There’s something so special about senior portrait season — the excitement, the anticipation, and that sense of new beginnings on the horizon. This high school senior girl at Topsmead session with Eleanor was everything I love about photographing seniors and more!

We scheduled her portraits for early September, which just so happens to be my absolute favorite time of year for senior photos. The light is warm and golden, the weather is still mild, and there’s just a hint of that fall glow starting to peek through the trees. It’s that perfect in-between — not too hot, not too chilly — and it makes for the most flattering, relaxed sessions.

Why I Love September for Senior Portraits

So, why do I always recommend September for senior sessions? There are so many reasons!

The light is incredible. Late summer and early fall sunsets are pure magic. The golden tones make skin look beautiful and give every photo that soft, glowing warmth.

More time for outfit changes. The days are still long enough to fit in multiple looks — without feeling rushed — and we always make sure there’s time for variety in your final gallery.

The beach is still an option. If you love water or sand, September is your last chance to take advantage of that dreamy shoreline light before temperatures drop.

Less stress! School hasn’t quite kicked into full gear yet, so seniors are relaxed, and we have plenty of time to meet those yearbook submission deadlines. It really is the sweet spot of the year for senior portraits. Eleanor’s high school senior girl at Topsmead session was the perfect example of how magical this time of year can be.

Meet The Senior | A Gorgeous Evening at Topsmead

Eleanor came into her session full of energy and excitement — the kind of senior who makes every moment fun! Her mom came along too, and the three of us had such a great time chatting and laughing as we explored the beautiful grounds at Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield, Connecticut.

If you’ve never been there, Topsmead is one of my favorite portrait locations in all of Connecticut. It has everything — gardens, open fields, stone walls, forest paths, and rolling hills that catch the sunset just right. That variety makes it ideal for senior portraits because you can get so many looks all in one session.

We started in the gardens, where the light filtered softly through the trees, and then moved into the open field for a little more movement and playfulness. Eleanor brought two outfits — one dressy, one casual — and used my pop-up tent to change right on location. Having that flexibility made it easy to create two totally different vibes within the same session.

A Perfect September Sunset 

As the evening went on, we slowly made our way up to the top of the hill — and oh my goodness, the sunset that night was perfection. The sky glowed in warm peach and gold tones, wrapping everything in soft light. Eleanor’s last outfit caught the breeze just right, and the combination of the sunset, her outfit, and that contagious smile made for some of my favorite senior portraits ever.

I always tell my clients that the best moments come at the end of the session when everyone is relaxed and having fun — and this session was no exception. By that point, Eleanor was totally comfortable in front of the camera, and her confidence just radiated.

This high school senior girl at Topsmead session was exactly what senior portraits should be: joyful, effortless, and full of personality.

Topsmead: A Connecticut Gem for Senior Portraits

If you’re looking for a location that offers both beauty and variety, Topsmead is a top choice. It’s one of those rare places that feels both elegant and natural — with endless opportunities for gorgeous photos.

You can start in the garden surrounded by flowers, wander through the tree-lined paths, or capture those iconic open-field shots that feel straight out of a movie. And of course, the view from the top of the hill at sunset? Absolutely unbeatable. Topsmead’s versatility is one of the reasons I love recommending it to my seniors. Whether your style is boho and free-spirited, polished and classic, or somewhere in between, it’s a location that adapts beautifully to you.

Tips for Planning Your Own Senior Session

If you’re starting to think about your own senior portraits, here are a few tips to help you plan a session that feels relaxed, personal, and true to you:

1. Choose the right time of year

Summer and fall are my favorites! Summer gives you that golden glow and freedom to explore outdoor locations like the beach, while fall brings cozy colors and soft, moody light.

2. Plan your outfits ahead of time

For senior portraits, I usually recommend bringing three outfit options: one dressy look, one “medium dressy” outfit (like a fun skirt or romper), and one casual look that feels like you. Variety keeps your gallery interesting and gives you more ways to show your personality.

3. Pick a location with options

Places like Topsmead are amazing because you can get gardens, fields, and sunset shots all in one session. Having a range of backgrounds helps your final images feel dynamic and rich.

4. Find a photographer who matches your style

Every photographer has their own approach. Look for someone whose work feels timeless and authentic — someone who makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Your senior session should be stress-free and fun!

The Perfect Ending to a Perfect Evening

By the end of Eleanor’s session, the sun had dipped below the horizon and the first stars were just starting to peek out. Her mom and I looked at each other and said the same thing — that was perfect.

Everything about this high school senior girl at Topsmead session came together: the weather, the light, the laughter, and the energy. Eleanor’s photos captured all of it — her joy, her confidence, and that beautiful sense of stepping into a new chapter.

Senior portraits are about so much more than pretty pictures; they’re about celebrating this incredible milestone and everything that comes next.

Choosing Sharon as Your CT High School Senior Photographer

Why do you want Sharon Leger Photography as your Connecticut high school senior 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 – including teenagers!

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!