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Some sessions just feel like pure magic from start to finish – and Madalynne’s senior portraits were exactly that. From her cap and gown to her prom dress in the middle of a glowing summer field, every part of her story felt like a celebration of who she is and where she’s going next.

A Ribbon of Remembrance

During her cap-and-gown portraits, one detail stood out: a yellow ribbon draped alongside her honors cords. This ribbon wasn’t just an accessory – it was worn in memory of a dear friend who had passed away. It was a quiet but powerful reminder that senior year is not only about celebrating achievements, but also about carrying the people and moments that shape us. The way Madalynne and her classmates chose to honor her friend was a beautiful testament to their compassion and and the kind of person she is – someone who leads with both strength and heart.

The Session: Fields, Horses, & A Fairytale Gown

We started with her cap and gown, that timeless “I did it!” moment on a quiet country road. There’s something about the way the tassels sway and the sun hits those deep maroon colors that makes it all feel real.

From there, we switched gears into something softer—her crisp white dress against the dappled light of the trees. The way she laughed over her shoulder in those shots felt effortless, like the kind of smile only summer evenings can bring out.

But the showstopper? Her prom dress. Layers of blue and white ruffles, shimmering with tiny details, flowing in the breeze as she stood in the middle of the farm’s green fields. And just when we thought it couldn’t get better, the horses wandered over. Watching her gently lean in close, gown sweeping the grass, and those horses resting their heads near her shoulder—it felt like a fairytale brought to life.

Who She Is

Known as “Sassy” to her friends of course!

BUT Beyond the photos, what makes Madalynne shine is how much she juggles – and how gracefully she does it. She’s been dancing for 15 years, works a job, plays two sports, and has kept herself on the honor roll the whole way through. She describes herself as sassy, compassionate, and caring, and her friends add kind and funny to the mix. After spending this time with her, I’d say every single word fits.

Looking Ahead

Next year, she’s off to college to study forensic psychology (how cool is that?) and dive into internships to get her career started. She’s learned over the past four years that she’s independent, hardworking, and stronger than she sometimes realizes -qualities that will take her far beyond high school hallways.

Advice Worth Sharing

When asked what she’d tell incoming freshmen, her answer was wise beyond her years:

It’s the kind of advice that sums up her journey perfectly-knowing who you are, standing strong in it, and still staying open to the world around you.

Photographing Madalynne was such a gift. From the proud graduate walking down the road in her cap and gown, to the girl who twirled in her prom dress under the sunset, to the young woman gently resting her hand against a horse’s neck -it all felt like little chapters of a much bigger story.

And the best part? This is just the beginning of what’s sure to be an incredible next chapter.

Have the BEST time at college!!! You are going to do amazing things!

-Karin

Every once in a while, I’m invited to capture a session that feels like a quiet love letter — to family, to a home, to a lifetime of memories that words alone can’t quite hold.

Recently, I had the privilege of photographing a family who, like so many here in New England, grew up nestled between the trees and the water, in a lake house that has become so much more than just a house. It was their grandparents’ home — the heart of every summer, every celebration, and every memory stitched into the fabric of their childhood.

Before saying goodbye to the home they all cherished, the family gathered one last time — three generations strong: Grandma and Grandpa, their daughters Krystal and Karissa, their husbands, and five energetic, joy-filled grandchildren. And this session, more than most, felt sacred.

The laughter echoed off the water as the kids ran through the yard, chasing each other, just like their parents had decades before. The air was full of nostalgia, a little bit of ache, and a whole lot of love. It was clear that this place had raised them all in its own way — with pine trees as sentinels and the lake as their constant rhythm.

One of my favorite moments came when the kids climbed up onto the canoe rack that Grandpa had built with his own hands. It’s just a simple wooden structure, weathered by years of sun and snow, but in this family it’s iconic — a landmark of their time spent together. That rack held not only the family’s canoes, but a thousand lazy afternoons, fishing poles, sandy towels, and stories told between cousins.

This session reminded me of why I do what I do. It’s not just about capturing faces. It’s about telling stories — of places, of people, and of the love that binds them together. Photographs become anchors. Long after the house is sold and the furniture moved, these images will still whisper: “This was home. This was where we loved each other.”

To the lake house family: thank you for letting me witness this day. For opening your hearts, for embracing every imperfect, beautiful moment, and for reminding me that goodbye doesn’t mean forgotten — it just means carried forward.

Here’s to summers by the lake. To the canoe rack and the climbing tree. To grandparents who made everything possible. And to the photographs that will keep it all close, long after the last splash.

And before we can leave— after the laughter, the hugs, and the goodbyes — there was one last moment that said it all.

Without a word, he placed his hands on the bark, looked up, and began to climb.

Because in this family, you don’t leave the lake house without one last climb.

A quiet tradition. A final touch of magic. A way to say, “I was here, too.”

There’s just something magical about photographing families at the beach — the way the light dances on the water, the soft sand underfoot, and the pure joy that always seems to bubble up when kids are near the ocean.

For this beautiful session, I had the joy of meeting a truly sweet family… and we weren’t alone — Nana and Mimi came along for the fun, too! With a whole crew of adorable kiddos, we had a blast capturing genuine giggles, silly faces, and those fleeting little moments that make childhood so special.

We met at Rocky Neck Beach in Connecticut, one of my favorite hidden gems for family photos. We played in the sand, explored the shoreline, and found the most beautiful beachwood to pose by — nestled right next to a patch of wild beach flowers that felt like nature’s own photo backdrop. It was picture-perfect (literally)!

Now, while we didn’t get that golden sunset glow photographers always cross their fingers for, the soft overcast sky gave us the most beautiful, even light. No harsh shadows, no squinting — just dreamy tones and bright, happy faces. Proof that magic can happen no matter what the sky looks like.

As always, we saved the water shots for the very end — because if you’ve ever done a beach session with kids, you know the odds of someone ending up soaked are pretty high. 😉 Spoiler alert: we were right!

At one point, a little one tried to race the waves — spoiler alert: the ocean won. 😂 Eventually, he gave up and just stripped down to his undies to splash in the water. And yes… the water was freezing. But in true kid fashion, that didn’t stop him for a second.

Some of my absolute favorite moments from this session were the candids — the kids running wild and free along the edge of the water, their faces lit up with the kind of joy only childhood can hold. Those unscripted, joy-filled seconds? They’re magic.

And don’t worry — Moms, dads, and grandpa didn’t miss out either. We made time for plenty of love-filled, memory-making photos with the grownups, too. Watching everyone together — laughing, hugging, just being a family — was such a beautiful reminder of how special these moments are.

…Watching everyone together — laughing, hugging, just being a family — was such a beautiful reminder of how special these moments are.

Whether it’s golden light or a cloudy sky, sandy toes or soaked socks, these are the kinds of sessions that stick with me. Real joy. Real connection. Real memories.

Thank you to this incredible family for letting me spend the evening with you at Rocky Neck Beach. It was truly a joy to capture all the love, laughter, and chaos in the best possible way.

<3 Karin

So you booked a session. You’ve coordinated the outfits (down to the bow that may or may not stay in your kid’s hair), and you’ve mentally prepared to smile through chaos. First of all—high five. ✋ You’re doing amazing.

But let me let you in on a secret: the difference between a smooth, joyful session and a meltdown in the grass? Is what’s in your bag.

Here’s what to toss in there like a seasoned pro:

💧 1. Water Bottles

Because thirsty toddlers (and grown-ups) are not photogenic. Stay hydrated. It’s a vibe.

🍿 2. Non-Messy Snacks

We love Goldfish. We do not love chocolate fingerprints on white lace. Think Cheerios, pretzels, or apple slices (with wipes handy!). If it crumbles, stains, or melts? Save it for after.

👉 I even made you a snack cheat sheet:

👕 3. Extra Clothes (Trust Me)

Whether it’s a beach session, a muddy trail, or a rogue juice box explosion, someone always ends up wet, sandy, or both. Backup outfits = peace of mind. And yes—this includes you, not just the kids.

And if someone ends up in their undies running into the ocean? Just know: I will absolutely pick my camera back up. No regrets, only memories. 😉

🧻 4. Wipes + Tissues

Sticky hands. Dirt smudges. The occasional tear (hey, emotions run high sometimes). Wipes are the unsung hero of every session.

🦟 5. Bug Spray & Tick Talk

Let’s be real: we live in Connecticut, and ticks are not just an inconvenience—they’re a thing. Lyme disease is no joke, and these little creepers love tall grass, wooded trails, and yes… even the beach dunes.

So here’s the move:

• Bug spray everyone before the session starts (legs, socks, all of it).

• Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot them.

• Lint roller in the car = genius trick for a quick sweep over pants, socks, and sleeves when we’re done.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s important. The only thing I want you taking home from our session is a gallery full of memories—not a hitchhiking tick.

🪞 6. Little Touch-Up Helpers

A small hairbrush, lip balm, or blotting sheets can work wonders—especially when the humidity’s doing what it does. Quick refresh = camera-ready in seconds.

👡 7. Backup Shoes

Fancy shoes are cute… until they’re full of sand or thrown off mid-run. A spare pair in the car saves the ride home (and your sanity).

🧸 8. Comfort Item (aka the Bribery MVP)

Whether it’s a lovey, a squishy toy, or that weird plastic dinosaur your kid won’t leave home without—bring it. If it brings calm, it brings value.
And hey, I’m not above bribery. In fact, I use it often. With kids, adults, and sometimes myself.

🎒 TL;DR – Pack Like a Boss

Your session day bag doesn’t have to be fancy. But it should be stocked with things that keep everyone comfy, happy, and ready to shine.

Remember, the best photos aren’t about perfect poses—they’re about real, joy-filled moments. And when you’re prepared, it’s way easier to be in those moments.

Pro Tip: “Happy kids (people) = better photos. Snacks are not a bribe. They’re a strategy. ✌️

So you’ve had your photo session — the laughs were real, the lighting was magical, and hopefully someone brought snacks. But what happens after the camera stops clicking?

Great question. At Mill Town Photo Co., the magic doesn’t end when the session does. Here’s a little peek behind the scenes at what happens next:

1. Backup & Basic Cleanup

First things first: your photos are backed up in multiple places to make sure your memories are safe. Then I begin sorting through the hundreds of images to find the best of the best — the real moments, the emotion, the magic. (And yes, even those silly in-between frames that you didn’t know I caught — especially those.)

2. The Editing Magic (and the Human Behind It)

This is where your images really start to shine. I hand-edit every photo with care — adjusting color, light, contrast, and tone — while preserving the natural beauty of the moment.

In a world where AI is starting to take over everything — even photography — it’s worth noting that some photographers now use computers to pick out the “best” images from a session. And while that can be helpful for some workflows, it’s not how I choose to run Mill Town Photo Co.

I believe in looking at every single image myself. I need to see the emotion. The glance. The fleeting smile. The honest, unscripted moments that technology can’t always recognize — but I can.

Have you ever looked at a photo and thought, That doesn’t even look like them? It’s possible to have a technically perfect photo that doesn’t feel like the person you know and love. That’s why I take the time to hand-select the ones that truly reflect your story — the way it felt, not just the way it looked.

One of my absolute favorite moments as a photographer is when a client sees their gallery and says, “Ooh! I didn’t even know you took that one — it’s one of my favorites.”
That’s the good stuff. The magic in the unnoticed. And I live for it.

📧 3. Gallery Delivery

Once your images are fully edited, I upload them to your private online gallery and send over your link. You’ll be able to view, download, share, and even order prints straight from your gallery. Easy, fast, and gorgeous.

4. What To Do With Your Photos

This is the fun part — but it can also feel a little overwhelming. If you need help choosing prints, building an album, or designing a wall layout, I’m here for you! Whether it’s for your home, a gift, or something totally custom, I love helping clients bring their images to life off the screen.

5. A Photographer’s Brain Never Stops

Even when I’m not shooting, I’m thinking. Driving to sessions? I’m scouting locations. I’m watching how the light falls across a field, noticing where the wildflowers are blooming, making a mental note of a textured old fence or an open patch of golden grass.

I can’t help it — my brain is always seeing the world in frames.

I’m constantly thinking about upcoming sessions, remembering what my clients have told me they love, and trying to match their vision with the perfect spot. Someone wants whimsical and sun-drenched? I know just the place. Someone else wants rustic and woodsy? I filed that tree-lined road away three weeks ago while running errands.

And the light? Don’t even get me started. I think about it constantly — where it hits at golden hour, how it wraps around certain landscapes, what time it drops behind the treeline. I could probably tell you sunset times by month without checking my phone. (Okay, maybe that’s a little dramatic — but not by much.)

Anyone who’s ever driven with me knows this is true:
At some point, I’m absolutely going to ask you to stop the car because the light hit something just right, and if we drive past it, I’ll be thinking about it for the rest of the day. It’s just how my brain is wired — chasing beauty, noticing the unnoticed, always storing inspiration for when the moment comes.

Being a photographer means your creative brain is always on — building visual stories even before the shutter clicks.

6. Staying Connected

The session may be over, but the relationship doesn’t have to be. I love seeing your photos out in the wild — framed on your walls, shared with family, or saved as phone backgrounds. Whether it’s your first session or your fifth, I’m always honored to be a part of your story.

So what happens after your photo session? A lot.
But at the heart of it all: care, creativity, and connection.
Because around here, it’s not just about pictures — it’s about people.

— Karin
Mill Town Photo Co.

One of the questions I get asked most often—right after “Do you Photoshop wrinkles?”—is whether I photograph weddings.

The short answer? Not anymore.
The long answer? Let’s talk about it.

For years, I had the absolute joy of documenting weddings. I got to witness teary first looks, dance floor shenanigans, and that magical moment when two people say “I do” surrounded by their people. I loved it—really, truly. And if I was your wedding photographer at any point, please know I carry those memories in my camera bag-shaped heart forever.

But over time, I realized that the way I show up for a wedding—fully focused, fully committed, and a tiny bit (okay, a lot) perfectionist—was no longer sustainable for me. Weddings are intense. They’re beautiful, emotional, and sacred… and they’re also 12-hour days packed with prep, travel, timelines, family photo lists, low-light stress, and a whole lot of caffeine.

You get one shot—literally. There are no do-overs when the rings are exchanged or when Grandma leans in for a kiss on the cheek. And I take that kind of responsibility very seriously. Maybe too seriously.

As a mama of two young boys, I started to feel the weight of what I might miss at home in exchange for the pressure of never missing a moment on someone else’s big day. And honestly? That kind of pressure made me a little less of the photographer—and person—I want to be.

So now, I focus on the kind of photography that lights me up and lets me be present for the messy, magical chaos of mom life: portraits. Families, seniors, headshots, small business branding. The in-between moments that make up a life—without the stress of missing the bouquet toss while simultaneously fielding a toddler meltdown at home.

If you’re someone planning a wedding, I’m cheering you on SO hard. And I have some truly incredible wedding photographer friends I’d be happy to recommend. Seriously, they’re amazing. (And probably still carry emergency bobby pins and granola bars in their camera bags like I used to.)

So yes, I used to shoot weddings. I loved it while I did.
But now? I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. And that feels like a perfect fit.

To all the mothers—
The ones holding tiny hands and the ones holding space from afar.
The ones running late but still showing up.
The ones doing it all while doubting themselves.
The ones who carry generations of love in every hug, every sacrifice, and every sleepless night.

You are incredible.

Motherhood is not always gentle. It is fierce, relentless, and deeply rooted in love.
It asks everything of you—and somehow, you give more.

You are not just “mom.”
You are a safe place, a lighthouse, a steady heartbeat in a wild world.

Whether you’re in the thick of it or looking back on those years with soft eyes—your strength is unmatched.
Your love? Unforgettable.

From one mama to another: you are doing an extraordinary job.

I see you.

I see you behind the camera, smiling at your kids.
I see you fixing crooked collars, brushing hair from little faces, making sure everyone else looks just right.

I see you snapping away at birthday parties, soccer games, and backyard adventures — but somehow, when you look back at the photos, you’re missing.

You deserve to be in the picture too.

Not just for you, but for them.

One day, your children will pull out old photo albums (or scroll through digital ones), and they won’t care if your hair wasn’t perfect or if you hadn’t lost those last few stubborn pounds.
They’ll just want to see you — the way your eyes crinkled when you laughed, the way your arms wrapped around them, the way you made them feel safe and loved.

Right now, you might have plenty of photos of your kids with their dad, grandparents, aunts and uncles — smiling, playing, hugging.
You might even have a handful of selfies you’ve snapped together — rushed, a little blurry, your arm stretching as far as it can reach.
And while those are beautiful and real, you deserve more than just hurried selfies.
You deserve beautiful, intentional photos that show you there, too — loving them, laughing with them, living right alongside them.

Because the truth is, being a mom is one of the most extraordinary, meaningful roles a person can ever have.
You are their safe place.
Their biggest cheerleader.
Their teacher, their comfort, their home.
You hold so much love in your hands every single day — and that deserves to be remembered, to be honored, to be seen.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate all the beautiful ways of being a mom —
whether by birth, by choice, by heart, or by love.
Every mama deserves to be seen, celebrated, and remembered.

Being in the photos isn’t about looking perfect — it’s about being present.
It’s about telling the full story of their childhood — and your motherhood.
You are a part of the story.
The most important part.

And Mama, you deserve to have photos where you’re in the frame, smiling and laughing and holding your babies close.
You deserve photos that show how much you love and how deeply you are loved.

So this is your gentle reminder:
Hand the camera over.
Step into the frame.

Let yourself be seen.
Because one day, those pictures will be worth more than gold — not just to your kids, but to you, too.

You are beautiful.
You are worthy.
You are a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love.
And you belong in the picture.

Always.

With love,

Owen & Cameron’s mama

Spoiler: I’m fine. My eyeball? Slightly offended.

Let me set the scene.

It’s a regular weekday. I’m in my garage, doing a dry run for an upcoming Dance Portrait Day — testing lights, setting up backdrops, pretending I’m calm. You know, the behind-the-scenes stuff no one ever sees but makes all the difference.

And then — BAM.
An extension cord I was adjusting snaps back like a rubber band from a cartoon and hits me directly in the eye.

Yes.
My actual eyeball.

At this point, I’m blinking like a confused owl and wondering, “Is this how my photography career ends?”

Fast-forward to me at urgent care, doing my best to explain to the tech how I managed to injure my eye… while prepping for ballerinas. She tried not to laugh. I don’t blame her. I would’ve laughed too.

Then came the coolest part:
She used a neon yellow numbing eye drop followed by a black light to check for damage. And yep — there it was. A visible little cut across my eyeball, glowing like something out of a sci-fi movie.
Honestly? Super cool. Mildly horrifying. But mostly… cool.

I left with antibiotic drops, a pirate squint, and a renewed respect for extension cords.

And just to add the cherry on top?
After urgent care, I headed straight to the dance studio to finalize the setup. The first thing Miss Yvonne asked me?

“Will you need extension cords?”

Honestly… I couldn’t make this up if I tried.

Here’s the thing: I share this not for sympathy (though iced coffee and snacks are always welcome), but because this is what running a small business sometimes looks like.
It’s messy. It’s ridiculous. And yes — it occasionally pokes you in the eye.

But it’s also full of love, creativity, and joy. I care deeply about what I do, and I prep with heart — even if it occasionally fights back.

The good news?
The portraits went beautifully. Every little dancer sparkled, twirled, and shined — and not a single injury in sight.

A huge success.
And a gentle reminder: always treat your gear with caution… and maybe wear safety goggles in the garage.

Choosing what to wear for your photo session shouldn’t feel like a full-time job.
(You’ve got enough on your plate — and if you’re like me, coffee is definitely already doing the heavy lifting.)
That’s why I’m here to make it simple, fun, and totally you.

The truth is, your outfit sets the tone for your photos. It can highlight your personality, complement the location, and bring the whole story together beautifully. Here are some of my favorite tips to help you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to shine:

A Personal Note from Me

When I’m chatting with someone about photos, I hear the same two things every single time:

1. “I don’t photograph well.”
   Correction: You haven’t been photographed well.
   Trust me — we can fix that. You’re going to see yourself in a whole new light.

2. “What should I wear?”
   (That’s why we’re here — and spoiler alert: it’s easier than you think!)

One of the biggest pieces of advice I give when it comes to choosing outfits for your photo session? Dress like you. Not the Pinterest version of you. Not someone else’s idea of what looks good in photos. YOU.

Unless you’re intentionally going for a different vibe or theme (and I’m all for that when it fits!), the best choice is a polished version of what you’d normally wear. When you feel comfortable and confident in your clothes, it shows—your body language is more natural, your smile is more real, and the whole experience just feels better.

So think elevated everyday. A little more styled, maybe a little more thought-out than your daily wear, but still totally, authentically you.

General Style Tips That Always Work

• Stick to muted or neutral tones: Soft earth tones, pastels, or rich neutrals like navy, olive, or cream look beautiful on camera and won’t distract from your smile.

• Think textures, not prints: Chunky knits, linen, lace, denim… they all add depth without stealing the show.

• Avoid logos and neon colors: They can be distracting and date your photos.

• Comfort is key: Choose outfits that you can move, laugh, and play in comfortably—you’ll see the difference in your portraits!

Style Ideas by Session Type

Family Portraits:
Coordinate without being matchy-matchy! Pick a few complementary colors and mix in different shades and textures for a pulled-together look. (Bonus points for cozy cardigans, flowing dresses, or boots for outdoor sessions.)

Senior Portraits:
Plan 2-3 outfits:

• One casual (think jeans and a favorite sweater)

• One dressier (like a sundress or button-up shirt)

• One that screams this is me (sports jersey, leather jacket, floral crown—let’s get creative!)

Maternity Sessions:
Flowy dresses, cozy knits, and anything that highlights your beautiful growing bump are always a win. Soft colors and long, dreamy fabrics work magic at sunset sessions.

Headshots:
Simple, clean, and polished. Solid colors that compliment your brand personality are perfect. (P.S. Layering a jacket or scarf can give you some extra looks!)

Need Help Choosing? I’m Here for It!

Every client I work with has access to personalized outfit guidance before their session.
I love helping you brainstorm outfit ideas that reflect you — whether you’re chasing your kiddos through a field of flowers or striking a power pose for your headshots.