Look at those cute little chompers! I can’t believe this little man is one! I’ve enjoyed photographing him over the past year. For Holden’s First Birthday Session, we focused on some simple baby boy favorites; like his train, balloons, and his sweet backwards hat. Tiny details that are true to his personality, and perfectly commemorate this time in his childhood. You don’t necessarily need a lot of decorations and props to have adorable birthday pictures.
William - Newborn Session
Christmas may be over, but the sweetest gift is still under the tree. Precious William was born on December 27th to his parents and big sister Charlotte. After celebrating Christmas Day, his parents went to the hospital on the 26th, and welcomed their sweet boy a day later. William’s birth follows the loss of another baby boy, so his parents wanted to honor his big brother by including this special wooden sign in his session; handpicked for Earth by my brother in heaven. William is his family’s “rainbow baby,” a term used to describe a baby born after the parents have suffered a loss. The term is derived from the notion that after the storm, the skies will clear, the sun will come out, and there will be a rainbow. I have no doubts that William’s big brother will always be with him throughout life.
Leonardo Nicholas - Newborn Session
My sweet, new nephew Leo joined us earth side on November 29th. He was quite alert for his session, but did give us a few sleepy moments, and even a smile. He is so loved, and I’m thrilled to be his aunt and personal photographer. Welcome to the world, Leo!
Lochlan is One! - First Birthday Session
Lochlan was adorable for his 1st Birthday session in his beautiful backyard! Years ago, I photographed Lochlan’s brother in the same spot, so we were trying to recreate some of the same images, but being he is an October baby, we incorporated some pumpkins for this lil’ pumpkin too. I just love the way his red hair and blue eyes pop against the greenery of the natural background. And there is nothing cuter than a shirtless baby boy in suspenders!
Enzo is 6 Months! - Baby Session
This little meatball looked so cute in a spaghetti pot wearing his adorable newsboy cap and bowtie. He just melted my heart like mozzarella! I always enjoy photographing Enzo and his big brother Louie! Their parents are just so fun and kind, and the boys are obviously “bello”! Plus, I have a soft spot in my heart for little Italian boys, as I have two of my own at home!
Finnegan Reid - Newborn Session
I am so appreciative to have helped the B Family welcome all three of their babies with newborn sessions. Their third, Finnegan Reid, is adorable just like his siblings. His mommy is a librarian (hence that perfect middle name), so of course we had to incorporate a little bit of literary art with the sweet Peter Rabbit sign that was gifted to her for the nursery. I always love when families want to put a meaningful special touch in their pictures.
Welcome, Finn!
Carson is One! - Birthday & Family Session
One of the frequently asked questions I receive is, “can we get a few family shots during our baby’s first birthday session?” The answer is always, YES! It is always my goal to provide the client with the photos they want. The only thing that sets a birthday session apart is, the client will be offered a (optional) smash cake and balloons provided by me. Otherwise, the session can be family and baby, or just baby.
That being said, it was so fun to capture both Baby Carson and his family during his First Birthday Session. These boys are so cute, and their family always comes to their sessions in such beautifully coordinated looks - I absolutely loved Mom’s dress! Carson was a doll, and opted to have his cake (and eat it too) for his session.
Happy 1st Birthday, Buddy!
Lorenzo Tyler - Newborn Session
It was so fun to return to the L Family’s home to meet their newest little man, Enzo! I’ve had the pleasure of working with this family since their first baby was born three and a half years ago, so we were trying to replicate some of the images I had taken with their first-born, Louie. The starry backdrop was a perfect nod to Louie’s Neverland themed nursery, and also fit perfectly with Enzo’s outer space themed room. I love a good theme, so I was all about it!
During the session, we kept commenting on how similar the brothers looked as newborns, but after seeing their photos side-by-side, we couldn’t believe how different they are at the same time. You can definitely tell these two are brothers, though. Both simply adorable in their own special ways!
Holden Leo - Newborn Session
Baby Holden was a perfect angel for his Newborn Session. He slept sweetly, not making a peep, but opened his eyes for some smiley shots toward the end of his shoot. His furry brother even got in for an absolutely perfect portrait! His sweet parents were beaming with pride, and it’s obvious to me that Holden is so loved and welcomed.
Charley Thomas - Newborn Session
Sweet Charley was absolutely perfect for his newborn session. It was a quiet, rainy morning, and he slept soundly the entire time. I can see on Charley’s face that he is so content. He must feel the love that his family has for him. His big brothers and sister absolutely adore him, as do his doting parents. Congratulations to the entire family on your perfect new addition!
Adrian is One! - First Birthday Photography
It was so fun working with Adrian and his family over the past year as I’ve documented his first year of life. We had an absolutely dreamy golden sunset in the forest to capture his First Birthday pictures. His family wanted this setting to reflect their love of the outdoors, as they often hike together bringing Adrian along, and his birthday theme of “Wild One”. He was a champ, and so well behaved the entire time. His sweet little babbles and coos were melting my heart.
Happy 1st Birthday, Adrian!
Luca & Laken Are Six Months! - Baby Photography Session
After pushing their 6 month photos back two months due to quarantine, I was so excited to finally photograph the adorable Luca and Laken for their Six Month (but really almost Eight Month) session. It was so fun to see how they have grown since their newborn session this past fall. They were so sweet, smiley, and playful. I was happy to see that they weren’t afraid of me in my mask!
They hung in there for the entire session in good spirits. Can’t wait to see this duo again for their First Birthday!
Knox is One! - First Birthday Photography
It’s been 2 months since I’ve photographed anyone, and it felt so good to be back at it with sweet Baby Knox as my first client since our “new normal” began. I last photographed Knox as a newborn in his home. For his First Birthday session, we ultimately planned for an outdoor location due to the new restrictions, and we had such a lovely evening for the session with beautiful purple blossoms and streams of golden sunlight. Knox was super smiley, and thankfully, wasn’t at all afraid of the lady in the mask photographing him.
Happy 1st Birthday, Knox!
Maximus Cain - Newborn Photography Session
Baby Max was my last session of 2019! He arrived a few weeks earlier than planned, and is so loved! It was evident that his mommy and older siblings, especially his sisters, are absolutely smitten with him.
Welcome to the world, Max!
Grayson is One! - First Birthday Photography
Before Christmas, and in the midst of Holiday Session madness, this little guy turned one! I got to spend some time with him in the studio for his fun little cake smash. He was on the move, crawling all over the place, but the cake caught his interest, and he very calmly examined the icing. Grayson had a First Year Special package with me, so I was able to photograph him as a newborn, 6-month-old, and 1-year-old! It’s been a pleasure watching him grow!
Happy 1st Birthday, Grayson!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!