Penfield Beach in Fairfield, Connecticut is a public beach that offers open spaces, a cool little pavilion and a nearby playground that can be used for playful, creative photos. Hannah & Luke opted for this location as it was a good halfway point that still yielded a beachy feel and a relaxed environment for engagement photos.

Penfield Beach has free parking directly across from the entrance, access to bathrooms in the pavilion and even has ramp access to the beach (love that). It has a well known pavilion used for events and weddings alike and the beach is clean, well kept and large enough that you are always able to find private nooks to photograph in.

I have shot here only a few times with each time allowing for creativity, privacy and the ability to finish the shoot with a quick (and shallow) dip in the Long Island Sound.

Fairfield County has a few locations that work well for a couples session. Silver Sands State Beach in Milford, Penfield Beach in Fairfield, Sherwood Island State Park in Westport or Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk are all fine options if you need something closer to the city.

Why Simple Is Best:

Beaches are such a fun and free place to shoot. Hannah and Luke were very down to earth, easy-going and had so much fun with each other and were open to any ideas I suggested. We created some cool shadow shots, lovely compositions of them standing on a concrete wall while I shot from downward with the blue sky behind and of course a few moments on the swings and in the water.

The simplest of backdrops can make the most beautiful photos. You do not need some extravagant background or lavish garden to make for dynamic outdoor portraits. I love using smooth concrete walls, the sand or just the sky as clean and simple backdrops without the horizon interfering.

Why A Couple’s Session?

If you have an opportunity to be photographed together as a couple before your actual wedding, I highly recommend it. Whether it is with me or not, it helps you to know what to expect for your wedding and is a great way to connect with your photographer. I have also photographed engagement/couples sessions for couples who may have a different photographer booked for their wedding but want a different, more intimate style for the couples session. There are no rules, bb! I truly love couples sessions as they are far more creative, relaxed, intimate and realistic than (most) wedding photos.

If you would love to have a couples session (with or without strings attached for other photo services) let’s do it! I’d love to give you the opportunity to see your best sides all while having fun and creating art.

If you connect with these photos or want to learn more, I would love to hear from you. Reach out here 🙂