Outdoor Family Portraits in Saratoga Springs with a One Year Old

Can we talk about how adorable this family is?!?!

We celebrate Henri’s first year with family portraits at SPAC in Saratoga Springs, and it was so much fun to see how much this sweet boy had grown since his winter milestone session. He is full of personality & big smiles, and he loves walking all over the place! We truly had a blast as we spent the evening laughing and talking, and capturing the most beautiful memories for this family to enjoy on the walls of their home.

Standing up like a big boy! One of the things I miss most from when my toddler was a baby are those chunky baby legs, so we made sure to choose an outfit for Henri that would emphasize those cute baby rolls that will only be there for a little while.

I love that we captured so many portraits that show his tiny front teeth! Soon he’ll have a mouth full of teeth, but for now it’s just those little ones in the front peeking through. So adorable!

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Best of 2019 Family Sessions

Whew, what a year! We do most of our family sessions outdoors from May through October, and it’s always so much fun scouting out new locations, bringing clients to my favorite picture-perfect spots, and watching magical moments unfold with the sweetest families and their little ones.

Today on the blog we’re sharing a peek into some of our favorite family portraits from 2019! From the beaches of Cape Cod and foliage-lined sidewalks in Boston, to gardens, park & neighborhoods in Saratoga Springs. Enjoy a look at some of the most beautiful moments that we captured on camera last year, and then start dreaming up your own family’s next portrait session!

In the cooler months we headed indoors for some lifestyle family sessions! I love light-filled homes for these cozy family sessions!

It really was such an AMAZING summer on the Cape! Definitely filled with some of my most memorable family sessions on so many gorgeous beaches.

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Golden Fall Family Portraits in Saratoga Springs

When your friends become clients, that’s always an extra special session!

I first met Allison in prenatal yoga when we were both waiting for our baby boys to arrive. The boys were born about two weeks apart, and they’re the best of friends. They give each other the cutest hugs, they reach across the strollers to hold hands while we’re on walks together, and Grayson is constantly shouting “JB! JB! JB!” when I tell him we’re going to get together with his friend. It’s adorable.

So when they asked me to capture their fall family portraits? How could I possibly say no?!?! We met at one of my favorite fall spots in Saratoga Springs and enjoyed all of the cuddles, tickles, and laughs with this family of three.

JB clearly loved the camera! This sweet boy is full of personality and he has the best smile. He is a little adventurer and he is always on the go. It was so much fun to capture this toddler stage of exploration and curiosity!

I’m pretty sure we made his whole week when he got to swing in mommy & daddy’s arms! Just look at the glee on his face!

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Three Generations - An Extended Family Session with Boston Family Photographer

Want to hear about two awesome grandparents?

These grandparents live just miles from all of their kids and grandkids. Their house and yard are literally designed to welcome everyone there to spend time together. From kid-sized coat hooks on the wall, a snack drawer filled with all of the kids’ favorite things, a custom “tree house” in the back yard with bunk beds for each grandchild, a zipline through the trees, a giant tree swing, and so many more fun things, these kids are going to treasure these memories of hanging out at their grandparents’ house.

We got together for an extended family portrait session in their own back yard, a place that is so special to all of them and that the grandparents have meticulously maintained with gorgeous landscaping. There were so many beautiful spots for portraits, and plenty of vibrant colors from all of the flowering plants.

Everyone had a blast!

Our extended family sessions are relaxed but fast-paced (because kids are fast-paced!). They are filled with games, tickles, lots of running around, and so many hugs.

This is their tree house. Amazing, right?!

This was such a fun family session, and I’m so grateful that we were able to capture these memories for them in their favorite spot!

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7 Tips for your Fall Family Portrait Session | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer

Fall is the busiest season of the year for family portraits, and rightly so! The cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and cozy sweaters make everyone want to cuddle up together and capture their family on camera!

I absolutely love this season, even if it is so short-lived. There’s just something so welcoming about the first mug of hot cider, the smell of those cider donuts that you can get at the apple orchard, the crunch of the leaves beneath your feet, and pulling out all of your cozy sweaters and your favorite pair of boots.

With our fall family portrait sessions just around the corner, today we’re sharing a few tips for your next photo session! Read on for plenty of great ideas, and beautiful outfit inspiration for your family photos, too!

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Always have a rain date.

The season is such a short one, and the weather is unpredictable! I always encourage my families to reserve their session date AND a backup rain date when they book their session. That way if it rains on the day of your session, no worries! We already have your makeup session scheduled on the calendar!

Keep these things in the car.

We’re going to be moving around a lot during your session, and you don’t want to have to keep track of anything (besides your kids!). Sunglasses, hair elastics, bulky cell phones or wallets that will show in your pockets, stroller, diaper bag, baseball caps. All of these can stay in the car during your session.

Have a favorite family quilt or blanket? Bring it to your session!

Blankets are your best friend for fall sessions. Not only do they protect your clothes from damp grass or leaves on the ground, but they look oh-so-cozy and inviting and they encourage everyone to snuggle up together. Whether you’re sitting on the blanket, or waving it up and down in the air “London Bridge” style while the kids run underneath, blankets and colorful patchwork quilts are one of my favorite accessories for a fall portrait session.

Embrace the leaves.

As everyone relaxes in front of the camera and the kids start to let their personalities shine, I like to encourage the kids by telling them that they will be able to have a leaf fight at the end. This always brings out the biggest smiles and laughs, and we capture beautiful portraits of them jumping into great big piles of leaves and tossing them in the air over their heads. Act like a kid and don’t be afraid of tossing the leaves in the air, getting a few in your hair, or laying down in a pile of dry leaves for a very colorful overhead shot cuddling your babies. After all, this is the only time of year we can capture such beautiful scenery with built in props (literally!) falling down around us!

Bring your dogs!

Just tell me ahead of time so that we can plan for it, but I love to encourage families to bring their four-legged family members to their sessions. I always recommend taking the dog for a nice long walk right beforehand to tire him/her out, and bringing a leash & treats to use during the session. Have a plan for after we finish with the dog in your photos, too. Will someone come with you to the session to watch the dog while we capture a few photos of you and the kids? Will you be able to tie him up to a nearby tree with a treat for a few minutes?

Layer up, especially the kids!

If your session is in mid-to-late October, it can get a little chilly outside when you’re just wearing light layers! Bulky coats never photograph well, so I always suggest adding another layer like a t-shirt or onesie underneath your kids’ outfits. Just a little something for added warmth that won’t add bulk or show through their clothes. Warm kids are happy kids!

Babies and toddlers — plan on September or very early in October!

Speaking of warm kids being happy kids, this is especially true with babies! If your (oldest) little ones are younger than three, I highly suggest scheduling your session for September or early October when it is warmer outside. We can still do a late fall session if there are no other dates available, but we have a better chance of warmer days earlier in the season to keep your little ones happy.

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Looking for some outfit inspiration for your fall family portrait session? Click here to find plenty of what to wear ideas for your family photos!

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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.  

What to wear & Where to shop | Cozy outfit ideas for your family portraits this fall

It’s not easy planning for family portraits. You worry about finding the right photographer, choosing the perfect date and a beautiful location. Then you stress about finding something to wear, and you cross your fingers and hope for the best when it comes to your baby’s mood and the weather.

From our very first phone call, I reassure families and I let them know that I will take care of every single one of those worries. We’ll choose a date & time together, and a rain date (just in case!). I’ll share a few of my favorite locations with you that I know are perfect at the time of day we’ve selected, and I’ll also help you find outfits for every single person in your family. You’re even able to wear outfits available at the studio for mamas and babies!

Then during your session I will use every trick up my sleeve to keep everyone in a happy, playful, and relaxed mood. In the end, the whole thing is a piece of cake and you don’t have to worry about a single thing — leave it all to me, and you just relax and enjoy a fun hour with your family!

But of course, the most frequently asked question I always get from families is “What do we all wear?” Read on for tips for cozy outfits for your family’s portrait session this fall.

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8 things to look for when planning your family’s outfits for a fall photo session

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Layers

Layers add dimension and personality to any portrait, and they also help keep you warm in the fall when the temperature starts to drop! Cardigans, rolled cuffs peeking out from under a sweater, lightweight jackets, boots layered over leggings or jeans, a lightweight infinity scarf. These are all great ideas to add depth and color to your photos.

PRO TIP: Start with a base layer on the kids for warmth — this can be a onesie or shirt underneath their outfit, something that won’t show. Then add their outfit on top! Warm kids are happy kids!

Rich Colors

Fall is such a vibrant season, and you can add vibrant pops of color to your outfits, too! Plum purple, mustard yellow, navy blue, maroon. These are all gorgeous colors that really pop against other neutrals in your outfits. Plan to use 2-3 colors (including a neutral like white, cream, gray) in everyone’s outfits, and think about what will really pop against the scenery!

PRO TIP: I recommend avoiding neon colors, black, and green.

Plaid

Plaid looks amazing in the fall, and it evokes such a cozy feeling! Plus, if you choose one plaid shirt or dress you can use all of those colors as inspiration for the rest of the family’s outfits.

PRO TIP: I suggest only having one family member with a plaid shirt because two or more can look too busy.

Patterns

Solids look great, but having everyone in solids is boring! Bring in a pattern with a dress or a blouse to add a little more interest and personality to your portraits. Just like with not putting everyone in plaid, don’t put EVERYONE in patterns either because they can clash and just look too busy, taking the focus away from everyone’s beautiful faces. Do a mix of patterns and solids.

Boots

Boots always look amazing in photographs on moms and little girls! For the kids, think beyond their colorful sneakers or casual shoes and find something a little more stylish. You can find lots of cute options at Old Navy and Target in the kids sections, and Gap also has so many adorable ones, too!

Cozy Knits

Sweater knits look amazing in fall family portraits, especially ones with a little texture. They just invite everyone to snuggle up together! Plan on layering a sweater or two on a few people in your family for the picture perfect look.

Jeans

If you’re looking for a more casual look, jeans are perfect. A darker wash is the most flattering, and I’d suggest avoiding distressed jeans if they have gaping holes in the knees so that when you sit on the ground your kneecap isn’t showing through at an unflattering angle. We’ll do a few family portraits sitting on the grass and playing in the leaves, so I want you to be comfortable!

Don’t be afraid to glam it up!

Ruffles, tulle, sequins, a frilly skirt. These all look AMAZING on moms and little girls, and I love when families want to dress up for their portraits! I was so excited when this mama wanted to wear a gold sequin skirt for her session, and it looked incredible against the golden foliage.

PRO TIP: Amazon has a skirt that has become wildly popular for mamas in portrait sessions. Search “chiffon maxi skirt” and you’ll find plenty of colors. The waist is adjustable, and the length changes based on the size. If you’re short, order a Small. If you’re tall, don’t be afraid of ordering the Large or XL for the length. There are tons of colors available, and these look best with a fitted top. Some moms pair it with a white lace long sleeve top (also available on Amazon!). Others like a white t-shirt. Others do a buttoned up chambray shirt tucked into the skirt. Others like a cardigan over a tank top.

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where to shop

For mom:
Lulus
Amazon
Rent the Runway (rentals)
J. Crew
Loft
Chicwish
Gap
Old Navy

For the kids:
Cat & Jack at Target
Old Navy
Janie & Jack
Crewcuts by J. Crew
Gap Kids/Baby Gap
Zara
H&M
Amazon
Rainey’s Closet (fancy rentals)
Lulu and Roo
Mini Boden
Hanna Andersson

For dads:
Dads have it easy. Layer on a button down shirt, sweater or vest, and jeans. They probably already have all of this in their closet, or they can choose neutrals or a plaid or patterned shirt from their favorite store to coordinate with the outfits selected for everyone else.

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Pin this image or any from the post above for inspiration for your family’s fall outfits!

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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.  

Lazy Days of Summer - A Fun portrait session at an ice cream shop!

I always have so much fun photographing this family, and when mom told me she was up for a nontraditional session of her boys this summer, I knew just what we should do:

ICE CREAM!

We’ve done cake smashes and milestone sessions together, holiday portraits and family photos outdoors in the summer and fall. But with two toddler boys, you know what we’ve never done? MADE A REALLY BIG MESS AND JUST PLAYED!!!

I suggested we meet at a playground adjacent to an adorable little ice cream shop, and she loved the idea! This is my favorite local ice cream shop because not only is the ice cream delicious, but the red and white striped umbrellas are picture perfect!

Oscar & Miles were definitely up for the challenge of enjoying their ice cream cones, and they didn’t mind one bit that it dripped everywhere with sprinkles raining down all over their clothes. I couldn’t stop laughing with their mom & dad, and we had such a blast watching these boys enjoy such a carefree summer activity. My favorite part is that they’re going to get to look back on these summertime photos for yearssssss and remember their boys just as they were at this stage, with ice cream dripping down their elbows and sprinkles dotting their tiny fingers.

Are you considering a more relaxed and non-traditional portrait session for your little ones? Let’s chat about what you LOVE to do, and what you want to remember most about this stage of life with your kids!

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Boston Family Portraits in Beacon Hill with Nicole Starr Photography

The thing I miss most about living in Boston is getting into the city and enjoying the streets as the backdrop for my photo sessions, but lucky for me I head back there all the time to work with clients and I still get to suggest the most beautiful spots in the city for their portraits!

I especially love Beacon Hill for family sessions. The sidewalks are adorable and they are always decorated with the most beautiful flower boxes, plus the brick buildings, colorful front doors, and quaint shutters are picture perfect! Even better? All of the cutest shops are in Beacon Hill, like this sweet flower shop!

I thoroughly enjoyed photographing this adorable family in Boston. The flower stand was perfect for sibling portraits of the two sisters, and their yellow dresses simply popped against the floral background.

We always have so much fun during our family sessions while we play games, tickle, and fly the kids around like superheroes. Just look at those smiles!!

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A Relaxed Family Session at Home

This lifestyle session in the S family’s new home in Saratoga Springs was so perfect! I absolutely loved capturing the four of them together in the space where they are most comfortable — at home!

We started off playing in big brother’s room, and he was so happy to show me his little tent and play peek-a-boo with his baby brother.

My favorite room in the house was the nursery. There was a wall of windows, and it was perfect for lots of family cuddles and kisses! Big brother Henry was so sweet with baby Charlie, and I loved watching these two adorable brothers together!

Like all of our in-home family sessions, we always love cozying up in the master bedroom and capturing the whole family together on the bed.

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Fall Family Portraits in Downtown Saratoga Springs, NY

2018 was the year I fell in love with shooting family sessions in downtown Saratoga Springs. I stepped away from the more traditional photo shoot locations and instead scouted out some new streets and corners with perfect patches of light to bring families, and it was such a joy!

We wrapped up the fall season with this sweet family session, and I loved getting to play with these brothers on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. We finished up at Congress Park for the fall foliage, and they had a blast playing in the leaves. This was truly such a fun session!

How sweet is this portrait with Alex & Ben and all of the beautiful foliage? We turned this one into a 24” wooden artwork for their walls, and I loooooove how it looks printed large for this family to enjoy!

Look at that great big grin! You wouldn’t ever believe he was shy when we started the session, would you? Ben had a BLAST! Especially when we told him he could throw leaves on his brother (keep scrolling and you’ll see it!).

At the time of our session, Alex was still learning to walk. A week later he was running all over the place. I love that we captured this shot of his whole family supporting him and cheering him on with his first steps!

Sweater Weather Sessions 2018

I love fall.

I love the leaves, the crisp air, the pumpkins, and the spices. I adore the chunky sweaters and leather boots, and it’s one of my favorite times to photograph families cuddling up on a quilt together and getting all cozy for their portraits.

Enjoy a peek at our Sweater Weather portraits from 2018! We did sessions in Boston at Larz Anderson Park, and in Saratoga Springs at Congress Park. Two beautiful days, and lots of amazing families.

Fall Family Portraits at Yaddo Gardens

Believe it or not, this was my first time shooting at Yaddo Gardens and I absolutely loved exploring this beautiful new location with the sweetest family.

When Matt contacted me this summer and asked about planning a surprise portrait session as a gift for his wife, I was all in! I love it when husbands reach out about planning portraits, and it’s always fun to coordinate this gift with them. Because you know what? Moms love photos, and they never, ever get to be in the frame. They deserve to celebrate this stage of motherhood they’re in and have it captured beautifully on camera! So we planned the perfect session for Rebecca and their girls.

Look at these sweet sister cuddles!

Oh my goodness. This one stops me in my tracks. It’s one of those photos that truly bring to life the saying, “If you think my arms are full, you should see my heart.” This is the photo that she’ll come back to thirty years from now and remember what it felt like in those days that flew by when her girls were small.

Discovering new areas of Yaddo was so much fun, and I love the variety in backdrops! The rose garden with this beautiful staircase was perfect for a few casual family portraits.

And of course, what child can resist running up and down the covered path?

Summertime Family Portraits on Beekman Street with Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer

One of my favorite things about summertime is scouting new locations for all of our family portrait sessions.  (Okay, okay... trips to the Cape, fresh peaches and berries, lots of porch time, and iced chai lattes are also on that favorite things list!)

But seriously, I love finding new spots where the light just comes through perfectly and that make such a beautiful backdrop for portraits.  This little corner on Beekman Street in Saratoga Springs is a new favorite, and so many families have enjoyed this little block with me this summer!

We started Declan's birthday session with some outdoor portraits, and I fell head over heels in love with this tiny little charmer.  Just look at his adorable smile and that little hand wave!

This is always SUCH a fun age to photograph, and having an active baby/toddler takes the pressure off of mom and dad for "how do I stand", "what should I do"?  Instead, you're just playing with your little one, sharing lots of tickles and laughs, and having a grand old time!

Baby on the go!

We're in the middle of family portrait season, and I'm looking forward to lots of gorgeous new locations to be the backdrop for new family memories this summer!  Have a favorite spot?  Let me know!

Best of 2017 Family Sessions with Saratoga Springs and Boston Family Photographer

Oh. My. Goodness!  This is one of the most fun blog posts I publish all year because it is FILLED with laughter, tickles, mama cuddles, splashing in the ocean, little kids flying in daddy’s arms, and all of my favorite moments that unfolded during our family portrait sessions in the past 12 months.  

Every year I love going back through our sessions and sharing a few favorites on the blog.  This year was unlike any other, and it was filled with more smiling families than I can even begin to count.  I had so much fun getting to know (and reuniting with some of my very favorite!) families in Saratoga Springs, Boston, and Cape Cod.  

Our family sessions are very popular during the warmer months from May through October, and we see a few families at the studio during the winter and spring, too.  I love spending time outside during our family photo shoots.  The best location is always somewhere where we have a lot of space to let the kids roam and play — a park, a field, or a beach are always a lot of fun and photograph beautifully.  You know that I’m a coastal girl at heart, so our sessions at the beach are always my favorites and I have so many beaches that I love on the Cape — if you’re looking for the perfect spot for your family’s photo session on Cape Cod, just ask! 
 

Enjoy a peek at a few of our most memorable family sessions from 2017, and be sure to check out our other “BEST OF 2017” blog posts!

Best of 2017 Cake Smash Sessions
Best of 2017 Lifestyle Sessions
Best of 2017 Studio Newborn Sessions
Best of 2017 Maternity Sessions
Best of 2017 Beach Sessions on Cape Cod
Best of 2017 Fresh 48 Sessions
Best of 2017 Brothers & Sisters: Candid and Fun Sibling Portraits

2017 Best of Siblings - You've Got a Friend in Me | Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer

We’re continuing with our BEST OF 2017 blog post series, and today we’re sharing a peek into some of our favorite sibling images from last year. 
 

Brothers & sisters share a special relationship that is part friend, part soulmate.  They know how to make each other laugh and how to cheer each other up.  They know how to tattle on each other to mom & dad, and how to push each other’s buttons and annoy them the most. 

But at the end of the day, they love curling up together and just enjoying each other’s company.

2017 was filled with family sessions, newborn sessions, and cake smashes where the siblings truly stole the show and made for some memorable moments captured on camera.  Digging into their baby brother or sister’s birthday cake, the sweetest newborn cuddles, and tickle fights on the beach were just a few of the top sibling moments of the year!  

Enjoy a peek at a few of our most memorable sibling moments from 2017, and be sure to check out our other “BEST OF 2017” blog posts!

Enjoy a peek at a few of our most memorable family sessions from 2017, and be sure to check out our other “BEST OF 2017” blog posts!

Best of 2017 Cake Smash Sessions
Best of 2017 Lifestyle Sessions
Best of 2017 Studio Newborn Sessions
Best of 2017 Maternity Sessions
Best of 2017 Fresh 48 Sessions
Best of 2017 Beach Sessions on Cape Cod
Best of 2017 Family Sessions

Fall in New England: Fall Family Portraits at Monument Square in Charlestown with Boston Family Photographer

Joanna & I have known each other for EIGHT years -- honestly, even typing that I have no idea how so many years have passed since we first met moving boxes into an apartment one summer!  We were roommates in Boston in our twenties, and we enjoyed so many adventures together with the other girls that we lived with. 

Now she's on a whole new kind of adventure with her husband and their handsome little toddler in Charlestown.  When she suggested a family portrait session at Monument Square in Charlestown, I was so excited to get to explore this beautiful location in their neighborhood that they visit every night with their son Holden to tire him out before bedtime.  

She wanted a perfectly New England vibe, with sweaters, flannel, beautiful foliage, and a hint of glamour with a gold sequined skirt from Rent the Runway that looked AMAZING on her!

Holden, of course, was such a little flirt and he loved posing on my tiny wooden stool and smiling for the camera.  How adorable is he with those rolled cuffs peeking out of his sweater?!?!

One thing about toddlers during portrait sessions is that they are always in the "Energizer Bunny Mode".  We went up and down the hill, chasing Holden all around the monument as he was on the lookout for all of the puppies out for their evening stroll.  This little boy is obsessed with puppies, and they were the only thing that made him slow down and smile -- so cute!

I just LOVE this family shot of Joanna, Matt, and Holden all together at the base of the monument.  Thank you for such a wonderful session!  

A Peek at our Sweater Weather Family Portrait Sessions - Saratoga Springs, NY Family Photographer

We may have spent most of the summer at the beach, but that means we're spending the fall surrounded by beautiful foliage at local parks!  I'm falling back in love with my 85mm lens with the gorgeous soft backgrounds that it's creating in our outdoor portraits this fall.  The greens, yellows, oranges, and reds are so dreamy, and I am loving all of these fall family sessions in Saratoga Springs and in Boston!

We enjoyed two days of Sweater Weather sessions at Congress Park in Saratoga Springs, and at Larz Anderson Park in Brookline.  I got to catch up with so many families that have visited me at the studio over the years, and I loved seeing how their children had grown and developed these amazing personalities!  I also loved getting to meet many new families for the first time, and it was so much fun getting to create these memories with them at the park.

Plus, we had GORGEOUS weather on both days!  Perfectly clear skies, lots of sunshine, and enough warmth to avoid the jackets and scarves!

These fall portraits were our last big "HURRAH" for outdoor sessions until the spring, and I am so excited to share these beautiful portraits with these lovely families.  They're going to have the best holiday cards this year, don't you think?

As we move indoors for the cooler months, the calendar is filling up with maternity, newborn, Fresh 48, milestone, and birthday sessions.  We're now booking through March 2018, and I would love to see your little ones in the studio this winter!  Please email hello@nicolestarrphotography.com and let's plan your baby's next portrait session.

What to Wear in Fall Family Portraits | Saratoga Springs NY Family Photographer

While I'm not the biggest fan of pumpkin spice (but only because I don't drink coffee!!), I do love fall soooooooo much.  Apples, crisp leaves, bonfires, lots of pumpkin baked goods, and it's finally time to bust out sweaters, scarves, and my favorite brown boots.

Plus, fall is one of my favorite seasons to plan outfits for photo shoots!  We get to layer so many cozy textures and colors together to really give your family's portraits some personality.  You've been following our "What to Wear" series, you've seen our wardrobe tips for SPRING FAMILY PORTRAITS and BEACH FAMILY PORTRAITS.  Naturally, tis the season to talk about fall wardrobe options for your next photo shoot!  

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Choose 2-3 colors plus a neutral, and use a little bit of it in everybody's outfit!  

Or stick to a color palette or colors in a similar family! These families used shades of blue with khaki and cream as neutrals, and it came together beautifully!

Accessorize and don't shy away from texture!  

Earrings, a statement necklace, scarves, boots, a belt, or even a second layer with a sweater or cardigan all add more interest to your portraits.  Plus, they help to showcase your unique style and personality!  Different knits and fabrics also give your layers more interest and they look AMAZING on camera.  Don't be afraid to have a little fun when choosing your outfits for your family's portrait session.

Think of the location we'll be shooting in, and also of your wall decor.  

You want your colors to complement both.  If your home has mostly neutral colors on the walls, then you may not want bright red or orange in your portraits.  If we're shooting in a grassy area with lots of evergreens, avoid wearing green and instead choose a color that will pop against the trees like purple, cream, or mustard yellow.  

Fall colors to consider for your family's portrait session:
All Jewel Tones
Plum
Gray
Navy
Cream
Mauve
Mustard Yellow
Burgundy
Emerald Green
Beige
Brown
Chambray
Khaki


Fun accessories for a little pop of personality:
Boots
Scarves
Statement necklace
Bracelet
Layers: sweaters/cardigans

 

A Large Family Portrait Session at Sagamore Beach - Cape Cod Family Photographer

Summer vacations are a time for family.  

They're a time for cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents to all cozy up together in the same house, cramming way too many kids into a bedroom with limbs and pillows taking over every inch of the space.  

Summer vacations are a time for leisurely dinners, brushing the sand off in the outdoor shower, and popsicles after the beach.  

You're busy making all of these memories with your family, which makes summer vacation the perfect time to slow it all down with a family portrait session and celebrate the fact that you're all together.  Grandma, Grandpa, all of their kids, and all of their grandkids.  This never happens often enough, and it's definitely a time you'll want to remember with your children many years from now.

I love it when families tell me they're planning a session with all of the cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.  We choose a beautiful location outdoors, and we just have fun together!  We capture some great shots of the entire group, and then break off into smaller families, siblings, cousins, and all of the other combos for lots of variety in your gallery.

Of course, the kids always steal the show!  These girls were no exception!

It was another misty evening at the beach, which is my favorite kind of evening at the beach.  Everything is bright and airy, and the landscape is naturally blurred out in the mist, making the families really pop in their portraits!

Plus, we always embrace a little extra humidity, salt, and wind at the beach.  Beach hair, don't care!

The four cousins were such a blast, and they loved running all over the beach, picking each other up, and playing games during our session.  So happy we were able to capture these portraits for them to enjoy for years!