now booking christmas mini sessions
Connecticut's top maternity, newborn, baby, and family photography studio
since 2008
I’m so glad you’re here! Kelli Dease Photography is a premier maternity, newborn, baby, children’s, and family photography studio based in Farmington, Connecticut. As one of the top-rated family photographers in Connecticut, I work with families throughout Hartford County, including West Hartford , Avon, Simsbury, and Canton, to create timeless, light-filled portraits that capture the fleeting beauty of childhood and family life.
With over seventeen years of experience, I’ve built a reputation for providing a stress-free, relaxed portrait experience and delivering heirloom-quality artwork that my clients cherish for a lifetime. From glowing maternity sessions to intimate newborn portraits and joyful family photography, my goal is to create natural, emotive images that truly reflect your family’s love and connection.
Thank you for visiting! I look forward to helping you document this special season of life.
now booking | santa photos and christmas photos
Santa and Christmas mini photo sessions here and they’re always the highlight of the season!
Santa Minis
Saturday, November 22nd
Sunday, November 23rd
holiday Minis
Saturday, November 8th
Saturday, November 15th
Friday, November 28th
Saturday, November 29th
Santa Minis
KDP Studio, 29 Mill Street, Unionville, CT
meet kelli
I’m Kelli, a newborn and family photographer based in Farmington, Connecticut. For more than 17 years, I’ve been photographing growing families, from tiny newborns to busy toddlers, school-aged kids, and beyond. I also offer professional headshots for parents and professionals who want to put their best face forward.
Whether we’re in my beautiful Farmington studio or outdoors in the fresh air, my goal is always the same: to make you feel comfortable, give you a stress-free experience, and deliver images you’ll fall in love with again and again. Every session includes access to my curated wardrobe, personalized styling, and a detailed session guide, so all the hard parts are covered before you even step in front of the camera.
From your baby’s earliest days to milestone moments with your children, or simply a season of family life you don’t want to forget, I’m here to capture portraits that feel natural, timeless, and full of heart.
why choose me?
years of experience
With over a decade of experience and hundreds of families photographed, I know how to capture authentic moments effortlessly.
Timeless, Natural Style
My photography is clean, classic, and free of trendy edits, ensuring your images look just as beautiful years from now.
excellent communication
From the first inquiry to the final delivery of your images, I respond promptly, answer all your questions, and make sure you feel supported every step of the way.
FULLY CURATED experience
From access to a thoughtfully curated client wardrobe to expert styling guidance, I take care of all the details for you.
Professional Studio Setting
My Farmington, CT studio provides a comfortable, light-filled space perfect for capturing your family's milestones.
Consistent, High-Quality Work
Unlike many photographers who come and go, I’ve built a trusted brand with a reputation for excellence and client satisfaction.
kelli dease | connecticut newborn and family photographer
Welcome! I’m so glad you found me.
If you’re here, chances are you’re looking for a photographer who can make the experience feel easy while delivering photos you’ll truly love. That’s exactly what I do. With over 17 years of experience and a studio right in the heart of the Unionville section of Farmington, I specialize in capturing all the stages of childhood and family life, including maternity portraits , newborns , babies , children , families , and professional headshots in a way that feels natural, timeless, and stress-free.
Every session includes access to my client wardrobe, styling help, and a detailed session guide, so you can relax and simply enjoy the moment while I take care of the rest.
Now let’s talk about the kind of session that’s right for you…
Milestones Made Easy
My Farmington studio is designed with comfort and convenience in mind, so you can relax while I capture life’s most meaningful milestones. Whether it’s maternity portraits , your baby’s first days , a six-month sitter session , a cake smash , a birthday celebration , or classic children’s portraits , you’ll have everything you need to feel prepared. All you need to do is enjoy your little one while I take care of the details.
natural outdoor Images
If you love the look of natural light and a relaxed setting, outdoor portraits are a beautiful option. These sessions are perfect for maternity photos or children and family photos , with plenty of room for kids to play and parents to unwind. Think less posing, more laughing and playing together. I’ll make sure the real moments are the ones that shine.
Confidence Without the Stress
Professional headshots don’t have to feel stiff or overwhelming. My goal is to help you look confident, approachable, and polished while keeping the process simple and efficient. Whether you need updated images for work, LinkedIn, or personal branding, we’ll create professional portraits that make a lasting impression.
how a photo session works
1.
choose your session type
Session types include maternity, newborn, baby, milestone, birthday, family, and headshots.
Sessions can be in my Farmington studio, or outdoors in Simsbury or a favorite spot of your own.
2.
Choose your Package
Packages differ by time, images, and group size.
Every package includes digital files, editing, styling help, and planning support.
3.
Book Your Session
Book online or fill out the contact form and I’ll reply within 24 hours. Secure your spot with a contract and deposit, then get your session guide.
4.
After Your Session
Your hand-edited images will be delivered via an online gallery.
Optionally order prints, albums, or frames, or book a free design appointment to create keepsakes.
Questions?
Just fill out the form below!
my approach to newborn and family photos
When I photograph your family, I’m not just aiming for pretty pictures. I’m looking for the in-between moments. The spontaneous giggle, the little hand-hold, the way your child nuzzles into your neck. Those are the things I want you to remember when you look back at your images.
I’ll guide you into flattering poses, but I won’t leave you standing frozen in front of the camera. I encourage movement, laughter, and interaction so your photos feel alive and natural. Every session flows differently, and that’s exactly how it should be.
My sessions are designed to feel easy and enjoyable. You don’t need to worry about being perfect or having everything just right. I’ll take care of the details so you can focus on simply being with the people you love.
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what clients are saying
Don’t just take my word for it - over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of families across Connecticut, capturing their most cherished milestones. My clients appreciate the warm, professional atmosphere I provide and the beautifully crafted images that stand the test of time. They value my attention to detail, patience with little ones, and ability to create a relaxed, enjoyable session experience.
Whether you’re looking for an experienced newborn photographer, a baby milestone session, or timeless family portraits, you can trust that you’re in good hands. See what families have to say about their experience with Kelli Dease Photography!
wonderful
I did a lot of research before choosing Kelli and am 100% confident in that choice. She's a genuinely good person with great communication, responsiveness, work ethic, and integrity. She is flexible and easy to work with, detail-oriented, and really well put together.
- Amy
Breathtaking Images
Kelli is the baby whisperer. She has such a gentle, peaceful way of getting the babies to sleep and arranging their little hands and feet into adorable poses.
- Kelly
Amazing
What she does with newborns is nothing short of amazing. You cannot recreate it! Kelli is so incredibly easy and fun to work with from the booking process, through the actual photoshoot, and all the way to purchasing.
- Mallory
Connecticut Family + Newborn Photography bloG
WHAT'S NEW ON SOCIAL
@KELLIDEASE
🎅✨🎄Fall has wrapped up and we’re moving on to Christmas! I’ve been busy getting the studio ready for Santa and Holiday minis. Here’s a little sneak peek at this year’s setup. It’s not quite finished (I may have forgotten to buy ornament hooks among other things 🤦♀️), but it’s already feeling festive.
A few spots are still open for Santa sessions and Holiday Minis. More information (and hopefully a peek at the finished product) to come in the November newsletter, so make sure you’re signed up!
All links can be found in my bio.
#holidayphotos #christmasminis #santaphotos #familyphotography #ctphotographer #connecticutphotographer
Christmas is coming to the studio soon! Technically, it’s still on a delivery truck somewhere in the Northeast at the moment. If all goes according to plan, this year’s set will be ready next week - just in time for its big reveal in the November newsletter. Have you signed up yet (links in bio)? You should! For a Christmas mini and the newsletter. 😉
Now, on to the question everyone asks right after booking: What should we wear? I’ll dive into all the details in the newsletter, but here’s the short version - you can’t go wrong with neutrals. If you want something more festive, add a touch of Christmas color or a little sparkle.
Once you’re signed up, you’ll get access to my Pinterest board filled with outfit ideas. You’ll find all of these looks and plenty more, whether you want to shop my picks or just use them as inspiration.
There’s always something to celebrate… especially when cake is involved. 🎂
It’s been absolutely bananas around here (as it always is this time of year). Outdoor sessions are officially booked solid, but if you’re not on the waitlist, don’t worry! There are still some in-studio options open!
We’ve got just a few Santa spots left, along with limited family holiday minis. And of course, we can always make room for maternity, newborn, birthday, or any other milestone you’d like to celebrate with photos.
You can check availability and book directly through the link on my website or in my profile. If you don’t see a date that works for you, please contact the studio. We’re happy to help you find a time that fits.
Every year, I’m blown away by how many families make Santa sessions part of their holiday tradition. Watching the kids grow up in these photos is the best part! Same Santa, same magic, but the kids get a little taller and a lot braver every year.
I’ve worked with the same Santa for ten years now, and the kids light up the moment they see him. For some, it’s their very first visit. For others, it’s the highlight of their holiday season. Either way, it’s never too late to start your own tradition.
Santa will be in the studio on November 22nd and 23rd, and there are still a few spots left.
Not into Santa photos? We also offer family minis in the studio throughout November.
Sign up on my website or use the link in my bio.
#santaphotos #christmasphotos #farmingtonctphotographer #holidayphotos #santaminisessions #christmasphotoshoot #ctphotographer
It’s been a whirlwind of a month filled with shoots (and thankfully, perfect weather!). Fall has felt more like summer so far, and I’m not complaining. I’ll be out of the office from October 9th to 13th for a little R&R to recharge before diving back in for the busy season ahead.
New Canaan and Litchfield sessions are officially sold out, but there are still a few October dates left for Simsbury. Grab one before they’re gone! Christmas and Santa minis are also booking now.
You can book your spot or get all the details right on my website. All links are in my bio.
🎄🎅🏻 NOW BOOKING 🎅🏻🎄
Holiday sessions are here!
Booking is open for our Santa Minis and in-studio Holiday Minis.
Swipe through to see which option is the best for your family, and then use the link in my bio to grab your spot!
https://linktr.ee/kellidease
🎅 Smile! Christmas Photos Are Almost Here! 🎄
BOOKING BEGINS: Wednesday, October 1st at 10 AM
CHOOSE BETWEEN: Santa Mini Sessions and In-Studio Holiday Mini Sessions
🎅 Santa Sessions
Dates: Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23
These are sweet, storybook-style sessions where each child gets time to chat with Santa, tell him their wishlist, and share a few smiles. We`ll capture the candid moments and traditional portraits.
Want to WIN A FREE SESSION before booking opens? Our annual giveaway runs through Monday, September 29th.
To enter, click the link in my bio.
🎄 In-Studio Holiday Mini Sessions
Quick and festive In-Studio Holiday Mini Sessions, perfect for holiday cards and updated portraits without needing to bundle everyone up and head outdoors. No elaborate setups, just beautifully styled, timeless photos in a cozy indoor setting.
Session Dates:
Saturday, November 8
Saturday, November 15
Friday, November 28 (day after Thanksgiving)
Saturday, November 29
🎅🏻 THE SANTA SESSION GIVEAWAY IS HERE 🎅🏻
Santa booking doesn`t go live until Wednesday, October 1st, but NOW is your chance to WIN A FREE SESSION before booking opens!
Capture the joy and excitement (or maybe even the tears) as your child meets Santa in a one-on-one setting in our cozy Farmington studio.
Click the link in my bio or go to https://kellidease.myflodesk.com/2025-santa-giveaway to enter.
Santa sessions will be held in our Unionville Studio on November 22nd and 23rd beginning at 9 AM.
The winner will receive:
- a five-minute meeting with Santa
- his/her choice of 4 digital images
A winner will be drawn at random and announced on Tuesday, September 30th.
I always get a lot of questions about what the set will look like for Santa and Christmas minis, and whether it’s the same as last year. It changes every year, and I start fresh once the stores begin rolling out their holiday decor. That means the full setup usually doesn’t come together until early November.
What I can promise is that the final look will stay true to my style: subtle, simple, and timeless. While not every piece has been purchased yet, I already have a vision in mind. This moodboard gives you a peek at what to expect so you can start planning outfits and holiday cards with confidence.
Think cozy neutrals, soft textures, and a touch of greenery. Nothing over the top, just a warm, classic space for your family’s holiday memories.
FIND US
based in farmington, ct
easy to get to from avon, simsbury, west hartford, and surrounding towns
