Family + Event Photography in Stratford, CT, Fairfield & New Haven County. Candid, colorful, documentary-style photos for families who want real memories, not stiff poses.
I’m still not over this….I showed up to 2025’s Stratford Day thinking I was just going to take some photos. (You can view that post here)
You know… kids running around, parents trying to keep up, sticky fingers from snacks, the usual chaos that somehow turns into the best kind of memories.
And now that this year’s Stratford Day is right around the corner, I found out my work was featured in the Connecticut Post. (You can view that here)
No big deal… right? 🫠 (does happy dance)
This is exactly the kind of work I care about the most. They’re not perfectly posed, and everyone’s not looking at the camera. It’s the real moments, like when your kid reaches for you, or the way you lean in to hug a loved one, or just catching you mid-laugh.
So seeing my images used to tell a bigger story, full of community, is absolutely everything to me. If you’re local to Stratford, CT I might have just caught you mid memory. Be on the lookout for me this year. I can’t wait to see more magic as it happens. Candid. Bold. Unforgettable.
This year’s Stratford Festival is on June 6, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. In Stratford, CT, Main Street, and is hosted by The Stratford Rotary Club.
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I’ll never forget when I delivered a gallery to a sweet mom, and she messaged me with: “These made me cry. I’ve never seen myself like this.” Cue my own little dance in my kitchen, don’t judge. That’s the magic of candid photography: seeing the moments you didn’t even know existed, the ones that show the love, the chaos, and the beautiful reality of motherhood.
Moms Are Always Behind the Camera
If you’re a mom, I bet your phone is bursting with photos of your kids: their first steps, their silly faces, their masterpiece crayon drawings on your walls. And let’s not forget the dozens of group shots at family events where everyone looks great… except, wait, where are you? Oh, right. You’re the one taking the picture. Moms are like the stealthy ninjas of family photography, always capturing the memories but rarely appearing in them. It’s almost as if we’re trying to make ourselves invisible. Um, excuse me!! Spoiler alert: we’re not.
But here’s the thing: Moms matter. You were there too. You did the bedtime stories, the epic pancake breakfasts, the dance parties in the living room. And someday, when your kids look back at those moments, they’ll want to see you there, too, smiling, laughing, and being the heart of their childhood.
Candid Photos: The Ultimate Love Letter to Yourself
When I photograph families, I always make it a point to turn the lens on moms. And not just the posed “hey, look over here and smile” kind of shots. I’m talking about the real, raw, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments. Like when your toddler grabs your face for a sloppy kiss or when you’re laughing so hard at your partner’s dad joke that you’ve got tears streaming down your face. Those are the moments that make you, you.
The beauty of candid photos is that they’re not about perfection. It’s not about having your hair perfectly curled or your kids sitting neatly in matching outfits (though props to you if you manage that). It’s about capturing the love, the chaos, and everything in between. It’s about giving yourself permission to exist in the frame with messy hair, yoga pants, and whatever mixed match socks you found closest by.
What Will Your Kids Remember?
When your kids grow up and flip through photo albums or scroll through your digital archives, they’re not going to care about whether you had makeup on or if the kitchen was spotless. They’ll care that you were there. They’ll care about seeing the way your eyes lit up when you looked at them, the way you held them close, and the way you made their world feel safe and full of love.
Imagine your grown-up daughter showing her own kids a picture of you laughing in the backyard, holding her as a toddler. She’ll say, “This is your grandma. She was always so full of life.” That’s the legacy of a candid photo: it’s not just a picture; it’s a memory, a story, a connection that transcends time.
Change the Narrative
Moms, this is your gentle nudge, no, your loving shove, to get in the frame. Be part of the memories. Let someone else hold the camera (or better yet, let me do it). Because you deserve to be seen, celebrated, and remembered just as much as everyone else in your family.
So, next time you book a photo session, don’t shy away from the camera. Embrace it. Laugh. Dance. Be unapologetically you. And when you see those photos, I hope you’ll tear up, as well, because you’ll see what everyone else sees: a mom who is bold, beautiful, and full of magic.
Every year, my dear friend (let’s call her the queen of fun) throws an epic “Field Day”—and I mean epic. Imagine a mashup of your family reunion, summer camp, and the Olympics, but with more laughter and slightly less coordination. This isn’t just a casual picnic with sandwiches and polite conversation. Oh no. This is tug-of-war, three-legged, and wheelbarrow races where the participants might not have their balance, but they sure have their dignity… well, most of it.
When she asked me to photograph the event, I jumped at the chance. First, I’d do anything for her because she’s my friend. Second, because events like these are my jam. Something about capturing people in their element—sweaty, laughing, mid-fall, or mid-victory lap—makes the photos feel alive. It’s the magic of real moments, where no one’s saying, “Okay, now tilt your chin slightly to the left.”
Field Day is the perfect reminder that not every photo session has to be cookie-cutter or full of posed smiles and perfectly coordinated outfits (although, shoutout to anyone who managed to wear matching team shirts this year—you’re the real MVPs). The beauty is in the chaos, in the moments that make you snort-laugh when you see them later. Like that one uncle who gave it his all in the sack race and wiped out so spectacularly that his glasses flew off… but hey, he stuck the landing with a smile. Or the spur of the moment rap battle.
That’s the thing about life: it’s messy, funny, and sometimes downright ridiculous. And when you look back at the photos years from now, those are the moments you’ll treasure. Not the stiff poses, but the candid laughs, the sweat-soaked hugs, the competitive streaks that turned your calm cousin into a sprinting blur.
Photographing Field Day was a masterclass in why I love what I do. It’s not about creating a perfect moment—it’s about recognizing that the moments we’re already living are perfect in their imperfection. It’s the kid double-fisting popsicles, the aunt who came out of retirement to dominate musical chairs, and the look on everyone’s faces when they finally sat down to eat after hours of friendly but ferocious competition.
So, if you’re thinking about capturing your own family traditions, let me just say this: Don’t stress about the poses. Don’t worry about everyone looking “just right.” The best photos come from simply being yourselves. And if that involves a little dirt, sweat, and your team breaking into a victory chant… even better.
Life isn’t staged, so why should your photos be?
And to my friend: thank you for letting me document the joy, the hilarity, and the slightly chaotic brilliance of Field Day. I’m already sharpening my camera skills for next year—because I know it’ll be bigger, better, and possibly include water balloons. Just saying.
As a mom and a family photographer, I get it. The idea of planning a family photoshoot can feel as daunting as getting your toddler to eat vegetables willingly (why are they so suspicious of broccoli, anyway?). One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to go for indoor or outdoor photography. Both have their charm, but the right choice depends on your family’s vibe, your goals for the session, and, let’s be honest, how much chaos you’re willing to wrangle that day.
Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each so you can make the best decision for your crew. (Spoiler alert: Either way, you’re in good hands.)
Indoor Photography: Cozy, Controlled, and Climate-Proof
The Pros: Indoor photography is like a warm hug on a rainy day. It’s comfortable, intimate, and perfect for those who don’t want to leave the house (introverts, I see you). It’s also ideal for families with young kids who might get overstimulated outdoors or during colder months when the idea of bundling everyone up sounds less than appealing.-
Weather? What’s that? Rain, snow, or a heatwave? Doesn’t matter. Your indoor session will go off without a hitch. No sweaty foreheads or wind-blown hair to worry about.
Personalized vibes: Want to showcase your family’s personality? Indoor shoots allow you to use your home as the backdrop, making the photos feel extra meaningful. Bonus: If your toddler refuses to part with their favorite blanket or stuffed llama, it can be part of the story.
Controlled environment: Indoor sessions keep distractions to a minimum. No squirrels stealing the show or curious onlookers peeking in on your moment.
The Cons: While indoor photography is amazing, it does come with a few limitations.
Space matters: If your home or indoor location is a little tight, it could limit the variety of shots. But don’t worry—I’m a pro at working with what’s available. (Seriously, I’ve turned the tiniest corners into magazine-worthy backdrops.)
Lighting challenges: Natural light indoors can be tricky, but that’s why I bring my trusty gear. My job is to make you and your family look amazing, no matter the lighting situation.
Outdoor Photography: Natural, Vibrant, and Freeing
The Pros: Outdoor photography is like a breath of fresh air—literally. It’s perfect for families who love nature and want to capture those candid, unfiltered moments.
Scenic backdrops: From golden-hour fields to colorful cityscapes, outdoor shoots offer endless possibilities. Nature just hits differently, doesn’t it?
Room to play: Got active kiddos who need to move? Outdoor sessions give them the space to run, jump, and be themselves. Bonus: those action shots are priceless.
Dynamic lighting: The sun is nature’s spotlight, and when used right, it can create some truly magical effects. (Don’t worry—I know how to avoid harsh shadows and squinty eyes.)
The Cons: Of course, even the great outdoors has its quirks.
Weather roulette: The weather doesn’t always play nice. But hey, a cloudy day can make for stunning photos, and if it rains? We’ll pivot, dance in the rain, (Umbrella photos, anyone?)
Unpredictable elements: Bugs, mud, and the occasional “hold on, is that a skunk?” moment can keep things interesting. I’ll always have a plan to work around Mother Nature’s curveballs.
Travel time: Depending on the location, getting everyone to the spot might require a bit more coordination. But trust me, it’s worth it.
So, What’s Right for Your Family?
The answer really depends on your goals and what feels right for your family’s unique dynamic.
Choose indoor if: You want a cozy, personal vibe, your home has a special meaning to your family, or you need a controlled environment for younger kids.
Choose outdoor if: You’re looking for vibrant, dynamic photos, you want a variety of natural backdrops, or your kids thrive in open spaces.
Why Not Both?
Here’s a wild idea: Why choose? I’ve done sessions that start with cozy indoor shots and end with playful outdoor photos. It’s the best of both worlds and tells a complete story of your family’s life.
Let’s Make Magic Together
No matter what you choose, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My job isn’t just to snap photos—it’s to help you feel confident, relaxed, and genuinely excited about capturing these moments. So, whether we’re hanging out in your living room or chasing the sunset in a park, I promise your photos will be nothing short of unforgettable.
Ready to book your session? Let’s chat and create something amazing together.
