Through a Photographer's Eyes

In the photography community, we like to play a little game called, "What you see/What I see."  It's simple, really.  It's all about finding beauty & calm amidst the chaos.  It's all about making magic.

We'll take one scene and show it from two perspectives -- first, a quick snapshot on our iPhone to show how it might appear to the naked eye, or to a person who is not a trained photographer.  

Then, our job is to look for beauty and light where you might least expect it.  Gorgeous fields of flowers in a little patch of dirt on the side of the highway.  A perfect golden sunset over an empty gravel parking lot.  A beautiful woodsy scene on a dead end street. 

You never know where you are going to find your most beautiful light during your session, and sometimes our clients look at us like we're a little nuts when they see our locations.  But after seeing the final images?  Then they understand what we were doing!

So, when families talk with me about wanting to do a lifestyle newborn session at home, the first thing I always ask them is, "DO YOU HAVE A ROOM WITH BIG WINDOWS AND GREAT NATURAL LIGHT?"

I don't ask what the wall colors are, I don't ask how big the rooms are, I don't ask where the laundry piles are hidden.  Trust me -- I know there's laundry, I know there's clutter, and I expect it to be there because this is life.  

But also, trust me -- I know how to shoot around that to give you the most beautiful, timeless, and peaceful photos that you are going to adore for many, many years.  

By looking at these images, you would never know that we shot the entire session on the bed with a Pack & Play wedged between the wall on one side of the bed, and an off-camera flash and PLM umbrella on the other side of the bed.  I stepped over a portable changing pad to move from one side of the mattress to the other, and the laundry and toys were tucked away behind me.  And that's totally fine.

Because that's real life.  That's what your house looks like when you have a newborn and a preschooler at home.  That's what your house looks like after you've been up all night with two restless little ones.  That's what your house looks like the morning your photographer rings your doorbell.  And that is perfectly okay.  :o)

So, if you're worried that your house isn't right for a photo session, or you don't have enough space, or you'll never be able to get an area tidy enough... don't worry!  Every single mom & dad worries those same things, and as you can see from this session, all you really need to do is clear off the space on your bed and let us work our magic with the camera.  

Your space is all about YOU and your family, and it is the ideal location for your session.  So let's create some magical memories right there in your home so that you can show your children those photos one day and tell them the story of the day they jumped on mommy & daddy's bed, and the day your oldest sang "Happy Birthday" to his little brother when he came home from the hospital.  Your home is a part of your story.  Let's tell your story together.

That's not so overwhelming now, is it?  :o)  Use the contact tab above and let's plan your lifestyle session at home today!

P.S.  Did you notice one sneaky little change?  I edited the wall color from green to gray in post-processing to give a softer feel to the images and to really showcase this beautiful family & their love.  I feel that their connection really shines with this simple little edit, plus, it gives them timeless images that will match any decor in their home for many, many years.  Pretty cool, huh?  

What to Wear Tips for Family Photos

You asked your friends, you searched online, and now you've finally found the perfect photographer whose style matches your own.  You've set a date and you are eagerly looking forward to your family's photo session.  Now comes the hard part.... what to wear???? Sometimes, searching for the perfect outfits can feel just as challenging as it was when you were searching for the perfect photographer.  But it doesn't need be that way!  Follow these simple tips to rock your family's portrait session, feel confident, be comfortable, and look amazing in every shot!

10 Tips for What to Wear in Family Photos, Nicole Starr Photography

1. Coordinate your colors, but don't match them.

Long gone are the days of matchy-matchy outfits.  Why dress everyone in khakis and white shirts, when in real life your whole family never dresses that way?  Show some personality in your photos by picking a few colors that pair well together, and select everyone's outfits based on that color scheme.

2. Look to your home decor for color inspiration.

Not sure which colors to choose?  Look around your home and see if you tend to use bright and vivid colors, or more neutral tones to decorate.  These photos will become artwork that you will display proudly in your home, and you want them to complement your decor rather than compete with it.

3. Use patterns, but use them sparingly.

I personally love adding a little bit of pattern into the mix.  Plaid, stripes, floral -- you name it!  However, limit the number of patterns so that they do not distract and detract from the image.

4. Avoid logos, characters, and words.

It's that simple.  We want the focus to be on your family's beautiful faces, not on what's written on your daughter's shirt or the minion character on your son's t-shirt.

5. Accessorize!

Accessories bring your photos to life.  They add a pop of color, show your personality, and help to tie all of the outfits and colors together.  I love statement necklaces and scarves that are in coordinating colors.  Take a peek in your closet and see what you can add to make your outfit interesting and fun.

6. Plan ahead.

As soon as you book your session, start thinking about outfits.  Don't assume that a dress will fit your daughter, or that you'll just grab a clean shirt from your son's closet.  You don't want to find out that her dress is too small and there's a stain on his shirt the day before the session.  I also recommend having your little ones try on the clothes and spend a few (clean) hours in them a few days before the session.  Does that pretty dress have itchy tulle?  And his shoes too tight?  Find out ahead of time so that we're all smiles the day of the session.

7. Avoid all white or all black clothing.

It's easy for the colors to get blown out when you're wearing all white, and the same can happen with black.  So add some texture in the form of scarves, necklaces, cardigans, or a lace layer to liven up your outfit and preserve all of the detail in the final portraits.

8.  Pull it all together.

Take all of the outfits (shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, accessories) and lay them all out on the floor together as individual outfits.  Take a photo of them all together on your phone and see how them look next to each other.  Are your eyes automatically drawn to the shirt with neon stripes?  Does that sparkly skirt seem out of place?  Make substitutions so that the wardrobe choices complement each other rather than compete with each other. 

9. Ask for advice!

Send me your photos that you just snapped and ask me what I think!  I always have families texting me photos and emailing me their outfit choices for final opinions.  I am more than happy to help you with this so that you look and feel your best the day of the session.

10.  Finally, think classic.

These photos will be hanging on your walls for many years.  Avoid trendy and stick with the classics while still showing your family's fun personality.

Did you find this post helpful?

Check our our 6 Tips for a Successful Portrait Session with Babies & Young Children to really be ready to rock your family's upcoming session!

Still have questions?  Email me by clicking on the "CONTACT" tab above!

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.