West Hartford Family Photographer

since 2008

Welcome!

I'm so glad you're here! Kelli Dease Photography is a full-service portrait studio 20 minutes from West Hartford, Connecticut. As a West Hartford family photographer, I specialize in maternity, newborn, baby, children's, and family portraits for busy families throughout Hartford County.

 

Since 2008, I've built a reputation for timeless, light-filled portraits and a relaxed, stress-free experience. My approach is simple: natural, emotive images that reflect your family's connection, without stiff posing or trendy edits that will look dated in five years.

 

From maternity and newborn portraits to yearly family photos, I'm here to make the process easy and deliver heirloom-quality artwork you'll be proud to hang in your home.

 

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

A West Hartford Family Photographer for Every Stage

So many of my West Hartford families find me when they're expecting. That's my favorite way to meet you, because it means I get to photograph everything that comes next: maternity portraits, newborn sessions, baby milestones, first birthday cake smashes, children's personality portraits, and family sessions. I also offer professional headshots for when you need to look polished for work.

 

Every session includes access to my studio wardrobe with options for moms, partners, kids, and babies, plus personalized styling help and a detailed prep guide. You show up. I handle the details.

Studio Sessions, 20 Minutes from West Hartford

My studio is in the Unionville section of Farmington, an easy drive from West Hartford. It's a comfortable, light-filled space designed around newborns and the parents who just brought them home. Newborn sessions here are calm and unhurried. Babies set the pace, and I've spent nearly two decades learning to work with that instead of against it.

 

The studio also hosts maternity portraits, sitter sessions, cake smashes, and children's portraits, so once you've found a photographer you trust, you never have to start the search over.

Outdoor Sessions at Elizabeth Park and Beyond

If you love natural light and room for kids to run, outdoor family sessions might be your fit. I photograph at Elizabeth Park year round, right in West Hartford's backyard. June is the most requested because that's when the roses are at their peak, but the park is big enough that there's always a quiet corner, even at full bloom. Spring and fall bring field sessions in open, golden-hour light.

 

These sessions are less posing, more playing. I'll guide you when you need it and stay out of the way when the real moments happen.

A professional headshot photo taken against a white background in a studio setting by West Hartford headshot photographer Kelli Dease.

Headshots for West Hartford 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?

West Hartford 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.

Professional Studio Setting

My Farmington, CT studio provides a comfortable, light-filled space perfect for capturing your family's milestones, 20 minutes from West Hartford Center.

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 West Hartford Families are Saying

We absolutely adore working with Kelli! She has captured some of the most important milestones in our family's life, including our maternity photos, newborn session, first family Christmas photos, and our son's first birthday cake smash.

Not only is she incredibly talented, but she also has a way of making everyone feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. I especially appreciate her patience with babies and young children.

Her photography style is timeless, light, and beautiful, and the images she delivers are consistently beyond our expectations. Many of the photos she has taken are displayed throughout our home, and they are some of our most treasured possessions.

If you're looking for a photographer who is kind, professional, talented, and genuinely cares about her clients, I cannot recommend Kelli enough. We are so grateful to have her documenting our family's memories and look forward to many more sessions in the years to come.

Lauren

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.

West Hartford Photography FAQs

Do you photograph families from West Hartford?

All the time! My studio sits just outside West Hartford in Farmington’s Unionville section, and West Hartford families make up a big part of my client list. Studio and outdoor sessions both work well, whichever fits your family best.

When should I book a newborn session?

The earlier the better, ideally while you’re still pregnant. I book newborn sessions around due dates so your spot is reserved before your baby arrives. My newborn photography guide covers timing, what to expect, and how to prepare.

Where is your studio located?

At 29 Mill Street in Farmington (Unionville), CT, just minutes from West Hartford. It’s a comfortable, light-filled space with everything we need for newborn, baby, family, and headshot sessions.

Where do outdoor sessions near West Hartford take place?

Elizabeth Park, year round. June is the busiest because the roses are in bloom, but the park is big enough that there’s a quiet corner in it no matter the month. I occasionally shoot at Westmoor Park as well. Spring and fall field sessions are typically in Simsbury, or we can use a favorite spot of your own.

Do you offer professional headshots?

Yes. Headshot sessions are quick, relaxed, and perfect for LinkedIn, company sites, or personal branding.

How much does a photo session cost?

It depends on the type of session and the package you choose. I offer packages to cover all kinds of needs, whether you’re booking a newborn session, maternity portraits, a family session, or professional headshots. Head to the session page for the type you’re after and you’ll find all the pricing details there. If you’re expecting and plan to do multiple sessions throughout your baby’s first year, our flexible First Year Membership package lets you choose the milestones that matter most to your family while receiving increasing savings along the way.

 

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@KELLIDEASE

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.
I didn’t want to, but the algorithm made me do it.

Apparently “posting more of me” comes with a side of applause from strangers and silent judgment from people who know my middle name.

If you’re seeing this, no you didn’t. But also, please clap. Also, book me so I can stop. 

#ctphotographer #ctnewbornphotographer

FIND US

based in farmington, ct

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

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