I’m always happy to take photographs for my family. Two years ago I took portraits for my cousin Lauren’s First Communion, and this year, I was happy to do so for her brother, my cousin Justin. We started out at the studio with a few standard indoor portraits, and then moved to the North Catholic Prayer Garden and grotto for a few more. Justin looked handsome as can be with those blue eyes and “Capra dimples.” It was fun to spend the afternoon with them!
The Y Family - Family Photography
It was my honor to take the first portraits of this family since adopting their son Alek six months ago. It was obvious that Alek has already connected with his parents and looks to them for love and security. They had him laughing with silly lines from Toy Story and Boss Baby, and it was clear that they have already formed a family bond. What an amazing smile this boy has!
Alek was adopted internationally from Bulgaria, so not only is he adapting to his family, but also a new language and country. He is doing great, and so are his parents! May God continue to bless and guide them on this journey.
Cameron John - Newborn Photography
October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and it is my privilege to be able to feature this amazing family on my blog. I first met Erin and Dan when I worked at March of Dimes. They were some of our best volunteers, and Dan, who works for the Pittsburgh Pirates, championed our cause with the team and organization. Sadly, their volunteerism was prompted by their own story of loss. In 2007, their twin boys Ethan and Casey passed away. In Erin’s words, life without these little boys, for whom they had such big plans, was empty and soul-crushing.
Through volunteering and helping others, they began to heal, and happily have now welcomed three rainbow babies into their family. Their older daughters, Kaelin and Kelsey, and now their sweet little guy Cameron, who just joined them last month.
For those who aren’t familiar, the term “rainbow baby” refers to a baby born to a family after they have experienced a loss. Even after the darkest storms, a rainbow can appear.
I am so happy for the Hart family, and feel honored that they asked me to photograph the little man who was destined to be theirs; Cameron John.
Adelyn is 1! - First Birthday Photography
I first met Adelyn when she was still in her mommy’s tummy for her maternity session. I then got to photograph her as a newborn, six-month-old, and now as a sweet one-year-old. I’m sure her parents would agree, the time has flown by! It has been great getting to know her and her family. Adelyn is always dressed so beautifully for her sessions, and never forgets her best accessory…her smile!
Laura - Senior Portrait Photography
There is something exciting, creative, and fun about photographing a high school senior. Usually my subjects are babies or small children, so I snap away, do my best, and hope for some nice shots. Shooting with little ones is challenging, but so rewarding when you get that shot! However, it is a nice reprieve from my usual work when my subject can understand direction, and collaborate with me on what they’re looking for in a photo.
These photos symbolize an amazing time in Laura’s life. She is on the brink of becoming a young adult. She has an array of opportunities in front of her, and because of her hard work throughout high school, she gets to now choose her own adventure.
For Laura’s session, I suggested starting in my favorite location of historic Harmony. I love shooting there because of the variety of backgrounds you can achieve simply by walking throughout the little downtown area. After some time there, we headed over to the studio for an outfit change, and a few more shots in the nearby natural area as the sun was setting.
It was a perfect session, and Laura looked amazing!
Best of luck to her this year, and in her future!
Carmen is 3! - Child Birthday Photography Session
This little darling is my niece, and I am her proud aunt/fairy godmother! Carmen has a personality that lights up any room. She is just as beautiful on the inside, as she is on the outside. She is smart, sassy, strong, and caring, and we’re so happy she’s in our family.
Her session was so much fun, as she needed next to no direction. She immediately started posing. This girl knows how to work a camera.
Happy 3rd Birthday, Carm-o!
Ponchito - Newborn Photography
Gerardo Alfonso (aka Ponchito) is named for his grandfather. Ponchito or Ponchi is the nickname for Alfonso in the Spanish language. The cute little name is so fitting for this sweet baby brother to big sister Lupita. Both of their names are shortened versions of family names - which I love!
The family wanted to highlight their love of Disney’s The Lion King in their pictures, so I again had the privilege of photographing a sweet little lion cub costume. And of course, we had to do that iconic Lion King pose.
Welcome to the ‘circle of life,’ Ponchito!
Reece is 1! - First Birthday Photography
This little sweetheart is my niece Reece! She was born just a little over two months after her cousin (my son) Dominic, and together they are the sweetest, smiliest, most chill babies ever! They have both taken on that second child mentality of going with the flow because, well, they have no choice with their busy older siblings. It was so fun to be pregnant alongside my sister, and to watch our babies go through their first year together. Now they are both 1, and heading toward many more milestones. The best part is they will reach them side by side. Reece will be celebrating her 1st b-day with a “Bee Day” party this weekend!
I can’t wait to watch you continue to grow, Sweetheart! Aunt C loves you!
The G Family - Family Photography
It was such a gorgeous evening to capture this beautiful family! With temps in the low 70s, no humidity, and a beautiful sunset upon us, we could not have asked for better weather. Their sweet little guy was feeling under the weather, but you’d never know it! He powered through with his piercing blue eyes, and smiles courtesy of his grandparents.
Kinsley is 1! - First Birthday Photography
This sweet little darling is ONE, and she is certainly the (pine)apple of Mommy and Daddy’s eye. Kinsley was smiley for her session, and had fun dancing to that hit baby song “Baby Shark!” She also stunned us all when she stood up and took her first steps at the end of the session. So cool to capture such a moment!
Happy 1st Birthday, Kinsley!
Alin - Maternity Photography
I have been photographing this family for almost 3 years, since their first maternity session with their sweet daughter Lupita! They always bring the most unique, coordinated outfits, and I was so happy to see they did not disappoint with this session either! These stunning outfits are from Mama Alin’s homeland of Mexico. I absolutely love the vibrant colors, and the traditional touch…she looks gorgeous!
For location, we chose the North Park Boathouse, which I also learned is where this Mommy and Daddy had one of their first dates! What a perfect nod to their family story. We were also blessed with perfect weather, as the setting sun provided the perfect golden glow around this already glowing mommy.
The C Family - Family Photography
It was so nice to meet this lovely family from New Jersey as they were home visiting family for The Fourth. They requested something out of the ordinary for their session…they did not want a park or nature as their backdrop. So I introduced them to quaint little Harmony, PA, where the town pretty much shuts down at 4pm (with the exception of The Harmony Inn Restaurant…one of my favorite “haunts.” Pun intended). Little Max strolled around the town with his parents, with little to no pedestrians to worry about, and we got some great shots!
The H Family - Family Photography
This family was absolutely lovely to meet and photograph. They’re new to Pittsburgh, so I was happy and honored to take their first family photos in their new city. Their sweet baby girl was so adorable in her sundress! It’s always fun to meet new clients from all over the country (and sometimes world), and capture a stage in their life, and hear a bit of their story.
Grayson is Six Months! - Baby Photography
Last time I saw Grayson, he was all cozy under a Christmas tree, just a few days new. Now he’s super smiley, and rolling all around. It was so fun to capture him laying on his back playing with his toes, sitting supported on the couch, and interacting with his big bro. I can’t wait to see him again when he’s turning one!
Adrian Ryan - Newborn Photography
This session produced so many dreamy images. Little Adrian was so sweet and sleepy for most of it, which made my job easy. I so enjoyed meeting him and his parents, who brought along the most perfect bear props to compliment his woodland nursery at home. The blue bear was extra special, as it was his daddy’s when he was a baby.
Max is One! - First Birthday Photography
Max was so cute for his session, and I love the birthday theme of Curious George! He was so pleasant showing off his adorable teeth with his warm smile. It was fun to work with him! Have a happy birthday, little guy!
Veronica Ann - Newborn Photography
This darling girl and her precious fur brother Bash, were so well-behaved for their in-studio session. She slept soundly for most of it, and he was very concerned about his sister at all times. It was so sweet. When he decided on his own to be in the background of that first shot, I knew we were capturing a perfect candid moment and kept shooting away.
What a beautiful family, and perfect baby girl!
Dominic is 1! -First Birthday Photography
Rubber Duckie, you’re the ONE!
The very first time I heard my sweet baby Dominic laugh, he was in the tub laughing at a rubber duck. From that moment on, if we ever needed him to smile for a picture or quit moving so we can change him, we’d quack at him. He finds it hilarious! This led me to plan a “Rubber Duckie” themed first birthday party for him, which I also incorporated into his pictures.
I can’t believe my little big guy is one. Although his first year flew by (second child, right!?), it still hits me hard to know he is graduating from many of the “baby” things, and becoming a curious, head-strong, but oh-so-smiley toddler. He remains extremely easy-going (except when he’s being held still or getting his face wiped), and loves to smile. I mean, this kid smiles at everyone he meets with those 8 adorable chompers. He is such a blessing, and I thank the Lord every day for answering our prayers and giving him to us.
Happy 1st Birthday, Dom! Love you beyond measure!
The P Family - Family Photography
Kinsley and Max were so smiley and full of personality for their session, but it was their serious expressions that made the most stunning photos. Sometimes I prefer a dramatic , serious, black & white image over the traditional colorful smile, although both were absolutely beautiful! I was so glad their sweet mama was able to jump in a few pictures too. Us moms don’t get in front of the camera nearly enough. It was my pleasure to capture some memories of these kids at their fun ages.
Aiden is 4! - Family Photography
I loved doing this session with one of my favorite families in one of my favorite locations - Historic Harmony! The Spring flowers were in full-bloom, and the plants their greenest. The evening was warm, and the tiny downtown area was alive with people and live music! It was the perfect night to catch some shots of sweet Aiden, who turned 4 at the beginning of April. I’m so glad we waited until Spring was in full swing to do his pictures. As always, he was the perfect subject.