Cape Cod Family Portraits with a Blue and White Color Palette

After hearing me talk about Cape Cod for years and seeing photos of my kids and other clients' kids at the beach, this sweet family decided that this was the year they would make the trip to my favorite beach town! Honestly this summer, we had a number of long-time NY clients make the trip this year, and I’m beyond honored that each and every one has formed that connection with me over the years and trusted me so much that they planned their vacations and their portrait sessions with me! It was truly such a fun summer because of all of these sweet beach sessions - and the fact that they were made up of my long-time clients made it even more special.

I met Johnny (now 5!!)  and his family at Corporation Beach in Dennis, MA. It’s one of my favorite spots for Cape Cod portrait sessions. I love this beach in the evenings, and I often find myself bringing my own kids there to play in the surf as the sun dips below the sand dunes. It’s where we captured their portraits too! 

Johnny was filled with giggles and he loved exploring the beach, playing in the sand, and cuddling with his family. It made my own heart so happy to see him enjoying himself in a place I so personally love. I also adored his mama’s beautiful hairstyle, and I was blown away when she told me that she did it herself! The prettiest braid with blue and white flowers woven through the strands. It was perfect for her portraits! I think it was such a smart idea, too, being on the beach with the wind lightly blowing - it kept it out of her face in an elegant way. Complementary light blue outfits brought their session look together. 

Thank you all for trusting me with such a special moment on your vacation! I’m thrilled you loved the Cape as much as I do and I’m so happy we were able to capture your first tip there with these special portraits. It’s a memory I will treasure forever! 

five year old sits on dune with sea grass on Corporation Beach during Cape Cod family portraits with MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
five year old stands on dune with sea grass on Corporation Beach during  family portraits with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
five year old stands on dune with sea grass on Corporation Beach during  family portraits with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents pose with son in blue and white outfits standing on Corporation Beach during family portraits with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad hugs son on hip standing in blue and white outfits on Corporation Beach during family portraits with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents pose with son in blue and white outfits standing on Corporation Beach during family portraits with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in pastel blue dress sits on sand holding son in her lap on Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in pastel blue dress hugs son on dad's hip standing together on Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in pastel blue dress hugs son on dad's hip standing together on Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler hugs mom around the waist standing in front of the ocean photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler hugs mom around the waist standing in front of the ocean photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler runs around in the ocean at Corporation Beach  photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler smiles standing in blue and white striped shirt on Corporation Beach  photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of three holds hands looking out at the ocean standing on Corporation Beach  photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Cape Cod Family Portraits with a blue and white color palette photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

A personal post: Cape Cod portrait session at Corporation Beach with Grayson and Adelaide

I’m so lucky that my parents live in Dennisport year round, and it’s so special to get to visit for a few weeks every summer. The kids love visiting the different beaches, floating in Scargo Lake, crabbing, searching the tide pools at low tide, collecting shells, building sand castles and digging trenches in the sand. As any photographer who is also a mom will tell you, I always find it so hard to take photos of my own kids. But the night we captured these new Cape Cod portraits, they let their personalities shine and just loved on each other and we captured the most adorable sibling portraits. 

Both Grayson and Adelaide were 100% agreeable and excited about taking photos at the beach one evening at sunset, and knowing that they would be rewarded with a cookie afterwards certainly helped with the cooperation. ;o) We finally found a night with good weather at Corporation Beach in Dennis and I’m so happy that we were able to freeze time together.  

I’ve been doing beach portraits of Grayson since he was 1 year old, and it’s bittersweet watching him grow up a little more every summer. He looked at this portrait of him and he said, “That’s not me! That’s a 10-year-old!” because I had told him during our little session that that pose was for really big kids. And it’s true – he looks like he’s ready to grab the keys and go for a drive! It makes my mama heart stop for a beat just seeing how quickly it goes by. It’s one of the reasons that I love capturing these portraits in Cape Cod every summer. My babies won’t stop growing (though I so wish they would!). 

six year old sits on sand dune on Corporation Beach in Dennisport MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Fun little fact about our session on Corporation Beach – I ended up with a gallery of 34 favorite portraits, and we took them in less than 12 minutes. You don’t need a lot of time to capture great portraits of your kids – just someone who knows all the tricks to get them to hug & smile. ;o) After doing this for the last 10 years, I’ve got plenty of tricks that even work on my own kids! 

My goal was one good one to hang on the gallery wall in our dining room, but with so many that I love like this, I don’t know how I’m going to choose which one to print & frame! I hope you enjoy this little peek into our family’s summer tradition!

brother and sister sit between sand dunes at sunset on Corporation Beach in Dennisport MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
brother and sister sit between sand dunes at sunset on Corporation Beach in Dennisport MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
brother and sister sit between sand dunes at sunset on Corporation Beach in Dennisport MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
sister leans to give brother a kiss between sand dunes at sunset on Corporation Beach in Dennisport MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
brother and sister sit between sand dunes hugging and laughing at sunset on Corporation Beach in Dennisport MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
brother and sister sit between sand dunes hugging and laughing at sunset on Corporation Beach in Dennisport MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
brother picks up sister making her laugh on sand dunes on Corporation Beach in Dennisport MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in white polo and blue shorts runs in front of sand dunes on Corporation Beach in Dennisport MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in white polo and blue shorts holds knees sitting and smiling on Corporation Beach in Dennisport MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler in pink and white gingham gown walks on sand dunes at Corporation Beach in Dennisport MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler in pink and white gingham gown walks on sand dunes at Corporation Beach in Dennisport MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler in pink and white gingham gown twirls on sand with big brother on Corporation Beach in Dennisport MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Cape Cod portrait session at Corporation Beach in Dennisport MA for siblings photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

8 Tips for your Family Portrait Session at the Beach - Cape Cod Family Photographer

Summer is almost here, and I am so excited to welcome so many families to Cape Cod for their family portrait session on the beach! This is one of my favorite times of year because I love visiting the Cape and being able to capture other families and their special memories at the same time. This summer will be extra fun because I have so many of my longtime New York clients planning their summer vacations to Cape Cod around their portrait sessions! I’ve been living in NY for eight years now, and these families have heard me talk about the Cape for years, and now so many of them are excited to bring their little ones to this classic beach spot this summer!

I have been spending my summers on the Cape for more than 25 years, and I have so many favorite beaches, bike paths, ice cream shops, and more that I love sharing with my clients when they schedule their Cape Cod portraits. Every single one provides the perfect vibes for summer portraits - and it always makes for an unforgettable evening! I love that I know this area inside and out and can give them an inside scoop on where to go, what to do, and what to pack!

Today’s blog post is filled with tips for your family portrait session at the beach. Read on for lots of great ideas, plus plenty of beautiful outfit inspiration for your family! I want your session to be truly enjoyable and feel like an extension of your summer vacation!


Plan accordingly for traffic.

On the Cape, Saturday and Sunday are typically the heaviest traffic days coming over both bridges. Plan to come early in the morning and make a day of it!

Baby’s first trip to the beach?

The beach can be a sensory overload for some babies.  Get them used to the sand by letting them play with and sit in sand a few times before your session.  Make sure they have bare legs and feet so that they get used to the feeling of the sand on their skin.  Bring a blanket (neutral colors look best!) if they might need a layer to sit on.

What to wear

Colors that you would find at the beach look incredible in portraits — shades of blue, khaki, linen, white, cream, blush pink, lavender, teal, mint, aqua, and gray are my favorites.  We have many helpful blog posts with outfit ideas — check them out here! 

Keep these in the car…

Sunglasses, hair elastics, cell phone, wallet (bulky things that show in your pockets), stroller, diaper bag, baseball caps or visors. Trust me: you don’t want them in your portraits! It’s better to just leave them behind so you don’t have to keep track of them during your session.

Always have a rain date.

I will let you know 4 hours in advance if we’ll have to reschedule due to the weather, but even on cloudy days we can get some great portraits! Clouds mean less direct sunlight, which is better for all of us. As long as it isn’t outright raining or storming, we’ll try to keep your session. But, planning a backup date never hurts!

Protect your skin.

Try to avoid a sunburn the week of your session.  Especially on your face and nose! It’s no fun - but it also will show up in your portraits.

Barefoot is best! 

We’ll leave our sandals at the entrance to the beach so we can walk in the sand easily.

8 tips for your family portrait session on the beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Embrace the sand & the water, and don’t be afraid to get wet!

I love finishing the session in the water.  Let’s be adventurous and walk in the waves or let the kids splash around a bit.  Bring a towel or a change of clothes for the kids just in case they get a little too excited at the opportunity to splash!  

8 tips for your family portrait session on the beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

PLAN FOR AFTER YOUR SESSION

Keep a towel in the car to brush sand off of everyone’s feet after the session. I also recommend keeping a travel-sized container of baby powder in the car. Sprinkle a little on everyone’s feet and calves, and the sand slides right off!

If you have a long drive back home, pack the kids' PJs in the car so they can change into them right after the session and sleep on the way home. I’m a huge fan of anything that will help avoid meltdowns after portraits!


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8 Tips for your Family Portrait Session at the Beach - Cape Cod Family Photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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 Cape Cod sessions occur from June through September at beaches all over the Cape. Be sure to reach out early to plan your family’s portrait session as these always fill up early in the season!

Beach family photos with twins - Cape Cod family photographer

I’ve been capturing portraits for this family ever since Finley and Bella were born. Their first session was back when I had my tiny apartment studio in Boston. I loved seeing them again this summer on the Cape! We met up at Corporation Beach, one of my favorite spots, in Dennis, MA for their evening session. It was amazing to see them again and see how much they’ve grown. 

During our session, the girls were talkative and curious, and I had such a great evening watching their personalities unfold. It’s extra special to see them now, knowing how long ago I met them. Finley and Bella are so sweet. They had such amazing little questions and facts that they rattled off during their session. Finley and Bella are at such a fun age, and it really feels like magic watching clients' children grow from tiny little babies into these awesomely independent little humans!

One of my favorite parts of their session was recreating portraits from their 2017 beach session. It’s always fun to do something like that - knowing that more of these beautiful portraits will be displayed together on your home’s wall! I hope it’s not too long before I get to see Finley, Bella, and their sweet parents again! 

twin sisters hug sit on dune on Cape Cod beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
twin sisters hug sit on dune on Cape Cod beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
twin sisters hug parents between sand dunes and sea grass in front of ocean on beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
twin sisters sit with parents on striped blanket between sand dunes and sea grass in front of ocean on beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
blonde girl in white skirt with blue top walks near sand dunes and sea grass on beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
blonde girl in white skirt with blue top twirls on beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
blonde girl in tan outfit with colorful necklace sits on beach dune with sea grass photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in blue polo holds twin daughters on sand at sunset on beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
twin girls hold hands with parents walking through ocean photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in blue polo holds twin girls walking through ocean photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom twirls with daughters near ocean photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in white dress hugs twin daughters on sand at sunset on beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in white dress hugs twin daughters and husband in blue polo in front of ocean photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
twin sisters in white and tan outfits hug in front of ocean photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girl whispers in sister’s ear in front of ocean photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
twin sisters hold hands jumping together in front of ocean photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girl in tan outfit with colorful necklace smiles in front of ocean photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
twin sisters hug showing off shells and smiling in front of ocean photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
twin sisters hug parents and laugh in front of ocean photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
twin sisters holds hands with parents standing in shallow part of ocean photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
twin sisters holds hands and hug parents standing in shallow part of ocean photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Beach family photos with twins on Cape Cod beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Relaxed family portraits at Lighthouse Beach - Cape Cod Family Photographer

I first met Jenny and her family on the beach two years ago. Getting to see them again for new portraits was super special! I love watching kids grow up in front of my camera. George and Kathryn are already getting so big, and watching them together was really magical. They were amazing - happy to be hugging and playing in the sand. The entire night at Lighthouse Beach was absolutely joyful! 

We lucked out with a truly gorgeous evening at Lighthouse Beach in Chatham. I always love visiting Lighthouse Beach, because it’s never too busy at sunset. It’s also got a very wide stretch of sand, gorgeous and tall sand dunes, and the tall lighthouse as a beacon in the background. Because Lighthouse Beach is protected by a narrow strip of land known as North Beach Island, the water here is calmer and quieter. However, this beach also has frequent shark sightings (far out to sea, though, and never a concern during our sessions, but it’s always fun for kids to try and spot a shark during their session!). It can bring out some great laughs and smiles! 

I loved working with George and Kathryn again, seriously. They’re so sweet! Kathryn has the most beautiful, vibrant smile that truly lights up her whole face. I was able to capture so many joyful portraits of this sweet girl!George has grown so tall and loved telling me all about the different sports he plays. He’s a helpful big brother and he was so amazing during sibling portraits. It was definitely a special night with a wonderful family here on the Cape. 

family of four poses on dunes on Lighthouse Beach during beach portrait session with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
brother hugs sister in blue formal dress sitting on dunes on Lighthouse Beach during beach portrait session with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in light blue polo stands on dunes on Lighthouse Beach during beach portrait session with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
brother hugs sister in blue floral dress sitting on dunes on Lighthouse Beach during beach portrait session with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in light blue polo sits on dunes on Lighthouse Beach during beach portrait session with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
blonde toddler sits in blue flower dress on dunes on Lighthouse Beach during beach portrait session with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in light blue polo sits on dunes on Lighthouse Beach during beach portrait session with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
blonde toddler sits in blue flower dress on dunes in front of white lighthouse on Lighthouse Beach during beach portrait session with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in light blue polo stands on the edge of the water on Lighthouse Beach during beach portrait session with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in blue polo holds daughter in blue flower dress by the edge of the water on Lighthouse Beach during beach portrait session with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
father in blue polo holds son on shoulder by the edge of the water on Lighthouse Beach during beach portrait session with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom in pink dress holds daughter in blue flower dress by the edge of the water on Lighthouse Beach during beach portrait session with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mother in pink dress hugs son in blue polo by the edge of the water on Lighthouse Beach during beach portrait session with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
siblings hug by the edge of the water on Lighthouse Beach during beach portrait session with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
blonde girl in blue flower dress sits on sand near the edge of the water on Lighthouse Beach during beach portrait session with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Relaxed family portraits by lighthouse on Lighthouse Beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Extended family photo session while on vacation on Cape Cod

Ashley and her family are just the sweetest! They made their first visit to the Cape in 2022, from Western New York and they loved it so much, they decided to come back this summer! When they booked their trip, Ashley reached out about planning a Salt Air session on the beach in Dennis, MA. I’m so happy that we were able to make their session work - and include the grandparents, too. 

I absolutely loved working with this family. They were so much fun and we couldn't stop laughing. And they looked incredible! Ashley decided to use nature as inspiration for their outfits, pulling lots of tans, greens, and blues for their clothing choices. Ashley had the most beautiful pink dress to bring the palette together, too. Honestly, I love how everything looked on the beach. We even had a slightly darker sky that day, which looked amazing against their outfits. 

I have lots of games and prompts that I like to use during our family portrait sessions, and we really are able to get the best expressions and natural smiles out of everyone this way. Ashley’s family made it a lot of fun - and they were such good sports. The prompts and game make for a memorable time together that is so much more enjoyable than just “saying cheese”. I love how we get such natural smiles and giggles, especially from the kids. 

I’m so happy that this sweet family made this portrait session possible. I hope that they treasure these portraits for years to come and the memories made here last a lifetime! 

family poses with grandparents during Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
grandparents hug 2 grandsons in front of sea grass during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family laughs together with grandparents in pastel outfits during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
woman in pink dress hugs mom in purple dress with two sons in front of sea grass during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in tan polo stands with two sons on his shoulder during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
couple holds hands walking along beach waterfront during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in sea green polo sits on dune by sea grass on beach during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in tan polo sits on dune by sea grass on beach during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boys hug parents standing by sea grass and wooden fence on beach during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boys hug parents standing by sea grass and wooden fence on beach during summer Cape Cod extend family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family holds hands walking on beach along water during summer family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boys hug mom in pink gown standing on sand on beach along water during summer family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boys jump in to ocean during summer family portraits with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad carries sons along sand laughing during summer family portraits on Cape Cod with MA beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Extended family photo session while on vacation on Cape Cod photographed by MA beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Capturing three siblings' personalities with family portraits at the beach

This summer has been a dream come true. I’ve been able to make lots of memories with my own family and I had the joy of capturing several Cape Cod family portrait sessions during our time in Massachusetts this summer. Nicole’s family session on Corporation Beach on Cape Cod was one of those sessions. I’ve been doing portraits for Nicole’s family since her oldest son turned one, so it was incredibly special to get together on the Cape for a Salt Air session this summer! 

One thing I love about capturing this family is that Cameron, Teagen, and Liam are always a lot of fun. Each of their personalities always comes out while we play and work, so it’s a great time capturing them all. This year, Cameron and Liam got to wear matching Vineyard Vines shirts - and they both looked absolutely perfect! You could just tell that Liam was beyond excited to be matching his big brother. All three of them were great for me - laughing, hugging, and just having a great time on the beach together. It made my job super easy and I’m thrilled with the natural and joy-filled moments their Salt Air session was made of.  

Nicole planned another set of perfect outfits - with white as the base color. She mixed in some navy blues and the light blues that came on the boys’ hoodies. Teagan’s dress looked so similar to Nicole's, which was also super special. I loved seeing how she looked at her mama throughout the session. Their outfits truly looked amazing on the beach and I love how it helped them pop against the sand and water around them.

Thank you for trusting me to capture another set of portraits - and another set of memories. I’m so thankful to know you all and I can’t wait to see you again soon! 

three siblings lean together sitting on dune on Corporation Beach during Cape Cod family portraits photographed by MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
three siblings lean together sitting on dune on Corporation Beach during Cape Cod family portraits photographed by MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of five poses in white and navy outfits on dune at Corporation Beach during Cape Cod family portraits photographed by MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of five poses in white and navy outfits on dune at Corporation Beach during Cape Cod family portraits photographed by MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad lifts toddler son while sitting with wife and two children between dunes on Corporation Beach during Cape Cod family portraits photographed by MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
blonde girl in white linen dress plays on sand dune on beach photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents laugh with three children sitting on their laps between dunes on Corporation Beach during Cape Cod family portraits photographed by MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
blonde girl in white linen dress plays on sand dune on beach photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
blonde toddler in blue and white Vineyard Vines shirt and shorts plays on sand during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mo holds blonde toddler in blue and white Vineyard Vines shirt and shorts during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
blonde toddler in blue and white Vineyard Vines shirt and shorts walks on beach during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
three kids hug woman in white linen dress on beach during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mother in white linen dress twirls on beach with two kids during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in white and navy outfit holds two kids while son hugs him during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in white and navy outfit holds son in white and blue Vineyard Vines outfit during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad in white and navy outfit runs on beach holding two kids during family photos on beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in white and blue Vineyard Vines outfit hugs sister in white linen dress on beach during family photos with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold hands and swing kids walking on beach during family photos with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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Family portraits on Corporation Beach on Cape Cod with MA beach family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Fun family portraits with cousins on Cape Cod

The last time I saw this family was when I just gone full-time with my business after leaving my teaching carreer in 2015, so to say I was excited to see them this summer is an understatement! It’s been 6 years since Baby Anna’s cake smash and when I opened up the inquiry email, I couldn’t stop smiling. Anna and Mikey have grown so much, and I got to meet their cousins, aunt, and uncle for these fun family portraits on Cape Cod at Corporation Beach, too.

Their Dennisport portrait session was so much fun! It’s always great to watch kids just be kids - especially on the Cape. The sand and the waves crashing just make everyone happy. These little ones loved playing with each other and swinging like monkeys between their parents. I’m not lying when I say we just went out and had the best time together!

I hope their grandparents absolutely love all of these photos. They have the cutest grandkids and I’m just so happy I had the chance to photograph Anna, Mikey, and their family again. Enjoy this peek into their beach portraits from this summer!

cousins hug on beach on Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
siblings hug on the beach during photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
brother gives sister piggy back ride during family photos on the beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
siblings hug on beach during photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of four hugs on beach during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girl jumps during photos on the beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad hugs two kids during Cape Cod family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of four hugs by wooden fence on Cape Cod beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy in blue polo sits on sand during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family sits in sand during beach family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girl plays in sand during beach family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom hugs son during beach photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of four hugs by wooden fence on beach with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
cousins stand in ocean during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girls twirl in sand during beach photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family plays in the water during beach photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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fun family portraits with cousins on Cape Cod with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Cape Cod Family Portrait Session at Corporation Beach

I look forward to summer every year, counting down to the couple of weeks each summer that I’ll spend on Cape Cod, just a quick walk from the beach with sand constantly dusting my flip flops and the breeze ruffling my hair.

One of the highlights of my summers on the Cape is meeting families for their portrait sessions at some of my favorite (and their favorite!) beaches on the Cape.

I absolutely enjoyed meeting this adorable family at Corporation Beach in Dennis for their family portrait session this summer. We had so much fun together, and the kids had us all laughing and smiling the entire time. Big brother was so sweet, and his little sister was all cuddles and smiles. Their sibling portrait is going to look so nice hanging on their wall, isn’t it?!

I love the outfits that they pulled together for their portraits, and the colors photographed beautifully at the beach! For more outfit tips, check out this blog post before your next beach session!

son sits in sand on Corporation Beach on Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
siblings hug on Corporation Beach during family photos with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad holds daughter during family photos with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of four sits on beach on Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

I love how joyful and playful these family portraits are! I always look for sand dunes at the beaches where I do portrait sessions. They provide a little seclusion from the rest of the beach, and also some shade from the sun. Plus they are perfect for seated family portraits, as well as some fun running ones with older kids scurrying down the dunes!

family of four plays on sand during Corporation Beach family photos with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
son climbs lifeguard stand on Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom and son hug in water on Cape Cod during family photos with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom hugs son in sand on Corporation Beach during family photos with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
dad holds son on shoulders during family photos on Corporation Beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold two children standing in water on Corporation Beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold toddlers in water during family photos on Cape Cod with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

All of our sessions on Cape Cod are done at sunset, which often means keeping kids up a little bit past their bedtime. The reason why we do this is because of this PERFECT GOLDEN LIGHT. Just look at these final portraits from their session!

I know how hard it can be to shift bedtimes and fit in a session in the evening. I have a toddler, too, and I truly understand! That’s why I’ve come up with these tips to make those sunset sessions easier for families with young children. Definitely go check them out before your next session!

mom and daughter in white dress pose on beach at sunset with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
little girl in blue and white dress sits on sand during family photos with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
boy runs into ocean during family photos on Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
siblings sit on sand on Corporation Beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family walks on beach swinging son during portraits on Corporation Beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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family portraits on Corporation Beach with Cape Cod MA family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Cape Cod Beach Sessions are Coming Soon

Summer is almost here, and you know what that means:
let’s all head to the BEACH!


Every year I look forward to spending a few weeks on Cape Cod in the summer. My parents now live in Dennisport year-round, and we’ve been spending summers on the Cape for more that 20 years. Grayson gets to grow up heading to the Cape with me for a couple of weeks every July & August, and I love every second of it. We walk to the beach multiple times a day, and he loves the sand and the water and truly can’t get enough of his time at the beach. At 3 years old, this will be his fourth summer on the Cape (how is that even possible?!), and I love watching him evolve into a little beach baby as the years go by.

I know that the Cape is special to sooooo many families. And it’s funny, but the number of families I talk to in New York who also happen to vacation in Dennisport is truly mind-blowing. It’s definitely a popular spot for families, and there are so many great places in the area for salty summertime memories.

As summer approaches I start filling up my calendar with portrait sessions on the beaches of Cape Cod. This year I’m spending more time on the Cape than any previous summer, and all of our sessions are almost completely booked!

As I hit “publish” on this blog post today, I currently have room for THREE MORE FAMILIES in August.

***WEEKEND*** August 14 (rain date August 15)
August 18 (rain date August 19)
***WEEKEND*** August 20 (rain date August 21)

young girl in Lily Pulitzer dress smiles on Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
girls in pastel dresses walk on sand photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
young boy sits with mom on wooden bench in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

The sand. The wind. The sun. These are all natural elements that we embrace during our salt air sessions on Cape Cod. Read on for more tips for a successful portrait session at the beach!

brothers laugh on the sand in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

The first step in every portrait session is an email & a phone call. I would love to chat with you to see if this is the perfect session for your family this summer! Send me a message through the button below!

mom and grandmother hold girls in matching colorful dresses on beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
couple swings son during beach portraits photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler leans on wooden ladder on the beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

You may have noticed that all of the families in this blog post absolutely ROCKED their outfits, right? They did that with a little help from me! I’ve compiled a list of tips to make planning outfits easy for your beach session. Long gone are the days of matching khakis and white shirts, and here to stay are mixed colors and patterns for real personality in your family portraits. Learn more here as you start to plan your family’s outfits for your next portrait session!

sisters hug on the beach in pastel dresses photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family poses in little town during Cape Cod photos in the summer photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family jumps off dunes on the beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Save it for later:

Information for Cape Cod family beach sessions in the summer shared by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Family Photos with Grandparents at the Beach - Cape Cod Family Photographer

Do you know the term “head swap”?

This terms is used when a photographer uses Photoshop and takes a head (or a body, or a part of the backdrop) from one photo and moves it onto another photo to create a composite. When done correctly, you can’t even tell anything was changed and it just looks like the perfect photo where everyone is looking and smiling.

Some people are familiar with this term, and when I explain it to other people they look at me like it’s some type of sorcery. But honestly, it’s a very common term in the photography world and photographers need to do head swaps more often than you might think. Especially in family sessions. Especially in extended family sessions.

The photo below, for example, took SEVEN head/body swaps to create and image with every single family member looking towards the camera!

This is definitely not the norm, but when an old friend from high school reaches out for a family portrait session at their favorite beach on Cape Cod, I might go a little above and beyond when it comes to the editing to give them that one perfect photo that includes all 5 toddlers and every adult looking!

Family portraits with grandparents at the beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Beach family photos in Cape Cod MA, family session on the beach, beach photos in the summer
grandparents pose with their five grandchildren on beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Beach family photos in Cape Cod MA, family session on the beach, beach photos in the summer
boys play in the sand in blue gingham shirts during family photos photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Beach family photos in Cape Cod MA, family session on the beach, beach photos in the summer

Extended family portrait sessions are always a blast and I love getting to meet all of the smaller families that make up the big family. I especially love when we have so many little grandchildren to photograph! Seriously, how cute are these kiddos?!?! Just adorable!

toddler plays in the sand wearing pink gown photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
baby girl plays in sand wearing pink dress photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler boy in blue button up shirt smiles on wooden bench along beach in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
brother and sister sit on bench in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hold children in the sand with ocean behind them photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
toddler holds mom’s hand while sitting on wooden bench in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family with three boys sits in sand during photoshoot in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

But of course, toddlers at the beach make for a lot of running around in the sand at sunset. Definitely worth all of the extra sand in my camera bag and the extra sweat after an hour of chasing them! I truly had a blast with this family and we enjoyed the most beautiful Harwichport sunset for their portrait session.

mom sits on sand holding sons photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

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

Family photos with grandparents on the beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Cape Cod Family Photos at Lighthouse Beach in Chatham

Ohhhhh, this session makes me miss the Cape already! This family met me at Lighthouse Beach in Chatham for the most perfect sunset one evening in August. We captured their family portraits on a nearly deserted beach, and it was so beautiful and fun.

The kids were full of personality and they had us laughing the entire hour, and I loved watching them play and joke together, knowing that these are going to be the summertime memories they have for the rest of their lives. I look back at my summertime memories as a kid and the Cape is prominent in all of the best ones, and it’s pretty amazing getting to watch those future memories unfold for other children knowing that one day they’ll look back at these summers the same way I look at mine.

siblings sit on the beach in Chatham MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
beach family portraits in Chatham MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
daughter in blue dress with white bow sits on Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
girl spins on the sand in Chatham MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
little boy in gingham shirt sits on the beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
Lighthouse Beach family portraits in Chatham MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
brother hugs two sisters on Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
Lighthouse Beach family portraits in MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography

I love extended family sessions like this one, and it’s always fun when grandparents and cousins join in the fun. We capture a mix of portraits of everyone in all of the different groupings, and when they kids are older like this it’s always such a breeze!

family poses on beach with grandmother photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
family of 5 poses on Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
family hugs on Chatham beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
sisters hug during Lighthouse Beach family photos photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
mom sits with two daughters in pastel outfits for summer beach portraits photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography

Their grandmother is going to cherish this photo forever!

MA family portraits on Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
family portraits on Lighthouse Beach in Chatham MA photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
family of five hugs along water’s edge at Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
family jumps off sand dunes on Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
mom hugs daughter in pink dress on Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
family portraits on Lighthouse Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole STarr Photography
sunset family portraits at Lighthouse Beachphotographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Love these Cape Cod family portraits? Pin this image or any from the post above for inspiration!

Lighthouse Beach family portraits on Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Cape Cod Family Portraits at Corporation Beach

I’ve been photographing the R family since their oldest was around 6 months old. These boys are used to being in front of the camera, and they bring all of the smiles & laughter to their portrait session. Within 30 seconds of pulling out my camera, they were hamming it up at the beach while being silly together. I just love the sibling portraits we captured of these two brothers together that really showcase their personalities and all of the childhood fun of a summer on Cape Cod!

brothers play in the sand on Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
sunset family portraits at Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
child plays in sand on beach in Massachusetts during family photos with Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Our beach family portrait sessions on Cape Cod are some of my most-anticipated sessions of the year. I look forward to them all year long, and our families do, too! For this session we met at Corporation Beach in Dennis just before sunset for beautiful family photos to capture that golden light that is magical at the beach at that hour. One of my favorite things about Corporation Beach are the sand dunes, and this little nook is perfect for some portraits all cuddled up together.

Family plays on the beach during portraits photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
parents hug two sons during beach photos on Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
Corporation Beach family portraits photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of four stands on beach during family session at Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
son playfully poses during Corporation Beach family session photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
sunset family portraits of mom and two sons photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Then as the sun sinks further in the sky we head towards the water to dip our toes in and capture that golden light. Perfect, right? Plus, they did such an amazing job coordinating outfits. I love the patterns together!

Corporation Beach family session photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

This beach also has gorgeous sea grass that emerges in low tide. It’s one of my favorite spots for low tide because of the variety in scenery at that hour.

Corporation Beach family portraits of family in light blue and white outfits photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family portraits on Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
mom lifts son overhead during beach family session photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family lifts son walking along beach in front of ocean photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography
family of four walks along Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Love this Corporation Beach portraits? Pin this image or any from the post above!

Cape Cod family portraits at Corporation Beach photographed by Cape Cod family photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Classic Cape Cod Portraits in Downtown Chatham

What a summer! I have been loving all of our time on the Cape this summer, and especially all of these beautiful family portrait sessions! Last summer this family of three met me at the beach, and this year we decided to do their portraits in downtown Chatham for a change of scenery.

We met up early in the morning before the sidewalks were busy, and we had the streets all to ourselves! Two year old Rosie LOVED the attention, and she was seriously adorable with her classic vintage-style dresses and bows!

toddler walks down street in Downtown Chatham photographed by Cape Cod family and beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Classic Cape Cod portraits
little girl in blue and pink dress twirls on sidewalk in Downtown Chatham photographed by Cape Cod family and beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Classic Cape Cod portraits
Classic Cape Cod portraits of toddler in Downtown photographed by Cape Cod family and beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Classic Cape Cod portraits

One of my favorite family portraits from their session! The colorful awnings and flower boxes on the shops in Chatham are the perfect backdrop for family portraits.

family of three smiles in Cape Cod photographed by Cape Cod family and beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Classic Cape Cod portraits
Toddler smiles at parents during Cape Cod portraits photographed by Cape Cod family and beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Classic Cape Cod portraits
toddler plays during sidewalk session photographed by Cape Cod family and beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Classic Cape Cod portraits
mom and toddler girl play during Downtown portraits in MA photographed by Cape Cod family and beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Classic Cape Cod portraits
dad sits with daughter during portraits in Downtown Chatham photographed by Cape Cod family and beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Classic Cape Cod portraits
toddler plays near shops in Chatham photographed by Cape Cod family and beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Classic Cape Cod portraits
playful Downtown Chatham portraits with toddler and family photographed by Cape Cod family and beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Classic Cape Cod portraits

These hydrangea bushes are so classically Cape Cod, and I loved how they coordinated with Rosie’s gingham dress! She borrowed one of the little flags decorating the sidewalk and couldn’t stop waving it around!

little girl waves American flag during portraits photographed by Cape Cod family and beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Classic Cape Cod portraits
Little girl waves American flag photographed by Cape Cod family and beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Classic Cape Cod portraits
family portraits in Downtown Chatham photographed by Cape Cod family and beach photographer Nicole Starr Photography | Classic Cape Cod portraits

Love this classic Chatham family session? Pin this image or any from the post above!

Classic Cape Cod portraits in Downtown Chatham

Brothers at the beach - a family portrait session at south village beach with cape cod family photographer

The beach is the perfect place for making sandy memories, and I loved this relaxed & playful session with brothers Taylan & Altan on Cape Cod!

We spent the evening running up and down the sand, climbing the lifeguard chair, and looking for clams. It was the perfect evening, and we had so much fun capturing their beautiful family portraits at the beach.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…

Weeeee!!!! This might be one of my favorite prompts with families — everyone always has the best expressions when their little one goes flying up into the air like a monkey! Altan loved it!

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And of course big brother wanted a turn to swing, too!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…

Inspired by this playful and fun beach session? Pin this image or any from the post above!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer, Cape Cod family photos, Cape Cod port…

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.  

Celebrating 40 Years - An extended family portrait session on Cape Cod

Extended family sessions are always so much fun. While some may think that they are complicated & logistically challenging (You want me to get HOW MANY people looking at the camera at the same time?!?! And smiling, too?!?!), I actually really enjoy them!

I look at every extended family session as a beautiful opportunity to enjoy a peek into this whole family’s life together. It’s like being invited to their Thanksgiving table when everyone is so excited to be around one another, inside jokes are flying, and the kids are off having a blast at the kids’ table. Stories circle around the group, and the grandparents are always up for some tickles for the grandkids.

My favorite part is looking at the two grandparents and thinking that everyone is here because the two of them fell in love.

And that’s exactly what this family portrait session on Cape Cod felt like. This couple was celebrating 40 years of marriage, and 40 years of family vacations in Harwich. Their daughters and their grandchildren all got together for family portraits, and it was SO. MUCH. FUN.

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …

We always start off with the kids to capture a few individual & sibling portraits, and the kids love running along the beach, telling me stories, and singing songs to get comfortable in front of the camera. These kids absolutely rocked it and I love how cute they were!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …

Did I mention how much fun we have during our sessions? Dancing, running, twirling, piggy back rides. All of your favorite things about childhood, captured in your portraits.

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …

Love this extended family session on the Cape? Pin this image or any from the post above for inspiration!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Extended family portraits, beach family portraits, Cape Cod portraits, Cape …

Get your feet wet with family portraits at the beach - cape cod family photographer

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Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Cape Cod family portraits, family photos on the beach, beach family photos, …
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Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Cape Cod family portraits, family photos on the beach, beach family photos, …
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer | Cape Cod family portraits, family photos on the beach, beach family photos, …

Love this family session by the beach? Pin this image or any from the post above for inspiration!

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Family Portraits at Red River Beach in Harwich - Cape Cod Family Photographer

I am always so honored when families come back to me year after year for their portraits, and it truly is so special to get to document your family as your children grow. I’ve been photographing these girls since they were teeny-tiny newborns, and now they’re singing, dancing, tickling, and talking up a storm! It really is incredible to witness these little snapshots of their lives during their portrait sessions and to observe just how much they’ve grown since the last time I saw them.

We had so much fun at the beach during their Cape Cod family photo session this summer, and I was so grateful that they rolled with the weather when an unexpected storm cloud blew in for about 5 minutes in the middle of their session. A few rain drops didn’t dampen their spirits, and when the clouds quickly blew away we were left with the most breathtaking sunset and a long beach completely to ourselves.

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Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…

Dancing with dad!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…

Swaying with mom!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…

Just look at that post-rainstorm sky with the sun peeking through the fluffy clouds. Isn’t it GORGEOUS?!

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…
Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…

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

Nicole Starr Photography | Cape Cod Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Beach Family Photographer | Massachusetts Family Photographer, client wardrobe, what to wear for milestone session, milestone photography, o…

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.

Salt air & smiles | Family portraits at the beach with cape cod family photographer

Lisa & her son Luca joined me at Earle Road Beach in Harwich for a sweet & cuddly session by the sea! I absolutely loved catching up with this sweet family (check out Luca’s newborn session here!) on Cape Cod this summer, and I had so much fun capturing the special bond that these two share.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer | Loudonville NY family photographer, …
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer | Loudonville NY family photographer, …
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer | Loudonville NY family photographer, …

Luca is so affectionate & fun, and he really let his personality shine during their session! We had so many laughs watching him play, run, and explore on the beach.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer | Loudonville NY family photographer, …
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer | Loudonville NY family photographer, …
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer | Loudonville NY family photographer, …
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer | Loudonville NY family photographer, …
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer | Loudonville NY family photographer, …
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer | Loudonville NY family photographer, …

I’m going to miss these sunset sessions on the beach! Until next year, Cape Cod!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer | Loudonville NY family photographer, …
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer | Loudonville NY family photographer, …
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer | Loudonville NY family photographer, …

Inspired by this beach Mommy and Me session? Pin this image or any from the post above for inspiration!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer | Delmar NY family photographer | Cape Cod family photographer | Loudonville NY family photographer, …

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.