This fall has been busy, but it’s been a blessing and an inspiration! I’ll jump right back to where I left off so we can get caught up. In my last post, I shared a message from an inspiring guest blogger and friend about how she and her husband felt called to foster-to-adopt three little ones over the course of 15 months. She told me about this amazing organization, the Foster Love Project, and how it provides for foster children and the families who care for them. After witnessing this precious family grow through adoption and hearing about the Foster Love Project, I knew I wanted to do something to support foster and adoptive families through photography. In one day, fifteen families raised $750 through the Family Portrait Fundraiser on November 3rd. With this money, the Foster Love Project can provide for specific requests from families like cribs, bunk beds or strollers; as well as specific requests from kids in foster care such as special bedding, sports equipment or school supplies.
Here are a few highlights from our Family Portrait Fundraiser.
And here is one of the many families I’ve been blessed to meet through this fundraiser with the Foster Love Project.
This family was so much fun to photograph, just look at these charming faces!
And here’s the couple that started it all!
I want to thank everyone who participated in the Family Portrait Fundraiser and I’m definitely making plans to do something similar next year. If you’d like to stay in the know about this and other opportunities, please subscribe! Plus, you’ll get a bonus Session Planning & Style Guide, written by yours truly, with exclusive tips from over 10 years of experience in photographing families.
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2018-12-14 16:26:292018-12-14 16:26:29Family Portrait Fundraiser for Foster and Adoptive Families
If you would have told me that I would be a foster mom, I would have laughed at you. Life takes you on unexpected journeys. I have the habit of telling God how my life should happen. But, here I am, adopting three children from foster care in 15 months. What!!!?!? A few short years ago, I was asking God, “Why!?!?!” “Why is our house empty? We have a desire to have a family so…..!?!” In 2014, our question was answered when my husband and I attended Northway Church’s Orphan Expo (now called the Imagine Conference) and we unintentionally found ourselves in a workshop about foster care. My husband turned to me and said, “We should be doing this.” And “do this” we did. In July 2015 we were officially licensed foster parents. In August 2015, we had our first placement. Fast-forward to today and we have had a handful of placements in our home both short and long term. Presently we have three children: our adopted son, our adopted daughter, and our soon-to-be adopted daughter.
Throughout our three-year journey as foster parents, three main things have stuck out to me:
1. It takes a village part 1 and 2.
Part 1: We have seen the commercials and ads stating that, ‘everyone can do it’ (foster/adopt). However, (controversy alert) I do not believe that to be true. Not everyone has the flexibility and resources to be foster parents and that is OKAY. Do not feel guilty! (so easy to do right!?!)
My family and I attend a church where the congregation is predominantly African refugees. They have a hard time understanding many American policies because their philosophy is that the village takes care of one another. They support each other when someone else is in need.
We need to have the same philosophy. We have ALL been called to serve orphans and widows. That does not mean fostering and/or adopting; but, it may mean providing a meal when a foster family receives a new placement (SUCH A BLESSING!), giving a child new or hand-me-down clothing and toys, babysitting a foster/adoptive family that has kiddos with various needs, etc. See where I am going with this? 😉 While I do not encourage everyone to become a foster or adoptive family, I do encourage everyone to stand behind foster care and adoption in some capacity. There are several organizations in our immediate area including Northway Church and Foster Love Project (I mention those specifically by name because of the amazing resources that they have provided to us including training, friendships, and material items) that provide support and care to foster and adoptive families. If you are not sure where to start, I encourage you to look there first.
Part 2: On October 2, 2018 we officially finalized the adoption of our middle daughter. In the courtroom that day, we had over 30 caseworkers, lawyers, friends, and family members supporting us. Thirty-plus people were able to rearrange their schedules (with a week’s notice) to be there as our daughter took our last name. We have relied on those 30+ people (amongst others) and because of each one of them, we are in the position we are in today. We know that we can call any one of them for immediate assistance. We know that although our family may look and act different, we are accepted and loved. We know that our daughter has someone to tell her that she is important. We know that my daughter has a community of other adoptees and families like her. We know that we have legal guidance and counsel. At the end of the day, those things can make all the difference for a foster and adoptive family.
2. People are people.
We as humans are so quick to judge one another and jump to conclusions regarding someone else’s life and circumstances. But, who are we? We make mistakes all the time. Those mistakes may have different consequences; but, they are mistakes just the same and still represent the downfall of man. When we started fostering, we had this idea that we would be mainly ‘helping’ the kids; however, we have felt a passion and calling to love and serve first families, along with the caseworkers, lawyers, judges, and other people we have encountered while fostering our children. We can still advocate for our children while loving people who are hurting, who have made mistakes, who are tired, and who are different from us. No matter the circumstances, first families deserve our love and compassion.
3. We foster/adopt. We do not save and rescue.
There are different reasons and situations as to why foster care/adoption may need to happen. However, the separation from the first family no matter the situation is harmful. There is so much loss encompassed in foster care/adoption. It is important to recognize that. It is also important to note that we are not heroes. When we finalized the adoption of our daughter, we did not rescue her. We simply provided necessary permanency and stability; but, it is crucial that we identify she has a story and relationships before us and upon placement & adoption those do not simply end but remain a significant part of her.
So, here we are: an official family of five in a blink of an eye. It has been quite a journey but one where I have grown, gained knowledge, and developed amazing relationships along the way. We will have to see what I can add to this post after the next three years.
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2018-10-24 10:11:152018-10-24 10:15:47Guest Blog: A Foster-to-Adoption Story from a Friend
Now that it’s finally feeling like fall in Pittsburgh, this July family session feels so far away. It was a very warm day and this family was celebrating their daughter’s first birthday. We headed to Hartwood Acres Mansion for the lovely garden and just look at this little peanut!
Here’s the whole family in the garden.
Sometimes it’s tricky getting kiddos to stay in one place, so we played a game with this cutie pie. He was hiding my toy dog to see if we could find it. There’s just something about sneaky little boys! I have two of them at home and I just love seeing them delight in trying to trick me!
This mansion is such a lovely setting from any angle, but this courtyard at the back of the mansion happens to be my favorite.
We stopped for some mother/daughter and father/son portraits too. It’s just so special seeing the relationships they have.
And here’s one last image from the session that I’ve made a habit to photograph in all of my sessions. These are the two who started it all!
It’s a blessing to photograph family portraits. If you, or someone you know is looking for a photographer, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch by clicking here.
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2018-10-12 14:53:042018-10-12 14:53:04Pittsburgh Family Portraits at Hartwood Acres
Hi there! I’m excited to share a great way that you can support others and simplify your Christmas checklist this holiday season. Have you heard of the Foster Love Project? A friend recently told me about this project and how it provides for foster children and their foster families. They offer children transitioning into a foster home with a new bag packed with a blanket, jammies, a book, essentials and a small toy. And that’s just one of the many services provided by the Foster Love Project which has a donation center located in Dormont. So what can you do this holiday season to support foster children and families? Sign up for the Family Portrait Fundraiser!
For each family photographed, Captivating Imagery will donated $50 to the Foster Love Project. This fundraiser will take place on Saturday, November 3rd between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sessions are 15 minutes and come with 25 custom holiday cards, all for $75. Check out the Foster Love Project and all of the ways it meets the needs of foster children and families and please share this fundraiser with anyone you know who might want to support this worthy cause. Thank you!
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2018-10-10 16:33:562018-10-10 14:54:19Holiday Mini Sessions to Support the Foster Love Project
As a photographer and mom, I’ve paid close attention to how kids respond to photoshoots at various ages and I think it’s safe to say that with any little one who has recently found the freedom of crawling/walking/climbing, you can expect a fast-paced, action-filled session! While I’m pretty sure this little one didn’t remember me from her first birthday photos, she warmed up to me very quickly and playful initiated a game of catch me if you can!
This is her tugging on my shirt. I have to admit, I really enjoyed the sweet antics of this charming little girl!
And moments like these when a little one shows the glee of being with mom and dad just warm my heart!
Notice the mommy and me matching boots!
For a change of pace, we slowed things down by reading a book under a tree.
This family was all smiles the whole session long! This family portrait was one of the last ones from the session and one of the favorites!
If you’re looking for a family or children’s photographer, I’d love to hear from you! Please contact me here for more information.
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2018-09-28 16:16:412018-09-28 16:16:41Pittsburgh Children’s Photography: Ages and Stages—Photoshoots for Two-Year Olds
Family Portrait Fundraiser for Foster and Adoptive Families
/by kmillerThis fall has been busy, but it’s been a blessing and an inspiration! I’ll jump right back to where I left off so we can get caught up. In my last post, I shared a message from an inspiring guest blogger and friend about how she and her husband felt called to foster-to-adopt three little ones over the course of 15 months. She told me about this amazing organization, the Foster Love Project, and how it provides for foster children and the families who care for them. After witnessing this precious family grow through adoption and hearing about the Foster Love Project, I knew I wanted to do something to support foster and adoptive families through photography. In one day, fifteen families raised $750 through the Family Portrait Fundraiser on November 3rd. With this money, the Foster Love Project can provide for specific requests from families like cribs, bunk beds or strollers; as well as specific requests from kids in foster care such as special bedding, sports equipment or school supplies.
Here are a few highlights from our Family Portrait Fundraiser.
And here is one of the many families I’ve been blessed to meet through this fundraiser with the Foster Love Project.
This family was so much fun to photograph, just look at these charming faces!
And here’s the couple that started it all!
I want to thank everyone who participated in the Family Portrait Fundraiser and I’m definitely making plans to do something similar next year. If you’d like to stay in the know about this and other opportunities, please subscribe! Plus, you’ll get a bonus Session Planning & Style Guide, written by yours truly, with exclusive tips from over 10 years of experience in photographing families.
Guest Blog: A Foster-to-Adoption Story from a Friend
/by kmillerIf you would have told me that I would be a foster mom, I would have laughed at you. Life takes you on unexpected journeys. I have the habit of telling God how my life should happen. But, here I am, adopting three children from foster care in 15 months. What!!!?!? A few short years ago, I was asking God, “Why!?!?!” “Why is our house empty? We have a desire to have a family so…..!?!” In 2014, our question was answered when my husband and I attended Northway Church’s Orphan Expo (now called the Imagine Conference) and we unintentionally found ourselves in a workshop about foster care. My husband turned to me and said, “We should be doing this.” And “do this” we did. In July 2015 we were officially licensed foster parents. In August 2015, we had our first placement. Fast-forward to today and we have had a handful of placements in our home both short and long term. Presently we have three children: our adopted son, our adopted daughter, and our soon-to-be adopted daughter.
Throughout our three-year journey as foster parents, three main things have stuck out to me:
1. It takes a village part 1 and 2.
Part 1: We have seen the commercials and ads stating that, ‘everyone can do it’ (foster/adopt). However, (controversy alert) I do not believe that to be true. Not everyone has the flexibility and resources to be foster parents and that is OKAY. Do not feel guilty! (so easy to do right!?!)
My family and I attend a church where the congregation is predominantly African refugees. They have a hard time understanding many American policies because their philosophy is that the village takes care of one another. They support each other when someone else is in need.
We need to have the same philosophy. We have ALL been called to serve orphans and widows. That does not mean fostering and/or adopting; but, it may mean providing a meal when a foster family receives a new placement (SUCH A BLESSING!), giving a child new or hand-me-down clothing and toys, babysitting a foster/adoptive family that has kiddos with various needs, etc. See where I am going with this? 😉 While I do not encourage everyone to become a foster or adoptive family, I do encourage everyone to stand behind foster care and adoption in some capacity. There are several organizations in our immediate area including Northway Church and Foster Love Project (I mention those specifically by name because of the amazing resources that they have provided to us including training, friendships, and material items) that provide support and care to foster and adoptive families. If you are not sure where to start, I encourage you to look there first.
Part 2: On October 2, 2018 we officially finalized the adoption of our middle daughter. In the courtroom that day, we had over 30 caseworkers, lawyers, friends, and family members supporting us. Thirty-plus people were able to rearrange their schedules (with a week’s notice) to be there as our daughter took our last name. We have relied on those 30+ people (amongst others) and because of each one of them, we are in the position we are in today. We know that we can call any one of them for immediate assistance. We know that although our family may look and act different, we are accepted and loved. We know that our daughter has someone to tell her that she is important. We know that my daughter has a community of other adoptees and families like her. We know that we have legal guidance and counsel. At the end of the day, those things can make all the difference for a foster and adoptive family.
2. People are people.
We as humans are so quick to judge one another and jump to conclusions regarding someone else’s life and circumstances. But, who are we? We make mistakes all the time. Those mistakes may have different consequences; but, they are mistakes just the same and still represent the downfall of man. When we started fostering, we had this idea that we would be mainly ‘helping’ the kids; however, we have felt a passion and calling to love and serve first families, along with the caseworkers, lawyers, judges, and other people we have encountered while fostering our children. We can still advocate for our children while loving people who are hurting, who have made mistakes, who are tired, and who are different from us. No matter the circumstances, first families deserve our love and compassion.
3. We foster/adopt. We do not save and rescue.
There are different reasons and situations as to why foster care/adoption may need to happen. However, the separation from the first family no matter the situation is harmful. There is so much loss encompassed in foster care/adoption. It is important to recognize that. It is also important to note that we are not heroes. When we finalized the adoption of our daughter, we did not rescue her. We simply provided necessary permanency and stability; but, it is crucial that we identify she has a story and relationships before us and upon placement & adoption those do not simply end but remain a significant part of her.
So, here we are: an official family of five in a blink of an eye. It has been quite a journey but one where I have grown, gained knowledge, and developed amazing relationships along the way. We will have to see what I can add to this post after the next three years.
Pittsburgh Family Portraits at Hartwood Acres
/by kmillerNow that it’s finally feeling like fall in Pittsburgh, this July family session feels so far away. It was a very warm day and this family was celebrating their daughter’s first birthday. We headed to Hartwood Acres Mansion for the lovely garden and just look at this little peanut!
Here’s the whole family in the garden.
Sometimes it’s tricky getting kiddos to stay in one place, so we played a game with this cutie pie. He was hiding my toy dog to see if we could find it. There’s just something about sneaky little boys! I have two of them at home and I just love seeing them delight in trying to trick me!
This mansion is such a lovely setting from any angle, but this courtyard at the back of the mansion happens to be my favorite.
We stopped for some mother/daughter and father/son portraits too. It’s just so special seeing the relationships they have.
And here’s one last image from the session that I’ve made a habit to photograph in all of my sessions. These are the two who started it all!
It’s a blessing to photograph family portraits. If you, or someone you know is looking for a photographer, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch by clicking here.
Holiday Mini Sessions to Support the Foster Love Project
/by kmillerHi there! I’m excited to share a great way that you can support others and simplify your Christmas checklist this holiday season. Have you heard of the Foster Love Project? A friend recently told me about this project and how it provides for foster children and their foster families. They offer children transitioning into a foster home with a new bag packed with a blanket, jammies, a book, essentials and a small toy. And that’s just one of the many services provided by the Foster Love Project which has a donation center located in Dormont. So what can you do this holiday season to support foster children and families? Sign up for the Family Portrait Fundraiser!
For each family photographed, Captivating Imagery will donated $50 to the Foster Love Project. This fundraiser will take place on Saturday, November 3rd between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sessions are 15 minutes and come with 25 custom holiday cards, all for $75. Check out the Foster Love Project and all of the ways it meets the needs of foster children and families and please share this fundraiser with anyone you know who might want to support this worthy cause. Thank you!
Pittsburgh Children’s Photography: Ages and Stages—Photoshoots for Two-Year Olds
/by kmillerAs a photographer and mom, I’ve paid close attention to how kids respond to photoshoots at various ages and I think it’s safe to say that with any little one who has recently found the freedom of crawling/walking/climbing, you can expect a fast-paced, action-filled session! While I’m pretty sure this little one didn’t remember me from her first birthday photos, she warmed up to me very quickly and playful initiated a game of catch me if you can!
This is her tugging on my shirt. I have to admit, I really enjoyed the sweet antics of this charming little girl!
And moments like these when a little one shows the glee of being with mom and dad just warm my heart!
Notice the mommy and me matching boots!
For a change of pace, we slowed things down by reading a book under a tree.
This family was all smiles the whole session long! This family portrait was one of the last ones from the session and one of the favorites!
If you’re looking for a family or children’s photographer, I’d love to hear from you! Please contact me here for more information.