Harkness State Park Senior Session | CT Senior Photographer

There’s something so magical about senior portrait season — the excitement, the confidence, and that glow that only comes from stepping into your final year of high school. This high school senior pics session with Maggie was the perfect mix of laughter, golden light, and pure joy. Her session took place in August, which just so happens to be my favorite time of year to capture seniors. The light is incredible, the evenings are long, and everything feels easy and unhurried. Plus, with school not yet in full swing, there’s zero stress about yearbook deadlines or busy schedules — just sunshine, smiles, and the start of something amazing.

Why August Is Perfect for Senior Portraits

If you’re wondering when to schedule your senior portraits, August is truly the sweet spot. Here’s why I love it:

The light is unbeatable. Late summer sunsets have a warmth and glow that makes skin tones look incredible. The golden hour light gives every image that dreamy, soft finish that parents and seniors both love.

More time for outfit changes. Long daylight hours mean there’s plenty of time to play with multiple looks and locations without feeling rushed.

The beach is still an option. Early fall is beautiful, but by then, beach sessions can get chilly. August gives you the best of both worlds — glowing light and comfortable weather for those coastal shots.

Less stress before school starts. Seniors are relaxed, schedules are open, and yearbook deadlines are still weeks away. It’s the perfect time to focus on capturing natural, joyful portraits.

Maggie’s session was a perfect example of why August is ideal. The light, the laughter, the outfits — everything came together beautifully.

Meet Maggie | A Senior Session Full of Joy

Maggie showed up to her session with a big smile and an energy that made the whole evening feel like hanging out with a friend. Her parents tagged along, and from the very first few minutes, I knew we were going to have a blast.

We started the session at one of my favorite local gardens, surrounded by lush greenery and soft summer blooms. Maggie brought two outfits — one casual and one dressier — and used my pop-up tent to change quickly and easily right on location.

Throughout the session, her parents were cracking jokes and helping rename some of the poses (we may have laughed through half the evening!). It was one of those sessions where everything just clicked — everyone was relaxed, happy, and having fun.

A Garden-to-Beach Adventure

One of the things I love about my favorite shooting locations is that we can mix things up and get totally different looks without traveling far. For Maggie’s session, we started in the gardens and then slowly made our way down to the beach for sunset.

The gardens gave us soft, elegant portraits among flowers and greenery — perfect for that timeless, classic look. Then the beach gave us something completely different: wind in her hair, glowing light, and that easy, carefree summer vibe.

As the sun dipped lower, we hit that perfect golden hour light that makes everything shimmer. Maggie’s laughter, the sound of the waves, the soft pink sky — it all came together for the dreamiest set of photos.

By the time the session wrapped up, we were all smiling ear to ear. It was one of those evenings where everything — the light, the energy, the connection — felt effortless.This high school senior pics session is one I’ll never forget.

Why I Love Senior Sessions

Senior portraits are about so much more than photos — they’re about celebrating a huge milestone. I love helping each senior tell their story through their images. Whether it’s a big laugh, a quiet confidence, or a sense of adventure, every senior brings their own energy, and that’s what makes every session special.

I also love that senior sessions are such a family moment. Parents get to tag along, see their teen shine, and soak in this season of life before graduation hits. I can’t tell you how many moms tear up watching their senior pose for their first set of professional portraits — it’s such a beautiful reminder of how far they’ve come.

That’s why I work hard to make every senior session relaxed, personal, and fun — just like Maggie’s. When everyone is comfortable and laughing, the photos practically take themselves!

Tips for Planning Your Own Senior Session

If you’re starting to think about booking senior portraits, here are my top tips to help you plan a session that feels effortless and authentic:

1. Choose the right time of year

Summer and fall are both amazing options, but August and September are my top picks. The light is soft and warm, and the weather gives you the most flexibility for locations and wardrobe.

2. Pick outfits that show your personality

I recommend bringing three outfits: one dressy, one semi-dressy, and one casual. The variety gives your gallery depth and keeps things interesting! Choose pieces that you love and feel comfortable moving in — confidence photographs beautifully.

3. Choose a location with variety

I love spots that offer multiple backdrops in one place — like gardens, open fields, and the beach. That way, you can get several different looks without rushing between locations.

If you’re starting to think about booking senior portraits, here are my top tips to help you plan a session that feels effortless and authentic:

4. Find a photographer who fits your style

Every photographer has their own aesthetic and approach. Look for someone whose work feels natural and timeless — and who makes you feel relaxed in front of the camera. The right photographer will guide you through posing and make the whole experience feel easy and fun.

A Sunset to Remember

As we packed up at the end of Maggie’s session, the sky turned a brilliant orange-pink, and her parents stood off to the side watching her twirl in the sand, laughing. It was such a simple, joyful moment — one that perfectly summed up why I love photographing seniors.

Every year, I get to help families freeze this incredible season in their lives. It’s more than just pictures — it’s about celebrating growth, confidence, and everything ahead.This high school senior pics session with Maggie reminded me exactly why I love what I do: laughter, connection, and timeless memories that will last far beyond graduation day.

Ready to Plan Your Own Senior Portraits?

If you’re looking for high school senior pics that feel relaxed, joyful, and timeless, I’d love to help you plan your dream session!

When you book with me, you’ll get:
✨ A full pre-session consultation to plan your location and wardrobe
✨ Access to my pop-up tent for easy outfit changes on location
✨ Guidance on posing and natural expressions (no awkward photos here!)
✨ A gallery full of images that feel like you👉 Contact me today to reserve your session date! Summer and fall senior session spots fill quickly, and I can’t wait to create something beautiful for you.

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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