meet your (one of a kind) photographer
Hi, I’m Ashley — I'm Canadian-born and raised, but I once lived in New Zealand and on Sesame Street. For real, my roommate was Ernie, then switched to Grover, because Grover and I both liked to sleep in. Ask me about it when we chat.
Now, I'm the photographer who’s not just behind the camera, but here to make you feel confident, relaxed, and genuinely seen.
With years of experience capturing real-life moments, I specialize in creating images that celebrate your authentic self — the laughs, the little quirks, and everything in between.
I’m great with families, toddlers, and yes, even the teenager who “hates pictures.”
No forced smiles. No stiff poses. Just meaningful moments you’ll treasure forever.
Maternity
Maternity photo sessions are typically scheduled between 28-34 weeks when the belly is beautifully round and the mother-to-be is still comfortable enough to pose. These photos will be treasured by both the mother and her child for years to come.
Newborn
Typically, newborn sessions are scheduled within a month of the expected due date, with the ideal time being when the baby is 1-2 weeks old. However, any time is a good time to capture the beauty and innocence of a newborn through photography.
Baby
From tummy time to walking and graduating high school, each milestone is worth photographing. With the Collective Membership, my clients can ensure that they never miss a moment and have a collection of beautiful photos to cherish for years to come.
Family
Whether you choose a park or beach as your backdrop, the goal is to create a relaxed and natural atmosphere where your family can be themselves. The result is a collection of images that truly reflect your family's unique personalities and dynamics.
Session/booking fees
Studio Session
$249
Any sessions at the studio in Essex, which also includes an outdoor space for lots of variety. Includes the use of the studio wardrobe for mom.
Location Session
$449
Includes a 1-hour session at your choice of in-home, outdoor, or special landmark sessions within Connecticut. Travel outside of CT is available upon request.
Baby's First Year Membership
$699
The most popular option to document baby's first year. Includes unlimited sessions until baby turns 1!
Session/membership fees do not include any digital or printed images. You purchase your images in printed or digital format after each session at your proofing appointment.
WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE:
- Personal styling
- Access to my private studio in Essex, or your choice of one of the curated outdoor locations
- One hour of shooting time (newborn sessions are 1.5-2 hours)
- 50–60 images to select from.
IMAGE PRICING:
- Photos are $99 each, with discounts at each interval of 5 images.
- Collections of albums and digitals start at $1690
- Custom framing available
- As a Collective Member, every image you purchase earns you a complimentary heirloom album at the end of your membership.
A Year in Portraits
Document your baby’s first year with unlimited milestone sessions, so no moment has to be missed. At the end of your membership, you’ll receive a complimentary heirloom album, beautifully designed with your favorite images purchased throughout the year—preserving their first year in a way that feels cohesive, intentional, and lasting.
The esseX, CT Studio
My Connecticut photography studio is a light-filled, thoughtfully designed space overlooking the Connecticut River.
Located beside a scenic park, it offers seamless indoor and outdoor options for creating simple, classic, and timeless imagery.
Artwork
I take great pride in providing my clients with the highest quality artwork. While I offer printing services to save you time and ensure the best possible results, I also understand the importance of having digital copies of your cherished photos. That's why I offer an all-inclusive digital collection package to my clients, so you can have both physical prints and digital copies to treasure for years to come.
When sessions are quick, easy, and forgettable, it’s easy to say ‘maybe next time.’ Those digital files pile up and fade away — disposable memories. But intentional sessions, designed for your family and preserved as printed artwork, are timeless experiences because your family is worth documenting.
Ashley Nielsen
Kind words
Monica
About Ashley
Your family's photographer
I’m a mom to three amazing boys and married to a truly wonderful husband. I’ll be honest — sometimes I’m not feeling my most confident self in front of the camera.
But I also know how fast these years fly by. One day, my kids won’t care about the little insecurities or the messy moments — they’ll just want to see us, all of us, together.
Life is candid. It’s messy. It’s real. And it’s full of love. That’s exactly what I want to capture for my family — and for yours too.
What areas in Connecticut do you photograph newborns and families?
I primarily photograph families in Essex, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Madison, Guilford, and the surrounding Connecticut Shoreline towns. My sessions can take place in my home studio, at your location of choice, or outdoors in scenic local spots, creating timeless portraits tailored to your family.
But I also frequently travel to Greenwich, Hartford, and even Newport, RI. Reach out, no matter where you live in New England!
Do you offer in-home photography sessions?
Yes! I love capturing newborns and families in the comfort of your home. I also think a backyard family session is incredibly special. In-home sessions are perfect for new parents who want a stress-free experience and a natural, authentic look. Greenwich is where I travel to the most for in-home sessions. No matter where you are in CT, I can come to you!
When should I book my session?
Planning ahead ensures your spot and allows us to capture the best natural light and timing for your portraits. I release summer and fall family session bookings in late spring. Contact me months before a maternity or newborn session to make sure you get a spot. I limit the number of sessions I schedule to ensure each client gets the attention they deserve.
What should we wear for family photos?
Neutral colors, layers, and comfortable fabrics photograph best. Avoid bold patterns that distract from faces. I fully style each family member for outdoor or in-home family sessions. Studio maternity and newborn sessions have access to my studio wardrobe!
Do you provide prints or digital files for family sessions?
Both options are available, with high-quality editing and digital images come in bundles, so you purchase what you love.
What makes your photography different from other Connecticut photographers?
I focus on timeless, authentic portraits that capture your family’s connection and personality. Every session is thoughtfully styled and curated, with an emphasis on natural light, real emotion, and luxury presentation. I also offer unlimited sessions for baby’s first year, so you can capture every milestone.
Should we do indoor or outdoor family photos?
Both options work beautifully. In-home sessions capture cozy, intimate moments, while outdoor sessions in Hartford, Essex, or Middletown provide natural light and scenic backdrops.
How long do your photography sessions usually take?
Family and maternity sessions usually last 1 hour, while newborn sessions can take 2 hours to accommodate feeding, cuddles, and gentle posing. I focus on a calm, unhurried experience so you get beautiful, stress-free portraits.
info@ashleynielsenstudio.com
860-577-0933