Pittsburgh Maternity and Newborn Photography: Being a Part of Our Child’s Story in Pictures

July 20, 2018/by kmiller

Compared to the number of newborn sessions I photograph, I don’t get to capture many maternity sessions. I have no sure way of knowing why that’s the case, other than to remember my own feelings about being photographed when pregnant. Also, let me just say, these are my feelings and in no way, reflect on this radiant couple. I adored photographing their maternity and newborn sessions and am using their images to make a point – this special time in their lives is so fleeting and how wonderful that they can look back on it through these photos!

I suspect it’s two things: the first and most likely is that many women don’t feel particularly beautiful in their last trimester of pregnancy; and secondly, all of their energy is focused on getting ready for their baby. I understand. But it is truly one of the most remarkable times in a woman’s life!

And I’m not writing to try and sell more maternity sessions, but I want to encourage moms to be photographed with their children all throughout their lives. I feel sad when I get contacted about a newborn session and the mom doesn’t want to be in the photos. What a loss! Of course, it’s wonderful to capture that sweet baby at just a few days or weeks old, but such a big part of that baby’s story is missing if parents aren’t included in the photos.

When I look back at photo albums my mom put together, one of my favorite things is seeing what my mom and dad looked like as I was growing up. And look at this dad – he’s baby-wearing and in front of their greenhouse full of lovely fruits and vegetables! It’s all a part of telling their story.

And when I look back at my son’s newborn sessions, I’m glad that I was a part of the photos too. Because, gosh darn it, I was doing the amazingly incredible hard work of being mama and I’m proud of that!

I’m so glad when I get the opportunity to photograph this special time in other family’s lives. What a blessing!

Thank You for a Great Year: The Best of 2017

December 29, 2017/by kmiller

2017 has been a blessed year for my family and my business and I’m so thankful to my clients for the opportunity to document so many wonderful memories from weddings, to babies, to high school seniors. Thank you so much for reviewing my business on Google, for referring your friends and family, and for liking my posts on Instagram and Facebook! I’m so grateful to get to work for people like you! I’m proud to share this recap of my work over this past year and blessed to note that I’ve been able to run this business from home on a part-time basis. Which compels me to say, God is good! Just wanted to give the Lord credit for all that is good in my life: my husband and children, my extended family, and friends. Thank you all for your support. Ok, onto the photos.

As we prepare for a new year with new beginnings, what better place to start than some brand new babies!

And it goes so fast…
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Moraine State Park Maternity Session: Sharing the Love by the Lake

August 24, 2017/by kmiller

I tend to walk a lot when photographing people at a park and for this maternity session at Moraine State Park, we had the extra benefit of cool sand for this mama’s sore feet. Some of the best shots took place at or near the water. But before getting our feet wet, we walked along the bike trail and for some of the beautiful natural surroundings by Lake Arthur.

The bike trail at this park provides a great way to get into the woods while wearing sandals and a dress. This mama looked amazing, but she certainly did not come dressed for a hike, so the paved bike trail was a blessing!

Love close-ups of the bump, especially through the leaves!

Here they talked sweetly to the baby, they are so ready for this!

And as the sun began to set, we headed to the beach.

I’m singing “kissing on the dock of the lake, waisting time” followed by a whistle interlude…

It was a gorgeous evening spent with these soon-to-be parents. Congrats and blessings to you both!

Maternity Session at Hartwood Acres

November 10, 2016/by kmiller

When I received an email from Sara asking about scheduling a maternity session, my heart swelled. I photographed Sara and Nick’s wedding and love the opportunity to get to extend the story of their growing family through photography. They are such a sweet couple and their baby is one blessed child. I’m just catching up on some long overdue blogging and this precious baby is already a few months old. More of his newborn session to come!

I love Sara’s dress and sandals.

Hartwood Acres was particularly busy with photoshoots that day, but we all worked together and took turns.

These two are real sweethearts!

This garden is beautiful and very well protected with an electric fence. I only brushed against it and got a little zap!

Below is my favorite shot from the session. It was right outside the parking lot, so I could easily grab my step ladder and change the perspective. Who doesn’t like being photographed from above?

Cozy In-home Maternity Session: Ronnie and Brad

September 30, 2014/by kmiller

When it comes to spending time away from my main job as a mama, there are few things I enjoy more than photographing growing families. This in-home session with Ronnie and Brad was no exception, because I love to document the time before a baby arrives. I feel like you can see all of the hopes and dreams in the eyes of expectant parents.

It’s fun to see all of the details they pull together to celebrate their baby on the way!

This photo above reminds me of a sonogram image because of the pattern of white surrounding them as they sit in the corner of this window seat. If it’s just me, I chalk it up to staring at the images as I was narrowing down my choices to share in this post.