Sherwood Island State Park Family Session | Westport, CT

May 16, 2026

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Families

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This was my first time photographing a family session at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Connecticut, and it definitely won’t be my last!

Between the peaceful shoreline, tall beach grass, and tree-lined areas throughout the park, it truly offers the best of both worlds for family photos. Samantha, David, and their sweet son Evan made this session such a joy from start to finish.

A mother holding her pregnant belly as the sun peeks out from behind her.
Two parents kiss their child as he laughs. They're standing under a tree in Sherwood Island State Park.
A man holds his wife and hugs her from behind while they stand on the sand at Sherwood Island State Park.
A mom and dad hold hands with their toddler son and walk on the beach laughing together.
A man walks and leads his wife as she holds her belly.

This Sherwood Island State Park family session took place on one of those perfect Connecticut evenings where the beach was almost completely empty. We practically had the shoreline all to ourselves, which made the session feel so relaxed and intimate. Sunset sessions at the beach are my absolute favorite because the light is always has a perfect, soft, golden glow that creates the dreamiest backdrops for portraits.

I absolutely love doing family sessions. If you’re looking for a family photographer, inquire now!

A man and woman walk with their son under a tree in Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, CT.
A woman sits on the sand and looks down at her belly as she smiles.
A man and woman laugh as their son runs towards them.
A toddler touches his mom's belly.
A man and woman walk with their toddler on the sand as baby geese walk behind them.

My #1 Tip for Family Sessions: Snacks!

Evan absolutely stole the show. He was full of smiles and personality the entire session (and, yes, graham crackers may have helped a little)! Snacks are one of my biggest tips for parents preparing for family photos with little ones. A small treat can go a long way in keeping toddlers happy and engaged during a session, especially in the evening.

A woman holds her toddler son on her hip at Sherwood Island State Park.
A young boy sits on the sand and smiles candidly.
A toddler laughs as he hugs his mother's pregnant belly.
A man carries his son upside down and they both laugh.
A man and woman walk on the sand at Sherwood Island State Park and their son follows behind.

Why I Love Sherwood Island State Park for Family Photos

One of the reasons I loved photographing this family at Sherwood Island State Park is the variety it offers. We were able to capture classic beach portraits with the sand and water in the background, but we also explored areas with beautiful greenery and tree coverage that gave the session more of a park-like feel. It creates so much variety in a gallery without needing to travel to multiple locations. Everything was very walkable and easy to access from the nearby parking lot.

A man and woman stand in tall grass on the beach and smile while they hold their toddler son.
A woman caresses her belly at Sherwood Island State Park.
A family walks under a large tree at Sherwood Island State park as they smile together.
A woman holds her pregnant belly and smiles as the sun sets behind her.
A toddler smiles as his parents hold his hands.

Sessions like this are exactly why I love photographing families in Westport. Watching families laugh, play, and simply enjoy time together in such a beautiful setting always makes for the most meaningful photographs. Samantha, David, and Evan were truly wonderful to work with, and I loved documenting this season of life for their growing family.

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