Madeline is One! - First Birthday Photography

It’s almost Monday, so I figured what better time to share Miss Madeline’s First Birthday Session, which is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of anyone who views it. Madeline’s session was a blast to photograph. Her parents wanted three distinct looks for her pictures; candid playtime, posed cake smash, and outdoors with family. They were kind enough to let me know what they were looking for, but also let me be creative, which I so appreciate! Her birthday theme is “Some-Bunny is One!” which I absolutely love! Her mom brought the cutest props and outfits for Baby Maddie, including a bunny ear headband, and a perfect bunny ear cake topper! I just love the attention to detail. Plus they brought along the most important thing…Grandma! Grandparents always seem to get the biggest smiles from the babies! Grandma certainly did her job, and I was able to get some adorable smiles from this sweetheart!

These photos are only some of the amazing shots we were able to get from Miss Maddie. She was a complete joy to photograph, and I hope to work with her again! Happy 1st Birthday, Maddie!

Clare Jean - Newborn Photography

Sweet Clare was an angel for her session. She slept peacefully as I chatted with her mommy and grandma, and learned about the unique story behind her name. Clare was named for County Clare in Ireland, a place her parents had visited together. Clare, of course, donned a green swaddle to pay homage to her Irish roots, and also brought along some other props with a story. The stuffed dog, in particular, was a sentimental prop for her family, as they lost their dog Rooney shortly before Clare was born. He looked a lot like the stuffed animal. Clare also wore a Phillies headband and baby booties for her dad who is originally from Philadelphia. But as Clare’s mom made clear, that is the only Philly team Clare will cheer on.

Welcome to the world, Clare! You were a dream to photograph!

The L Family - Child Photography Session

Vera and David were too cute during their Fall session to mark their birthdays, and celebrate their new dog Freckles! You would never know it was actively raining during their session. These kids kept their smiles on, never complained, and luckily, didn’t show any raindrops on their adorable outfits! Speaking of, I loved the color scheme their mom chose. The earth tones looked gorgeous against the golden fields and trees just beginning to change.

Avelyn Rose - Newborn/Family Photography

The C Family looked perfect for their session with newborn daughter Avelyn. Big sister Graciela was also turning two just a few days after Avelyn was born, so their session was celebrating that special milestone as well. I absolutely LOVED the color scheme and coordinating sister outfits they chose. Miss Avelyn was such a good baby, and slept sweetly the entire time, even when her big sister was playing with pumpkins all around her! Happy Birthday to both girls!

Justin & Lauren - First Communion Portrait Photography

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!