Blog readers, meet Maison, one of the most photogenic almost-one-year-olds I’ve ever met. His mom emailed me a few weeks ago about a mommy and me session at Short Beach, and I was obviously excited about it! Maison will be one in March, and he is the most perfectly plump little guy you’ve ever seen. He is also not the least bit intimidated by me, a stranger waving a giant camera in his face. Also, has a belly and cheeks FOR DAYS (I’m officially smitten), and I had such a fun time with him and his mommy, Kate.

I often have parents who are (naturally) concerned about bringing their little ones outside in the winter for photo sessions. It can be chilly, the wind can be harsh on their little faces, and it can make their eyes and nose run. However, I love it when parents decide to shoot outside even during the winter. In Maison’s case, we took it slow. We took a 10 minute break about halfway in to the session to warm up in the car, and then we got back at it. Kate brought a beautiful wool blanket, and I brought handwarmers, and for the most part, we all stayed pretty warm. You just can’t replicate that natural sunlight outside.

To be honest, I didn’t have any idea Stratford, Connecticut had such a cute beach. Short Beach is located just south of the mouth of the Housatonic River, just down from Milford, CT and just above Bridgeport. It’s quiet, it was pretty clean, and perfectly calm enough for a little session on the beach.