Connecticut photographer – Page 3 – Milli Stephania Photo

stratford main street festival, block party where vendors come together to build community and network with patreons and locals. Photograph of a dad waiting in line for a food truck with his daughter on his shoulders.

What do you get when you close down an entire street, sprinkle in talented artisans, mouthwatering food, and a dash of small-town charm? The Stratford Main Street Festival—a photographer’s dream and my perfect excuse to sneak out of “mom mode” and dive back into street photography.

Life with kids is a constant juggle of diapers, snacks, and sheer chaos, so lugging my camera around for fun isn’t always in the cards. But this time, I made no excuses. The hubs took over diaper duty while I captured the vibrancy of Stratford’s annual “block party.” The energy of Main Street was magnetic—laughter, live music, and the aroma of food trucks lined the air as families and friends celebrated together.

One of the things I love about candid photography is the rawness of the moments I get to freeze. Whether it’s kids with popsicle-sticky faces, vendors passionately talking about their craft, or friends reuniting with hugs, these unscripted moments are pure magic.

After the festival, I shared a gallery with the town’s Facebook group, and the response? Heartwarming. A Greek restaurant vendor, Rita’s Pitas, thanked me for a photo of them hard at work, something they hadn’t had time to do themselves. The joy of giving people a tangible memory to cherish? That’s why I do what I do.

stratford main street festival, block party where vendors come together to build community and network with patreons and locals. Photo of magician laughing while entertain a teen and dad in the festival

Being behind the lens doesn’t just let me capture stories—it helps me connect with people. During the festival, I met so many passionate small business owners, like Nikkya, at Obodo Serendipity Bookstore in Paradise Green. She’s doing incredible things for the neighborhood, from hosting book readings to planning community events like their recent Mother’s Day celebration. It reminded me why I love being a photographer and a community cheerleader.

As a Connecticut and New York-based photographer, capturing life’s special moments is my bread and butter. But events like these—filled with the essence of togetherness—are a beautiful reminder that photography isn’t just about images. It’s about memories, connection, and celebrating the magic of right now.

Have you ever stopped in the middle of a chaotic day, taken a deep breath, and felt the vibrant pulse of life around you? It’s a rare moment, isn’t it? We’re all so busy chasing after the next task on our never-ending to-do lists that we forget the beauty of simply being present. Isn’t it funny how life often feels like a whirlwind, with us as mere passengers in a train speeding through moments we should cherish? What if you could pause that train, even just for a little while, to gaze out the window at the breathtaking scenery of your everyday life?
That’s the beauty wrapped up in “The Magic of Now” sessions. It’s about diving headfirst into the beautiful chaos of your life, the heartwarming snippets that truly define your family. Imagine me as a fly on the wall, stealthily documenting those unfiltered moments you hardly recognize as remarkable.

How It Works

Every journey begins with planning; it’s like setting the stage for your own personal masterpiece. Together, we craft a mood board that serves as a visual compass for our time together. Think of it as a roadmap that guides us to your unique story. Wouldn’t it be exciting to see your lifestyle captured not just in photographs, but through a lens that reflects your essence? A visual diary of sorts, where every image pulses with the energy of your family.

Gabby’s session was all about capturing her and her two adorable babies. We kicked things off by raiding her closet—yes, you read that right! As Gabby started picking out clothes for her little ones, I gently stopped her and said, “Hold up. We dress Mom first.”

Why? Because as moms, we’re always putting our kids first. Every decision, every chore, every priority revolves around them. But this session? This is about you. It’s about putting yourself first, even if just for a moment. Once Gabby’s outfit was sorted, we coordinated pieces for her little ones to match her effortless vibe.

A serene image of a mother cradling her playful baby by the window with soft natural light.

A Day to Remember

The session itself felt like hanging out with an old friend. Gabby even made a stunning charcuterie board (and let me tell you, I’m a sucker for a good charcuterie board!). Between the snacks and laughter, I captured moments that felt completely authentic—cuddling with her chubby-cheeked baby, dancing in the kitchen, and all the tiny, magical in-between moments.

mom holding playful baby with the tongue out, while hanging out at home on their couch

As moms, we’re often the ones behind the camera, snapping pictures of everyone else. “The Magic of Now” is your time to shine, to be seen, and to have those precious memories preserved forever. “The Magic of Now” isn’t just a mantra; it’s an opportunity to shine. Those authentic photographs are treasures, a narrative of your motherhood and your family’s laughter.

Life can be fleeting, and those little moments of joy often slip through our fingers like grains of sand. Yet, when they are immortalized in photographs, they become eternal. So, the next time you find yourself caught up in the whirlwind, ask yourself: When was the last time you lived fully in the moment? Take a chance to embrace the chaos—because within that chaos lies the real magic of your life, just waiting to be captured. Life is waiting, vibrant and full of promise; together, let’s seize it, frame by frame.