Tag Archive for: kids

Birthday Party Photography: Enjoy Your Party And Let Me Capture It For You

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I had the pleasure of documenting this sweet two-year old’s birthday party at Party Lane in Mars, Pa. It was a snowy weeknight and as I was driving to the party, I was concerned that the turnout would be a disappointment, but I was pleasantly surprised to see a terrific turnout for this sweet little girl. She is a huge Toy Story fan, so her mama went all out and threw her a party complete with a visit from Buzz Lightyear!

birthday girl meets Buzz Lightyear

Toy Story themed birthday party

Party Lane is a fantastic place for little ones to play and it made an awesome setting for this party.

party girl at play

They may have turned down the lights, but this little one’s smile lit the whole room! Happy birthday sweet girl!

Happy birthday!

Time for a quick family portrait!

a quick family portrait at the party

This mama said she wanted to be able to enjoy her daughter’s party without having her phone out the whole time to take photos. That way, she could savor the moments and let the photo-taking up to a pro!

yummy cake!

Also, lighting like this can be a challenge for your average cell phone, so having properly exposed, color-corrected photos is another bonus!

hanging with her daddy

I didn’t include photos of any of the other guests at this party because I don’t have permission from those families and want to respect their privacy. But just look at this cutie pie taking a phone call!

talking on her phone

Birthday parties sure are fun!

playing peek-a-boo

I’d say, this mama adores her little girl, wouldn’t you?

kisses from mommy

Snow Day! Documenting My Boys At Play

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A few weeks back we had a snow day, one where it wasn’t so cold that my boys could actually play in it for a while. The conditions were gorgeous and my boys were chomping at the bit to get out there and play, and my one condition was that they had to wait for me to run and grab my camera! As a mom photographer, you’d think I document everyday like this, but it’s too easy to shoot more than you have time to edit, so when a gorgeous snow day comes along like this, I can’t resist—even if I have two-years worth of our own family’s photos to print!

playing in the snow

I started with my youngest who is still not certain if he likes playing in the snow.

watching snowflakes fall

I think he is starting to realize that this is more fun for me than it is for him.

close-up

But not so for my oldest, he loves playing in the snow.

walking downhill

playing with his snowman

And when my little asked to go inside, he lingered by the door to watch his big brother at play.

little brother is torn about playing in the snow

snowman games

smiling for mom

He’s thinking, “Ok, enough with the photos already!” Good sport, though and one of my two sweetest, most mischievous, lovable little guys.

being silly for the camera

Christmas at Home: What Better Place for Your Christmas Portraits?

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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.

family in Christmas jammies

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!

baby with Christmas lights

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.

by the Christmas tree

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!

little girl and reindeer

Cranberry Family Portraits: On-Location with Little Ones

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I know this sweet family from church and was blessed to be able to make some portraits of them this fall. It’s great to get outside for family portraits, especially with little ones because they aren’t confined to the limits of a studio (i.e. – sitting still so that the light is right and the tripod doesn’t need to be adjusted…as a mom of two young boys, I am a firm believer in the least restrictive environment!). Although I will say, it’s a workout for parents to keep their little ones close and engaged. But the results are so worth it!

family portrait in Cranberry

I just love the sweet and pure faces from little ones this small.

little boy close-up

We were shooting right into the sunset on a particularly sunny day for Pittsburgh!

family at sunset in tall grasses

I love walking shots, and for little ones it’s easiest sometimes to put them up on a parent’s shoulders.

family walking through the park

And I love this moment where this sweetheart pauses just long enough for her close-up.

little girl close-up

And this happens at almost every session with toddlers. Dads love to turn their kids upside down and the kids love it too!

lifestyle portrait with little boy

Here’s our fearless leader leading the way!

family walking across the bridge

And this is probably my favorite shot of the whole family. So blessed!

family portrait in the woods

Cranberry Family Portraits: Cranberry Woods

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One of my favorite nearby places for photos is Cranberry Woods, a business park off of Route 228. It’s usually quiet and has lovely woods with tall grasses and if a family is looking for a location in Cranberry, this is it! But shhh! Don’t tell anyone.

This family just welcomed home a baby girl three months ago so this session is part newborn session, part family portrait, all outdoors at sunset. And we couldn’t have picked a better day, so I’m thankful for the gorgeous weather on days like these!

family portrait in the woods

Where else can a family walk through the woods without tripping on roots or fallen branches? I’m telling you this secret won’t last long.

family walk in the woods

I just love seeing siblings give kisses—is there anything sweeter when they do this without any prompting?

kisses from big brother

It’s a good idea to bring a blanket along for family pictures. I keep this navy picnic blanket with me for family sessions, and some families bring their own to compliment the wardrobe!

family portrait on a blanket

Goodness gracious, there is something that’s just so satisfying seeing a big sibling hold a baby sibling. Everything just feels right in the world.

big brother and little sister

We stopped for some portraits of this little sweetheart. At three months, she was very interested in the world around her and kept looking up at the trees. But then she’d flash a sweet smile my way when the camera got close.

baby in basket

little sis close-up

And we definitely needed to take some time to photograph this cool little dude.

cool dude leaning on a tree

I really like photographing families from above like this, but I like to give families warning that it can get pretty chaotic. And I’m not sure of why, but it does in a fun way!

the family from above

One of the things this mama was looking for in her session were portraits of her and her husband individually with each of their kiddos. And I love taking an opportunity like this to focus on the relationships between parents and their little ones.

mommy and baby

father and son

daddy and baby

mother and son

And just one more family portrait! Never believe me when I say, just one more! My finger just can’t stop at one click!

family portrait at sunset