Three of the Best Connecticut Photo Locations for Family Photos

Here are a few of my favorite locations for family lifestyle photography in Connecticut, in no particular order.

We are very fortunate to live in a state with so many gorgeous locations that are accessible and open to the public.

As a family photographer in Connecticut for the past 10 years, I’ve developed some idea of what works and what doesn’t for everyone to be comfortable during their family photo sessions.

These are some of my go-to locations for fun and most of all, stress-free, family photo sessions. They are all safe, open to the public, and have tons of options for fabulous photos, and fun.

Waveny Park, New Canaan

The park’s centerpiece is a huge stone house built in 1912. It is surrounded by 300 acres of fields, ponds, trails. Directly around the house are well-maintained and elegantly designed gardens that are the perfect backdrop for family photos. The architect for the structure was William Tubby. Landscape design for the original residence was by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr.

There are so many great areas to photograph here, and families have a wonderful time exploring and playing in all of the spaces. If you want bricks and paths or informal meadows, Waveny Park has it all.

It’s also a hugely popular destination for weddings, so keep that in mind for weekends, especially in the spring. There is so much space at Waveny, it’s easy to avoid the wedding scene and find a special spot of your own for your photo session.

Weir Farm, Wilton

Weir Farm is a National Historic Site set in the backroads of Wilton. As the website says, Weir Farm: “… preserves the life and work of Julian (J.) Alden Weir, a leading figure in the American Impressionist movement. The home, studios, and a significant portion of the landscape remain largely intact as one of the nation’s finest remaining landscapes of American art. The park continues to be a source of inspiration for artists and visitors to carry on this artistic tradition.”

It’s well worth the drive, as there is so much to explore on this property. There are several different gardens, including a “Secret Garden” that kids of all ages love.

All of the areas have special appeal to photographers, but since it is a National Historic Site, it is protected by the U. S. Park Service. Therefore, anyone filming on the property is required to purchase a permit from the Park Service before using the grounds for any for-profit activity—including family photographers.

Silver Sands State Park, Milford

Sure, Silver Sands is an awesome beach, like most beaches in Connecticut. But, more importantly for family photo sessions, it’s open to anyone, from anywhere.

Unlike most beaches in Connecticut, you don’t have to be a resident of Milford, or pay a huge entrance fee to visit. That’s why it’s perfect for large families who are coming from all over to meet up for their photo session.

That’s right, as of 2019, it’s free to visit and to park. All of its sandy beaches, boardwalks, and seashells are there for everyone to enjoy and photograph. Over a half mile of shoreline and three quarters of a mile of all-weather boardwalk make this a popular four-season waterfront destination.

It may not have all the amenities that other public beaches have, but that’s what make it great for family photos. The crowds are much smaller, and you can often find wide open swaths of beach that make it a perfect photo destination.

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Need info on family lifestyle photography in Connecticut?

Take look through the Family Photo Guide which has the low-down on pricing, products, packages.

Check out stories of other families who chose Kim as their Connecticut Family Photographer.

Or, send Kim and email to ask a question or reserve your date.