PICTURE YOURSELF IN A LOCATION YOU LOVE!
Karl's Top Spots for Photo Sessions!
1. BEACHES OF CONNECTICUT’S COAST
Make waves at one of the breathtaking beaches that dot Connecticut’s shoreline. Stroll along the water’s edge, perch on a driftwood log, view the sun-dappled ocean from a craggy rocks. And guess what? Karl, our click-happy companion, is ready to capture all the moments!
Hammanassett State Park, Madison, CT.
Connecticut’s largest seaside park, Hammanassett is a photo mecca with over two miles of wind-swept beaches on Long Island Sound. The Meigs Point trail makes for a gorgeous “wedding aisle” as I discovered when photographing a seaside ceremony here.
Silver Sands State Park Milford CT. This fabled boardwalk features binocular stations where you can get a birds eye view of the silvery beach and waves. The wooden walkway also makes for intriguing “leading line” portraits, and even leads to Walnut Beach, for photos by picturesque piers as the sun lowers over the sea.
2. CAMPUS ENLIGHTENMENT
Flashback to the time I snagged a pic holding my hard-earned diploma, triumphantly passing through the iconic brick columns of my campus. Little did I know, that "Done!" grin would turn into a yearly tradition of capturing the wild rites of passage for countless grads. From Princeton to Columbia to Yale, I've been on an ivy-covered adventure, snapping ceremonial handshakes and cap-flinging candid moments. My studio portraits even made it into the hallowed yearbooks!
If you're on the brink of graduation, let me be your moment-capturing maestro. I'm talking about glorious photos with your favorite school haunts, cherished memorabilia, rowdy classmates, and proud family members. And hey, even if you're just revisiting your old stomping grounds, let's turn it into a photo walk down memory lane. Homecoming, college reunions, or a meet-up with your college sweetheart—consider those moments immortalized!
Yale University Campus, New Haven, CT. One of the eight “Ivy Leagues,” Yale is the quintessential Connecticut university. Whether you aspire to it or simply admire it, you’re welcome to experience the eclectic splendor of Yale’s residential and academic buildings, art galleries, libraries, and science museum. Bookworms are awestruck by Sterling Memorial Library, envisioned as a European cathedral by architect James Gamble Rogers (Yale Class 1889). The 14-story literary sanctuary houses over 200 million volumes, illuminated by 2,000 stained glass windows. Vintage globes add a multi-media dimension to the library’s extensive map collection.
Visit the old campus and you’ll likely pass through the Noah Porter Gate, named after a past Yale president. It’s a popular photo stop, as is the Gothic-inspired Jonathan Edwards Residential College, whose namesake was a child prodigy who entered Yale at age 13 and graduated as class valedictorian.
3. FARMS FOR ALL SEASONS
It's fall harvest time, and we're diving headfirst into the pumpkin patch or navigating the twists and turns of a corn maze. Get ready for photos that'll make your Instagram followers do a double-take!
But wait, the photo fiesta doesn't stop there. Come late spring and summer, and we're hitting the orchards for a fruit-picking bonanza. It's not just about the delicious loot; we're talking about turning those orchards into the backdrop for some seriously fun and family-filled snapshots. Forget the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away"—we're going for an apple a day to keep the good times rolling!
Heritage Homestead, Northford, CT. This private farm and working ranch in the hills of Connecticut has opened its’ barn doors to wedding celebrants. It features pastoral meadows and spectacular sunsets.
Silverman’s Farm, Easton CT. The orchard provides a hands-on experience with pick-your- own berries and apples, plus a petting zoo. Their store offers country décor and home-made fruit pies.
4. GARDENS & GREENHOUSES
Let your best self bloom amidst beautifully landscaped gardens. Take your pick from the colorful pageantry that greets each season. Spring: Daffodils, irises, lilies, peonies, tulips, violets. Summer: Dahlias, daisies, lavender, poppies, roses, zinnias. Autumn: Asters, chrysanthemums, geraniums marigolds, petunias, sunflowers. Winter: Camellias, gardenias, lilies, poinsettias,
Botanical gardens often include a glass conservatory, so you can step into a tranquil world of lush greenery even when there’s a blizzard or storm brewing outside. The sun shining through the greenhouse glass creates a warm diffused light and cozy environment to illuminate your portrait session. The potted plants and flowers make both beautiful backgrounds and dramatic foregrounds.
Elizabeth Gardens Conservancy, Hartford CT.
Rose-lovers flock to the gardens in mid-June to be photographed under the legendary rose arches. I was happily surprised to discover it also has a flourishing arboretum. The centerpiece is a weeping blue Atlas that makes a graceful canopy for wedding proposals.
Edgerton Park Conservatory , New Haven/Hamden. This walled estate was originally built as a tranquil retreat from the downtown bustle, and it’s now my favorite portrait haven year-round! The greenhouse glass floods the peaceful environment with flattering diffused light, while rainforest rarities provide both beautiful backgrounds and dramatic foregrounds. . Modeled after an 18th century English garden, the 22 acres include a carriage house, fountain, benches, and a community garden where locals can plant vegetables.
5. LANDMARK MANSIONS & CASTLES
Make magical memories as you fall under the spell of one of the vintage landmarks that line Connecticut’s gold coast and beyond.
Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam, CT. Be prince and princess for the day at this medieval fantasy dreamed up by William Hooker Gillette of Sherlock Homes fame Begin with epic portraits by the front of the castle and under the fieldstone arches. Continue to Grand Central Station where a private railroad once transported guests like Charlie Chaplin around the grounds. Take the train trail to a scenic spot along the Connecticut River, for breathtaking vistas and photos! The estate is open daily from 8:00 am to sunset. Tours of the interior, with ingenuities like secret doors, trick locks and hidden mirrors, run from Memorial to Labor Day.
Eolia Mansion at Harkness State Park, Waterford, CT. Eolia, named for the island home of the Greek god of the winds, is my idea of paradise with a trio of photogenic settings: 1) A Roman Renaissance Revival mansion with Grecian-styled columns 2) A beautifully landscaped garden with colorful flowers and stately trees 3) A small jewel of a beach overlooking Long Island Sound. Eolia was originally the summer mansion of Edward and Mary Stillman Harkness, who bequeathed it to the state.
Gallaher Mansion and Cranbury Park, Norwalk CT. Step into a storybook that conjures images of country life in medieval England. The limestone Tudor Revival mansion, surrounded by a flagstone terrace, stone arch, sculpture garden, and fantastical twisted trees, makes a dramatic backdrop for that milestone in your life. Built by inventor/industrialist Edward Beach Gallaher in 1930, the estate also features trails, a dog park and a a golf course that winds its way in and out of the woods.
Cranbury Park A beautiful mansion with spacious lawn in Norwalk, CT.
6. MURAL ART & CITYSCAPES
Drawn to the excitement of city vibes? Discover Hartford, with its City Hall and carousel park; New Haven, with its eclectic downtown and Wooster Square; Bridgeport with its’ lighthouse, and all three with their mind-opening murals!
Knowlton Mural Park, Bridgeport, CT.
Brighten up your social media profile by making street art’s bright colors and upbeat messages part of the mix! I’ll help you pose strategically in front of a wall, so that it appears you’ve been ”painted’ in to the picture! Black and white word collage, spray painted by talented muralist Nathan Brown features fifty positive words contributed by the Knowlton team. Cream heart on blue ground is part of a long mural lettered “Bridgeport” by reknowned muralist Bio Tats Cru. Whimsically mural container, plus fire escape with painted dog and message “Never Give Up” show that city graphics are not limited to walls.
7. PLAYFUL ADVENTURES
Fans of action photos may find a winning scene setter at one of these: baseball stadium, basketball or tennis court; bowling alley; swimming pool; yacht; adventure park; amusement park: carousel! Add to the team spirit with themed shirts.
Boulder Ridge Village, Barkhamsted. An adventure park may be just the spot to gather for a combined family reunion and photo session. Begin with multi-generational portraits among the trees. Then, kin of all ages can zipline above the lake; climb the rock walls; and dive into the pool while my camera follows the fun.
8. WATERFALLS TO WOODLANDS
Discover a fascinating array of landscapes and waterscapes, flora and fauna, within Connecticut’s varied ecosystems. Connecticut boasts over 150 spacious state parks and forests, and almost all are free to state resdients via the Connecticut pass. Additionally, every city and town has its’ own small gems for local residents
State Park: Southford Falls State Park, Southbury CT. Create a splash with a cascading waterfall as your photo backdrop. Then look to the surrounding forest for leafy foliage that melts into dreamy bokeh. In the fall, Connecticut parks are a magnet for those who enjoy golden foliage and jumping in mountains of leaves!
City Park: Tarrywile Park, Danbury CT Tarry a while at this turn-of-century estate for unforgettable photos. The shingle style gabled mansion features a children’s garden and a Victorian gazebo for charming portraits. A one-mile “white trail” leads to and loops around a scenic pond. The adjacent hearthstone castle is crumbling and closed, but you can catch a glimpse of its’ haunting beauty from afar.
Town Park: Irwin Park, New Canaan, CT (Waveny Park, just 3 miles away, has a 1912 tudor mansion). Follow the trail to the perfect hideaway for surprise proposals: a rustic gazebo that blends organically with the surrounding woods. Handcrafted from cedar logs, it welcomes visitors with a shingled roof for shade and quaint twig benches for seating. A daffodil garden on the great lawn is also the handiwork of the New Canaan Garden Club.
9. WILDLIFE PRESERVES & PET PLACES
Whether you’d like to be pictured with an amazing animal at the zoo, or have your own irresistible pet as part of the picture, count me in!
Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport CT. Be transported to an exotic jungle habitat at Connecticut’s only full-fledged zoo. Pet a gorilla in the bamboo thicket. Ride an alligator by the wetlands exhibit. They’re both garden sculptures, and all smiles! Rainforest convervatory foliage makes a lush backdrop for engaged couples, while a flower showcases that sparkly ring.
Bethel Bark Park, Bethel, CT. Connecticut has a growing number of parks where dogs can run unleashed in the company of other canines. This park features a mural which makes a fun photo op, and also hosts a “Bark in the Park” day where dogs can find their forever homes.
10. WINE TRAIL
Take to Connecticut’s “Wine Trail” for tastings at 35 wineries. Each of these gems feature 25% or more Connectcut grapes. and most have gorgeous grapes that ripen on the vines in fall.
Gouveia Vineyards, Wallingford CT. “Come for the wine, stay for the view” is the motto of this welcoming vineyard. The owner invites picknickers and photographers alike to this vineyard inspired by the town in Portugal where he grew up. The 26 acres host 17 different varieties, and the red ones are aged in genuine oak barrels, which make picturesque backdrops.
