Sherwood Island State Park Family Session | Westport, CT

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.