by Kristin Vacca | Jun 16, 2026 | Families
As a Connecticut family and newborn photographer, I talk to so many parents who tell me the same things before booking a session:
“We’re so busy right now.”
“I just need to lose a little weight first.”
“The kids probably won’t cooperate.”
“I’m usually the one taking the photos, not being in them.”
And honestly? I completely understand. As a mom myself, I know how quickly life moves and how easy it is to push photos further down the priority list.
But if there’s one thing I wish every parent knew before booking a photography session, it’s this:
You will never regret taking family photos.
Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, chasing toddlers around the yard, celebrating a first birthday, or squeezing everyone into matching pajamas for Christmas minis, these moments matter. Even the messy, chaotic, imperfect ones.
And years from now, these images will become some of the most treasured things you own.
Family Photography Is About Connection, Not Perfection
One of the biggest worries parents have before family photos is whether their kids will behave.
Please hear me when I say: your children do not need to sit perfectly still and smile at the camera the entire time.
Some of the most meaningful family photos happen in the in-between moments. Snuggling your little ones. Laughing together. Holding hands. Letting your kids be themselves.
My goal during a session is never perfection. It’s capturing your family as you are right now.
And moms, you deserve to be in these photos too.
I talk to so many moms who avoid being in pictures because they don’t feel “ready,” but your children already think you are beautiful. One day, they will look back at these images and be so grateful to see you in them.
Newborn Photography Doesn’t Have to Feel Stressful
I think a lot of parents imagine newborn sessions as overwhelming, especially during those exhausting early weeks of parenthood.
But at The Flash Lady Photography, my goal is to make the process feel as easy and relaxed as possible for your family.
You don’t need to worry about knowing how to pose your baby or what to bring. I guide you every step of the way so you can simply enjoy the experience and soak up this season with your little one.
And if you missed the “perfect” newborn window? That’s okay too. Beautiful images can be created at every stage of babyhood.
Milestone Sessions Freeze Time in the Best Way
Babies and young children change so quickly.
One minute, they’re learning to sit up, and the next, they’re running through the studio laughing and showing off their big personalities.
Milestone sessions are such a special way to preserve those little details that are easy to forget over time, like those adorable chunky baby rolls, tiny teeth, silly expressions, and all the little things that make your child who they are right now.
These stages pass so much faster than we expect, and capturing these through professional portraits allows you to hold onto this moment.
Christmas Mini Sessions Become Part of Your Family Story
For many families, our Christmas mini sessions become a yearly tradition, and I absolutely love watching families come back year after year.
The kids grow taller. Personalities change. Families grow.
And over time, those holiday portraits become more than just a photo for a Christmas card. They become part of your family’s story.
Your Family Photos Deserve More Than a Phone Screen
One thing I encourage all of my clients to think about is how they want to enjoy their images after the session.
Albums and wall art allow your family to actually live with and enjoy your memories every single day instead of letting them sit on a phone or computer forever.
There is something so special about watching your children flip through an album or seeing a beautiful family portrait hanging on your wall every day.
These photographs are truly future treasures.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
I know parents already have enough on their plates. That’s why I try to make the portrait process feel simple and enjoyable from start to finish.
From planning your session to helping with wardrobe guidance to designing heirloom artwork for your home, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Because at the end of the day, this is about so much more than just taking pictures.
It’s about preserving your family’s story and creating memories you’ll hold on to for years to come.
If you’ve been thinking about booking a session, this is your reminder that there’s never going to be a “perfect” time. The season you’re in right now is already worth remembering. Please contact me today to schedule your portrait session!
by Kristin Vacca | Feb 11, 2025 | Families
When you think about family photo sessions, your mind might jump to the golden hues of fall or the blossoming flowers of spring. But winter? It’s an underrated gem in my book! Not only is it a magical time of year here in the Northeast, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to book your session when schedules are more flexible and a busy CT family photographer like myself has more availability.
If you’ve been putting off updating your family photos, here’s why winter is the perfect time to do it and my unique options available to you!
Beautiful studio family portrait during a newborn photography session
A Beautiful Greenhouse Setting
If you love the idea of an outdoor-inspired session without the winter chill, a greenhouse session is a perfect choice. I have access to a stunning local greenhouse called The Gardens at Stone Post Key in Middletown, CT, that offers a lush, botanical backdrop for your photos. The greenery, natural light, and cozy atmosphere create a beautiful contrast to the winter season outside. It’s like stepping into a little oasis of warmth and beauty while capturing timeless memories. Guests will see your family portrait on the wall and never guess that it was taken during the winter!
Extended family portrait inside The Gardens at Stone Post Key in Middletown, CT
Precious portrait with grandparents and their grandbabies
Black and white portrait
The grandchildren during the extended family portrait
Cozy In-Home Sessions
There’s something so special about capturing your family in your own space. An in-home session allows for natural, relaxed moments that showcase the love and connection you share in your everyday life. Whether it’s baking cookies in the kitchen, snuggling up on the couch, or playing cards, these sessions are full of warmth and personality. Plus, no need to bundle up for the cold! I’ll come to you!
At-home family portrait session
Black and white portrait of a family at home
Mother and daughter playing cards during portrait session
Capturing portraits of your family spending time together
Classic Studio Portraits
For smaller families or those who prefer a more polished and timeless look, a studio session is a great option. My studio provides a comfortable and controlled environment, ensuring we get beautifully lit, high-quality images without worrying about the weather. Whether you want classic, elegant portraits or a more casual and playful vibe, we can customize the session to fit your family’s style. My current studio accommodates a family of five or fewer with young children.
Proud siblings hold their new baby siblings
This family portrait was captured during their daughter’s cake smash session
Capturing the best smiles during their studio family portrait
Sweet mom and dad holding their newborn daughter during their studio portrait session
Book Now for a Stress-Free Family Photos Experience
Winter tends to be a slower season for photography, which means more flexibility in scheduling and quicker turnaround times. Plus, getting your session done now means you’ll have fresh, beautiful family portraits ready to display in your home or use for upcoming occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
So, why wait? Let’s make some magic this winter with a family session that feels just right for you! Whether it’s the cozy comfort of home, the lush beauty of a greenhouse, or the classic elegance of the studio, we’ll create family photos you’ll cherish for years to come.
Ready to book? Let’s chat and find the perfect session location for your winter family photos!
by Kristin Vacca | Apr 26, 2024 | Families
You’ve booked your Newington, CT family photographer, and the photo session date is set! Now what? Now you need to decide what to wear for your family photos! For some of my clients, this is easy enough, but this task creates a huge headache for others! You want everyone in your family to look nice and feel comfortable for the family photoshoot. Plus, these portraits will live forever on the walls of your home or in a treasured album, so you want your clothing to have a classic look that will always look nice.
Never fear! I have a few foolproof tips on choosing what to wear for your upcoming family photos. With my clients, I offer wardrobe guidance leading up to their session. We chat about coordinating a few colors, and I’ll even send over some outfit coordination sets with those colors to help them choose the best colors. Clients will even ask for my opinion on specific outfits and accessories; I’m always happy to help! You might have some items already in your closet, or planning a shopping trip can help create something new, especially if it’s been a while since you were dressed up!
Without further ado, here are my top 10 tips on what to wear for your family photos!
Deciding what to wear for your Newington, CT family photos shouldn’t be stressful!
10 Tips on What to Wear for Your Family Photos
1.) Start with the End in Mind – This might sound odd, but go with me for a moment! Think about how you plan on using your portraits from the session. Do you want to print a large wall art piece for your living room? Maybe create an heirloom album to create a time capsule of your family? Is this for a Christmas card? No matter what you choose to do with these portraits, taking a minute or two to think about your end result will help you decide what to wear! How? Because you’ll have that end goal in the back of your mind as you carefully choose the outfits for your family.
Think about how you want to use your images before even deciding what to wear for your family phtos!
2.) Start with Mom’s Outfit – I tend to suggest starting with mom’s outfit (or just choosing one person in general) for a few reasons. The first is that moms tend to have the hardest time choosing their outfit for the session, so if you start with mom, then the hardest part is over! The second is that you can easily coordinate the rest of the outfits by choosing mom’s outfit first and creating that “anchor” outfit!
Start with mom’s outfit and then choose the rest!
3.) Coordinate Colors, Don’t Match – Long gone are the days when everyone wore the same outfit for a family photo session! I suggest coordinating colors instead of matching outfits. This allows for children to pose with different parents or siblings without accidentally color-blocking. Once you choose mom’s outfit, choose 2-3 coordinating colors and look for the other outfits. Here are a few color palette ideas for each season. You’ll note that each one contains a white, gray, or a cream because those are great complimentary colors!
4.) Location Considerations – Think about where the session will take place and what will be your backdrop! For example, if it’s fall, and we’re heading to a nearby park, you can choose fall colors for your outfits. Or, if it’s spring and we will be in a garden, you can select springy colors and outfits. Summer session at the beach or lake? Maybe linens and light fabrics. If we’re in the studio, the sky’s the limit! We have many more options for your outfits because we’re not tied down to a specific backdrop or season.
Think about location and season as you choose your outfits.
5.) Lean on Clothing Staples – Trends come and go (hello, crop tops and low-rise jeans!!), but the classics always remain! Polos, quarter zip sweaters, and button-ups always work great for men and boys. Women always look lovely in a simple dress or solid-colored blouse with or without a jacket. Girls can wear dresses, too! Jeans always look nice for a casual photoshoot.
Clothing staples will never go out of style!
6.) Avoid Graphic T-shirts and Loud Patterns – Avoid wearing graphic T-shirts, neon or other super bright colors, and “loud patterns.” Some patterns are okay, but I don’t recommend more than one person wearing a pattern, as that can be distracting!
This beautiful mom’s dress has a pattern, but it’s muted enough that it doesn’t distract from their faces!
7.) Simple, Neutral Jewelry – Jewelry can add a nice punctuation to any outfit, but I suggest simple, neutral jewelry in family photoshoots. Avoid chunky necklaces, big scarves, or hats. Sometimes, scarves and colorful jewelry can tie in the color coordination nicely! It’s not that I don’t like those accessories in general, but for a family photoshoot, we don’t want to distract from your beautiful faces!
Each of these amazing women are wearing a beautiful, simple necklace!
8.) Make Sure Everyone Is Comfortable – When choosing outfits for your family, please select something each family member is comfortable in. For example, if your daughter never wears dresses, don’t have her wear one for the session. Why? She won’t feel comfortable, and, in the end, the image won’t capture her essence! We want everyone to look nice and feel relaxed. Feeling relaxed = great photos! We want all the natural smiles during your photo session!
Choose outfits that everyone will feel comfortable wearing!
9.) Have Everyone Try On Their Outfits – Have everyone in your family (including you) try on your outfits at least a week in advance! This will ensure everything fits nicely and there aren’t any surprise stains or tears. Everything should fit well and not be a dated outfit from 10 years ago. Trust me, you’ll save yourself from a frantic day of Target runs when you realize your son’s polo doesn’t fit!
Try on your outfits before the session to avoid any headaches!
10.) Take OFF Your Apple Watch – As your family photographer, I will catch this for you, but make sure you and your family remove any Apple or other smart watches, FitBits, hair ties, etc. Oh, and remove everything from your pockets before the session! All of these things will help make for less distracting items in your photos as well.
No Apple watches here!
Newington, CT Family Photographer
I hope these tips were helpful as you plan your family’s outfits for your upcoming photography session! As you can see, I have a lot of experience helping clients choose their outfits, and I am happy to do so. The most important thing to remember is that simple and neutral tend to photograph well (and some color too!). Looking and feeling your best in your photos will create a beautiful final result in custom artwork you’ll treasure forever (and we can help with that, too!). If you want to schedule your family photos with me, please connect with me here!
by Kristin Vacca | Mar 7, 2023 | Flash Lady BLOG
5th Birthday Family Photos | Avon, CT
It seems like just yesterday these twins were just turning 1 and we were meeting for the first time at Elizabeth Park for their family photoshoot. Now 4 years later they are growing up into little humans with big personalities for their 5th birthday family photos! I just love watching my kids grow up – it’s something that is really a big part of working with my photography studio. You don’t just become a number in my calendar. I really cherish each of the memories we share together. You aren’t just celebrating their birthday – I am as well. They have started school and always have so much to tell me. We met this time at a local park closer to their house and we were treated to a beautiful evening with outstanding foliage! This park was neat in that there were multiple places to photograph in a short area including a pond, rock to climb on, bridge, covered bridge, stone steps, and of course plenty of leaves to throw! With a full portrait session together each year, this allows for children to explore, be themselves, and not feel rushed in performing and most often is the session type that I recommend for my families. So many favorites to share, so I hope you’ll enjoy some of the many they picked below! Please contact us for your next family or milestone photoshoot!
by Kristin Vacca | Feb 21, 2023 | Flash Lady BLOG
Happy Fall Family Photos | Rocky Hill, CT
I always love working at a new location – the creative juices just keep flowing and it’s always even more meaningful to the family when they are familiar with the location as well. This father contacted me in October hoping to book some happy fall family photos during peak foliage. By that time I had completely filled my schedule, but was able to sneak them in on a weeknight. What a spectacular fall foliage season that we had, and I was excited to venture to a new park location that this father grew up near and was very familiar with. We met in the evening and was so smitten with their 2 smiley sons! Now it did take their 3yo a little bit of time to warm up to the ideas of photos (and new people). This is why we highly recommend working with us at a full session length in order to give them time to realize that we are having fun and without the rush of a shorter length session. After big brother realized this was fun, the rest of the photoshoot was perfect! He especially loved walking on the rock wall and finding the biggest leaves in the park. We had a great time exploring the grounds and everywhere we looked there were beautiful trees in the background! What a lovely time we had a such a beautiful gallery for them to cherish of their family. I hope to see them again as their boys grow! Don’t forget, the best time to reach out to us is about 1-2 months (at least) prior to your desired session date so that we can ensure there is space in the calendar to fit you in. Enjoy some of these favorites from their fall gallery!
