Summer Golden Hour Family Session at Elizabeth Park | CT Family Photographer

Family

Summer Golden Hour Family Session at Elizabeth Park | West Hartford CT Family Photographer

There’s something magical about summer evenings in Connecticut. There is warm light, happy kids, and that soft golden glow that makes everything feel extra special. This year’s summer golden hour family session at Elizabeth Park checked every single one of those boxes and more.

I’ve had the joy of photographing this sweet family every single year for the past five years. Each session has been such a wonderful reflection of how much they’ve grown — together and as individuals. It’s one of my favorite parts of being a family photographer: watching families evolve, year after year, and helping them preserve each chapter along the way.

From a 2020 Newborn Session to a Full Family Tradition

I first met this family in 2020, when we captured their oldest son’s newborn portraits outdoors at a local park. It was a year when so much felt uncertain, but photographing their growing family brought so much joy and light to that season.

Since then, we’ve created a beautiful tradition — one family session each year to document their story. This year, they wanted something a little different from our past locations. So we decided on a summer golden hour family session at Elizabeth Park in West Hartford, CT.

Elizabeth Park is one of my favorite spots for summer sessions because it’s bursting with color, texture, and warmth. The gardens, open spaces, and that signature rose backdrop make it the perfect setting for fun family portraits.

Summer Golden Hour Family Session at Elizabeth Park | CT Family Photographer

How They Locked in the Perfect Date

One of the smartest things this mom does every year is take advantage of my Pre-Black Friday Sale! By booking during that November promotion, families can lock in their session date for the following year with just a retainer. I love this beacuse it means no scrambling for last-minute dates or worrying about availability.

That’s exactly what this family did again this year. We locked in a date in August back in June. At her dress consultation, the mom and I selected Elizabeth Park as our location. Luckily for us, the weather was beyond perfect. This meant we could focus entirely on the fun part — planning their look and vision!

Summer Golden Hour Family Session at Elizabeth Park | West Hartford CT Family Photographer

Studio Styling and a Custom Vision Board

Before every full family session, I invite moms to come into my Canton, CT studio for a dress consultation and styling appointment. It’s one of the best parts of the experience!

During her visit, we created a custom vision board for her session. We laid out color palettes, looked at a few new pieces from the Client Closet, and talked through how we could coordinate the family’s wardrobe without being too “matchy.”

This mom looks incredible in just about every color, but this year we decided to switch things up and go with pink tones. It was such a fun change from last year’s neutrals — and with the golden sunlight and lush greens at Elizabeth Park, it couldn’t have been more perfect.

The final color palette brought everything together: soft blush, warm cream, and subtle earth tones for the rest of the family. Every outfit felt cohesive but natural — the kind of styling that looks effortless but photographs beautifully.

Summer Golden Hour Family Session at Elizabeth Park | West Hartford CT Family Photographer

The Perfect Summer Evening

When the day of the session arrived, the weather was absolute perfection — one of those classic late summer evenings where the light lingers just a little longer.

We met at Elizabeth Park right as the sun began to dip lower in the sky. I love starting sessions with a few posed family portraits first — especially when kids are still fresh and excited. This gives us those classic, smiling-toward-the-camera shots that every family loves to frame.

Once we got those done, the real fun began! The kids got to explore, play, and just be themselves. I always tell parents: those in-between, candid moments are often the ones that tell your family’s story best. The giggles, the hugs, the running — that’s where the magic happens.And sure enough, by the end of our summer golden hour family session at Elizabeth Park, we had a gallery full of both beautifully posed portraits and real, joy-filled moments that captured who this family truly is.

Summer Golden Hour Family Session at Elizabeth Park | West Hartford CT Family Photographer

Why Elizabeth Park Is a Photographer’s Dream

Elizabeth Park in West Hartford is one of those locations that never disappoints. Between the rose garden, the open fields, and the golden hour light that filters through the trees, it feels like every corner of the park is a backdrop waiting to be photographed.

During this session, we used the rose-covered arches and a few quieter spots just off the main paths to give the family some privacy and a mix of scenery. The pink tones in Mom’s dress looked absolutely stunning against the soft greens and golds of the park — exactly the dreamy, summery vibe we were going for.If you’re considering a summer golden hour family session at Elizabeth Park, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you love flowers, open skies, or that signature summer glow, it’s one of the most beautiful spots in Connecticut for family portraits.

A Perfect End to a Perfect Session

As the session wrapped up and the sun finally dipped below the trees, the kids ran off to chase each other in the grass while Mom and Dad laughed, watching them play. That’s the kind of moment I love to capture — completely unposed, completely real.This family truly embodies everything I love about photography: connection, laughter, and a sense of tradition. Each year, their gallery tells a new part of their story, and I already can’t wait to see them again this November for their Christmas Tree Farm Mini Session!

Summer Golden Hour Family Session at Elizabeth Park | West Hartford CT Family Photographer

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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