I recently had the pleasure of spending an evening with Kristie and Matt at Hartwood Acres, in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. We met there for their engagement session and this couple really shines in front of the camera. What was their trick? They had fun! They are so easy-going and thoroughly enjoyed one another’s company, so they made my job easy.
Here are a few favorites from their shoot:
It was a gorgeous fall evening and there were several photographer’s there taking family portraits on the mansion grounds. It’s no wonder that Hartwood Acres is a hot spot for photographers. For this portrait, we were on the terrace at the back of the mansion.
I like this take on photographing the engagement ring. The repetition of their shadow completes the form, although I’m really focusing on her sparkling diamond!
I love their playfulness.
Kristie’s eyes are so endearing.
Blowing kisses in the wind.
Kristie and Matt’s wedding is coming up next fall and you can just feel their excitement when they talk about it.
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2009-10-25 20:52:202013-11-18 15:57:30Kristie and Matt’s engagement session at Hartwood Acres
I recently photographed the birth of my friends’ daughter. This couple wanted to have their story documented so that they could always remember what it was like the day they brought their baby girl into the world. I know that many moms would shudder at having a camera in the delivery room, but I have come to realize that a birth is such a miraculous experience that I begin to wonder why birth photography is not more common.
Ok, I know there are a few obvious reasons, but we’re talking about tasteful images of the first few moments of newborn’s life. The photos leading up to the birth show such strong and beautiful emotions, and they are all a very important part in telling the story of the birth.
Jen was in labor for a very long time, and while she needed a lot of privacy during the more painful parts of her labor, she was ready to be photographed after she was fully dialted and about to go into delivery. Here are just a few photos from the start of the delivery through the birth:
Jen looks amazing despite a long, hard day of contractions.
This is it! The baby is just about ready.
Sean just said a prayer before the midwives begin the delivery.
Jen is in between pushing in this photo when Sean said something to make her laugh.
The midwives were so professional and attentive.
They are looking into a mirror that is reflecting the first glimpse of the baby’s head.
This moment was so touching. Jen can finally see her little baby.
Little Imani has arrived and she is precious right out of the womb.
This is my favorite: their first family portrait.
Little Imani looks up at her mom. Their lives are forever changed. Congratulations to the new family! God bless little Imani.
Jen and Sean were recently featured on the cover of Expectant Mother Pittsburgh. The photo is one from their maternity session. I think it’s fitting that they are on the cover of this magazine as they are a couple that I really look up to as my husband and I begin to think about parenthood. Here’s the cover:
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2009-10-19 19:27:042013-11-18 15:47:08The Birth of Imani, a Pittsburgh birth story
I visited the Frick Art & Historical Center to see the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Icons of American Photography exhibit this week. And I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves photography. The collection is made up of 59 photographs dating between 1850 and 1960, so it’s a great opportunity to set aside our digital cameras for a moment and think about all of the considerations and calculations that went into these photos and just marvel in the imagery.
Have you ever notice how formal or stiff portraits from the nineteenth century seem? We take shutter speed for granted today, but this exhibit reminded me of why portraits of my family several generations ago seemed so boring—they had to stay still to avoid blurring the exposure. Anyhow, the exhibit is far from boring. The prints are in pristine condition and it was fascinating to see the creativity of these photographers during a time when the photographic world was developing wildly.
I walked away with the satisfaction that, in addition to jazz, Americans have played a role in the development of photography. We don’t always get to enjoy that kind of history when it comes to architecture and other art forms. Plus there were a lot of women photographers in this collection and that is something that I found to be very inspiring. Like many fields, photography seems to be one that’s dominated by men and it was great to see that women have been making photographs all along.
In addition to the Icons collection, the Frick also has a collection of photographs by Esther Bubley during a project in which she was commissioned to stay at Children’s Hospital and document the hospital life and its patients. In looking at her work, you could just tell that she had a good rapport with the patients there. Her photos felt so natural and honest and it was interesting to see what the hospital was like in 1951.
Check out the Frick’s site for more information on these exhibitions.
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2009-10-09 21:36:512009-10-09 21:36:51Icons of American Photography
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:
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.
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2009-09-30 18:29:212013-11-18 15:48:44Creative shoot locations – Bride’s Guide Tip
If your gown buttons down the back, save your mom or bridesmaids from fumbling with the little buttons and loops by tucking a crochet needle into your accessories bag. What a great idea! But I can’t claim it as my own, I just picked it up at a recent wedding.
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2009-09-28 17:55:552013-11-18 15:48:55Getting in the dress – Bride’s Guide Tips
Kristie and Matt’s engagement session at Hartwood Acres
/by kmillerI recently had the pleasure of spending an evening with Kristie and Matt at Hartwood Acres, in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. We met there for their engagement session and this couple really shines in front of the camera. What was their trick? They had fun! They are so easy-going and thoroughly enjoyed one another’s company, so they made my job easy.
Here are a few favorites from their shoot:
It was a gorgeous fall evening and there were several photographer’s there taking family portraits on the mansion grounds. It’s no wonder that Hartwood Acres is a hot spot for photographers. For this portrait, we were on the terrace at the back of the mansion.
I like this take on photographing the engagement ring. The repetition of their shadow completes the form, although I’m really focusing on her sparkling diamond!
I love their playfulness.
Kristie’s eyes are so endearing.
Blowing kisses in the wind.
Kristie and Matt’s wedding is coming up next fall and you can just feel their excitement when they talk about it.
The Birth of Imani, a Pittsburgh birth story
/by kmillerI recently photographed the birth of my friends’ daughter. This couple wanted to have their story documented so that they could always remember what it was like the day they brought their baby girl into the world. I know that many moms would shudder at having a camera in the delivery room, but I have come to realize that a birth is such a miraculous experience that I begin to wonder why birth photography is not more common.
Ok, I know there are a few obvious reasons, but we’re talking about tasteful images of the first few moments of newborn’s life. The photos leading up to the birth show such strong and beautiful emotions, and they are all a very important part in telling the story of the birth.
Jen was in labor for a very long time, and while she needed a lot of privacy during the more painful parts of her labor, she was ready to be photographed after she was fully dialted and about to go into delivery. Here are just a few photos from the start of the delivery through the birth:
Jen looks amazing despite a long, hard day of contractions.
This is it! The baby is just about ready.
Sean just said a prayer before the midwives begin the delivery.
Jen is in between pushing in this photo when Sean said something to make her laugh.
The midwives were so professional and attentive.
They are looking into a mirror that is reflecting the first glimpse of the baby’s head.
This moment was so touching. Jen can finally see her little baby.
Little Imani has arrived and she is precious right out of the womb.
This is my favorite: their first family portrait.
Little Imani looks up at her mom. Their lives are forever changed. Congratulations to the new family! God bless little Imani.
Jen and Sean were recently featured on the cover of Expectant Mother Pittsburgh. The photo is one from their maternity session. I think it’s fitting that they are on the cover of this magazine as they are a couple that I really look up to as my husband and I begin to think about parenthood. Here’s the cover:
Icons of American Photography
/by kmillerI visited the Frick Art & Historical Center to see the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Icons of American Photography exhibit this week. And I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves photography. The collection is made up of 59 photographs dating between 1850 and 1960, so it’s a great opportunity to set aside our digital cameras for a moment and think about all of the considerations and calculations that went into these photos and just marvel in the imagery.
Have you ever notice how formal or stiff portraits from the nineteenth century seem? We take shutter speed for granted today, but this exhibit reminded me of why portraits of my family several generations ago seemed so boring—they had to stay still to avoid blurring the exposure. Anyhow, the exhibit is far from boring. The prints are in pristine condition and it was fascinating to see the creativity of these photographers during a time when the photographic world was developing wildly.
I walked away with the satisfaction that, in addition to jazz, Americans have played a role in the development of photography. We don’t always get to enjoy that kind of history when it comes to architecture and other art forms. Plus there were a lot of women photographers in this collection and that is something that I found to be very inspiring. Like many fields, photography seems to be one that’s dominated by men and it was great to see that women have been making photographs all along.
In addition to the Icons collection, the Frick also has a collection of photographs by Esther Bubley during a project in which she was commissioned to stay at Children’s Hospital and document the hospital life and its patients. In looking at her work, you could just tell that she had a good rapport with the patients there. Her photos felt so natural and honest and it was interesting to see what the hospital was like in 1951.
Check out the Frick’s site for more information on these exhibitions.
Creative shoot locations – Bride’s Guide Tip
/by kmillerFor 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:
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.
Getting in the dress – Bride’s Guide Tips
/by kmillerIf your gown buttons down the back, save your mom or bridesmaids from fumbling with the little buttons and loops by tucking a crochet needle into your accessories bag. What a great idea! But I can’t claim it as my own, I just picked it up at a recent wedding.