Fall Family Cake Smash | Family Photo Session Farmington Valley CT

Family

There’s nothing better than seeing the same families return year after year—especially when it’s for something as sweet (literally!) as a one-year-old’s birthday celebration. This family photo session in Farmington Valley CT was extra special because I had worked with this family for their newborn portraits just one year ago. Watching their little girl grow and helping them mark this big milestone was such a joy.

Instead of choosing between birthday photos or updated family portraits, this family had the genius idea to combine the two during peak fall foliage. And let me tell you—this outdoor cake smash meets golden hour family session turned out to be the perfect celebration.

Planning the Perfect Fall Family Photo Session in Farmington Valley CT

When this mom reached out, she knew she wanted something meaningful, beautiful, and practical. Her youngest daughter was turning one, and she wanted to celebrate that milestone with images that felt more intentional and artful than a typical studio cake smash. She also wanted updated family portraits—but didn’t want to book multiple sessions.

So we planned a session that would check all the boxes.

Mom came to my studio in Canton with her youngest and browsed my Client Closet, where she found the perfect dress to bring her golden-hour vision to life. We worked together to coordinate the rest of the family’s wardrobe, keeping the palette cohesive and seasonally inspired.

Meanwhile, I handled the cake and scouted a few locations throughout Avon since we were nearing the very end of peak foliage season. I landed on a small park with tons of variety, which proved to be just what we needed.

The Magic of a Simple Location

One of the best parts of this family photo session in Farmington Valley CT was the setting. While it wasn’t a grand, sweeping location, the light was perfect, and the fall color was still hanging on in the most beautiful way. Because this family trusted me to use a smaller park, we had a quiet, peaceful space all to ourselves—and we made the most of it.

We started with family portraits: warm snuggles, walking hand in hand, and even a few solo shots of the kids. We made the most of golden hour, and the connection between this family absolutely glowed.

Then, just as the birthday girl was starting to lose interest in the camera (as one-year-olds often do!), we transitioned into the cake smash portion of the session. Talk about perfect timing! The cake was a total hit, and even big brother joined in to help his sister celebrate. It was the perfect combination of sweet, silly, and heartfelt.

Big Milestones, Beautiful Memories

I always encourage families to get the most out of their sessions whenever possible. If we can create images that serve multiple purposes—holiday cards, birthday milestones, updated family portraits, and heirloom albums—then that’s a huge win.

That’s exactly what we did with this session. The family now has a gallery full of variety: traditional portraits, playful candids, and first birthday moments that feel authentic and meaningful.

Whether you’re celebrating a baby turning one, marking a new season in your life, or just trying to squeeze everyone into a frame before they grow another inch—combining your photo needs into one session can be efficient and absolutely stunning.

Tips for Planning a Fall Family Photo Session in Farmington Valley CT

If this session has you inspired to schedule your own fall family session in the Farmington Valley area, here are a few of my favorite tips to make the most of it:

1. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Fall books up fast, especially in September and October. If you want golden light and colorful leaves, reach out to your photographer early to reserve your date.

2. Consider Combining Purposes

Planning for a birthday? Want holiday card images and family portraits? Talk to your photographer about how you might combine your goals into one meaningful session. It’s a smart investment—and so much fun!

3. Trust Your Photographer’s Location Suggestions

You don’t always need a huge, “epic” location. Sometimes a small park or field gives us the best light, the quietest setting, and the most flexibility.

4. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Choosing outfits doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A good mix of textures, complementary colors, and seasonal tones can go a long way. I offer style consultations and access to my Client Closet to make this process easy and fun.

Let’s Make Magic This Fall AT Your Family Photo Session in Farmington Valley CT

Whether you’re a returning client or this will be your first time in front of my lens, I’d love to help your family celebrate the season with beautiful, meaningful portraits. A family photo session in Farmington Valley CT during the fall is truly a magical experience—and a memory in itself.

This session with a returning family, who celebrated their baby girl’s first birthday with laughs, cake, and snuggles under the golden leaves, reminded me why I love what I do. It’s about more than photos—it’s about connection, growth, and the stories we tell through images.

Ready to start planning your own fall session? I’m here for it—and I’ll even bring the cake.

Choosing Sharon as Your CT Family Photographer

Why do you want Sharon Leger Photography as your Connecticut family photographer? First, you will be fully prepared for your session. This preparation includes detailed emails and videos before your session, in addition to a prep guide and questionnaire. Second, your session is thoughtfully strategized so that you get way more images than you ever thought possible. And finally, as a former elementary school teacher, Sharon is skilled at engaging and connecting with clients of all ages. Shy toddler? No problem! Cranky husband? I got you, mama! 

To learn more about Sharon Leger Photography, explore the website or follow Sharon on Instagram or Facebook. Please send inquiries through the website only. Please note that the website includes all relevant pricing and booking information.

If you are interested in booking Sharon Leger Photography as your Connecticut family photographer, please know that most spots book about six months out. Reach out today for current availability!

"I am so happy to have had Sharon capture photos of my family. She was so easy to work with, from scheduling to planning and coordinating, she could not have made the process more simple. She showed up on the day-of super prepared, with a whole wagon full of stuff just in case, including snacks for my kids! 

Kim

4 / 15

She worked so well with my children: she truly understands that children are going to get bored fast and she worked around their moods perfectly.

I love that she captured my kids' candid smiles, and not just the posed ones. To top it off, the final product was beyond my expectations and delivered in under a week! You can tell that she loves what she's doing and it shows in her work. She is truly a gem and I can't wait to work with her again as my children grow up!"

"We loved how simple and stress-free our son’s cake smash session was—we didn't need to worry about props or set-up. 

Alexis

When we showed up, Sharon had everything ready for us and we got to just be present in the moment. 

The portraits captured all the sweet little details we want to remember from his first birthday, and we were so happy to share them with our family. It was the perfect way to celebrate this milestone!" 

2 / 15

"Sharon was absolutely lovely to work with. I'm not the type of person who particularly enjoys photoshoots, but she is exceptionally adept at putting her clients at ease. Her studio is equal parts tranquil, tasteful and casual so that my wife and I were not in the least bit overwhelmed.

Kevin

Sharon anticipates every possible need and plans accordingly so that you don't have to. 

She is able to maintain the pace of her shoots, moving them forward judiciously without making the client feel rushed or unappreciated. She was completely down-to-earth and personable. It sounds cliché, but talking with her felt like catching up with an old friend – exactly we needed after the hectic experience of bringing our first child into the world. Sharon was more than worth the cost."

3 / 15

"Sharon was amazing to work with during our recent newborn session! She was very responsive with any questions I had before the session, and even offered advice on outfits for my older children. I borrowed a gorgeous dress from her client closet, which helped me feel more confident and comfortable for photos. 

Amanda

I was nervous about how the session would go with two young children and a newborn, but Sharon had everything so organized and prepared, that everything went flawlessly.

She was so calming and kind, and her studio felt so welcoming! The finished photos are all so beautiful, that I can't even come close to picking a favorite!"

4 / 15

"I was first introduced to Sharon in 2024 when I did a session of personality portraits, and I was instantly impressed. A few friends had used her before and raved about her work, and now I completely understand why! Sharon truly works magic behind the camera. She is incredibly organized, answering all questions and planning every detail ahead of time. 

Merissa

There’s never a need to stress about locations, directions, or even bad weather—she has a backup plan for everything!

One of my favorite parts of working with her is the dress consult to help plan outfits. She has such a great eye for style and helps put together looks that photograph beautifully."

5 / 15

"Sharon and Amy were fabulous! Right from the initial booking they made me feel special. I wore three beautiful dresses that Sharon already had available for me to wear from her client closet (I LOVE this feature!). We tried on several dresses until I found one that fit comfortably and I felt fabulous in.

Nicole

Amy & Sharon were great at communicating with me every step of the process.

Amy didn’t go overboard with the makeup, she made me look like myself but a little extra glam. An elevated version of myself. They were so fabulous and I would absolutely book them again. I 10/10 recommend Sharon and Amy for maternity or family photo sessions."

6 / 15

"Scheduling was super easy through her website and Sharon is very communicative. Sharon offers a dress consultation so you can go to her studio and try on multiple dresses that fit whatever theme you choose for your photo day.

Nicole

I've never seen a photographer offer a whole closet of dresses to choose from and this takes out ALL the stress of picking an outfit for pictures.

Another priceless offering when it comes to taking the stress out of family photos is hair and makeup (additional fee). I scheduled with Amy for a few hours before my shoot. Amy was so easy to talk to and did a fantastic job with the look I wanted. I'm already looking forward to another booking and have referred her to my friends and family. I cannot recommend Sharon and her team more."  
 

Kind Words

7 / 15

"We recently had our second family session with Sharon and 

Jenna

we were yet again blown away by the entire experience. 

From her expert outfit planning, to making the journey to join us at our beach for photos, Sharon created a relaxed, fun environment from beginning to end. The photos we received were beyond what I could have imagined! She captured our family perfectly!!"

8 / 15

"I recently had the pleasure of working with Sharon for a family beach session, and she was amazing from start to finish! Sharon's attention to detail and professionalism made the entire process seamless. Her empathetic and supportive nature made a world of difference, and the photos turned out beautifully. 

Alexis

I highly recommend Sharon to any mom looking for a talented and compassionate photographer, who takes the stress out of planning.

Her work is exceptional, and she truly cares about her clients. Thank you, Sharon, for capturing these moments for us!"

9 / 15

"Sharon is the absolute best! We worked with her for our maternity photos, newborn photos, and our cake smash one-year-old photos. Each time, Sharon is so professional and friendly, makes us feel right at home, and take the most beautiful photos. We are blown away every time! The client closet is awesome and Sharon really went the extra mile to find gowns that complimented me. 

Jen

We had so much fun taking all of these photos and can’t wait to work with her again!

We will cherish these photos forever."

10 / 15

"We did personality portraits for the second time with Sharon and they came out so well! 

Kelsey

The kids had such a blast and she really captured their unique personalities!"

11 / 15

"We did both our maternity and newborn photos with Sharon and she made each experience beyond amazing. I met Sharon first at our dress consultation and knew we were going to work well together. It’s incredible that she gives you access to some many dresses and really knows how to make a pregnant lady feel beautiful.

She made my husband (who admittedly did not want to take the pictures) feel so comfortable, got him laughing and even looking forward to the newborn shoot.

Then, at the newborn shoot Sharon was so patient with us (it was our first trip out) she again made me feel so beautiful in her huge selection of dresses and was so good and rocking out baby boy to sleep."

Alexa

12 / 15

"Stop reading reviews and just book your session with Sharon Leger Photography right now. Sharon has been there for my family even before we were an official family. She poetically captured our engagement, maternity and our newborn’s first photos.

I couldn’t imagine trusting anyone else with these precious moments.

I am not an easy client. I am nervous, unsure of myself and overly aware of every physical flaw (especially postpartum). Sharon made me feel comfortable and beautiful every step of the way. We love Sharon Leger Photography, especially the woman behind the lens! Thank you for everything, Sharon!"

Dawn

13 / 15

"Sharon is an absolute gem! It has been 3.5 years since I found her and since then she has captured the most adorable and perfect pictures of my two sons and our family.

From newborn sessions, cake smashes and family photos, not one detail has ever been overlooked. Her process is seamless and she makes everything so accessible and easy.

She offers so many options for photo opportunities and has perfected a style that really is timeless! She was so wonderful with each of my children when they were newborns, that it made the experience so worth it! Couldn’t recommend enough!"

Melissa

14 / 15

"It’s hard for me to find the perfect words to describe what Sharon has given me.

I reached out to her when I was thinking about doing maternity photos, and she quickly convinced me that I would not regret it. She was right. Not only do I not regret my maternity photos but I actually love everything about them. Every time I look at them, all of those amazing feelings I felt while I was pregnant come right back as if I’m still in the moment. They are something I will cherish forever."

Kimberly

15 / 15

Kind Words

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