Welcome Baby James | A Neutral Newborn Session with Boston Newborn Photographer

I love watching families grow, and it's always such an honor when parents come back to me with Baby #2 for their newborn session.  

Meet James Christos.

I first met this sweet family when big brother Lucas was born two years ago, and I was thrilled to hear that they were expecting their second baby boy this spring!  We planned their newborn session at our Attleboro portrait studio, and when I asked mom what she was looking for she told me -- "VANILLA."

Whites, creams, and neutrals.  "Vanilla" is my thing, and the simplicity of it goes perfectly with our classic newborn sessions!

James wasn't a huge fan of sleeping, and we were able to get some adorable wide-eyed baby poses with him all wrapped up.  He loved being snug in our wraps, and they kept him nice and calm throughout the session while he looked around at everything going on around him.  

When he finally did fall asleep, it was pure magic!  This sweet baby boy was so cuddly and flexible, and he curled right up into the same positions that he was in in the womb.  I just love how peaceful he is while sleeping!

Curious about our newborn sessions?  Check out this helpful post to see if a studio newborn session is the right fit for your family!  (We have THREE types of newborn sessions, and there's the perfect style for everyone between our studio, lifestyle, and Fresh 48 sessions!)

Lillian Wynne - A Simple Newborn Session at our Attleboro Portrait Studio - Boston MA Newborn Photographer

Blush pink, cream, white, and gray.  These simple & classic colors always come together in the most beautiful way for our studio newborn sessions, and I was thrilled when Lillian's mom asked me to style her daughter's session in these tones.

This sweet baby girl's gender was a surprise.  Since this is their second child and their first daughter, of course Lily's mama was excited to incorporate some girly details into her newborn session like our adorable headbands and bows, and all of the prettiest textures.

Big brother James was so sweet with his new sister, and I love the cozy family portraits that we captured of this family of four.  Family portraits are always a favorite part of our newborn sessions as we get everyone together to cuddle up with their new addition, and adding a toddler into the mix always makes them 10X more fun with the tickles, giggles, and kisses! 

Love this classic & girly studio newborn session? 
Enjoy a few more recent studio newborn sessions here on the blog!

Emma Adele's Newborn Portraits
Kona Helen's Newborn Session
Quinn Madlina's Newborn Portraits

Best of 2017 Studio Newborn Sessions | Saratoga Springs and Boston Newborn Photographer

Tiny little fingers & tiny little toes.  Cozy blankets, textured wraps, and natural wood accents.  Lots of whites, creams, grays, and plenty of neutral colors with minimal props.  That’s what our studio newborn sessions are all about.

We are so lucky to have two studio locations to welcome new families for their portrait sessions.  We work with the most adorable newborns at our Saratoga Springs, NY newborn portrait studio, and Boston families in our Attleboro, MA newborn portrait studio. 

These sessions are relaxed and calm as we showcase your tiny little baby in all their newborn perfection.  They are simply amazing just the way they are, and we believe that you don’t need a lot of props or clutter in their portraits.  Just a blanket, a wrap, or a simple hand knit outfit. 
 

Timeless, classic, and clean is the style we shoot for in the studio, with a mix of candid family portraits as well as a few more posed ones with everyone looking at the camera — that’s what grandparents love to hang on their wall, after all! 

In 2017 we welcomed more newborns to the studio than ever before, and it is always such an honor when a family trusts me to capture their tiniest miracle on camera for them.  It’s a big job, and one that I love so much.  I truly have to stop and marvel at it all sometimes, completely in awe that I get to spend my days cuddling these beautiful babies and creating gorgeous artwork for their families.

Every year I love going back through our sessions and sharing a few favorites on the blog.  Enjoy a peek at a few of our most memorable studio newborn portraits 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 Newborn Sessions
Best of 2017 Maternity Sessions
Best of 2017 Fresh 48 Sessions
Best of 2017 Brothers & Sisters: Candid and Fun Sibling Portraits
Best of 2017 Beach Sessions on Cape Cod
 

Welcome Emma Adele - A Pink and Girly Studio Newborn Session with Saratoga Springs Newborn Photographer

Emma Adele.

I just love this sweet girl's name -- it's as beautiful as she is, and just as perfect!

This little sweetheart visited me at our Saratoga Springs studio for her newborn portraits, and her mama asked for lots of neutrals with a hint of girly-girl details.  We used soft pinks, grays, lots of texture, and the daintiest of floral headbands.  It was pure perfection!

This little awake series are a few of my FAVORITE shots from Emma's portrait session.  I always love laying babies on their backs when they're starting to stir, and giving them a little wiggle room so that they'll wake up a bit.  That tiny baby yawn is my favorite, and I can't even get over those sparkling and inquisitive eyes!

Emma's parents were just so happy loving on their baby girl, and I adore this sweet moment captured of the three of them.  

Our calendar is filling up at the studio for the winter months!  We're now booking maternity, newborn, Fresh 48, milestone, and birthday sessions through March 2018.  What are you waiting for?  Reserve your session now by emailing hello@nicolestarrphotography.com.

Welcome, Kona - A Neutral and Minimalist Studio Newborn Session - Boston Newborn Photographer

Many years ago, I remember thinking that white, cream, and beige were "boring."  I lived in an apartment with all white walls, and I couldn't wait to get out of there so that I could paint all of my rooms different colors.

Flash forward, and nowadays there is nothing I love more than neutrals.  Give me all of the whites, creams, and grays, and my heart is happy.  Especially with our newborn sessions -- these babies are so fresh & pure, and these soft neutral colors are the perfect complement to truly showcase how beautiful these new little ones are on their own.  There is nothing to distract from their perfection!

Kona visited me at our Attleboro studio with her big sister Kailani.  Her mom requested all neutrals, because just like me, her heart goes all pitter-patter when she sees those whites & creams together.  Kona's skin was so creamy and beautiful, and her dark hair perfectly framed her face, making her pop against our simple backdrops.

This sleepy little girl wanted to see what was going on, and while she resisted sleep for awhile, she eventually gave in and closed those beautiful sparkling eyes of hers.  Not before we got some great wide-eyed shots first, though!

It's always unpredictable with toddlers and newborns, and Kailani took awhile to warm up to the idea of being in a portrait with her baby sister.  Later in the session, she decided now would be the perfect time and she walked on over and kissed Kona right on her forehead without prompting.  She's already becoming such a good big sister!

Love what you see?  Check out these neutral newborn sessions at our studio, too!
 

Quinn's Neutral Newborn Session at our Saratoga Springs Portrait Studio - Saratoga Springs NY Newborn Photographer

Ohhhhhh my goodness!  Quinn Madlina officially melted my heart during her newborn session.  Please bring me all of your cute, cuddly, smiley little babies!

I just loved photographing this sweet baby girl.  She was so calm and peaceful the entire session, and such a beauty, too!  I don't think I've ever seen a baby with more perfect lips than Quinn, and those dark curls just framed her face perfectly!

I always tell families that if they have a special family heirloom they'd like to incorporate into their newborn session, to bring it along with them.  Quinn's mother told me she still had the newborn blanket that was made for her when she was a baby, and I was thrilled when she pulled this beautiful handmade pink & white blanket from her diaper bag.  Quinn was a fan, too!

I've been having so much fun incorporating our new chunky knit layers into our newborn sessions at the studio lately, and I just love how these soft textures complemented Quinn's beautiful complexion.  Doesn't she look amazing against cream fabrics?!?!  Such a beauty!

Grandma joined us at the studio for their newborn session, and I always love it when grandparents jump in for a three generation portrait and a few individuals with their new grandbaby.  She was absolutely beaming while holding her new granddaughter, and I can already tell that she is going to have so many wonderful adventures with this sweet baby girl.  

Did you know that the best time to book your newborn session is in the second trimester?  But don't worry, sometimes we're able to fit in an appointment at the last minute, too!  Be sure to reach out right away to save a date on the calendar for your little one -- sessions are best done within the first two weeks of their arrival!

A Pumpkin Spice Inspired Newborn Session at our Saratoga Springs Portrait Studio - Saratoga Springs, NY Newborn Photographer

I just love everything about fall -- pumpkins, plaid, cider donuts, sweater weather, homemade chili, and so much fall baking that my kitchen smells amazing for the entire month of October.

That's exactly why I was thrilled do bring just a touch of fall into a recent newborn session at our Saratoga Springs portrait studio with sweet little Teagan.  How adorable is she all wrapped up for the sweater weather season?

Every time I'm able to catch a smile during one of our newborn sessions, I tell the parents just how lucky we were to capture that fleeting moment.  Teagan's smile is so beautiful, and she looks so happy to be all snuggled up with those sunflowers.  Did you notice the little matching headband?  That was created especially for this set-up!

Of course I am all about the creamy white pumpkins.  I've never been a huge fan of orange and red, but if you can find fall decor in neutral colors, then I am all over it!  I picked up these pumpkins at the local Sunnyside Gardens here in Saratoga Springs.  They had so many varieties of pumpkins besides just big round orange ones, and I love these petite ones that were just perfect for our newborn session props.

Are you looking to add a touch of seasonal decor to your upcoming newborn session? We've incorporated twinkle lights, greenery, and candy canes for the holidays; penguins, puffy white snow, and fuzzy hats in the winter; a hint of hearts for Valentine's Day; tulips and other dainty flowers in the springtime... the possibilities are truly endless!  Let's chat about planning a creative little set-up for your upcoming session!  

Willem Todd's Studio Newborn Session for a Tiny Aviator Pilot - Saratoga Springs Newborn Photographer

When your daddy works in aviation, you can bet you're going to have a little bit of an aviation theme in your newborn portraits.  And in your nursery.  And probably in your first birthday, too!

Willem Todd joined me at the studio for a newborns session, and I loved the thoughtful little pilot items that his parents brought in to reflect his father's career and also their love of travel.  How cute is this sweet little pilot?

Of course, we always capture some classic and simple shots in our newborn sessions without any props where the baby can be the focus.  Grays and whites have been my favorites lately, and they were such flattering colors against Willem!  Plus, how sweet does he look in my tiny little white romper?

I've been playing with some new white-on-white setups in the studio lately, bringing in the simplest of colors so that the baby is the star and just pops against a classically simple backdrop.  I love these next two images of Willem on the beanbag, with the waterfall wrap cascading around him!

Willem's mom and dad are both Dutch, and his dad actually lived in Holland before they met!  Of course we had to incorporate these wooden clogs into their son's session as a little nod to their heritage.  Do you recognize the tiny clogs?  Take a peek at their maternity session to see where these "klompen" made their very first appearance!

I just love their family portraits!  Amy & Lo are such attentive parents already, and they are so in love with their baby boy.  When they arrived at the studio I told them to relax, sit back, close their eyes for a few minutes to catch up on some sleep.  Like all new parents, they were exhausted, but they said, "No way!  We'll just fight off sleep.  We don't want to miss a thing!"  

They were truly beaming as they held Willem and marveled over how perfect he was -- granted, they were definitely sleep deprived so some of the joy radiating off of them could have also been exhaustion, but still, joy trumps exhaustion!   ;o)  

I first met Willem Todd when he was only 22 hours old at Glens Falls Hospital for his Fresh 48 session.  Enjoy his Fresh 48 blog post here!  

Wondering if a studio newborn session is the right fit for you?  Check out these blog posts about our three types of newborn sessions to determine which is the perfect fit for your family's style & needs!

Declan James - A Saratoga Springs Newborn Session - Saratoga Springs NY Newborn Photographer

You know what I love during our newborn sessions?  When I get a wide-awake baby who is so curious about the world and they give the most amazing eye contact.  

Declan James did not disappoint, and this sweet baby boy definitely won the staring contest at our Saratoga Springs newborn studio.  Don't you just love those sparkling eyes of his?

We recently added new knit layers to the studio collection, and I loved incorporating these soft and chunky textures into his newborn portraits.  

Doesn't he look so cozy all wrapped up and sleeping?  (Because yes, Declan finally fell asleep... which I suppose means that I won the staring contest after all!!)

These overhead birds-eye shots are always my favorite showing just how tiny these newborn babies are in our baskets and bowls!

Like so many of our NSP families, Declan's mom and dad are fans of the ocean and love that nautical theme.  They brought an adorable hand-knit outfit from a friend with a cute little anchor on it, so of course we took a few portraits of Declan in his sailor gear!

And finally, our family portraits always make me smile!  This new mom & dad were so excited to cuddle their baby boy and pose with him when he was all wrapped up tight.  We loved how he kept bringing his feet up to his face, and no matter how we moved his little toes he kept wanting to use that one foot as a little kickstand for his cheek.  What a flexible little boy, and you can definitely tell how he was curled up just like this in the womb only two short weeks before these portraits were taken!

Did you know that the best time to book your newborn session is during the second trimester?  The fall and early winter months are already filling up -- contact us today to book your newborn portrait session!

Is a Studio Newborn Session the Right Fit for You? - Studio Newborn Photographer

With so many options in the newborn photography world, how do you know which is the right fit for you?  Today we're talking all about studio newborn portrait sessions, and how to know if that's the right style for your family.

I offer three types of newborn sessions -- studio sessions, lifestyle sessions in your home, and Fresh 48 sessions at the hospital.  Each one tells a different story, and gives you a different style of images.  Some families choose to do just one session, others do a combination of two (typically Fresh 48 and then either lifestyle or studio), and still others do all three!

Fresh 48 sessions are natural, raw, and filled with emotion.  They are a peek into your first hours meeting your newborn baby, and they are filled with some of the most magical moments I ever have the pleasure of photographing.  Sure, the hospital decorating choices might leave a little to be desired, and you're going to be exhausted because you just delivered a baby the day before, but these are moments you will never get back and you will always cherish.  Check out our blog post about why you might want to consider hiring a Fresh 48 photographer.

Lifestyle sessions are a relaxed, intimate peek into your lives at home in the first few weeks of bringing home your baby.  They are unposed, and we capture you just as you are in your home.  We also take care to capture all of the details of the nursery that you carefully planned for 9 months, and give you portraits that you'll be able to show your child as they grow and tell them all about the house they came home to when they were born.  Check out our blog post about lifestyle sessions to see if this might be the best fit for you!

But today, it's all about the studio sessions!  How do you know if they are the right fit for you? I get asked this question all the time by expecting parents, and here are a few things to keep in mind.  If these facts resonate with you, then a studio session is probably the best fit for you!  

1.  You love those classic family portraits against a clean background, where everyone is looking at the camera.  

In the studio we capture shots with mom & dad, siblings, and everyone alone with the baby.  If you love the more "posed" style of family portraits, book your studio session!

2.  You can't get enough of those adorable little bowls, baskets, and crates that we pose babies in!

The studio is stocked with simple, classic props that won't detract from your baby's beauty.  All of my props are natural wood, driftwood, or painted white.  Wraps and other items are all natural materials that are perfectly soft against baby's delicate skin.  If you love those shots of baby wrapped and curled up in bowls and baskets, a studio session is the right fit for you!

3.  You love those newborn poses of babies on a blanket, with their head on their hands.

Newborn photographers are trained in newborn safety, and they know how to safely position your little one in those sweet little poses that melt every parent's heart.  We use a posing beanbag in the studio covered in blankets to give your baby a safe cushion, and we know just how to prop them up and support them to get them into those curly little positions.  If you adore clean & uncluttered backgrounds, this is perfect for you too since these poses are not something that can be achieved at home on your bed.

4.  Your heart skips a beat when you see those tiny little headbands and hand-knit newborn outfits, and you love a perfectly coordinated set.

We have headbands, bonnets, basket stuffers, and perfectly sized outfits that are 1,000,000 times cuter and more classic than anything you'll find at Target.  Trust me on this one: use the cute little accents that your photographer has in the studio because they are created to be photographed, and they will look so classic on your newborn baby.

5.  You have a prop that you'd like to use.

If you have a special item that is sentimental or a family heirloom, please bring that to your session!  We typically only have time to incorporate 1-2 additional items into your baby's setups, and it's nice to not let your little one be overpowered by too many props.  But if you have something small that is related to your family (your grandmother's quilt, a bracelet you wore as a baby, an item related to mom or dad's career or how you first met), let's incorporate it into your session!  It is always so much fun to breathe a little personality into your portraits, and they're guaranteed to be images that you love for years to come.

But what would I recommend not bringing?  

Well, you know those little crocheted outfits of animals sold on Etsy?  They're typically made with low-quality yarn and the baby's skin gets irritated when rubbing up against them, plus the baby almost always overheats in those hats and diaper covers.  A sweaty baby is an unhappy baby, and we won't be able to soothe them to get the shot.  

I also wouldn't recommend bringing a shot list from Pinterest -- discuss any inspiration with your photographer ahead of time, but remember that you hired them because you trust their style and their artistic vision.  

Leave the fluffy flower headbands from the baby store at home, as well as all of those cute little newborn onesies and shoes -- they're often too large on the baby anyways, so they're swimming in sleeves that don't fit and shoes that keep falling off.  (Baby toes are adorable -- let's showcase them!)  Plus when your baby is all curled up and sleepy you can't see the text/design on the onesies very well.  Save them for visits with family and cute cell phone pictures of them in their car seat.

6.  Finally, if you love those sleepy newborn shots of the baby perfectly posed or wrapped up to show how small they are, the studio is the perfect place to capture that!  

I have dozens of wraps, blankets, and faux furs in the studio to pose your baby on, and I love finding new combinations to keep every session fresh.  At the studio it's easier to get the baby to sleep because we keep it a toasty 80 degrees with white noise in the background, allowing us to pose your baby naked, or wrapped up snugly in a swaddle to get them to sleep.  If you love those sleepy shots, a studio session is for you!

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So, a studio newborn session feels like the right fit for you!  What's next?

Get in touch with your photographer while you're still pregnant to schedule your newborn session.  Most moms reach out during the second trimester.  Newborn sessions are penciled in on the calendar based on your due date, and photographers only accept a certain number of due dates each month to give each family the flexibility in scheduling that they deserve.  

Then as soon as your baby arrives, tell your photographer so that they can set a date for your session!  It's important that studio sessions take place (ideally) within the first two weeks of the baby's arrival, so don't delay!

Declan's Newborn Portraits at our Saratoga Springs Studio | Saratoga Springs NY Newborn Photographer

Lately I have been all about gray & white in our studio sessions!  I've always been a fan of neutrals, and I believe that the items that we incorporate into our sessions should complement the baby and now overshadow them.  

Just look at how beautifully these neutrals complement Declan's creamy complexion, and that head of thick hair!  This sweet baby boy just POPS against the grays and creams!

Declan was a sleepy little boy during his entire newborn session at our Saratoga Springs studio, and we were able to capture him in so many adorable setups to showcase those incredible cheeks of his!  A few days later his mama posted a photo on Instagram comparing her baby photo with her son's, and he definitely inherited her cheeks.  So sweet!

Parent poses are always a fun part of our studio sessions, and I loved capturing Victoria & David with their baby boy. There is always so much excitement & awe on new parents' faces, and it really is so special to be able to capture their family as they grow from two to three!

Have you booked your newborn session yet?  Sessions are typically scheduled during the second trimester -- contact us to chat about which type of session is the best fit for you today!

Abigail's Newborn Session at our Attleboro Portrait Studio | Boston Newborn Photographer

Oh, little miss Abigail.  I don't think they come any sweeter than you!

Abigail joined me at the studio for her newborn session, and we used all of the classic girly details to complement her Victorian-style nursery -- pearls, lace, silk, blush pink, the softest fabrics, and flowing wraps.  The end result?  I am in love with the beautiful images we captured of this sweet little girl!

Abigail's big brother, Oliver, was so excited to hold his baby sister.  He did a phenomenal job, cuddling her in close, singing her a song, and giving her lots of kisses on her forehead.  

I love the soft blues in their family portraits.  They live in a coastal town in Massachusetts, and these will look amazing up on the walls of their living room!  Seriously, this family portrait of the four of them can't get any more perfect -- Ollie just has the most adorable expression here!  So, so in love with this sweet family's session!

Camille's Studio Newborn Session with Big Sister Lydia - Boston Baby Photographer

We are in the middle of a BABY BOOM around here, and I am so excited to share all of our recent studio newborn sessions and lifestyle newborn sessions.  Let's start it off with sweet little Camille's session at our Attleboro portrait studio.  

Filled with soft fabrics and whimsical colors, this session was a dream to photograph!  I particularly loved watching Camille's big sister Lydia with her new baby sister -- so many adorable moments together!

Plus, who doesn't love baby back rolls?  Squishy newborns are my favorite! 

While I don't typically do a lot of black & whites, I just love the simplicity of this white-on-white image, and now I'm eager to do more in this style!  The little lace headband was perfect on Miss Camille.

We have a new chair in the studio.  It's a linen and whitewashed wooden chair that I have spent months searching for, and I'm so happy with how beautiful it is in sibling and parent shots for our newborn clients!  The chair arms made it the perfect spot for big sister Lydia to sit securely with her new baby sister, and I love this adorable moment shared with her mama!

Every single newborn session includes family portraits as we celebrate your baby's arrival together.  These ones were just so adorable, and I have so many favorites from this session!  Just look at how excited she is about her new baby sister!

If you loved this session, you're going to ADORE these other newborn sessions at our studio!
Emerson's Blush Pink Session

Matthew's White & Cream Studio Session

Brynley's Newborn Session with Tulips

Emerson's Blush Pink Newborn Session | Saratoga Springs NY Newborn Photographer

Bring me all of your baby girls, pretty please?  

I just love these studio newborn sessions filled with soft colors, lace, and floral details.  Emerson's newborn session had all of that, plus some twinkly lights.

Did you know that we like to do our studio newborn sessions within the first two weeks of the baby's arrival?  At this age, babies are still very sleepy and squishy, so it's easier to settle them into those adorable curly poses that parents love so much.  

Sweet little Emerson had the most beautiful peaches and cream complexion, and our blush pinks and creams were the perfect accent to highlight this beautiful baby girl's features.  Before every newborn session we talk about each family's style, the colors in their home, and the colors in their nursery.  Then I pull a few wraps, blankets, and baskets or buckets in coordinating colors to create a beautifully styled and unique session for each baby!

Those tiny little details are always one of my favorite things to capture during our newborn sessions -- tiny toes, fingers with little dimples on their knuckles, and those itty bitty lips blowing sweet little milk bubbles.  Those are the things you're going to want to remember years from now when your baby is all grown up, which is why it's a priority to capture them now in those first few weeks of life!

Every newborn session is a celebration of a growing family, and parent shots are a must-have at every single session.  You'll always want to remember the way your baby curled up in your arms, and the feel of her against your chest with her own breath rising and falling against you.  I love these sweet moments we captured of Emerson with her parents during her session!

Newborn sessions are typically reserved BEFORE the baby is born, and it's best to contact your photographer in the second or third trimester!  We're now booking newborn sessions through December 2017.  What are you waiting for?  

A White & Cream Newborn Session with Matthew | Saratoga Springs Newborn Photographer

Ohhhhh, sweet Matthew.  There is nothing I love more than a brand new baby, all squishy & soft against a simple, clean white backdrop.

It's always an honor when a family invites me into their lives to capture their newborn baby's portraits.  What makes it even better is when they come back to me later on with Baby #2.  I first met this sweet family when their first son was born.  (Check out big brother Joey's newborn session here!)  Then when they told me that Baby #2 wouldn't be far behind, I was thrilled to plan their next session with them!

One of the things that left me awe-struck was just how much big brother Joey and baby brother Matthew look like each other.  Heads full of dark, soft newborn hair.  The same eyes and tiny little chins.  They are so adorable and handsome, all rolled up into such a tiny bundle!

One of the (many) amazing things about working with families who return to the studio with each baby is witnessing the tiny changes that only I would notice in their family & parent images.  The way that their expressions change from surprise/awe/wonder with the first baby, and settle into an easier, contented joy with the second baby.  You can see it in the way they relax their eyes, their face, their shoulders.  In the way that they are 1,000% more comfortable and natural holding the baby the second time around.  It's like, "Yeah, we're parents now.  We've done this before.  We've got this!"  I love watching that transition!

There is just so much love in these family portraits, and it's multiplied when we bring big brother in to get to know his baby brother!  Family portraits with a toddler and newborn are always tricky, but so, so worth it!

A Studio Newborn Session with Tulips - Boston Newborn Photographer

You know how some things were just meant to be, and certain paths were meant to lead people together?  I 100% believe in that, and it rang true with sweet little Brynley Marie's newborn session at our Attleboro portrait studio.

Right before her session I headed to the florist to pick up some fresh blooms for Brynley's session.  After a streak of one newborn boy after another, I was excited to bring some pretty florals in for a baby girl.  I knew I wanted tulips, and there were only two colors there that day: pink or yellow.  I went with the pink, and I'm so glad I did!  Read on to hear the full story.  

When Brynley's mother walked into the studio and saw the little setup with our pink tulips, I turned around right as I heard her exclaim, "Oh my god, pink tulips!" 

Although we had never talked about this in our pre-consultation, the fates aligned as Jill told me the story of pink tulips in her life.  When Jill (baby Brynley's mother) was born, her aunt brought her a bouquet of pink tulips in the hospital.  Every year after that, her mother gave her pink tulips on her birthday.  When Brynley was born, the excited new grandmother brought pink tulips into the hospital to welcome her granddaughter into the world.  And then at her newborn portrait session, I coincidentally also had pink tulips for this sweet baby girl!

Truly, it couldn't have been more perfect!

We didn't stop with just tulips!  This springtime baby enjoyed lots of beautiful florals in her session, and I am in LOOOOOOOVE with the portraits that we created in the studio.  Brynley was nice and sleepy, which allowed us to capture these sweet poses all curled up and dreamlike.

Capturing portraits of the new mommy & daddy is always one of my favorite parts of our newborn sessions.  It's so magical to be able to see yourself through someone else's eyes, capturing the swirl of emotions that you're feeling during your first days as a family of three.  These are portraits that you're going to come back to year after year, when your baby no longer curls up in your arms or comes to you asking you to kiss their boo-boo.  

Many years from now when they are all grown up, your baby will have a baby of their own.  And you know what they'll want to see, hear, and know?  What life was like for YOU as a new parent when you welcomed them into your family.  They will want to connect with you and share in this life-changing experience with you.  These family portraits are the very beginning of their story, and they are worth capturing every single time.  

I tell all of the moms & dads that I work with -- get in the picture.  You will never, ever regret it.

Check out a few of our recent studio newborn sessions!  

Killian's Cream & Gray Newborn Session

Blake Vivian's Nautical Newborn Session

We are now booking newborns at our Saratoga Springs & Attleboro studios, and the best time to book is during your second trimester.  Be sure to reserve your spot early as we do fill up quickly!

Killian's Studio Newborn Session - Saratoga Springs Newborn Photographer

April was the month that it rained babies here at our Saratoga Springs boutique portrait studio, and I was getting phone calls from new moms every few days letting me know that their little one had arrived.  It was truly such a magical month, and I am so grateful for all of the baby cuddles that I got to enjoy, and the incredible moments I was lucky enough to capture of new moms & dads welcoming their babies into their families.

Killian came to the studio for his portrait session, and I had so much fun with his mom & dad.  They were absolutely amazing and relaxed the entire time, and we spent the three-hour session getting to know one another, learning about their jobs, the dad's tattoos (such a cool story behind those!), and a very unique baby company that makes gear that this police officer dad loves.  I always enjoy when the clients I work with make it so easy to pass a few hours together during the session, and then we get together a few weeks later for the gallery reveal and it's like old friends sharing the baby's images together.  Really, how did I luck out with such incredible clients?  

But of course, Killian was the star of the session.  He has the sweetest little lips, and soft hair that is blonde in some spots -- I see so few blonde newborns, so it's always a treat when one comes to the studio!  He absolutely loved the Huck Finn pose (below), and was super comfy in this adorable hand-knit romper that I just recently added to the studio collection.  

This sweet little boy slept so well during his session, and he was the perfect little model for us!  There were soft "oooooh, how cute!" cries the moment this bear bonnet went on, and he loved it so much that he couldn't help but give us a cute little smile!

Oftentimes parents like to bring a small sentimental item to use during their session -- a handmade blanket passed down from great grandma, a medal from a marathon mom ran while newly pregnant, an item that represents one of their careers.  Killian's dad brought his police badge & hat to use during the session -- he's with the Schenectady Police Department.  I love how we were able to capture a few images of Killian holding his dad's police badge!  

When his dad told me the significance behind his tattoos (every single item represents a family member and the story behind the entire sleeve is truly amazing!), I knew that we had to incorporate this visual family history into his portraits.  This may be one of my favorite dad & baby images we've capture so far this year!  

And of course, his mama was absolutely radiant and so happy to have her little baby boy cuddled up in her arms.  I love being able to capture these moments that show parents in their first days of parenthood, getting to know their little one.  It really is magical!  

Thank you for such an incredible session together!  I look forward to seeing Killian again this year as he grows!

If you're looking for a newborn portrait photographer, we are now booking through October 2017!  I would love to chat with you to plan your session.  Check out our three unique types of sessions through the link below, and use the contact tab to get in touch!

Nautical + Springtime Portraits for a Baby Girl | Saratoga Springs & Boston Newborn Photographer

Blake Vivian came to our Attleboro studio for her newborn portrait session when she was only 5 days old.  With such a gorgeous name, I knew I wanted to do some perfectly soft & feminine set ups for this little girl.  And of course, I couldn't resist bringing in a few nautical elements for this family that loves their time at the beach on Cape Cod so much!

This baby girl was such a little charmer, and she loved being cuddled by her mom, dad, and grandmother.  She slept like a dream when she was all wrapped up in our swaddles, and I love the sweet little springtime images we were able to capture of her on our new Lavender Fields backdrop from Photographer Rising.  

This image below is going to hang as a stunning 24x36 canvas above her crib in the nursery -- what a gorgeous way to make a statement in the bedroom that was so lovingly created for her!

And now our nautical images.  I just love baby girls in blue, and this combination of seaside colors was perfect for Blake.  

I've been enjoying more backlit portraits in the studio lately, and I have to say that I am a HUGE fan of these bright & airy images.  We did a series of backlit images at the beginning of Blake's session with her mom, dad, and grandma.  Everyone is so radiant and peaceful -- I just love it!  These are definitely going to become a staple at all of our studio sessions moving forward.

Are you expecting a little one in 2017?  

We are now booking through the spring and summer, and we'd love to see you for a Studio Newborn Session, Lifestyle Newborn Session at home, or a Fresh 48 session in the hospital!  

I'm also so excited about our new maternity session collections, and I would love to talk with you about celebrating this time of anticipation!  
Please email hello@nicolestarrphotography.com and let's chat!

A Studio Newborn Session for a Baby Girl | Boston & Saratoga Springs Newborn Photographer

Introducing sweet little Dylan Grace (don't you just love her name?!).

I absolutely loved Dylan's newborn session in our Attleboro studio.  There's nothing better than cozying up with a tiny baby girl on a cold & snowy day to put me in a spectacular mood, and Dylan was the perfect little cuddlebug.  

As always with our studio newborn sessions, simplicity is key so that we can create timeless portraits and keep the focus on your precious new arrival.  I love the creams and soft textures that we used in Dylan's session, bringing in a hint of purple with gold stars to match her nursery.  

One of the things I love about talking with families before their session is learning more about their home, their style, and their decor.  A quick little conversation helps me discover the perfect elements to weave into your session to create images that you will love and beautiful artwork that you will enjoy in your home.  

When Dylan's mom mentioned a purple nursery with gold stars, I knew immediately that we had to incorporate that into her session.  I just love how her sibling portraits turned out with her proud & gentle big sister, Siena.  They're surrounded by golden stars, and it's a portrait that will look amazing in their home.

Did you know that we offer three unique types of newborn sessions?  Read more about our newborn sessions by clicking the button below, and then contact us to schedule your baby's session today!  

Newborn sessions are typically booked in the second trimester to ensure a date on the calendar, so it is never too early to look into your baby's first portraits with Nicole Starr Photography!

Welcoming Baby Michael with a Pure & Natural Newborn Session: Saratoga Springs & Boston Newborn Photographer

Spring is all about celebrating new life, and that is no exception here in the Nicole Starr Photography studio!  With so many newborns coming in for their sessions, I have felt like the luckiest girl in the world getting to cuddle with all of these sweet new babies!  

Michael was born only one day after Lucas, our last newborn session that I shared on the blog with you.  This tiny and healthy little baby arrived a few weeks before his due date, and when he came to the studio at just over 5 pounds I knew we would show how tiny he was in his photographs.  I love it when they curl up in these sleepy little poses, just like they were in the womb only a few short days ago!

You know me, and I always love the pure & natural newborn images.  Soft colors, natural textures, and classic styles that keep the focus on the baby rather than on the props.  Michael's session was no exception, and I just love how his beautiful skin shines in these images against the creamy fabrics.

However, my FAVORITE images from his session are the ones with his happy new parents.  They were excited, amazed, in awe, and impressed by this tiny human being that they brought into the world together.  Michael loved cuddling up with his mommy and daddy, and I just adore these gorgeous parent shots that we captured on camera.  They are such naturals as a new mom & dad, and the peacefulness that they brought into the room with their baby was so beautiful.   Congratulations, Vinessa & Mike!

Finally, we were so happy to capture this sweet moment of Michael in his father's police hat honoring his dedication to the Boston Police Department.  This one will be going up on a wall in their home!