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As a family photographer based in Connecticut, capturing precious memories is not just my profession—it's my passion. My name is Carlota, the heart behind Photos by Carlota, and I specialize in creating lasting memories through portrait and event photography. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing the Olivieri family for a Christmas tree farm holiday mini-session at the beautiful Maple Row Farm in Easton, CT.
This session was especially meaningful because it was Morgan, Brandon, and baby Enzo's first family photo shoot together. Enzo had just turned two months old that very day, and celebrating such a milestone with them was an honor. Despite the crisp, chilly weather, little Enzo was an absolute trooper, and the session was filled with warmth, joy, and festive cheer.
Booking and Planning the Perfect Holiday Session
Morgan first discovered me through the Support Local - Bethel, CT Facebook page. She reached out, booked her session through my easy-to-use online booking system, and selected her date and time. To ensure I understood her vision, Morgan filled out my family questionnaire, which gave me insight into what she wanted for her photos. She had a clear goal in mind: something festive and beautiful for their Christmas card this year.
Finding the Location for Holiday Mini
After learning Morgan's vision, I researched potential locations and came across Maple Row Farm in Easton, CT—a gem for holiday photography. The farm had just opened for the holiday season the day before our session, offering a backdrop of stunning Christmas trees. On weekends, they even host hayrides, serve hot chocolate, and have tailgating, creating a warm and welcoming holiday atmosphere.
Planning the Outfits
Morgan had already picked out a dress she loved, but she needed help coordinating outfits for her husband, Brandon, and baby Enzo. She shared a photo of her dress, and I created a color palette suggestion that complemented it beautifully. After narrowing down some options, Morgan sent me photos of potential outfits, and together, we finalized a cohesive, festive look that was perfect for their photos.
The Session: Capturing Candid and Joyful Memories
On the day of the shoot, I recommended that Morgan and Brandon arrive 30 minutes early to give them time to settle Enzo, feed him, burp him, and change him into his outfit. This is a tip I always share with families—keeping the little ones comfortable and saving their outfits from potential messes before the session begins is key! It’s also a good idea to pack a backup outfit, just in case.
Since it was a chilly day, I kept our session close to the tailgating lot, which was conveniently near the entrance to the tree rows. This allowed us to minimize walking while still accessing gorgeous backdrops. While the session was scheduled for midday, the light was softened by some scattered clouds, which created perfect pockets of shade.
For 30 minutes, we explored the farm, capturing a mix of posed family photos and candid moments. I loved seeing the warmth and connection between Morgan, Brandon, and baby Enzo as they cuddled up to keep warm. Enzo was a natural—his calm demeanor and sweet expressions made for the most adorable shots.
Sneak Peeks and Final Gallery
After the session, I shared a few sneak peeks with Morgan the same day. She was thrilled with the photos and even posted them on Instagram immediately! The full gallery, featuring 77 beautifully edited photos, was delivered within five days to ensure they had plenty of time to order prints and holiday cards. You can view the rest of their gallery here.
Why You Should Book Your Family Session with Photos by Carlota
If you're looking for a photographer who combines careful planning with the flexibility to capture authentic, candid moments, I’d love to work with your family. My goal is to make every session fun and stress-free, especially when little ones are involved.
During the Olivieri family's session, we worked together to ensure that Enzo stayed comfortable despite the chilly weather. Through gentle cues, warm cuddles, and a mix of posed and natural shots, we created a gallery filled with timeless memories.
Whether you're planning a holiday session, celebrating a milestone, or simply looking to capture everyday moments, I’d love to help you create photos you’ll treasure for years to come.
Visit my family page on my website to learn more about creating your own family adventure and creating lasting memories. Let’s create something beautiful together.
