Boston Family Photography :: Squantum Point Park, Quincy, MA

It’s always good to see familiar faces, especially in a year where we haven’t seen a lot of faces in person. In late September, I met Lisa and Ellis’ family at Squantum Point Park for some fall family photos, and it was such a fun time exploring this place that was new to all of us! The landmark Boston Gas tank across the harbor is something everyone from the Boston area knows and recognizes, and Lisa told me it was a special little thing for her family when her mom comes to visit. She said she calls when she’s at the gas tank so they know how close she is! As a kid, I remember looking out for it any time we were on our way into or through the city.

I had so much fun with the kids, who were very excited to run around and explore! It’s a cool park because it’s on the water, but has these walking trail loops with a lot of stone walls, wildflowers, and lots of areas that made for a great variety of backgrounds.

Lisa and I have known each other for so long, at least since middle school when we both played flute and sat near each other for several years in band, wind ensemble and marching band. We also did our fair share of plays and musicals together! And Ellis lived right around the corner from me! Although we didn’t know each other well, I’m pretty sure we were on the same bus in elementary school. And now I’ve been honored to photograph their beautiful family every year since their little guy (who is growing so quickly!) was born!

Here are some of my favorites from our session together. It was a gorgeous late afternoon in September that was really warm and the sun was juuuuuuuuuust perfectly glowy. The park was nice and big so it was easy to keep a good distance between us, as well as anyone else walking through.

Family Photography at the deCordova Sculpture Park, Lincoln MA

I met up with Emily and Pat and their three beautiful girls in October for a family session, and y’all, it was the most beautiful evening, at one of the coolest places to explore outside of Boston, and just look at how stylish and beautiful this family is. They always bring it with the coordinating and looking effortlessly cool. I’m fine with my life choices living in leggings and sweatpants, but I definitely celebrate anyone wearing real clothes and looking put together! :)

I have now known Emily and Pat for almost 10 years. We met in 2011 when they got engaged and I shot their engagement photos in Boston, and then I got pregnant with Lily and was basically due on their wedding date, so sadly, we ended up not working together on their big day, although it wasn’t all bad, because they still got married and I had my baby girl! I was so thankful, however, when they reached out to me when they were pregnant, and I’ve had the joy of photographing their baby girls and family sessions over the last several years.

And as you can see, this sweet little one in the mustard headband is about 7 months old in these photos! We had planned on a newborn session for her towards the end of March, and then everything shut down and got put on hold. What a year, right? We’ve all had various things cancelled or postponed. So I was thrilled when we could finally, safely, meet up for some photos.

Worth the wait? Definitely.

Shipyard Beach Family Photography :: Duxbury, Massachusetts

I met up with Sarah’s family for their annual family photography session at the end of August, and as always, it was amazing and fun seeing how much the girls have grown this year! They always have the PERFECT matching dresses, this time featuring colorful ice cream treats - I wish they made it in my size!

We enjoyed a quiet morning running around barefoot, with Duxbury Bay as our beautiful background. Here are some favorites!

"Better Than School Portraits" Kids and Teens Mini Sessions :: Newington, CT

First thing’s first - I have missed you all so much! What a weird year, right? It has been a rollercoaster, complete with loop-dee-loops and feeling like we’d jumped the track at times. I know I’m not alone in having experienced loss in recent months, as well as unexpected joy of an incredible summer with my kids.

With two weeks to go before the school year kicks off and we starting thinking of all things fall, I am excited to have a couple fall photography session offers, as well as information about sessions in regards to Covid-19.

Covid-related Session Info

Based on recommendations and to practice safe physical distancing, all late summer and fall session for the remainder of 2020 will be held outside. This can be at your home, a beach, a park, or any other agreed upon location.

I will wear a mask and will be using zoom lenses to ensure we are keeping a safe physical distance.

I will not be available to travel to Rhode Island this fall. Sessions in Massachusetts will be limited to the South Shore area around Scituate and Duxbury. Connecticut sessions will be limited to the Newington/Hartford area or the Shoreline between New Haven and Mystic.

Now for the fun stuff!

“Better Than School Portraits” - Kids + Teens Mini Sessions

These mini sessions are available locally in Newington and West Hartford, for kids and teens ages 3-18.

This year, we’ve missed out on a lot. Let’s embrace the mess and the weirdness, and document this year for your kid(s) with an incredibly special mini session!

“Better Than School Portraits” will take place outside and I encourage you and your child to think creatively about how you’d like to remember this year. Feel free to bring a couple things to personalize your session! A few ideas:

• Bring their backpack and a first day of school outfit and make it a “back to school” session

• Wear their sports uniform or dance costume they didn’t get to wear, bring an instrument they play, a favorite book or toy

• Get dressed up and make it a special, feel good experience! First communion outfits, birthday outfits, Christmas pajamas - anything is possible!

• Keep it simple and come as you are!

Cost: $175

Includes:

• 20 minutes of photography

• Private online gallery of edited photos for viewing and sharing

• Digital files to download and keep for personal use

• $25 print credit

Additional prints are available for purchase (a la carte style) through your online gallery.

If you have more than one child, I will fit all kids into one mini (which will result in fewer pictures of each child), or you can opt to add on an extra 10 minutes to your session for $25.

Mini sessions are shorter and simpler than full hour sessions. We stick to one scenic location and maximize every minute of our time together!

“Better Than School Portraits” Mini Session Dates and Locations

Fri August 28 - Mill Pond Park, Newington 4:30pm // 5pm // 5:30pm // 6pm

Sat August 29 - Elizabeth Park, West Hartford 8am // 8:30am// 9am // 9:30am

Sat September 5 - Deming Young Farm 8am // 8:30am // 9am // 9:30am

Click here to book your mini session.

Here are some fun photos from past late summer/early fall sessions - you might recognize some of these sweet faces! And keep scrolling for fall family session info!

Fall Family Sessions - $500

Fall family sessions include:

• 60-90 minutes of photography on location

• Online gallery for viewing and sharing your photos

• Unlimited number photos

• Digital files to download and keep for personal use

• $50 print credit

Family sessions typically take place at a local park, beach or otherwise agreed upon location. During our session time, we focus on getting an assortment of relaxed portraits and playful candids, including the entire family, portraits of each individual child, siblings together, parents/partners together, parent and child.

Connecticut dates (Hartford County or Shoreline areas only):

Sat August 29 - 5pm // Thurs Sept 3 - 5pm // Sat September 5 - 5pm

Thurs September 10 - 5pm // Fri September 11 - 5pm // Sat September 12 - 8am + 5pm

Thurs October 1 - 5pm // Fri October 16 - 5pm // Sat October 17 - 8am + 5pm

Massachusetts dates (South Shore area only):

Sat September 26 - 8am // Sun September 27 - 8am

Sat October 10 - 8am // Sun October 11 - 8am + 5pm

November will not be scheduled to allow for postponements and rescheduling as needed due to weather or other circumstances.

Click here to schedule your session.

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Shannon Sorensen is a family and small business photographer based in Central Connecticut. She is available for newborn, children and tweens, family, senior, engagement, and anniversary sessions; elopements and intimate celebrations; creative entrepreneur and small business branding; personal branding and product photography.

Scituate Harbor :: Family Beach Photography

I feel like every few months I remind myself to catch up on family photo sessions here on the blog, and then a pandemic or a hurricane happens and time passes and…

This spring I had the joy of photographing Lauren and Mike’s family at the beach in Scituate, Massachusetts! They added a new baby boy to their family in April, and sadly we were unable to work together for newborn photos due to quarantine orders. But once it was deemed ok to do so, we had a distanced beach session and had a really fun morning drawing in the sand, throwing rocks and shells and discovering jellyfish!

Interested in newborn, kids and family photography?

Contact Shannon to schedule a relaxed kids and family session to document this special time in your lives! Shannon serves families, small business and entrepreneurs throughout Central Connecticut, Connecticut Shoreline, and South Shore, Massachusetts.

Photos at Home :: Documenting Living History from a Safe Distance

This week, I have been trying to wrap my head around how to keep my business afloat moving forward while we are all staying home and keeping a distance. It’s been a challenging week in many ways, but also inspiring in even more ways!

As a family, we have tried to get out for a walk each afternoon to get fresh air, say hello to neighbors who are also outside and walking. Connection is so important during times like this! It lifts the spirits and helps everyone feel less alone when things feel very uncertain and scary.

Seeing families outside together reminded me of all the wonderful times I have photographed families outside their homes, together. Now it feels like we are in the midst of a major time in history. Many of us with young kids probably can’t help but think they’ll grow up and talk about this the way we talked about 9/11, or our parents talked about JFK and MLK and the moon landing.

How did you spend this time? How was it challenging? How did you feel? What did we learn about each other or ourselves?

I know it’s not conventional in any sort of way, but I am offering a very small service, to families, small business owners and entrepreneurs who are now at home, to have some pictures taken, from a distance. I can work from your front yard, sidewalk, or driveway and capture you or your family, so you have memories captured of this time in our lives. Small business owners and entrepreneurs, you can use the photos to talk to your clients and audience, share with them how you’re spending these days.

So what do you think? :)

Due to the nature of these things, I think I would only be able to do this within a 20 minute drive from my own home, so Newington, Wethersfield, Rocky Hill and West Hartford.

I will not come close to your family. I won’t come in your house. You might pretend I’m like the paparazzi, just hanging out by your house.

Sound interesting? Fill out the form at the bottom of this post, or email me at hello@shannon-sorensen.com and we can figure it out!

Baby Henry, At-Home Newborn Photography Session :: Norwood, Massachusetts

It’s such a beautiful gift to photograph newborns. It’s such a milestone in life. This tiny, new person, welcomed into the world, into their home and their family. It’s beautiful and messy and tiring and peaceful and a million things all at once.

I consider it an honor to photograph these first, early days for my clients.

Even more special is to get to do this for my friends and family.

Jess is one of my best friends from college. We spent so much time singing and acting and laughing and partying and talking and eating cafeteria food. And now we’re moms, and she welcomed her third baby into their family. A sweet baby boy, with two incredibly funny big sisters.

I spent a Sunday morning with them at their home in Norwood, Massachusetts. They still had Christmas decorations on the front step because this is real life and lord knows we all have those things we just don’t need to bother with. We focus on what matters. It’s what’s inside that counts.

Inside the home is happiness, laughter, love, jumping off the couch and singing showtunes. It’s lots of coffee. It’s snuggles and sister hugs and dragging each other across the floor on their bean bag chairs.

It’s the stuff you dream of when you dream of having a family. Those little every day moments that define family life.

Here are some of my favorites from this special day.

Fall Family Photography Sessions

Fall sessions are happening, just in time for the holidays!

I sent Lily off to her first day of second grade this morning, and now it feels like fall, my friends. Labor Day weekend is upon us, we’ve had a handful of cooler days, and I am starting to think of sweaters and apple cider donuts and my favorite time of year that stretches out to Christmas. Yes, Christmas!

So, of course this made me think of family photos and cards and the fact that we’re overdue for our own photos. I have a whole wall of pictures from almost two years ago. And that feels like a lifetime ago, especially when you have little ones.

It doesn’t matter if it’s been one year, two, five, or you’ve never had family photos done. There’s no time like the present to capture sweet memories with your favorite people!

Like previous years, I will be scheduling sessions in both Massachusetts and Connecticut, around the South Shore and Hartford County. I have a selection of locations you may choose from, ranging from coastal and beachy to park-like and woodsy. You may even opt to have a more documentary-style session done at your home!

Family sessions start at $500 and include an hour of photography on location, an online gallery, and download access to your digital files for personal use. Dates are booked on a first come, first served basis.

Sessions are booked for Saturday mornings between 7:30am and 10am and afternoons between 3pm and 6pm.

NEW LOCAL WEEKDAY EVENING MINI SESSIONS

Weekday evening mini sessions can be booked Monday through Wednesday, within Hartford County, between 5pm and 7pm before Daylight Saving Time on November 2. These time slots may be used for family sessions, kids, maternity, seniors, and anniversaries or engagements. The price for these local sessions is $250 and includes 30 minutes of photography, digital files and online gallery.

It’s my joy and honor to capture these yearly milestones as your family grows and changes. I hope you see you on the other side of my lens this year!

schedule your fall photos

Garrett :: Massachusetts At-Home Newborn Photography

If you’re a new mama or had your second (or third or fourth) and feeling that exhaustion that comes with the newborn stage, I just want to tell you, you’re doing an amazing job. It is so hard and until you’re in the thick of it, you really don’t have an idea just how hard it is. You’re tired, you’re hormonal, you’re figuring out this new little person, a new routine, trying to stay hydrated and probably struggling with any number of newborn struggles, like feeding, sleeping, gas, fussiness.

You’re doing an amazing job.

I’ll tell you as often as I can, mama. These sweet little babies are miracles, but geez, it’s so hard. Things that we hoped would come naturally to us are maybe actually really difficult (ahem breastfeeding). Maybe you’re dealing with post-partum depression. Maybe you’re living off Poptarts and frozen pizzas.

It’s. All. Good.

Do what you need to do to take care of yourself and the baby. And if you need help or support, just ask. Allow others to wrap their caring arms around you.

You’re doing an amazing job.

Garrett’s Newborn Session

Garrett was born in early April and he was possibly the sleepiest baby I’ve ever worked with! He was awake when I arrived at the home, he ate, and boom - asleep! Through all the little changes and moving him around, he barely moved!

One of the benefits of doing newborn photos in the first two weeks is that they are at their sleepiest during this stage, but not every baby actually sleeps through their whole session! Every baby is different, and we make it work however we need to in order to get beautiful photos in your hands.

Here are some favorites from Garrett’s session!

One of my favorite things to do is get photos of families on their front steps. Often times, this is the first home, and makes a special keepsake to document the new family in front of the new home.

John :: Massachusetts At-Home Newborn Photography

Hey friends! We’ve made it to that “mid-summer” point and we are in the midst of a mega heat wave. I am grateful to have an excuse to stay inside in the air conditioning and get a bunch of work done this week. As of tomorrow, we’ll be away for a little over a week in Massachusetts. Lil will be going to baseball camp with my brother, we’re going to spend time with family, swim in my parents pool and eat a lot of ice cream!

at-home newborn photography

I had the joy of photographing Ros and Matt’s little guy back in March. He arrived two weeks “past due”, which is basically an eternity in a pregnant woman’s life, and mom and dad were so happy to finally have him in their arms.

When I arrived at their home in Massachusetts, I was surprised and delighted to see one of my favorite wedding photos I’ve taken in a large canvas on their mantle. Sometimes it surprises me to see photos I’ve taken in people’s homes, but it really just tells me that these photos mean so much to them and that what we photographers do, matters.

By the way, happy five year anniversary, you two!

John was a sweet, sleepy and snuggly little baby, and I set up in their dining room for the soft light that was coming in that side of their house. We shot a series of cozy baby portraits, and then went up to Ros and Matt’s room to take some relaxed family photos of them holding, kissing and loving on their little guy. We used a mix of the wraps and blankets that I bring with me in my little traveling studio along with a gorgeous handmade blanket by Ros’ best friend Liz, and some of their favorite swaddles to make his photos a bit more personalized.

Here are some favorites from their at-home newborn session.

Nora :: Stamford, Connecticut Newborn Photography

I had the joy of photographing sweet baby Nora a couple weeks ago at home in Stamford, Connecticut. She arrived several weeks early and had quite the NICU journey, by the time I met her she was about two months old! She has her mommy and daddy (and many more family and friends) wrapped around her finger and we had such a nice morning together.

Roshi, her mama, commented that it was the first time they really got to hold her and feel her skin. Since she was in the NICU for so long and it was winter, she was always dressed and covered and so they didn’t get to spend so much time doing skin to skin. It’s little things like that we might not even realize we take for granted with babies. Just feeling how soft their skin is, and getting to just spend time holding them and enjoying them.

Here are some favorites from our session together. She was awake for most of the session, so we adapted and started out with some sweet, snuggly family photos, and then headed downstairs to do her portraits once she dozed off. It’s funny, as a photographer, we talk about how we want the babies to be nice and seepy, but we are on their schedule, not the other way around! :) And I personally love getting some photos of them awake. This girl was just as enamored with her parents as they were with her.

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Shannon Sorensen is a newborn and family photographer based in Newington, Connecticut, and travels throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts capturing relaxed, heirloom photographs of family life and milestones. She photographs all newborns at home for your convenience and comfort. For inquiries or more information, feel free to contact Shannon anytime! Most newborns are photographed within the first 14 days after birth, and sessions can be scheduled anytime during your pregnancy leading up to the days after your little one arrives.

Family Beach Session at Harkness Memorial State Park :: Waterford, Connecticut Shoreline

I had the joy of photographing Emily and Tom's family again earlier this month to capture their growing family at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, Connecticut. It was a gorgeous, quiet Sunday morning by the water, and I love the images from this session. We got a nice mix of family portraits and those candids you know I love, little moments of giggles, snuggles, silliness and affection.

I've photographed this family four times now, and each time has been different and wonderful. I shot Emily and Tom's engagement photos at Yale, Martin's newborn photos, a fall family session when Martin was about 5 months old, and now this spring session where the kids are 4 and almost 2. It's such a gift for me to be entrusted with documenting this time, when the kids are growing, their personalities are flourishing, Emily and Tom are right in the thick of parenting, and the days are passing so quickly. 

When I shot Martin's newborn photos, I was about 4 weeks pregnant with Andrew. 

Time flies!

Here are some favorite highlights from their session at Harkness Memorial State Park. I especially love the series of mother-daughter images at the end. It was a little cool and Emily picked up Claire to help warm her up. It was very quick, this sweet, snuggly moment as we were walking back to the cars.

If you're a Connecticut resident, parking here is free, and it's a really lovely place to spend time, for a picnic, walking along the water, fishing, or exploring the gardens. And it's a short trip from Mystic, if you are looking for more activities for the kids and sights to see. 

Spring Family Beach Session at Harkness Memorial State Park Waterford Connecticut Shoreline by Shannon Sorensen Photography

Shannon Sorensen is a Connecticut-based newborn and family documentary photographer serving families throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. For more information or inquiries, contact Shannon or email hello@shannon-sorensen.com.

Ain't No Mama Like the One I've Got

What do you want for Mother's Day?

Every year my husband asks me this and every year I stammer and wrack my brain and end up mumbling "Uhhhh I don't know, breakfast something something quiet day something something I don't need anything."

I don't really need anything. We're healthy and happy. I have everything I need. But what's the point of Mother's Day but to honor the women who are so special to us, in whatever role they fill in our lives. And to be celebrated. Am I the only who for some reason feels guilty for being celebrated? How silly is that? I grew two humans! That wasn't easy! It's still not easy. haha

With Mother's Day a couple weeks away, I can think of no better gift to give than time together taking beautiful photos of mamas and their babies. Whether your babies are tiny or in high school or grown up, or you want generational pictures and include your own mom, or your babies are covered in fur and keep your feet warm at night. There are so many ways to be a mama, and they should all be celebrated and honored!

So, when you are asked what you want for Mother's Day? Send them here. Have them email me at hello@shannon-sorensen.com. Or if you are the one doing the shopping, I can send a printable or physical gift certificate to give alongside that awesome breakfast in bed!

And if you book a documentary family session with me now through the end of May for the remainder of 2018, you'll receive a free 5x5 coffee table book featuring your favorite 10 images (a $90 value) from your session! This offer is valid for family, motherhood, fatherhood, maternity and anniversary sessions - it does not include newborn sessions. Contact Shannon for session pricing and details. 

There is no better time to capture memories with your family!

I can't wait to hear from you!

Shannon Sorensen is a newborn and family photographer based in Newington, Connecticut. She joyfully serves families throughout New England. Email hello@shannon-sorensen.com for inquiries. 

Documentary Family Photography :: Fall in Wilton, Connecticut

I'm so excited to share my sweet bestie's family with you today! We spent a beautiful fall morning at their home in Wilton, Connecticut, playing outside, getting lots of snuggles, and then heading inside for some more casual, candid shots while their little guy had a snack and played.

I love at-home sessions, especially for kiddos around this age (1-2), because they are in their comfort zone. They have their stuff and familiar surroundings. They are more relaxed, and mom and dad can enjoy themselves a bit more knowing they don't need to pack a car of snacks, clothes, diapers and toys to keep the kiddo happy. They have everything they need, so they can focus on spending time together, play, snuggling, reading books and showing what their family life is all about. 

Lake Mohegan Family Photography :: Fairfield, Connecticut

One of the most fun parts of photographing families is getting to see how much kids grow and change over the years. I met Briana's family last year at Lake Mohegan in Fairfield, Connecticut for family portraits, and at the time, Briana and I were both pregnant, just a couple weeks apart. So this year, I got to meet Owen! He and big brother Christian were such a treat to spend time with. Here are a few of my favorites from our session.

2017 Fall Family Photography Sessions Are Open!

Happy September, ya'll!

I am so excited for fall. I know there are many out there who refuse to acknowledge pumpkin anything before September 22....but I'm not one of those people! I practically tapdanced when I woke up to a chilly 55 degree morning. It's supposed to be in the 80s next week for a couple days and I will be confused and grumbling about New England weather and not knowing if I need a sweater or a bathing suit.

It's. All. Good. 

Fall is an exciting time of year! The leaves are changing, kids are back to school, we start thinking about the holidays (and holiday card photos)! For me, it's busy season and I go go go until Thanksgiving. Last year was amazing, and I learned a few things along the way to make some adjustments this year that I believe will benefit everyone!

Fall Schedule

At the moment, I am only planning on September and October travel dates. I will open up November in a couple weeks. 

9/2-9/4 Connecticut - available for full sessions local to Hartford County.

9/9-9/10 Connecticut - available for full sessions throughout the state.

9/16-9/17 not available.

9/23-9/24 Connecticut - not available 9/23. Available for full sessions local to Hartford the morning of 9/24.

9/30 Connecticut Mini Sessions in the morning at Elizabeth Park in West Hartford; 10/1 Connecticut Mini Sessions in the morning at Lake Mohegan in Fairfield. Contact me for times and availability if interested.

10/7-10/9 Connecticut - not available 10/7. Available for full sessions throughout the state on 10/8 and 10/9.

10/14-10/15 Massachusetts - available for full sessions local to Scituate, Duxbury, and Plymouth.

10/21 Massachusetts Woodsy Mini Sessions in the afternoon at Bird Park in Walpole; 10/22 Massachusetts Mini Seaside Sessions in the morning at Scituate Harbor. Contact me for times and availability if interested. 

10/28-10/29 Connecticut - available for full sessions throughout the state.

Mini Sessions - quick and (fingers crossed) easy!

As you can see, I am planning one weekend of mini sessions in Connecticut and one weekend in Massachusetts. Other than those dates, I will not be booking any other mini session dates this fall. If you are not able to book a mini session on those dates, I would love to chat about scheduling a full session! 

Mini sessions are a great opportunity to get a few updated family photos, or to capture a milestone such as maternity, engagement or senior portrait. Mini sessions exclude newborn photography. Newborn babies may be included in a family mini session, but will not be posed and photographed on their own. 

Mini session investment - $200

Includes: 15 minutes of photography, online gallery of 10 fully edited photos, $50 print credit to be used through your gallery towards any print products, and (this is new!) any image you order as a print, you will also receive the digital file of that image. 

Full Family Sessions - fresh, modern and personal

Gone are the days of stiff posing and plastered smiles! I work closely with each family to plan a session that is personal and tailored to her or his interests or family dynamics. From location to wardrobe, including pets or some fun personal props (think little red wagons, bikes, a trip to go apple picking or to the pumpkin patch), these sessions are less formal and more documentary style. I will guide you through your session so that you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I want to see laughter, snuggles, play and JOY!

Click for more info on pricing: senior portraits // newborns

Full family session investment - $350

Includes: 60 minutes of photography, online gallery of fully edited photos, $100 print credit to be used through your gallery towards any print products, and (this is new!) any image you order as a print, you will also receive the digital file of that image. 

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Contact me as soon as possible to book your session! You can email me at hello@shannon-sorensen.com, or use this contact form. I am SO excited for this season and look forward to seeing your beautiful families!

Grayson :: Marshfield Massachusetts Newborn Photographer

Grayson arrived into his parents arms a bit early in March and it was a joy to photograph him and his sweet parents at their home in Marshfield. He slept beautifully through the entire session, and I got to spend time photographing him with his mom and dad in his gorgeous nautical themed nursery. It is always so special getting to photograph babies at home in their own space. And I love that mom and dad can relax, have a cup of coffee and catch up on some tv (or sleep)!

I love these family photos - there's nothing better than telling parents that all they have to do is hold their baby and snuggle and smooch them. I find it to be so relaxing at a time when everyone is so tired and the last thing you want to do is have to pack up and leave the house for a few hours. That's why I am so happy to do in-home sessions!

Here are some of my favorites from Grayson's in-home newborn session!

Spring Mini Sessions for Mom

A couple weeks ago, my husband asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day, and although I haven't told him yet, I know exactly what I want, which makes me wonder if it's what other moms really want as well. 

I want photos with my kids. I want photos of my holding them, snuggling them, kissing their cheeks. I want Lily in my lap and Andrew in my arms. I want to freeze this moment in time where they are so little and I'm young(ish) and full of energy and our days consist of snuggling and loving on each other and exploring the world with wonder and fresh eyes. I want photos so that years from now, I'm not wondering why I was always behind the camera but rarely in front. I want more than selfies. 

I think a lot about why I love being a photographer and how it spills into every moment of my life. I take pictures to remember, to remind myself someday of the little things that made my life beautiful. To show our kiddos what they meant to us and how we loved them. That when they were tiny babies, we spent our days snuggling and napping, holding their tiny bodies on our chests so our hearts beat next to each other and our breath synced up. To know that even when they grow up and move out and on with their lives, we'll always be connected by a bond that is greater than anything in the universe.

So I am honored and excited to offer mini sessions for moms - all moms - with your kiddos or without, whether you have five kids, one kid, you're pregnant, your kid is your dog, you want photos with your own mom, or you just want some gorgeous and happy pictures of yourself because you are awesome and deserve it. 

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Mini Sessions for Mom - $150

Sunday, May 21 at Elizabeth Park, West Hartford, CT

8:00am // 8:30am // 9:00am // 9:30am // 10:00am

20 minutes of photography, 10 final images in an online gallery, set of 4x6 proof prints to keep. Additional prints and enlargements are available to purchase through your gallery. 

Mini sessions require a signed contract and full payment at the time of booking. Participants should arrive 10 minutes prior to their session so we can start on time and not delay the morning and subsequent sessions. In case of rain or drizzle, sessions will be pushed to Sunday, June 4, at the same time slots. 

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here's to the beautiful moms in our lives

Shannon Sorensen is a Connecticut-based wedding, newborn and family photographer who believes in real over perfection, and specializes in documenting candid, intimate and emotional moments. Click here to book your next session or event.

Barbara + James :: Elizabeth Park West Hartford Connecticut Engagement Photography

These dear ones are set to get married in early May up in Massachusetts, where I will gladly put on my wedding guest hat and dance my post-baby booty off. But first, let me share my favorites from their Elizabeth Park engagement session in West Hartford. Barbara has been a dear friend since the summer of 2001, the same summer I met Sean, and I am so thankful I can call her a friend. She and James are so sweet and funny and natural together, which made our time hanging out doing photos super easy for me.

Go over there and snuggle? No problem.

Twirl her around and make her laugh that big Barbara laugh. Got it. 

Look at each other like you simply adore each other. Oh, you're already doing that. Yay!

I was pumped to spend a beautiful September day with them at one of my favorite local parks. Even though it was technically fall, the air was warm, the sun was golden and there were still gorgeous blooms everywhere we turned. I swear, this park is magic. 

Mallory + Ryan :: Bird Park Walpole Massachusetts Anniversary Photography

How is it possible that Valentine's Day is tomorrow? Wasn't it just Christmas, like, a week ago?

If you're like me, Valentine's Day can be a bit of an afterthought. You maybe get a card, some wine and have a nice dinner. We've never been big on jewelry or anything crazy for a "Hallmark holiday".

HOWEVER! That doesn't mean romantic gestures aren't appreciated. One year, Sean had a barbershop quartet show up at my office (in a blizzard!) and serenade me in front of my coworkers. I'm not sure I ever blushed so red in my life, but it was so unexpected and sweet, I'll always remember that. Some years it's just another day, other years we like to surprise each other with something a bit more fun. 

When I think about what I'd really love at this point in our marriage, it's more photos of just the two of us (and a vacation)! I would love nothing more than a day to just be together, having it photographed, doing something fun or silly, just focused on each other. Marriage can tend to take a backseat once you have kids. It's easy to lose focus on the foundation that your family is built on. And these pictures wouldn't just be for Sean and I, they'd be for our kiddos to look at years from now, to see our love for each other, that we're more than just mom and dad, but two people who decided to commit to a life together, to build a home and grow a family. The love doesn't stop after the wedding day!

It doesn't matter if it's been a year or 5 or 25 - it will always be worth it to invest in photos to capture your growing relationship, family, a new home, pets, kids. Anniversary sessions are a beautiful way to "treat yo'self" and document your years together beautifully. Get dolled up out on the town or spend the day in pjs snuggling at home, sipping coffee and curling up in bed. Whatever your style, you'll have a beautiful collection of images that show how you've changed and grown since your wedding day. (hint: Sean and I were practically babies. I look at our wedding photos and it feels like a lifetime ago!)

So if you're scrambling at the last minute and really want something special to give your sweetheart, drop me an email at hello@shannon-sorensen.com and we'll chat!

I recently did an anniversary shoot with Mallory and Ryan at Bird Park in Walpole, Massachusetts, and it was so much fun. They were so sweet together, so kind, and they also brought their pup, Eddie, who was a perfect gentleman. Their session reminded me of how important it is to take time as a couple to just be together and enjoy each other. Be silly, laugh, play, snuggle, throw leaves in the air and kiss! Life is short and there's no time like right now to give each other the gift of being present and making memories together.