photographykelli deasekd
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photographykelli deasekd

Simsbury Family Photographer

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

  • Mother posing with her young sons in a sunlit field during an outdoor family session with Simsbury family photographer Kelli Dease
  • a baby girl dressed in a hooded cream sweater, biting on a toy, during a milestone photo session with Connecticut photographer Kelli Dease
  • Older brother leaning over his newborn sibling on a white backdrop during a studio newborn session
  • A family of 5 standing together among green trees during an outdoor family session near Simsbury, CT, with Kelli Dease Photography.
  • Sleeping newborn stretching both arms overhead, wrapped in white, at Kelli Dease Photography's studio
  • Dark-haired newborn sleeping with hands tucked under the chin, swaddled in white, during a Simsbury area newborn session

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!

Explore Our Services

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.

Book an outdoor session
  • Mother and young son sitting together on a white chair in a tall grassy field during an outdoor family session in West Simsbury, CT, with Kelli Dease Photography.
  • Black and white photo of a mother holding her baby outdoors among the trees during a West Simsbury family session with Kelli Dease Photography.
  • Two sisters in blue dresses standing together among green trees during an outdoor family session near Simsbury, CT, with Kelli Dease Photography.
  • two teen girls in flowing white dresses holding hands in an open field at sunset during a West Simsbury family session with Kelli Dease Photography.
  • Toddler girl in a white dress sitting in a sunlit grassy field during an outdoor session in West Simsbury, CT, with Kelli Dease Photography.
  • Close-up profile of a baby in a cream knit outfit during a studio milestone session at Kelli Dease Photography in Farmington, CT.
  • Smiling young girl in a pink cardigan during a studio children's portrait session at Kelli Dease Photography in Farmington, CT.
  • Baby in an oatmeal knit sweater sitting against a soft white backdrop during a studio milestone session at Kelli Dease Photography in Farmington, CT.
  • Parents dressed in white holding their newborn against a soft white backdrop during a studio newborn session at Kelli Dease Photography in Farmington, CT.
  • Baby girl in a white tutu sitting in profile against a bright white backdrop during a studio milestone session at Kelli Dease Photography in Farmington, CT.
  • Young girl in a white sweater sitting on a modern white chair against a bright backdrop during a studio children's portrait session at Kelli Dease Photography in Farmington, CT.

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.

Book a studio session

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.

  • Linen keepsake album with a small inset cover photo and a sprig of baby's breath, one of the heirloom album options offered by Kelli Dease Photography.
  • a gold garment rack in a Connecticut photo studio with wood floors and flowing white curtains, with soft window light coming in. On the garment rack are neutrally colored dresses for a maternity photo session.
  • Bright newborn and family photography studio at Kelli Dease Photography in Farmington, CT, with a white backdrop, softbox lighting, and tall curtained windows.
  • Stack of matted fine art prints on a marble table with a coffee mug, part of the heirloom product line from Kelli Dease Photography.
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.

Book a headshot session

How a photo session works

01

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.

Explore our sessions

02

Choose your package

Packages differ by time, images, and group size.

Every package includes digital files, editing, styling help, and planning support.

Explore our packages

03

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.

Get in touch

04

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.

View our products

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.

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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.

An icon representing a mother holding an infant child

years of experience

With nearly two decades of experience and hundreds of families photographed, I know how to capture authentic moments effortlessly.

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Timeless, Natural Style

My photography is clean, classic, and free of trendy edits, ensuring your images look just as beautiful years from now.

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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.

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FULLY CURATED experience

From access to a thoughtfully curated client wardrobe to expert styling guidance, I take care of all the details for you.

An icon representing Kelli Dease Photography's Farmington, Connecticut photo studio

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

An icon representing the five-star reviews that Kelli Dease Photography has received on Google

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.

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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

An entryway in a home showing a wall collage of four family photos taken by Kelli Dease in Farmington, Connecticut
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. Complimentary design service guides you through choosing images, finishes, and sizes, so the process feels simple and tailored to your home.

View frames and albums
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 stay with that same photographer as baby hits each milestone, from newborn to sitter to first birthday. The First Year Membership is a flexible package that lets you choose the milestones that matter most to your family while you earn increasing savings along the way.

Explore the membership

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

Christmas prep has officially taken over the studio (and most of my brain).

The November newsletter went out this morning with links to the last few holiday and Santa sessions. Not on the mailing list? Don’t worry, you can still grab a spot through the link in my bio.

Holiday sessions kick off this Sunday, with dates scattered through November. Santa will be in the studio November 21st and 22nd.

Grab a date before your November gets away from you. Ask me how I know.

#christmasminisct #santaphotosct #holidayphotosct

Open post by kellidease with ID 18110041102942121
Christmas prep has officially taken over the studio (and most of my brain). The November newsletter went out this morning with links to the last few holiday and Santa sessions. Not on the mailing list? Don’t worry, you can still grab a spot through the link in my bio. Holiday sessions kick off this Sunday, with dates scattered through November. Santa will be in the studio November 21st and 22nd. Grab a date before your November gets away from you. Ask me how I know. #christmasminisct #santaphotosct #holidayphotosct

🌲🎅 Christmas is coming to the studio! Just a few spots left for Santa and Holiday Minis. Link in bio.

Open post by kellidease with ID 17912555106539377
🌲🎅 Christmas is coming to the studio! Just a few spots left for Santa and Holiday Minis. Link in bio.

“Santa sessions are probably not worth it because I’m pretty sure my child will cry.”

You’re wrong. And you’re right. I won’t lie to you, some of them cry. But these sessions are as much about the tradition as they are about the pictures, and the kid who wants nothing to do with Santa will eventually grow to love him, and that part of the story is absolutely worth documenting.

This is not your mall Santa experience. For starters, he looks like the real thing. For another, each child gets him all to themselves.

No line, no crowd behind you, just your kids and Santa having whatever conversation they decide to have. Some whisper a wish list, some arrive brandishing the Target toy catalog with a sleigh full of toys circled, and some stop five feet away and decide they aren’t quite sure about this whole thing after all.

I sit back and photograph whatever unfolds, and you leave with card-worthy photos of the moment (tears included, if that’s how it goes). Long after your child stops believing, they’ll still remember what it felt like to sit on Santa’s lap and be completely sure.

These become the tradition you look forward to every November, long after the wish lists get a lot more expensive and the belief gets a lot quieter.

Open post by kellidease with ID 17938463694395349
“Santa sessions are probably not worth it because I’m pretty sure my child will cry.” You’re wrong. And you’re right. I won’t lie to you, some of them cry. But these sessions are as much about the tradition as they are about the pictures, and the kid who wants nothing to do with Santa will eventually grow to love him, and that part of the story is absolutely worth documenting. This is not your mall Santa experience. For starters, he looks like the real thing. For another, each child gets him all to themselves. No line, no crowd behind you, just your kids and Santa having whatever conversation they decide to have. Some whisper a wish list, some arrive brandishing the Target toy catalog with a sleigh full of toys circled, and some stop five feet away and decide they aren’t quite sure about this whole thing after all. I sit back and photograph whatever unfolds, and you leave with card-worthy photos of the moment (tears included, if that’s how it goes). Long after your child stops believing, they’ll still remember what it felt like to sit on Santa’s lap and be completely sure. These become the tradition you look forward to every November, long after the wish lists get a lot more expensive and the belief gets a lot quieter.

The wait is over! Booking is officially open for Santa minis and in-studio holiday minis.
Head to my website to grab your spot. Link in bio.

Open post by kellidease with ID 18117833443944188
The wait is over! Booking is officially open for Santa minis and in-studio holiday minis. Head to my website to grab your spot. Link in bio.

A little peek at what I’m envisioning for this year’s setup for holiday and Santa sessions. 🎄

The setup is a bit of an ongoing process, and I’m usually tweaking, rearranging and adding little details right up until a week or two before sessions begin. So while this mood board gives you a glimpse of the vision, the final setup may change a bit.

What won’t change is the overall feel: simple, cozy, classic and just the right amount of Christmas. This should give you a pretty good idea of the colors, textures and aesthetic I’m going for this year.

Holiday and Santa sessions go on sale Monday, September 28th! VIP List signup in my bio.

Open post by kellidease with ID 18121556590854515
A little peek at what I’m envisioning for this year’s setup for holiday and Santa sessions. 🎄 The setup is a bit of an ongoing process, and I’m usually tweaking, rearranging and adding little details right up until a week or two before sessions begin. So while this mood board gives you a glimpse of the vision, the final setup may change a bit. What won’t change is the overall feel: simple, cozy, classic and just the right amount of Christmas. This should give you a pretty good idea of the colors, textures and aesthetic I’m going for this year. Holiday and Santa sessions go on sale Monday, September 28th! VIP List signup in my bio.
based in farmington, ct

Easy to get to from West Hartford, Avon, Simsbury, Canton, Burlington, Plainville, Bristol, New Britain, Granby, and across Hartford County.

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29 Mill Street
Unionville, CT
(203) 230-0941logo for kelli dease photography studio in farmington connecticut
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