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the second heart blog

Family photos from different seasons in Connecticut in a grid with a title "the best season to take your family photos"

Choosing the right season for your perfect family photos isn’t hard. This guide includes pros and cons of each season + recommended locations for each season in Southeastern Connecticut.

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The Best Season for Connecticut Family Photos | Connecticut Family Photographer

guides

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Are you visiting Santa this holiday season? Don’t let your outfits stress you out. I’ve put together a simple guide with some recommendations (and links!) to help you figure out exactly what to wear for your holiday photos, with or without Santa. Haven’t booked your Santa photos yet? I may have some spots left! Check […]

What to Wear for Holiday Photos

Uncategorized

Starting a photography business sounds like such a fun, easy pursuit! I remember thinking, “cool, I have a camera, people pay me, I take the pictures, I edit them, and I deliver them. Sounds easy!” In my three years so far of running my business, I have learned so much. There are always new photography […]

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Photography Education I Love | Second Heart Photography

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Woman in green dress poses in front of greenhouse at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, CT.
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There are so many photography resources, educators, and services out there, I know it can be overwhelming. When I first started my photography business, I remember the decision paralysis I felt about locking in any services or providers, let alone what camera or lenses to buy. Like many, I asked photographers around me what they […]

Photography Business Tools I Love | Second Heart Photography

business, guides

Sailor embraces significant other in front of USS Newport News at homecoming at SUBASE New London in Groton, CT on January 3, 2023.

Military deployment homecomings are such a wonderful and irreplaceable time. As a photographer, I strongly feel that military homecomings are similar to weddings or births: there is only one chance to get the photo right, and if you miss it, it isn’t happening again. With that in mind, here are some questions you may want […]

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Questions to Ask Your Military Homecoming Photographer | Second Heart Photography

guides, military

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Last night, I was laying in bed with Eric and just thinking about when my son was one and two and how much of a fun time in life that was. But my brain never lets me stop at “that was a fun time.” So instead, I turned away, and started nearly hyperventilating with sobs.  […]

Mamas, give yourself grace

family, motherhood

Family snuggling together at Christmas Tree Farm

Probably the most popular question a photographer receives is, “what do I wear?” Since I’ve realized that your style and wardrobe will be different for different session types, I figured I would write a bit about what I recommend wearing, especially for my style of photography. This post is for Tree Farm Mini Sessions in […]

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What to Wear: Tree Farm Family Photography

family, guides

mom and dad crouched down kissing son on cheeks.
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This seems like such a silly post, especially from the perspective of a photographer, but let me tell you some other things about me. When I’m not taking photographs, I’m a budgeting guru, a personal finance maven, and an early retirement evangelist. I believe in spending your money where it is meaningful to you, and […]

Why I Pay for Family Photography | Connecticut Family Photographer

family

mom with newborn baby and toddler daughter

So your newborn photography session is coming up, you’ve read How to Prepare for Your Newborn Lifestyle Session, and now you’re wondering what actually happens when I’m at your house? First, I’m going to wash my hands.When I come in, we’ll say hi and meet, and then I’m going to wash my hands. I do […]

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What to Expect During Your Newborn Lifestyle Session | Connecticut Newborn Photographer

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mother holding baby in nursery
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Before your big day of newborn photos, let’s talk about how to prepare yourself and your home for the best, most stress-free session possible. I know, you just had a baby and I’m asking to come into your home to take photos. I’m sure you think I’m a little crazy, but I promise, it’s worth […]

How to Prepare for Your Newborn Lifestyle Session | Connecticut Newborn Photographer

guides