Classic Neutrals - a beautiful newborn session at our saratoga springs studio

I loved welcoming Arjun (nickname Ari) into the studio for his newborn portraits. He was so sweet and cuddly, and when he was awake he gave the most amazing eye contact. He truly melted our hearts with his soulful gaze! Just wait until you scroll down and you see his sparkling eyes, and you’ll understand what I mean!

The eyelet texture on mom’s dress was perfect for family portraits. I love that so many parents lately are considering texture as well as color when choosing their outfits for their session! Many more tips on what to wear to your newborn session can be found in the link below.

This family brought mala beads to the session because they held an extra special meaning to their family. They wished and prayed for this baby for a long time, and these beads were part of their journey. I love that we were able to capture a few portraits of Baby Ari holding the beads!

As promised, the most stunning wide-eyed portraits you ever did see!

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Newborn Portraits for Johnathan James with Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer

Unposed, squishy little babies are my favorite way to begin our newborn sessions! If you’ve been following the blog for awhile, you’ve noticed that we begin most of our newborn sessions with the baby in a white onesie, just relaxing and stretching on a white blanket. I let the baby lead the way, and we capture their little personality and those tiny newborn reflexes. It’s so adorable!

Johnathan’s parents chose beautiful light gray colors for their outfits, and I absolutely adored the lace detail on mom’s shirt. These outfits photographed so well in the family portraits, and really made the white swaddle pop against their colors. I always recommend LIGHT, MUTED colors for family portraits, and this look was new and refreshing. I loved it!

More stretches! Johnathan loved to stretch!

Those tiny newborn fingers peeking out just melt my heart every single time. I photograph fresh, brand new babies all the time, but these newborn details will never get old to me!

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Olivia's Newborn Portraits with her Siblings - Saratoga Springs Newborn Photographer

Let’s talk about how cute these brothers & sisters are together!!! Can you even believe how much adorableness fits into one photo?!?! I cannot!

I love that their mama printed this as a large wooden wall art to hang above the couch. This is going to put such a huge smile on her fave everyday to see her babies all cuddled up together!

Little Miss Olivia is surrounded by love, and we captured so many beautiful moments with her family during their studio newborn portrait session.

She had the most beautiful creamy skin, and every color looked amazing on her! I adore this pop of lavender!

I’m always adding to the flowers that we have in the studio, and I was excited to try out this new garland of gardenias. They’re perfectly fluffy and feminine, and they made such a beautiful wreath around Olivia!

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A Pretty Lavender Newborn Session for Baby Kinsley - Saratoga Springs Studio Newborn Photographer

We shared sweet baby Kinsley’s Fresh 48 session at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany last week, and today I’m excited to share her newborn portraits at our Saratoga Springs studio!

This adorable baby girl was an absolute dream for her newborn session. She was sleepy and cuddly, and we captured so many beautiful family & sibling portraits during her session. Her mama wore one of the lavender gowns from our Mama Wardrobe (all of our clients have access to beautiful dresses for their session to make even outfit planning stress-free!), and I love how the dress coordinated perfectly with the purple layers we used for this springtime newborn girl.

Big brother Killian loved tickling his baby sister!

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About Nicole Starr Photography 

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

Teddy's Newborn Session with Boston Baby Photographer

Sweet little Teddy joined me at our Attleboro studio for his newborn session, and he was such a little cutie! We captured so many sleepy photos of this baby boy with his mommy & daddy.

These parent portraits are always some of my favorites from our newborn sessions because it’s amazing to be able to look back on these memories of your first days with your newborn and remember how small they were in your arms, the smell of that fresh newborn skin, and the feel of that soft baby hair against your cheek when you cuddled them in close.

Teddy was most comfortable when he brought his toes together just like this (all on his own!). I couldn’t resist capturing this adorable detail for his parents to remember forever.

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

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About Nicole Starr Photography 

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

A Rainbow Baby Newborn Session with Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer

A rainbow baby is a baby born after a loss. It is the rainbow after a storm.

Photographing this newborn session was extra special because we were able to celebrate Baby David, and also honor his big sister Leila who was no longer with us in his portraits.

Big brother Wesley and big sister Julia were all too happy to cuddle their sweet baby brother and love on him. This sibling portrait was literally taken within seconds of turning on my camera for their session, and it’s my favorite sibling portrait ever! These two cuties ADORE their baby brother, and it really shows. I’m so happy his family is going to enjoy these portraits on their walls forever to remember this special time when they brought their baby home!

Such a sleepy little boy!

These are our RAINBOW BABY portraits. Clean, classic, and simple. The perfect way to honor Big Sister Leila.

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

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About Nicole Starr Photography 

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

The portrait studio is filled with neutrals, luxe fabrics, and very minimal props to keep the focus on your perfect little baby.  Our sessions are relaxed and fun, and we’ll enjoy an hour together (or up to 3 hours for a newborn session!) laughing, cuddling, and capturing authentic smiles and belly laughs with your little ones.  

Piper Mae's Newborn Session with Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer

I’ve been starting our studio newborn sessions off with some unposed portraits of the babies in simple white onesies, and you know what? I’m in love with this look!

Sweet little Piper Mae joined me at our Saratoga Springs portrait studio for her newborn session, and this adorable red head was such a sleepy little angel. We captured so many cute family portraits, and adorable springtime ones of her all by herself, too!

Piper’s mama wore a gown from our Mama Wardrobe at the studio. Doesn’t she look incredible in this shade of mint?

Piper was born with her legs up by her head, so of course she was most comfortable stretching her legs out straight and waving them around in the air. I’m so glad we were able to capture this in a portrait for her family to remember her special arrival by!

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Love this newborn session? Pin this image or any from the post above!

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About Nicole Starr Photography 

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

The portrait studio is filled with neutrals, luxe fabrics, and very minimal props to keep the focus on your perfect little baby.  Our sessions are relaxed and fun, and we’ll enjoy an hour together (or up to 3 hours for a newborn session!) laughing, cuddling, and capturing authentic smiles and belly laughs with your little ones.  

Pretty Florals for Amelia's Studio Newborn Session

Spring has sprung here in the studio, and flowers are EVERYWHERE! I absolutely love getting to incorporate beautiful blooms into our sessions, and I was thrilled to welcome Amelia to the studio for some cute portraits with peonies.

But first, check out her adorable family portraits! This sibling pic melts my heart. What an incredible big brother!

This little miss was wide awake for part of her session, so we captured those beautiful, sparkling eyes of hers!

Oliver's Newborn Session at our Saratoga Springs Portrait Studio

I want to start every newborn session in a white onesie from now on. It’s simple, classic, and pure perfection. I just LOVE these portraits of sweet little Oliver from when he first arrived at the studio. There is so much personality in this tiny little baby, and all of his newborn freshness is perfectly documented!

This sweet family came to me for their maternity session & Fresh 48 session, and I was thrilled to welcome them to our Saratoga Springs portrait studio for Oliver’s newborn portraits.

These moments when mom & dad cuddle up with their new baby at the beginning of our sessions are always some of my favorite moments to witness. It’s truly magical watching this bond unfold, and you really can watch them fall even more in love with their baby during the 20 minutes we’re doing family portraits together.

Sweet little Oliver Cody was the cuddliest little boy, and he loved being wrapped up snug in a swaddle. He fell right asleep and even had the cutest baby snore!

Baby mullet. It happens often with these fresh little babies, and it definitely deserves to be documented!

Baby smiles. These are such a gem and I always love when I happen to catch one during a newborn session!

I recently added a bunch of hand knit bump blankets to the prop closet, and I love their thick texture and how they photograph! This blue one and the white one above are a few of them — what do you think? I kind of wish I could make one in adult size!

Gorgeous Mama and Baby Portraits in our Saratoga Springs Studio

I am 100% head over heels in love with this session! We did some stunning mama and baby portraits in the studio to celebrate Sebastian’s arrival, and new mama Kate wore a few of the gowns in our studio closet. (By the way, have you seen the new Mama Wardrobe yet? Go check it out and borrow a dress or two for your session!)

I love how peaceful and serene these portraits are, and she looks so elegant in these gowns! My favorite thing about the studio wardrobe is how classic the styles are, and how flattering they are on all body types — even postpartum bodies! Trust me, all mamas feel GORGEOUS when they step into these dresses!

Not to be left out, Sebastian even slipped into one of our newborn outfits from the Baby Wardrobe at the studio. I love these blue stripes!

Whether you’re planning a maternity session, newborn session, family portraits, or a cake smash — mamas, if you don’t know what to wear and you’re worried that nothing in your closet looks just right, then come ask me what we can do with the outfits here at the studio. I would love to help you pick out the perfect one for your session!

What to Wear to Your Newborn Session - Parent and Sibling Wardrobe Inspiration

So, you scheduled your newborn session and you listened to me say that you don’t need to worry about the baby’s outfits —our Saratoga Springs studio is stocked with wraps and cute handmade outfits that will be perfect on your little one.

But then a moment of panic sets in….. what are YOU going to wear?!?! What is going to fit one week postpartum? What’s your spouse supposed to wear? What looks good on camera?

Sooooooo many questions, and you’re not alone! All new moms and moms-to-be ask me the exact same questions. That’s why I’m here to make it easy for you as you figure out what to wear to your newborn portrait session.

Whether we’re photographing your newborn session at the studio or in your home, these tips apply to all families. Read on for lots of great ideas!

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Wear a gown from our studio wardrobe, or a maxi-length dress like the one from your baby shower!

Long dresses are super flattering on new moms, and we have tons of them available at the studio. They elongate your body and are very elegant and classic in portraits. I suggest sticking to soft, flowy fabrics that are not too clingy around your midsection. We have lots of dresses in the studio’s Mama Wardrobe that you can choose from, and you are welcome to bring your own, too!

Always stick to white, cream, and other light neutrals on top. AVOID BLACK AT ALL COSTS.

While everyone always says that black is the most slimming color to wear, it’s really the least flattering option when we’re doing newborn portraits in my light & airy style. Because you’ll be holding your baby on your chest, a dark color is going to make the baby’s skin appear rough, red, and shadowy. Stick to light colors that bounce lots of light back on the baby to really illuminate their complexion, and yours!

Lace details are gorgeous! So are any other PRETTY little details on your outfit.

Lace has such a beautiful texture in photographs, and other lightweight fabrics photograph beautifully, too.

Keep in mind the STORYTELLING DETAILS in your portraits. Have a favorite necklace or a ring with sentimental value? Wear those to your session, and you’ll tell your child the story behind the jewelry for many years as they look back at their portraits.

What about the dads?

The most popular colors I see for dads are white, light blue, and gray. These go great with your neutral top or dress, and they coordinate beautifully with any colors that might be in the outfits, too.

If dad is a fan of button down shirts, wear one! Roll the cuffs to be a little more casual because he doesn’t need to look like he just came from the office for portraits with his new baby.

If he’s a laid back kind of guy, I love the look of a long-sleeved henley or a solid tee for portraits.

What should the kids/siblings wear?

I love helping with outfits for the big brothers and sisters! I always recommend sticking with neutrals like white, cream, gray, blue, beige, blush pink. Clothing can have patterns on it, but nothing too loud and crazy, and definitely no words or characters/cartoon pictures. The most classic portraits are ones where the outfits don’t compete for your attention, but they’re subtle enough that you can focus on the sweet moments between the new siblings. Look at how the outfits just blend in below and instead your eye is drawn right to the smiles & connection!

As for shoes, barefoot is always my favorite for the kids!

Whatever you wind up wearing, ultimately you want your family’s portraits to feel classic, timeless, and easy. I love being able to provide families with outfit ideas and items from my baby & mama wardrobes - making it even easier for you to relax and enjoy your newborn portraits!

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Quinn Emerson's Watercolor and Blush Newborn Portraits

You know what we need to brighten up these chilly and long winter days?

A nice pop of springtime colors, and a whole lot of baby cuteness!

Meet Quinn.

This little sweetheart stole my heart — and her parents’ — during her newborn session here at our Saratoga Springs portrait studio. This sleepy baby girl was absolutely perfect, and I adored her smiles and cozy cuddles during her session.

Just look at those perfect and tiny newborn fingers!

My absolute favorite portraits from Quinn’s session were with this gorgeous watercolor swaddle that her mama brought to the session. It coordinated perfectly with our mint green bump layer, and the colors remind me of spring. Such a joyful combination!

Holden's Newborn Session with his Big Brothers

Our newest Baby Planner baby is here! Holden Patrick joined me at the Attleboro studio for his newborn session, and I had such a wonderful time celebrating his arrival with this sweet family! Holden’s big brothers are both so excited and helpful with their newest sibling, and they did an amazing job during the session.

Funny story…. when the big brothers were getting dressed at the beginning of the session, one of the boys slid his arms into his button-down shirt and his thumbs got caught on the button at the cuff. He exclaimed, “Cool! Thumb holes!” and immediately loved the shirt because he thought it was like those athletic shirts that have the slits for the thumbs. His mom and I couldn’t stop laughing and then we had to break it to him that he wouldn’t be using the “thumb holes” during portraits. We convinced him that rolled cuffs were way cooler, and he was excited to wear his fancy shirt. Too funny!

Aren’t they the best big brothers you’ve ever seen?!?!

He doesn’t seem to mind giving up his title as the baby of the family one bit!

Both big brothers had nautical inspired newborn portraits done when they were born, and it was really important to the family to do a matching portrait with white starfish and white layers. I love what we came up with, and it will look perfect as a canvas on the wall with the boys’ portraits!

And of course, the nautical-inspired session wouldn’t be complete without some blue and white stripes!

Frankie's Studio Newborn Portraits

A Blush and Cream Newborn Session for Madeleine Frances

It’s been a baby boom here in the studio lately, and I am loving every single minute of it! It’s not everyone that gets to go to work and cuddle sweet little newborn babies like little miss Madeleine. Just look at that head of dark hair and her perfect little lips!

This sweet baby girl was so wonderful during her session, and she didn’t make a peep the entire time! We did the most adorable setups for her newborn portraits, and I love the soft colors and florals that we used. She was an absolute doll and truly a joy to photograph.

Lots of Cozy Cuddles during Aiden's Studio Newborn Session

Now that the temperature is dropping, I’m excited for lots of cozy newborn sessions in the studio! Tiny little Aiden was an absolute dream and he slept through his entire newborn session, letting us fit in parent shots and so many individual set-ups without making a peep!

During every newborn session, I always love to start with a few wrapped shots of the baby in a simple white & cream set. The baby is the star of the show, and white is so clean and classic. Plus we can transition him into a few new poses without moving him!

I mean, can you even deal with the cuteness here?!?!?! Look at how he kept his hands under his chin like that when I unwrapped him!

I have so many tiny handknit outfits, and Aiden rocked this gray sweater onesie during his portraits. Doesn’t he look so cozy all cuddled up on his back?

I can never resist a baby toes shot!

A Gray and Cream Neutral Newborn Session for Dylan | Saratoga Springs NY Newborn Photographer

Dylan Shiloh was 8 pounds, 4 ounces of squishy perfection.

This sweet baby boy was so cuddly at our Saratoga Springs studio for his newborn session.  We captured the sweetest parent portraits and I know his family will love looking back on these many years from now and remembering just how tiny he was, and how he curled up in their arms to snuggle in close.

His mama requested all neutrals for his session, and creams and grays were the perfect palette to match their decor at home.  

These tiny newborn details get me every time!  I just adore their little fingers and toes, and the way their brand new skin flakes on their wrists and ankles.  

The best thing about 8 pound babies?  Those BACK ROLLS!!!  Dylan had rolls for days, and I loved being able to capture those on this perfect little baby.

Baby Starr | Grayson's Newborn Portraits

Grayson Alexander
April 3, 2018
 

It's hard to believe that our sweet little boy has already been with us for nearly 3 weeks!  It's been a whirlwind of one day blurring into the next, the nights coming again much too soon, and so many sweet hugs and smiles with our adorable little Grayson.

Even though I've been a newborn photographer since 2012 and I have cuddled and posed dozens and dozens and dozens of fresh little babies, it's true what they say about photographing your own newborn....  IT'S HARD.  REALLY, REALLY HARD.  

It has taken me multiple attempts in the studio to settle this little boy into a deep enough sleep that he forgets that I'm nearby, and a slumber so sound that the click of the shutter won't startle him.  Seriously, there was one afternoon where I was only able to take 28 frames because every time I pressed the shutter, he startled with the "click" and shook himself awake and right out of his pose!  

But we finally did it, and I'm excited to share some of his studio newborn portraits here on the blog!  World, meet Grayson Alexander, our newest studio assistant and the cutest little baby that has stolen our hearts and has us completely obsessed with marveling over how perfect and adorable he is.  

Every time he opens his eyes, our hearts just melt into a puddle.  He has the most soulful gaze, and he's pretty calm & mellow.  When he's awake he's happy and alert, just taking the world in!

Of course I planned a special set-up for this photographer's baby, and when I found this tiny camera prop last November I saved it just for his newborn session.  

Grayson is a VERY smiley little baby, and his little milk drunk smiles pop up all the time and just light up his face.  I can't even believe how many smiles we captured during his time in the studio!

I had so much fun choosing a few new outfits for the studio collection, like this little striped one that is classic with a hint of nautical accents.  I have the feeling I'm going to be adding lots of baby boy items to our studio closet this year as our little boy starts modeling them as he grows!

You'll be seeing a lot more of this sweet little boy on the blog!  

Baby Natalia | A Springtime Studio Newborn Session with Saratoga Springs Newborn Photographer

We've welcomed so many baby boys to the Saratoga Springs studio lately for their newborn sessions, so I was thrilled to meet sweet baby Natalia and to incorporate all of the pretty little florals into her newborn session.

This adorable baby girl's nursery is purple & gray, so of course we coordinated a few photos to match the decor.  I always love learning about a family's decor and style before the session so that we can create images that will blend seamlessly into your home to complement your style and make a beautiful statement hanging on your walls.  This particular image was printed onto a 16x20 canvas, and I know it's going to bring such a smile to mom & dad's faces every day when they see their sweet baby girl staring back at them on the wall!

Spring is my favorite time of year to incorporate fresh blooms into our sessions, and Natalia's mom arrived with purple tulips after seeing a similar inspiration photo on my website.  I love that we were able to create this gorgeous image for her family!

Big sister Katerina did a fabulous job taking care of her baby sister during the session.  My favorite part of working was this family was after the session when I went to their home for the gallery reveal.   Mom and dad told me that Katerina had been lining all of her dolls and stuffed animals up in front of the fireplace and pretending to take their picture for the past week -- she associated the space heater in the studio with her fireplace at home, and she knew that that was the spot where she had to take baby pictures!  

Love this session?  Check out a few other favorite studio newborn sessions on the blog with our Best of 2017 blog post!

Tyler Francis | A Nautical Newborn Session | Boston & Attleboro Newborn Photographer

Meet Tyler Francis. 

And make sure you read all the way to the end to see the CUTEST SIBLING PORTRAITS EVER of this sweet baby boy and his big brother!

In planning his newborn session, his mom mentioned that they have a little nautical decor in their home and that they would love a portrait or two to match.  Of course, I knew that our driftwood bowl would be perfect with a few layers of blue bump blankets, and I was excited to bring a few tiny new starfish into his session.  This sweet baby boy slept like a champ and was so cozy all wrapped up, making these portraits in the driftwood bowl some of my favorites!

Our creamy white set-ups are our most-requested ones here at the studio.  Parents love the classic look that keeps the focus on the baby, and honestly, I believe that these little ones are so perfect just as they are and that we don't need a lot of distractions with props & colors to take away from their simplicity and perfection!

Now, are you ready for some of the sweetest family portraits you ever did see?

Big brother Henry was a CHAMP, and he casually laid down and tossed his hand behind his head while posing with his baby brother.  I think this might be my favorite sibling portrait EVER!

But then of course, there's this sweet little hug and the cutest little smile spreading across Henry's lips.  I just love how gentle he was with his new brother!

Wondering if a studio newborn session is the right fit for you?  Read more about them here!