger son was an absolute blast, so funny and full of energy.  And baby girl was just so happy, knowing that everyone in her family was going to give her cuddles, tickles, and sweets throughout the session.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer | Boston MA Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer | Upstate NY Photographer | Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer | Boston MA Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer | Upstate NY Photographer | Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer | Boston MA Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer | Upstate NY Photographer | Family Photographer

The pink gown that Mia wore is an absolute favorite of mine.  I rented it just for this session, and now I'm scouring websites to find one to add to our studio collection.  It's the perfect twirling dress, don't you think?

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer | Boston MA Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer | Upstate NY Photographer | Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer | Boston MA Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer | Upstate NY Photographer | Family Photographer

Mom and her boys.  One day they will tower over her.  One day their voices will be deep and melodic, and she'll no longer be able to fit them on her lap.  One day they'll be scooping her up into great big hugs in their strong arms.  But today, she's enjoying every bit of their childhood while it lasts!  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer | Boston MA Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer | Upstate NY Photographer | Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer | Boston MA Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer | Upstate NY Photographer | Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer | Boston MA Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer | Upstate NY Photographer | Family Photographer

This last little outtake is a favorite of mine from their session!  Are you ready for the story behind the image?  

Our Saratoga Springs studio is on the whole first floor of our home.  April's family was in the studio in the late afternoon, and I heard the front door open and close when my husband Jeff came home from work.  I called him downstairs, and he popped his head in to say hello.  Before he came in, baby sister was all over the place in typical toddler fashion.  But the moment Jeff walked into the room, she stopped, completely mesmerized.  We were able to capture the image above within seconds of him coming into the studio, and when he went to leave, the image below is what happened next!  She didn't want him to leave, and ran towards him with her arms wide open searching for a hug!  ;o)   It's definitely my favorite outtake of 2017!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer | Boston MA Family Photographer | Motherhood Photographer | Upstate NY Photographer | Family Photographer

Just a few spots left for this weekend's Celebrating Motherhood portrait sessions!  I'll be in Attleboro on May 6, and in Saratoga Springs on May 20.  Click below to reserve your session!

 

Did you love this motherhood session?  
Check out a few more recent favorites on the blog, too!

A Springtime Mommy & Me Session

Portraits of Motherhood

Portraits of Motherhood: Slowing Down to Capture the Moment (Saratoga Springs & Boston Family Photographer)

I just love our motherhood sessions.  Every time that I am so lucky to capture a mama and her babies in front of the camera, it's my absolute favorite experience!  So often moms hide behind the camera, shying away from stepping in front of the lens, focusing instead on just their children and saying that another day, another time, another month, then they'll get in a picture with their children.  For so many moms, it just isn't a priority right now.

But I like to think otherwise.  

I think that motherhood is such a beautiful journey (even the tough bits!), and that you deserve to capture this on camera.  I believe that getting moms in front of the camera with their babies is one of the most amazing gifts that you can give to your children.  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY photographer | Upstate NY photographer | Motherhood photographer | Boston family photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY photographer | Upstate NY photographer | Motherhood photographer | Boston family photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY photographer | Upstate NY photographer | Motherhood photographer | Boston family photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY photographer | Upstate NY photographer | Motherhood photographer | Boston family photographer

During every single phone call I have with moms before their sessions, I always tell them how they will be so grateful they spent a few minutes capturing a handful of portraits with their babies, because soon their little ones will grow up.  They won't cuddle up in your arms anymore.  They will no longer fit on your lap.  You'll forget how their cheek felt rested against your shoulder, and the way their tiny hands wrapped around your fingers for comfort.  They'll go out into the world as independent children, then teenagers, then adults.  And that is the moment when you'll be so grateful for these images that take you back in time.  

These images freeze a moment and bring you back to the early days of motherhood filled with chubby baby cheeks, melodic giggles, and that amazing baby scent that you'll be so nostalgic for when they are grown.  These images will remind you of sticky fingers, goldfish cracker crumbs, and boo-boos covered in colorful bandaids.  You'll recall the way they sang their favorite songs in a high-pitched voice, making up the words to the parts they didn't know yet.  You'll remember the way they held their baby brother and sang lullabies while giving their new sibling a kiss on the forehead -- you'll even remember the part where the kiss turned into a toddler tackle because... well, toddlers!!  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY photographer | Upstate NY photographer | Motherhood photographer | Boston family photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY photographer | Upstate NY photographer | Motherhood photographer | Boston family photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY photographer | Upstate NY photographer | Motherhood photographer | Boston family photographer

And then one day, when your babies have babies of their own, you will give them these portraits of the two of you.  You'll show them just how tiny they were, how loved they were, and how much happiness they brought into your life.  They will see a glowing and confident mom who was proud to be in a photo with her little one, a mom who put herself first sometimes and made it a priority to capture these beautiful moments with her baby rather than always hiding behind the camera.  

And they will understand, and treasure these portraits that much more when they have a glimpse of you as a new mom.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY photographer | Upstate NY photographer | Motherhood photographer | Boston family photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY photographer | Upstate NY photographer | Motherhood photographer | Boston family photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY photographer | Upstate NY photographer | Motherhood photographer | Boston family photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY photographer | Upstate NY photographer | Motherhood photographer | Boston family photographer

If you've been hesitant about getting in the picture, giving a long list of reasons why you shouldn't be in front of the camera right now... stop.  And think of the even longer list of reasons why you SHOULD step in front of the camera.  

Or, just think of the one reason why, the most important reason in the world: your child.

Motherhood is a crazy beautiful journey, and you're doing an incredible job.  Celebrate it!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs NY photographer | Upstate NY photographer | Motherhood photographer | Boston family photographer

Our popular Celebrating Motherhood Sessions will be on May 6 (Attleboro) and May 20 (Saratoga Springs).  I would absolutely love to see you there!  

Registration opens on April 3, and spots are expected to fill very quickly as this event always sells out within a couple of days.  Be sure to join our newsletter for more info, and follow our Facebook page for announcements and links when registration is open!   

Celebrating Motherhood Event | Organic Mother & Baby Sessions

We believe that moms are beautiful.

We believe that motherhood is the most difficult but rewarding job in the world, and that the love you share with your babies is so incredibly breathtaking.  We believe that you deserve to be pampered, you deserve to feel gorgeous, and you deserve to have stunning memories captured on camera with your little ones.

This is what is at the heart of our Celebrating Motherhood photo sessions.  The idea that moms are incredible women who have embarked on such a beautiful journey with their little ones.  The idea that the laughs, cuddles, hugs, and kisses are all moments that deserve to be remembered.  The idea that motherhood deserves to be CELEBRATED.

Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0008
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0008
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0019
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0019

But you know what I hear all the time as a photographer that makes me so sad?  Moms that tell me they only want photos of their kids, they don't want to be in the pictures, and -- the worst one of all -- that they "hate" themselves in photographs.

Alright moms, listen up:  YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, STRONG, SMART & AMAZING.  Sure, the spit up on your shoulder may be the latest accessory, you're still trying to lose the baby weight, and a messy bun and yoga pants are how you get "dolled up" on a Friday night.   But you know what?  You're still beautiful.  You are Wonder Woman.  You are raising these tiny humans filled with compassion & love, and you are doing a spectacular job.

And THAT is why we created the Celebrating Motherhood photo sessions.  Eighteen mothers enjoyed a day out to relax, be pampered, sip on champagne, and have a little down-time while babysitters took care of their children.  Then we took gorgeous photos of the moms looking and feeling glamorous with their babies.

Years from now, your children will be able to look back at these photos and they will know how much they were loved, how much they were cuddled, and how their mom realized their bond was so special that she captured it in photographs and preserved it forever.  They'll look back and see you for the Wonder Woman that you truly are.  Enjoy!

Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0005
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0005
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0002
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0002
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0020
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0020
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0018
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0018
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0012
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0012
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0024
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0024
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0003
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0003
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0021
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0021
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0009
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0009
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0016
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0016
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0026
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0026
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0025
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0025

Congratulations to the newest mother who came to our sessions.  This glowing mama became a mom only 6 days earlier!  

Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0013
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0013
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0017
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0017
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0006
Organic motherhood sessions | Boston Baby Photographer_0006

Location & Event Collaboration: Little Lovage Club

Hair: Tiffany Cantin

Makeup: Sarah Adams for Follain

Childcare: Sensible Sitters

Swag Bags: Alli Russell of LPDTRA

Additional Collaborators: MV Breastfeeding Support

We had such an incredible team that day to keep the children happy, the mothers calm, and everything flowing smoothly.  A huge thank you to everyone that made this day possible.  We truly couldn't have done it without you!

A few behind the scenes photos of Tiffany & Sarah in action, pampering the moms for their glamorous sessions with their babies.  Tiffany and Sarah were the first welcoming faces that the moms saw when they came in for their sessions, and these two immediately made them all feel comfortable, relaxed, and beautiful.

behind the scenes nicole starr photography_0012
behind the scenes nicole starr photography_0012
behind the scenes nicole starr photography_0006
behind the scenes nicole starr photography_0006
behind the scenes nicole starr photography_0011
behind the scenes nicole starr photography_0011