Tag Archive for: Highland Park

Family and Children’s Portraits at Highland Park

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Highland Park has been a long-time favorite of mine for photo shoot locations, so when I was contacted by this precious family about doing a session there, it was a match made in Heaven. Their little ones are all charmers and even though it was a chilly morning in October, they were such troopers throughout the whole session!

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We had originally scheduled for a date in September, but had to postpone due to the rain. I’m so glad the flowers were still in bloom, because I love this shot of mama and her baby girl.

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And here’s a proud papa and his little gents.

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And of course, we switched it up and got father/daughter and mother/sons shots too!

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And now for some close-up goodness. Each one of them melts my heart!

boy portrait

toddler portrait

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These kiddos are so happy! What a great way to start the day!

Engagement session at Highland Park

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Andrea and Jonathan are getting married this August, so we spent a recent Sunday afternoon/evening at Highland Park for fun engagement session. The weather was perfect after a short mist of rain and we made the most of the setting sun.

Here are some of the keepers from our session:

Black and white portrait

This railing at the reservoir is a favorite spot for portraits and this is a stunning couple.

Engagement ring

My thought about this engagement ring shot is: if you have a good backside, show it off!

Passion

From above

These two were taken from above, on a wall by the stairs to the reservoir.

Sweetie

They brought their sweet little girl along for a few photos. She was loving walking hand in hand with her mom and dad.

The family

This is one good-looking family!

Kiss

I’m drawn to flirtatious and passionate images.

Under the bridge

I also like to set up what looks like everyday scenes.

Portrait/landscape

Sometimes landscapes inspire me too.

Creative edit

This is an example of what I call a creative edit, beyond the usual retouching with an emphasis on graphic elements.

Pretty

Handsome

Andrea and Jonathan, I’m looking forward to your wedding. Thanks so much for a great session!

David’s senior portraits at Highland Park

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David and I met up at Highland Park in Pittsburgh for a fun senior portrait session on a Monday afternoon this fall. David was so much fun to work with and the weather held out so it was a great afternoon.

Portrait at entrance of Highland Park

Sitting on the bench

With only a little coaching, David was able to take some basic poses I suggested and really own them. He’s a cool guy, and I wanted that to come through his portraits.

Above the resevoir

Close-up

We took about two hours walking around the park, stopping here and there for some photos. I like being able to chat while we’re going from one location to the next to get a better sense for what makes the subject tick. It’s much more fun and laid back that way. And I think it really helps to bring out the personality of the subject. Plus, I love talking with high school seniors because they have so much ahead of them in life and you can just see the potential in them.

Full-length portrait

In the woods

Under the bridge

When I’m editing the photos, I might be looking at as many as 200 from the senior portrait session. There are so many because I take several shots in just one pose to get just the right expression. I edit the final images down to a collection of 30 or more images. It’s amazing how many different looks you can get in just one location.

On-location senior portrait

Creative shoot locations – Bride’s Guide Tip

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For creative portraits, a good location can really set the mood and provide a backdrop that suits the couple’s style.  From time to time, I’ll be listing a few favorite locations for brides who are still in the planning process.

My first recommendation is a park that has a bad rap, but is actually quite stunning.  Highland Park is tucked right above the Pittsburgh Zoo and is best-known as a shady scene.  I wouldn’t recommend going there after dark, but the beautiful fountain and landscaping is very attractive for photos of the newly married couple.

Here are a few shots at the park:

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If you like the feel of this park, but are not keen on the location.  Mellon Park is only a few minutes’ drive away and offers formal gardens and a smaller fountain.  Mellon Park is currently under construction with an art installation in the walled garden which was slated to be complete this fall.  It should be in full splendor in time for the spring and summer of 2010.