Simsbury Family Photographer

Timeless studio and outdoor portraits for Simsbury and the surrounding Farmington Valley

Welcome!

If you're looking for a Simsbury family photographer, you're in the right place! I photograph newborns, maternity, and growing families for clients across Simsbury and the surrounding Farmington Valley, in a style that stays clean, neutral, and quiet. Nothing trendy, nothing that competes with your baby for attention.

 

My Farmington studio is about a 20-minute drive from Simsbury, which is where newborn sessions happen. The studio gives me full control over lighting and temperature, both of which matter a lot for a calm newborn session. For maternity and family sessions, you can choose the studio or head outdoors to my favorite open field in West Simsbury during the warmer months.

 

Wherever we shoot, you get the same calm, guided experience and the same neutral, timeless editing, so your images still look right hanging on the wall ten years from now.

 

Thanks for visiting. I can't wait to work with your family!

Outdoor Family and Maternity Sessions in West Simsbury

A lot of Connecticut photographers shoot at the same handful of popular parks, which means you can show up for your session and find several other shoots happening at once. The spot I use in West Simsbury is different. It's quiet, open, and mostly known to locals out walking or hiking, so your session feels unhurried and private instead of crowded.

 

The field gives us a few different looks in one spot: tall grasses, wide open space, and a line of trees and brush at the edge. It also shifts through the year. June and July are lush and green, the wildflowers bloom in late August and early September, and everything turns golden as we move into fall.

 

The field works beautifully for maternity sessions and family sessions from spring through fall. It's an easy, natural setting for clients in the towns right around it, including Farmington, West Hartford, Avon, Canton, Granby, and Bloomfield.

 

Simsbury is centrally located and easy to reach from West Hartford, Avon, Farmington, and Canton, so most families drive straight to the field instead of meeting at the studio. If you're coming from farther out, we'll find a spot that works better for you, or you're always welcome at the studio.

Studio Maternity, Newborn, and Milestone Sessions

Some sessions are simply better indoors. Newborn sessions are always photographed at the Farmington studio, where I can keep the room warm and the light consistent while your baby sleeps. The studio is also home to milestone and baby sessions, first birthday and cake smash sessions, and children's portraits as your family grows.

 

Every session includes complimentary use of the studio wardrobe and personalized styling help before we shoot, so you walk in prepared instead of stressed. If you want a full walkthrough first, this guide to studio newborn photography covers everything from timing to what to expect.

What to Expect

Booking is simple. When you inquire, just let me know a little about your family and what you're looking for. After we've chosen a session date, I send a planning questionnaire and a session guide. All clients have access to the studio wardrobe so you can make outfit choices ahead of time. I give plenty of posing and direction during the session, so you're never left wondering what to do.

 

After your session, your gallery is ready within a week. From there, you can add framed prints, wall art, or an album through a complimentary design appointment.

a professional corporate headshot of a blonde woman wearing a white sweater, taken against a white backdrop by Connecticut headshot photographer Kelli dease

Headshots for Simsbury Professionals

Need an updated photo for LinkedIn, your company site, or personal branding? Professional headshots at my studio are quick, efficient, and a lot less painful than you're expecting. You'll leave with images that look confident and approachable, not stiff.

 

Headshot sessions take place in my Farmington studio and run about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll review your images on-site before you leave and choose your favorite. Your finished photo is retouched and ready within 1 to 2 days, sized for both digital and print use.

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.

meet kelli

I'm Kelli. I've been photographing growing families here in Farmington, Connecticut for nearly two decades, 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.

Kelli Dease photographed in her Farmington, Connecticut portrait studio

why choose me?

Simsbury has no shortage of photographers. Here's what makes this studio different.

years of experience

With nearly two decades 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.

Outdoor and Studio Options

My Farmington, CT studio provides a comfortable space perfect for capturing your family's milestones. The West Simsbury field is a quiet spot for outdoor photos that most people don't know about

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.

What Simsbury Families are Saying

Kelli was absolutely wonderful to work with and the pictures for my family session turned out better than I could have imagined!

she was able to get some truly incredible shots that I’ll cherish forever. Her studio is beautiful and easy to get to. Kelli was friendly, professional and truly the fastest turnaround time I’ve ever experienced- she sent me my edited picture gallery lightening fast.

Emily

Beyond Digital Files

Heirloom Artwork for Your Home

Your images deserve more than a folder on your phone. I offer a complete line of custom heirloom artwork, including beautifully framed pieces, fine art prints, and luxury albums created to be held, displayed, and passed down. From selecting the right images to choosing finishes and sizes, I provide complimentary design service to guide you every step of the way, so the process feels simple and tailored to your home.

framed print from an outdoor family photo shoot hanging on a wall in a modern home
photos from a baby's first year photo package displayed on a tabletop

capturing every milestone

the first year membership

Your baby's first year moves quickly, and most parents don't want to miss a thing. Many parents start by finding a Connecticut maternity photographer and then sticking with that same photographer as baby hits each milestone, from newborn to sitter to first birthday. The images come together as one complete story by the end of the year. That's exactly what the First Year Membership is built for: a flexible package that lets you choose the milestones that matter most to your family while you earn increasing savings along the way.

Simsbury Photography FAQs

Where in Simsbury do you photograph?

Outdoor maternity and family sessions take place at a quiet open field in West Simsbury during the warmer months. Newborn, milestone, and indoor sessions are photographed at my Farmington studio, about 20 minutes away.

How far is your studio from Simsbury?

About a 20-minute drive. The studio is in Farmington (Unionville), which is easy to reach from Simsbury and the surrounding Farmington Valley towns.

Do you photograph newborns in Simsbury?

Newborn sessions are always done at the Farmington studio, where I can control the lighting and keep the room warm and comfortable for your baby. It’s a short drive from Simsbury. Here’s what to expect from a studio newborn session.

Can we do maternity or family photos outdoors near Simsbury?

Yes. The West Simsbury field is a favorite for maternity and family sessions from spring through fall. It stays quiet and uncrowded, so your session doesn’t feel rushed.

Which towns do you serve from the Simsbury location?

The field is most convenient for families in Farmington, West Hartford, Avon, Canton, Granby, and Bloomfield. If you’re farther out, we’ll find a location that works better for you, or you’re always welcome at the studio.

How much does a photo session cost?

Pricing depends on the session type and whether you choose a single session or the First Year Membership. You’ll find full details on the maternity, newborn, and family session pages, and on the First Year Membership page.

 

BOOK your session

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@KELLIDEASE

Fall sessions are here… aannnd they’re also almost gone. 🍂

Late summer in Connecticut is beautiful too, and if you’re not married to the idea of peak fall foliage, don’t overlook September. The warmer weather means happier little ones, easier bedtimes, and plenty of beautiful greenery for your family photos. Honestly, there’s a lot to love about a late-summer family session.

If you have your heart set on fall, just keep in mind that peak fall color comes and goes pretty quickly in Connecticut, and every family is clamoring for that perfect golden backdrop when the colors are still bold and the temps are still comfortable. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that window is only a couple of weeks long, and everyone wants it.

As a Connecticut family photographer, I see the same thing happen every year: those prime fall dates disappear FAST.

August is SOLD OUT. September and October weekdays are still somewhat open, but they’re going quickly. So if you can swing a weekday, you’ll have more options.

As far as weekend dates go, here’s where things stand:

📍 Simsbury: 2 weekend spots left
• 1 in September
• 1 in October

📍 Litchfield: 1 weekend spot left
• October

📍 New Canaan: 1 weekend spot left (Petite session only)
• September

Pricing and session details are on my website and at the link in my bio.

Ready to book your Connecticut family photography session? Reach out and let’s get you on the calendar. 🍁
It’s all fun and games until the session ends and the cleanup begins. 

This is the part you never see. The final gallery is calm and sleepy and serene, but behind the scenes ... yeah, not so much. There are new spaces to be explored, and new toys to be played with, and I’m somewhere in the middle of it all shushing and swaddling a baby. 

Then everyone settles, the baby drifts off, and I get the photos that looks like none of it ever happened. That’s just the process. The mess is mine to handle, which is the beauty of coming to the studio. You sit back, relax, and pretend we’re hanging out in your living room, except you didn’t have to clean the house before I show up or after I leave.

Expecting? Fall is my busiest stretch and newborn spots go fast, so if you’re due this season, don’t wait to book. Send me a DM or grab the link in bio and let’s get you on the calendar.

#ctnewbornphotographer #connecticutnewbornphotographer #connecticutphotographer
When I found this space back in 2015, it was basically a blank slate. Which, depending on your personality, is either incredibly exciting or mildly terrifying. 😅

I saw the potential to build something from the ground up. Not just a photography studio, but a place where families could walk in, exhale, and know everything was already taken care of.

Over the years, every corner has been designed with real families in mind.

🤍 A cozy, peaceful space for newborn sessions.
🤍 A kid-friendly studio where little ones can play, explore, and just be themselves.
🤍 A spot to relax while your professional hair and makeup are done.
🤍 A carefully curated client wardrobe so there’s one less thing to stress about.
🤍 A studio that grows with your family, from maternity to newborn, birthdays, family portraits, and everything in between.

Seeing these before-and-after photos reminds me how grateful I am that this little dream became reality. But even more than the walls, the furniture, or the décor, my favorite part has always been filling this room with families making memories together.

If it’s time for your next milestone, whether you’re expecting your first baby, celebrating a first birthday, updating your family photos, or simply realizing it’s been way too long, I’d love to welcome you into the studio.

📍Farmington, CT | Newborn, baby, child, and family photographer

Send me a message or tap the link in my bio to book your next session.
Just a boy, his bestie, and some birthday cake. 🐶🎂

Milo happily joined his little brother for a few photos, but let’s be honest... he was really holding out for the post-cake cleanup assignment.

One of my favorite things about studio cake smash sessions is making them personal. If your little one’s furry best friend is part of the family, they’re always welcome to join in for a few photos before the cake. And afterward? Well, they’re usually more than happy to help me clean up the crumbs and frosting.

Every first birthday is different, and your session should be too. Whether you’re dreaming of a simple, timeless setup or something that reflects your child’s personality, we’ll create a fun, relaxed experience that celebrates this milestone and captures all the giggles, curiosity, and frosting-covered smiles.

If you’re looking for a Connecticut cake smash photographer or a first birthday photographer near Farmington, CT, I’d love to help you celebrate your little one’s big day.

Save this post if you have a first birthday coming up, and reach out early. Cake smash sessions are best booked several weeks in advance!

#CakeSmashPhotography #FirstBirthdayPhotos #ConnecticutPhotographer
I still haven’t found it. 👀

Running a photography business? Love it.

Photographing newborns, families, and babies? My favorite.

Pointing a camera at myself, thinking of Reel ideas, remembering to film B-roll, editing videos, writing captions, and trying to convince the algorithm I’m interesting? Well... let’s just say that must’ve been hidden somewhere in the fine print.

Some photographers seem to wake up with a month’s worth of content ideas before breakfast. I, on the other hand, spend an embarrassing amount of time staring at my phone and wondering if anyone really needs another video of me fumbling my way through a Q&A.

The good news? I may never win “Content Creator of the Year,” but I do know how to create beautiful, timeless images for the families who trust me with their biggest milestones. I’ll take a camera over trending audio any day.

If you’re looking for a Connecticut newborn photographer, maternity photographer, or family photographer who is much better behind the camera than in front of it... I’m your girl.

#ConnecticutPhotographer #ConnecticutNewbornPhotographer #CTMaternityPhotography
Oh, stop. But also… don’t. 😂

Humbled. Flattered. So grateful every single time one of those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google reviews pops up.

If you’ve been looking for a newborn photographer in Connecticut, family photographer in Connecticut, or a photographer who can somehow get toddlers to cooperate for at least three consecutive minutes, I’d love to help. My goal is always to create a relaxed experience and timeless photos your family will actually want to display, not just leave on your phone.

To every family who’s trusted me with your maternity, newborn, baby, and family portraits, and then taken the time to leave a review: thank you. Your kind words mean more than you know, and they help other Connecticut families feel confident choosing the right photographer for their own memories. ❤️
Not all decisions are created equal.

Some involve misplaced faith in your friends and their camera skills. Others involve someone who knows how to find light, manage chaos, and still get everyone looking at the camera at the same time.

If you’re looking for a Connecticut photographer for family, maternity, newborn, or milestone sessions, I’ll handle the details so your photos feel a little less like a gamble and a little more like magic.

FIND US

based in farmington, ct

easy to get to from avon, simsbury, west hartford, and surrounding towns

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