Grace - Newborn Session

When Grace’s mommy reached out to schedule her session, Grace was already older than the prime Newborn Session window of 5-10 days old. We were nervous that she might not stay asleep, but this precious angel proved us wrong. Not only did she sleep soundly, but she gave the sweetest smiles, and let us pose her, too!

I always take into consideration any preferences the parents have for their baby’s session, so for Grace’s we went with simple and neutral. I love the way these turned out! Capturing the tiny details in black and white is one of my favorite ways to photograph a baby. Her adorable, perfect nose, sweet fingers and toes, peach fuzz on the back of her ears, the newborn stretchies, and - my favorite - the swirl in her hair.

This sweetheart was alert for the end of her session, and looked right at me with her big, beautiful eyes. God bless you, Grace! It was a pleasure working with you and your mommy.

Teddy is One! - First Birthday Session

It’s The Great Bambino! Little Teddy is turning one soon, and came to the studio for a baseball-themed First Birthday Session. He is adorable, and knocked it out of the park!

Teddy’s mommy, originally from Long Island, NY, had him dressed in the absolute cutest lil’ Yankees jersey, personalized with name and age.

I love all things vintage, so I leaned in to the classic baseball props, decorating with antique baseballs, a mitt, Mickey Mantle kids bat (all courtesy of my parents basement), popcorn, and classic Coca-Cola bottles. My studio is conveniently located next to an antique store, so I was able to find the vintage Coca-Cola crates! That store is quickly becoming my happy place. I could spend hours perusing the rooms.

Thanks for stopping by the studio, Ted! You are the cutest lil’ slugger. Happy 1st Birthday!

Piper - Mini Portrait Session

This is 4! Miss Piper is always a dream to have in the studio. Not only is she as cute as can be, but she is sweet, kind, and follows direction so well! For her session, I pulled out the pretty blue details of her dress, by adding some flowers and sweet little chair to the simple set-up.

As an added bonus, Piper and I are both big Wicked fans, so having the soundtrack playing helped bring on all the smiles!

Thanks for coming by the studio, Piper!

Sebastian - Senior Session

I first met up with Sebastian in the Fall for a few quick and easy yearbook portraits, with plans on reconvening in the Spring for a more extensive session in warmer weather. Well, we got the beautiful day, but not the warm temperatures. That’s okay! Sebastian was a pro, and toughed it out.

The Mars Railroad is a great location to get many different industrial backgrounds in a small area. The historical site has the old train station, a historic red caboose, and of course, the tracks!

We also took some neutral portraits in front of the garage. These images make a great addition to Sebastian’s senior gallery, which already included some great shots of him in North Park.

Sebastian is planning to study radiology in the Fall after his graduation from Ambridge. I wish him all the best!

Isla is One! - First Birthday Session

Isla’s parents chose the perfect “Sweet One” theme for her First Birthday Session, because this little girl is so, so sweet. She started her session very quiet and shy, but soon loosened up giving me some adorable little grins as she explored her set-up and played with the sprinkle confetti.

I always love to capture a few close-ups of the sweet little one-year-old face, and I adore portraits in black and white. It really highlights the little features, which in Isla’s case, included her adorable little teeth and gorgeous lashes.

We ended her session with a cake smash. She was hesitant at first, but then started to neatly eat her cake. Such a happy little “sweet one”. Thanks for coming to see me, Isla! I wish you the best first birthday!

Noelle is Two! - Mini Portrait Session

Sometimes I love just doing a sweet and simple portrait session, and letting the little one’s personality be the theme. For this mini session, I incorporated Noelle’s favorite colors - pink and purple - and let her run the show. I focused in on her sweet little face, let her hold her toy car keys, and hug her stuffy, because ultimately…this is two!

My goal for these milestone birthday sessions is always to capture exactly who your child is at that moment in time. So you can look back on these images, and be transported to them at that age. This quick and easy session did just that, and I hope these will be treasured for years to come.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Sweet Noelle!

Lucy is One! - First Birthday Session

It was so wonderful to see Lucy and her sweet parents again! She was such a precious newborn, and has blossomed into the sweetest little almost-one-year-old! Full of personality! I am loving the chunky cable name sweaters that are becoming a trend this year. I think they pair perfectly with a simple, neutral background to really highlight the little person wearing them.

We then did some shots in her pretty, light pink birthday dress while having a tea party with a few friends she brought along. Her birthday party theme is a tea party, so I, of course, had to work it into her session. She was making us laugh while using her teapot spout as a straw!

She gave us lots of big smiles, showing off her six little teeth.

Then it was time to bring out the treat she had been waiting for - her smash cake! She went straight for it, and kept shoveling handfuls of cake into her mouth. So cute and silly! I just adore this little sweetheart, and hope to work with her again in the future. Wishing you a very Happy 1st Birthday!

Cash is Six Months! - Baby Portrait Session

I got to visit with Cash on his exact half-birthday to document this sweet phase in his life. Newborn Sessions are precious, and First Birthday Sessions are a blast, but don’t sleep on the mid-year sessions. I love this time because baby is alert and full of personality, but not yet mobile, so they are usually a fun and easy session. Plus, the mid-year months are just so cute! Check out his big blue eyes and his sweet dimple!

These sessions can be done any time around that half birthday mark, and as always, I welcome family to jump in a few! Cash looked so happy with his pretty mommy! I love the little side glance he gave her. Baby boys love their mamas!

Happy Half, Cash!

Esra is One! - First Birthday Session

When you are born on Valentine’s Day, there is really only one theme choice for your First Birthday Session - and it’s the perfect theme for Miss Esra, because this baby girl is pure love!

She has so much personality, and was definitely giving off the little sissy vibes - big smiles, carefree, and a lot of fun!

I always include family pictures with all my milestone sessions, so Mommy, Daddy, and Big Sis were there to jump in a few.

We ended Esra’s session with a cake smash and a milk bath. This was so much fun! Happy 1st Birthday to you, Essie! It was a blast celebrating your first year with you.

Riaan - Newborn Session

Sweet Baby Riaan may have had a tough start to his life, but he’s now home with his loving family, all snuggled and warm.

The holidays may be over, but this darling boy is still enjoying all things cozy. We started with some basket wraps for his individual shots, and then took a few of his precious tootsies - some of the cutest little feet! I also just love his long lashes. Such a handsome little guy.

His parents are so sweet, and were just radiating love and peace. As someone who used to work with pre-term babies in my previous career, I felt such relief for them to have their baby home after such uncertainty. They shared with me that they also recently moved during the days following Riaan’s birth, but they got through those stressful times with the unwavering support of family.

It takes a village, and Riaan is one blessed baby to be born into this one.

Ally is One! - First Birthday Session

It took sweet little Ally a minute to warm up to me, but honestly, when you’re this cute - it doesn’t matter if you smile or are serious. She’s gorgeous any way you get her! Just look at those adorable cheeks!

Once she got a little more comfy in her adorable birthday romper, her smiles were a bit more forthcoming. She is a doll, and it was such a pleasure to document her First Birthday milestone! Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

Everleigh - Newborn Session

Before the busyness of Holiday Sessions began, I had the pleasure of photographing sweet Everleigh and her family. This baby girl is so blessed. Not only does she have the kindest parents, but her big brother Reyden was absolutely born for this role. He is so in love with his baby sister.

What a perfect, precious little lady. Welcome to the world, sweet Everleigh!

Percy is One! - First Birthday Session

In the midst of the busy holiday picture season, birthdays and newborns are still happening! What a pleasure it was to meet darling Percy! He came to the studio bringing smiles, and the sweetest little wardrobe changes. I love this handmade name sweater that was gifted to his mama when he was born!

He then changed into a sweet neutral shirt - I just love a baby boy in a collar! Too cute!

We then finished our time together with overalls and a cake smash. Classic denim overalls are timeless, and always a great choice for a baby photo session. Thanks for coming to see me, Percy! You’re adorable!

The K & G Families

It was such a pleasure to capture images of the love this extended family has for one another. After 15 years of living states apart, they are now all back in Pittsburgh, and so thrilled to watch the grandkids grow up together.

It drizzled on and off all day, but after rearranging our plans, we met at the North Park boathouse for a beautiful session celebrating togetherness.

The woman at the centerpiece of their family - their sweet Grammy - was so happy to have these beautiful grands all together.

Getting family photographs is so important, not only to capture the here and now, but also to preserve memories for the future. I hope these images always remind them of their mother-daughter bond, and bring joy for generations to come.

The M Family - Family Portrait Session

Being chosen as a family’s photographer is a privilege. To be invited back into their lives to capture the big moments, and even the small, is an honor for me. I’ve been freezing time for the M Family since their oldest son was a baby, and it’s so exciting to see their family grow with the addition of their future son-in-law!

I don’t regularly photograph engagements, but these two were the perfect couple for me to capture, as they met at the same college where my husband and I met twenty years ago. I wish the happy couple all the best! I know their future will be bright with such a kind, loving family around them.

Caleb is One! - First Birthday Session

I just love this simple, soft color pallet for baby boy Caleb’s fist birthday. He was such a pleasant little guy.

After doing some shots in his birthday shirt, we ended with the cake smash. He was so happy with his smiles and funny faces when that icing hit! Big brother Grant hopped in a few at the end. It was my pleasure to meet their sweet family. Happiest 1st Birthday, Caleb!

The M Family - Family Portrait Session

As a mom of young kids myself, I get so excited when a family nails their session. I know how hard it is to get everyone dressed, out the door, and cooperating. Everything seemed to come together for The M Family on their picture day, and I’m so happy it did!

The sun was shining through the white clouds, the temperature was perfect, and the kids were all smiles! I loved capturing their personalities, and the little things that make them happy - like Charlotte’s special locket…

…and William’s fierce love for his mommy! He reminded me of my second-born; a mama’s boy who loves hard! It’s always a joy to work with The M Family - what a sweet family they are!

The W Family - Family Portrait Session

This is what Golden Hour dreams are made of. The perfect setting sun, filtered through the tree line, with an adorable family at the center of it all. My evening with The W Family was just that.

How lucky is this little man to have, not one, but two big sissies to care for him!?

Even though the Fall Foliage has been slow so far this year, I love all the warm tones that the setting autumn sun highlights. This glow can make even a cut field look magical.

I love this shot of the kids running to Mom and Dad for a hug. It was a great way to end our time together.