I’ve been photographing this family since the very beginning of my business, and it is such a privilege to continue capturing their family over the years. Watching the children grow, seeing their personalities develop, and welcoming everyone back is one of my favorite parts of what I do.

For this session, we met at stunning Waveny Park in New Canaan, Connecticut. We captured so much variety—from classic family portraits around the mansion to the children running across the lawn into Mom and Dad’s arms.

Parents and four children in navy outfits beside a stone balustrade at Waveny Park in New Canaan

Family portraits around the Waveny mansion

One of my favorite things about photographing families at Waveny is the architecture. The archways frame everyone beautifully, and the stone ledges give us natural places to sit and gather together. And those stairs, with that glorious view of the mansion! No props needed—the setting itself gives us so many beautiful ways to pose a family.

Parents and four children gathered beneath a stone archway beside flowering shrubs at Waveny Park

Parents standing together on the lawn with Waveny House behind them in New Canaan

Their coordinated navy outfits worked beautifully with the stonework and surrounding greenery. The different textures and patterns added interest while keeping the family’s overall look connected. Clothing makes such a difference in a finished portrait, which is why wardrobe guidance is part of my family photography experience.

Family of six posing across the brick and stone entrance of Waveny House

Making room for every personality

With four children, there are so many relationships and personalities to photograph. Along with portraits of everyone together, we made time for the siblings, individual portraits of the children, and a few of Mom and Dad together. I love giving families that variety. Each combination shows a different part of their story.

Four siblings in coordinated navy outfits sitting on a low brick wall at Waveny Park

Two brothers in navy sweaters sitting back to back on the garden steps at Waveny Park

Two sisters in navy tops and plaid skirts sitting together on a stone ledge at Waveny Park

Of course, children move quickly! Some of my favorite images happen in a split second, like the moment between the sisters during this session. Being ready to catch those little interactions is just as important as helping everyone settle into a pose.

Girl wearing a navy headband and sweater smiling beside pink flowering shrubs

Smiling toddler in a navy top and plaid skirt clasping her hands in the garden

The photographs of the children running toward their parents bring a different feeling to the collection. There is movement, excitement, and room for their personalities to come through. I love having those playful images alongside the more traditional portraits.

Four children running across the sunlit lawn toward their parents at Waveny Park

When a family returns for another session, these photographs become part of a much bigger story. The children change, new expressions and little mannerisms appear, and each session preserves something that will look different the next time we meet. Being trusted to document that is something I never take for granted.

Plan your family session in New Canaan

If you’re considering family portraits at Waveny Park or another Connecticut location, I would love to help you plan your session. I photograph families at Waveny Park in New Canaan and at beautiful outdoor locations throughout Connecticut. From wardrobe and location guidance to selecting heirloom albums and bespoke framed wall art, I’ll help you bring it all together.

Explore the family portrait experience, or get in touch to plan your session.