Family Portraits: North Boundary Park, Cranberry, Pa.

This family portrait session was rescheduled due to rain and when we finally got together to shoot, we had a double-dose of sunshine at North Boundary Park in Cranberry, Pa. And the weather was truly fitting for this sweet family as they are fostering to adopt this precious little boy and girl, only a few months apart in age—a double dose of sunshine for sure!

piggy-back portrait

This family is in different stages of adoption and foster care for each child. And I’m only sharing photos that don’t show the little girl’s face for her protection and the protection of her “first” family and foster parents. So this set of photos is short, but I think you’ll agree, there’s no shortage of sweetness! Just love seeing them play and having fun.

playing with daddy

And this capture might be my favorite of the day, it’s Super Girl!

super girl!

Foster and adoptive families have a special place in my heart and I know that this mom and dad feel strongly about foster care too because I asked them before sharing these photos on my blog and I just need to share what this mama said, “Our family was created differently and may not be permanent; however, the love and care we have for one another is. There are so many things that can be hard and emotional about fostering; but you know what? It’s not about me and my husband…it is about her and him and the love they need at that moment. These pictures capture that and can also help piece together important parts of their lives.”

Oh the tears! It’s just such a beautiful expression of love.

family walking together

Blessings to this dear family!

Pittsburgh Weddings: Sheraton at Station Square

I thought after having babies that I would never want to shoot weddings again. I even sold a bit of lighting equipment and my spare camera body (not a wise thing to do just a few months after having a baby). My world changed so much that I had some serious tunnel vision and I thought I’d just shift into photographing babies and kids, which I love! But I have to admit after starting up again last year, it is still so much fun photographing weddings so I’m glad to get back into it even if it’s only part-time for the moment.

Who wouldn’t want to get to witness the moment a bride puts on her gown and her mom and bridesmaids swoon?

all ready!

And look at this loveliness? Weddings are full of so much opportunity for a portrait photographer.

beautiful bride />

I think I mentioned that this is a part-time gig for now, so know that this is not a great overview of the day, just some hand-picked favorites!

bride and groomsmen

If you’re from Pittsburgh, you know that last shot was from the Point. I also love walking along the paths that wind through the trees by the Allegheny River.

bride and groom at the Point

And I can’t get enough walking shots. Everyone should do these. It should be the next selfie, although not by yourself, that would be awkward.

walking with their bridal party

And here’s one last fav in this quick recap. Congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs.!

close-up of Mr. and Mrs.!

Pittsburgh Weddings: Lingrow Farm

I’ve really enjoyed photographing weddings with George Street Photography this past year and look forward to the season ahead! This recent wedding at Lingrow Farm was a treat! There are a few things that really make photographing weddings fun and a sweet couple and a bridal party that likes to dance the night away are two of my favorites! This post hardly constitutes as a recap of the day, as I just went through and picked a few favorites. When my kids are in school and I have time to photograph weddings full-time again, I’ll be more thorough for sure! But for now, here are a few shots that caught my eye.

bride getting ready

finishing touches

putting on the shoes

The ceremony was moved inside due to soggy grass from the rain the day before. So the aisle was a short one, but I love this shot of the bride as she walks through the door with her dad.

walking down the aisle

It’s a treat to see the parent’s faces when I’m up close to photograph part of the ceremony from the sides. I love how intently this mom is watching every detail of her daughter’s wedding vows.

bride's family

And the anticipation on this mom’s face as she watches her son say, “I do!”

groom's family

What a bright and cheery recessional!

introducing Mr. and Mrs.!

It was a bright, sunny day, so we found some shade for a few portraits before their reception.

outside the farm

The entrance into a wedding reception can be daunting, but I think they did it with savior faire! Congrats and blessing to this happy couple!

making an entrance

Pittsburgh Newborn: Photographing Siblings and Baby

One of the toughest photo requests I get during newborn sessions, and one that I deeply understand the motivation for, is a shot with the baby and sibling/s—especially when there’s uncertainty about being able to hold the baby safely. There are lots of different approaches for this like propping them up between pillows on a couch or bed, or laying them side-by-side on the floor. But my favorite find during this recent session is when there are older siblings who can confidently hold the baby, to let the siblings interact and not really pose them at all.

siblings and baby

Aren’t these children adorable with their matching blonde hair?! And then their dog even sat in for a portrait! Impressive!

family portrait

When you have a larger family, I feel like a lifestyle session is really the best way to go. There is so much to photograph so why not capture the whole family in a free and lighthearted way?

a family and their dog

I love using shallow depth of field to lead viewers to the main focal point, but with just enough detail out of focus to tell the story. It’s important for me to have everyone comfortable and feel part of the shoot before we break away to focus on just baby and parents.

mom and baby with family

And this little sweetie pie, stayed awake for the whole session and was so pleasant!

mom and baby

dad and baby

parents looking over their baby

The kids were so great for this session, but they were naturally getting a bit restless, and we had one more family portrait in mind. And I love the result. Dads have a knack for embracing the chaos and this shot makes me smile to see big brother upside down. We have a photo like that too, when my second son was born. Maybe that’s why I like this one so much? Even though my oldest wasn’t into begin photographed that morning, I’m so glad our photographer captured our chaos.

embrace the chaos

And this last shot is a happy conclusion to this in-home newborn session. What a sweet and blessed family!

family portrait on the bed

Pittsburgh Senior Portraits: On-Location on the South Side

This recent session with a high school senior was a fun departure from photographing babies and weddings. We met on the South Side and walked along the river and back up East Carson Street, stopping along the way when we saw something interesting and there are lots of great spots on the South Side.

walking along East Carson on the South Side

This guy fits well in any setting so why not pose by the brown waters of the Monongahela?? I once swam in that river, so I can say that!

Down by the Monongahela

I love walking shots for all kinds of portraits. It’s comfortable and a natural way to show confidence.

walking shots

another walking shot

He did a quick wardrobe change to show some school pride for his college of choice.

A quick change into some college gear

And as the sun was setting, we squeezed in a few last shots at this mural. Fun!

in front of South Side murals

Uccellini-05.2017-034

Best wishes for a bright future to this high school graduate!