As the holidays near, families are looking for that Christmas card-worthy photo. And what better place to do that than in your own home? This year’s photos are a fun mix of families and kids and babies with the excitement and cheer that only Christmas can bring. My favorite shot of the season is with this family in their Christmas jammies. This mama has a ton of Christmas spirit and her family is in for a treat over the holidays.
And Christmas time is so much fun for babies too. This baby’s mama mentioned that she pre-cleaned this strand of lights before their session. So cute!
I’m sentimental, so it means a lot to me to photograph my sons in front of their own Christmas tree. I think the mama of these cuties pies feels the same way.
And this little sweetie even had a reindeer ready for her photos! I love seeing all of the fun families have with getting their kids excited about Christmas!
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2017-12-20 11:07:122017-12-15 16:26:26Christmas at Home: What Better Place for Your Christmas Portraits?
It was an absolute treat to photograph this new family. I know this couple from church and I am blessed to witness their family grow.
For every session, I try to identify a take-away that I can offer to anyone reading my blog that might be helpful to apply to their next session. Usually it’s clearly titled after the colon in the title of the post. And for this session, I really felt the biggest benefit I noticed is that this new mom and dad were totally comfortable with me. Now they have an advantage in knowing me from somewhere else, and hopefully have the sense that I will support them and encourage them in this exciting and sometimes challenging thing called parenthood. But I want the same for every family I photograph and I try to show my support and encouragement throughout the session. So what I’m getting at is when my clients trust that I support them, they can relax and that is very evident in their photos.
We spend so much time admiring our babies, so it’s natural to spend a lot of time doing just that during a newborn session. And I think it shows the love that a parent has when they welcome a child into the world.
We also spend lots of time lounging on beds or couches because it’s comfortable when holding a baby.
This session took place in November on a mild day, so we were able to get outside and get some fresh air.
Its so sweet seeing babies look into their parents’ eyes.
And when the baby turns to look toward the sound of my camera’s shutter, I’m always happy to get a bright-eyed close-up.
This dad is pretty smitten.
And this little guy is getting lots of love from his mama.
Love this shot of them walking in the alley behind their home!
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2017-12-15 15:56:372017-12-15 15:56:37Pittsburgh Newborn Session: Getting Comfortable with your Photographer
This session is very close to my heart — my niece just turned six months old and we got to celebrate with a photo session. And while I may be pretty biased, this is one gorgeous baby girl!
And here’s my sister, an awesome mom to her three little girls.
I love this photo because baby girl is so proud as she looks over at her sisters while standing!
It’s so much fun to photograph a new skill, like sitting up.
When she’s not gazing into daddy’s face, she’s looking over his shoulder at mommy.
My sister’s home has a lovely entry with lots of natural light, and the girls liked sitting perched up high on the stairs.
This little lady is getting ready to crawl!
The big sisters were ready for their turn—and they know how to pose!
I love her sweet and sassy ways!
This last one might be a favorite. As a mom, I just love seeing my boys together in photos. And I love seeing my nieces all together too! So much love in one split second!
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2017-11-22 16:56:212017-11-22 16:56:21Baby Portraits: Six Months Old and Celebrating!
When I used to think of photographing in Oakland, engagement sessions or weddings come to mind. But after this recent family session there, I really love this area by the Cathedral of Learning for families. This family didn’t have any ties to the University of Pittsburgh, but recently moved here from another big city and appreciate a more urban setting. We started at steps of the Carnegie Library.
The beauty of the architecture and landscaping offered lovely lines and bright splashes of color for this portrait of these sweet little sisters.
And then they wanted to switch positions and this little sister planted a kiss on her sister’s cheek.
This whole session took place on the corner below the Cathedral, so we could just walk from location to location. These little girls did so well too!
Their mama was wise to choose this location knowing that moving around would keep them happy.
We are blessed to have such beautiful scenery in Pittsburgh. I think this is my favorite shot of the family.
And we planned to stop at the PNC Carousel in Schenley Oval to complete our session. It was a great reward for the girls too!
I love photographing clients on this carousel, but the best shots are really right before and right after the ride, because with the up and down and spinning movement, getting a shot where everyone is visible can be tricky.
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2017-11-15 11:03:292017-11-08 16:32:24Oakland Family Portraits: Walking Between Locations Gives Kids a Break
This is charming couple featured on my homepage, at least until I update my portfolio this winter. But I have been really looking forward to photographing their wedding! We met in Pittsburgh for their engagement session and their wedding took place much farther north from there on the lovely Five Fillies Farm. They picked this venue so they could bring along their four-legged fur baby, Zeus. And it was a picturesque setting to boot!
We headed to nearby Westminster College for their portraits after the ceremony. It was a five-minute drive and had lovely old buildings and lots of greenery. And some of my favorite shots were the ones that came most naturally. I should explain—but first, here’s one disclaimer: if I was getting married tomorrow, I’d probably have a Pinterst board. So I’m not going to hate on Pinterest. But I will say, it slows down the process when you’re trying to recreate an image in lighting and composition with two different people in a different location. So when I have wedding Pinterest board, I plan ahead and choose a few shots that are achievable in the given time and location and start with them first. Then once we’ve accomplished the couple’s requests, I move on to some light posing that seems to come more naturally, like suggesting the couple walks hand-in-hand, or sits next to one-another looking into each other’s eyes. Without a photo for reference, couples move more naturally and are more confident when following simple directions.
Their reception was lots of fun and full of dancing, but my personal favorite was the mobile wood fired pizza vendor, Earth Wheel and Fire. It was delicious and such a fun addition to their menu. And at sunset, they were willing to step out for a photo in the brilliant purple and pink sky as the sun set on the farm. And then back to the barn for more dancing! Congratulations to this happy couple!
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2017-11-08 10:13:072017-11-01 14:16:50Pittsburgh Weddings: Five Fillies Farm and Westminster College
Christmas at Home: What Better Place for Your Christmas Portraits?
/by kmillerAs the holidays near, families are looking for that Christmas card-worthy photo. And what better place to do that than in your own home? This year’s photos are a fun mix of families and kids and babies with the excitement and cheer that only Christmas can bring. My favorite shot of the season is with this family in their Christmas jammies. This mama has a ton of Christmas spirit and her family is in for a treat over the holidays.
And Christmas time is so much fun for babies too. This baby’s mama mentioned that she pre-cleaned this strand of lights before their session. So cute!
I’m sentimental, so it means a lot to me to photograph my sons in front of their own Christmas tree. I think the mama of these cuties pies feels the same way.
And this little sweetie even had a reindeer ready for her photos! I love seeing all of the fun families have with getting their kids excited about Christmas!
Pittsburgh Newborn Session: Getting Comfortable with your Photographer
/by kmillerIt was an absolute treat to photograph this new family. I know this couple from church and I am blessed to witness their family grow.
For every session, I try to identify a take-away that I can offer to anyone reading my blog that might be helpful to apply to their next session. Usually it’s clearly titled after the colon in the title of the post. And for this session, I really felt the biggest benefit I noticed is that this new mom and dad were totally comfortable with me. Now they have an advantage in knowing me from somewhere else, and hopefully have the sense that I will support them and encourage them in this exciting and sometimes challenging thing called parenthood. But I want the same for every family I photograph and I try to show my support and encouragement throughout the session. So what I’m getting at is when my clients trust that I support them, they can relax and that is very evident in their photos.
We spend so much time admiring our babies, so it’s natural to spend a lot of time doing just that during a newborn session. And I think it shows the love that a parent has when they welcome a child into the world.
We also spend lots of time lounging on beds or couches because it’s comfortable when holding a baby.
This session took place in November on a mild day, so we were able to get outside and get some fresh air.
Its so sweet seeing babies look into their parents’ eyes.
And when the baby turns to look toward the sound of my camera’s shutter, I’m always happy to get a bright-eyed close-up.
This dad is pretty smitten.
And this little guy is getting lots of love from his mama.
Love this shot of them walking in the alley behind their home!
Baby Portraits: Six Months Old and Celebrating!
/by kmillerThis session is very close to my heart — my niece just turned six months old and we got to celebrate with a photo session. And while I may be pretty biased, this is one gorgeous baby girl!
And here’s my sister, an awesome mom to her three little girls.
I love this photo because baby girl is so proud as she looks over at her sisters while standing!
It’s so much fun to photograph a new skill, like sitting up.
When she’s not gazing into daddy’s face, she’s looking over his shoulder at mommy.
My sister’s home has a lovely entry with lots of natural light, and the girls liked sitting perched up high on the stairs.
This little lady is getting ready to crawl!
The big sisters were ready for their turn—and they know how to pose!
I love her sweet and sassy ways!
This last one might be a favorite. As a mom, I just love seeing my boys together in photos. And I love seeing my nieces all together too! So much love in one split second!
Oakland Family Portraits: Walking Between Locations Gives Kids a Break
/by kmillerWhen I used to think of photographing in Oakland, engagement sessions or weddings come to mind. But after this recent family session there, I really love this area by the Cathedral of Learning for families. This family didn’t have any ties to the University of Pittsburgh, but recently moved here from another big city and appreciate a more urban setting. We started at steps of the Carnegie Library.
The beauty of the architecture and landscaping offered lovely lines and bright splashes of color for this portrait of these sweet little sisters.
And then they wanted to switch positions and this little sister planted a kiss on her sister’s cheek.
This whole session took place on the corner below the Cathedral, so we could just walk from location to location. These little girls did so well too!
Their mama was wise to choose this location knowing that moving around would keep them happy.
We are blessed to have such beautiful scenery in Pittsburgh. I think this is my favorite shot of the family.
And we planned to stop at the PNC Carousel in Schenley Oval to complete our session. It was a great reward for the girls too!
I love photographing clients on this carousel, but the best shots are really right before and right after the ride, because with the up and down and spinning movement, getting a shot where everyone is visible can be tricky.
Pittsburgh Weddings: Five Fillies Farm and Westminster College
/by kmillerThis is charming couple featured on my homepage, at least until I update my portfolio this winter. But I have been really looking forward to photographing their wedding! We met in Pittsburgh for their engagement session and their wedding took place much farther north from there on the lovely Five Fillies Farm. They picked this venue so they could bring along their four-legged fur baby, Zeus. And it was a picturesque setting to boot!
We headed to nearby Westminster College for their portraits after the ceremony. It was a five-minute drive and had lovely old buildings and lots of greenery. And some of my favorite shots were the ones that came most naturally. I should explain—but first, here’s one disclaimer: if I was getting married tomorrow, I’d probably have a Pinterst board. So I’m not going to hate on Pinterest. But I will say, it slows down the process when you’re trying to recreate an image in lighting and composition with two different people in a different location. So when I have wedding Pinterest board, I plan ahead and choose a few shots that are achievable in the given time and location and start with them first. Then once we’ve accomplished the couple’s requests, I move on to some light posing that seems to come more naturally, like suggesting the couple walks hand-in-hand, or sits next to one-another looking into each other’s eyes. Without a photo for reference, couples move more naturally and are more confident when following simple directions.
Their reception was lots of fun and full of dancing, but my personal favorite was the mobile wood fired pizza vendor, Earth Wheel and Fire. It was delicious and such a fun addition to their menu. And at sunset, they were willing to step out for a photo in the brilliant purple and pink sky as the sun set on the farm. And then back to the barn for more dancing! Congratulations to this happy couple!