Every October, something extraordinary happens in Fairfield.
The peaceful trails of the Fairfield Audubon Society transform into a breathtaking canvas of brilliant crimson, glowing gold, warm amber, and fiery orange. For just a few short weeks, nature creates one of the most beautiful settings in Connecticut for family portraits.
As a family photographer for more than 35 years, I've photographed families throughout Fairfield County, but every autumn I find myself returning to the Audubon Society. There is simply no other location that combines beautiful light, peaceful surroundings, and natural scenery quite like it.
If you've been thinking about updating your family portraits, creating holiday cards, or simply preserving this season of your family's life, this is one of my favorite times of the year to do it.
🍁 2026 Early Bird Fall Mini Session Special
Reserve your session before September 12, 2026 and receive our special Early Bird pricing.
Only $299 + tax
After September 12, 2026: $425 + tax
Your Fall Mini Session Includes
✔ 15–20 minute outdoor portrait session
✔ 12 professionally edited high-resolution digital images
✔ Private online gallery with 30+ beautifully edited images to choose from
✔ Professional posing and natural guidance
✔ Genuine smiles created naturally through fun interaction—not forced poses
✔ 10% OFF all print purchases
📅 Session Dates
October 24–31, 2026
📍 Location
Fairfield Audubon Society
Fairfield, Connecticut
Reserve Your Session
Why I Love Photographing Families at the Fairfield Audubon Society
People often ask me why I return to the Fairfield Audubon Society every fall.
The answer is simple.
It doesn't feel like a photo session.
It feels like a family adventure.
Children aren't standing still waiting for someone to tell them to smile. They're discovering colorful leaves, running down the trails, hugging Mom and Dad, laughing with their siblings, and simply enjoying being together.
Those moments can't be manufactured.
They happen naturally.
That's why I rarely ask anyone to smile.
Instead, I create an experience where smiles happen on their own.
The result is authentic family portraits filled with emotion, connection, and joy—photographs that feel just as meaningful twenty years from now as they do today.
Children sharing a natural moment during a Fairfield fall family session
More Than Beautiful Pictures
Every family tells a different story.
Some are welcoming a new baby.
Some are celebrating grandparents visiting from out of town.
Others simply realize how quickly children grow and don't want another year to pass without updating their family portraits.
Whatever brings you here, my goal is always the same:
To create photographs that remind you how this season of your life truly felt.
Because someday your children won't remember exactly what they wore.
They'll remember chasing leaves.
Holding your hand.
Laughing together.
Those are the memories worth preserving.
Children sharing a natural moment during a Fairfield fall family session
The Magic of Connecticut's Fall Foliage
Connecticut is famous for its spectacular autumn colors, and the Fairfield Audubon Society offers one of the most beautiful displays in Fairfield County.
Golden light filters through towering maple trees.
Rustic boardwalks wind through peaceful marshes.
Tall grasses glow in the afternoon sun.
Every direction offers another incredible backdrop.
Because peak foliage only lasts for a short time, these sessions are available for one limited week while the colors are at their absolute best.
A family portrait filled with natural connection and emotion
What Makes My Fall Mini Sessions Different?
Although they're called "mini sessions," I never rush your experience.
During your 15–20 minutes together, we'll create a variety of portraits including:
- The entire family
- Mom with the children
- Dad with the children
- Siblings together
- Individual portraits
- Couples
- Genuine candid moments
- Beautiful holiday card portraits
You'll receive a beautifully curated online gallery featuring 30+ professionally edited images, allowing you to choose your favorite 12 final high-resolution photographs.
If you fall in love with more than twelve images, you'll have plenty of opportunities to purchase additional photographs, prints, albums, wall art, ornaments, and holiday gifts directly from your gallery.
As an added thank-you, you'll receive 10% OFF all print purchases.
What Should We Wear?
One of the questions I receive most often is what to wear for fall family pictures.
Here are a few simple suggestions:
- Earth tones like cream, rust, olive, burgundy, mustard, camel, navy, and forest green photograph beautifully.
- Avoid large logos or busy patterns.
- Coordinate colors instead of matching exactly.
- Add texture with sweaters, scarves, boots, and layered clothing.
- Most importantly, wear something comfortable that feels like you.
The goal is for your family to look timeless—not trendy.
Why We Chose the Fairfield Audubon Society
The Connecticut Audubon Society in Fairfield is one of my favorite locations for family portraits, especially during the fall. As the leaves begin to change, the property transforms into a beautiful mix of golden meadows, colorful hardwood trees, peaceful woodland trails, and rustic natural scenery that creates timeless New England portraits.
One of the things I love most about this location is the variety it offers. Within a short walk, we can photograph your family in several different settings, giving your gallery a diverse collection of images without ever feeling rushed. The quiet surroundings also help children feel more relaxed, allowing us to capture genuine smiles, natural interactions, and the moments that make family photographs so meaningful.
After photographing families throughout Fairfield County for more than 30 years, I continue to return to the Fairfield Audubon Society because it consistently provides one of the most beautiful and timeless backdrops for autumn portraits.
Siblings laughing together during an autumn portrait session
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for fall foliage photos in Fairfield?
Fall Mini Sessions are scheduled during the weeks when Fairfield typically experiences its most vibrant autumn colors. While Mother Nature determines the exact timing each year, late October through early November usually provides beautiful foliage throughout the Fairfield Audubon Society.
What happens if it rains?
If severe weather or heavy rain is forecast, your session will be rescheduled to the next available date at no additional charge. I'll stay in touch leading up to your session and make any weather decisions as early as possible.
Can grandparents join our session?
Absolutely! Grandparents are always welcome. A Fall Mini Session is a wonderful opportunity to capture multiple generations together. If you are planning a very large extended family, please contact me before booking so we can determine whether a full family session would be a better fit.
Are pets allowed?
No. To help protect the wildlife and preserve the natural environment, the Fairfield Audubon Society does not allow pets during these sessions. If you'd like portraits that include your dog, I'd be happy to recommend another beautiful pet-friendly location in Fairfield County.
How long is each Fall Mini Session?
Each session lasts approximately 15 minutes, giving us enough time for a variety of family combinations, individual portraits of the children, sibling photos, and parents together.
How many images are included?
Each session includes 13 professionally hand-edited, high-resolution digital images. Every final image is personally retouched by me to ensure you receive beautiful, polished portraits.
When will we receive our photos?
Your proof gallery will be available within 4 days of your session. After you select your favorite images, each one is individually edited before your final gallery is delivered.
What should we wear?
Soft earth tones, creams, browns, olive greens, burgundy, navy, mustard, and neutral textures complement Connecticut's autumn landscape beautifully. Coordinating colors rather than matching outfits creates timeless portraits. Avoid clothing with large logos, bright neon colors, or busy patterns.
Where are the sessions held?
Sessions take place at the beautiful Fairfield Audubon Society on Burr Street in Fairfield, Connecticut, one of the area's most scenic locations for fall family portraits. The trails, golden grasses, mature trees, and colorful foliage provide a stunning natural backdrop every autumn.
Why should we book early?
Fall foliage only lasts for a short time each year, and the most popular weekend appointments fill quickly. Booking early gives you the best selection of dates and allows plenty of time to receive your finished portraits before the holiday season.
How do we reserve a session?
Simply choose your preferred date and time through the online booking page. Once your reservation is complete, you'll receive everything you need to prepare for your session, including helpful tips to make the experience relaxed and enjoyable.
Families Travel from Across Fairfield County
Each fall I photograph families from:
- Fairfield
- Southport
- Westport
- Easton
- Weston
- Trumbull
- Monroe
- Bridgeport
- Wilton
- New Canaan
- Darien
- Stamford
- Greenwich
Many return year after year because the Fairfield Audubon Society offers one of the most beautiful fall portrait locations anywhere in Connecticut.
Siblings laughing together during an autumn portrait session
Professionally guided family posing surrounded by Connecticut fall colors
A family portrait filled with natural connection and emotion
Reserve Your Fall Mini Session Today
Autumn only lasts a few weeks.
Childhood moves even faster.
These photographs become part of your family's story for generations.
If you've been waiting for the perfect time to update your family portraits, this is it.
🍂 Early Bird Pricing
$299 + tax
Book before September 12, 2026
Regular Price after September 12:
$425 + tax
📅 October 24–31, 2026
📍 Fairfield Audubon Society
Fairfield, Connecticut
Reserve Your Session Today
I would be honored to photograph your family this fall and create artwork you'll proudly display in your home for years to come.
Fairfield Fall Mini Sessions 2026 | Fairfield Family Photographer | Connecticut Audubon Society
