Tag Archive for: Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Children’s Portraits: Embracing the Mood of Your Photo Shoot

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Sometimes kids like this sweet little girl can be very serious when it comes to participating in a photo shoot. She was pleasant and didn’t seem to mind being photographed, but she just wasn’t feeling like smiling that day. It could have been the hot weather that made her sleepy, but despite the efforts of her family and myself, we couldn’t get her to smile. And as these things go, she probably smiled as soon as we left North Park! But I find these images which capture her sweet nature and thoughtfulness, can be just as meaningful—if not more, than a big cheesy grin.

little girl close-up

little girl pointing

This might be my favorite portrait of her from this session. Such a tiny sweetheart!

little girl sitting on a chair

As far as props go, I like using things that are functional and natural like books, chairs and bubbles. We used all three of those in this session!

young family reading a book to their daughter

Ah, the wonder of bubbles!

little girl watching bubbles

And in this last shot, I don’t think she was consciously posing, but I find it so endearing!

is she posing?

I’d love to hear from parents on your thoughts about smiling vs. serious portraits and what they mean to you!

Pittsburgh Family Portraits: Downtown Makes a Great Setting

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I recently photographed a family of seven in downtown Pittsburgh, an unlikely setting for any children’s portrait unless the city happens to be home, but this brave family with five kids was up for the challenge and let me say, they have my awe and respect! We started walking through the Cultural District and walking shots like this one are one of my favorite ways to keep a photo shoot moving so that the kids don’t get bored.

walking through the city

We came across this alley with an overhead lighting feature which made for a fun design element in this family portrait.

alley family portrait

There are a lot of nice spots for portraits downtown and I’ve learned many of them by photographing weddings. However, just recently, some of the parklets have started to close on weekends, so there are fewer options with greenery these days.

portrait at the train station

family walking

After all of our walking, the kids were getting tired, but I still like this shot of the family by the bridge. The facial expressions on the kids are comical – it’s not a portrait I’d hang on the wall, but it will be fun for this family to look back on someday!

on the bridge

As we headed back to our parking garage, we stopped for one last shot with mom and dad. Well done, mom and dad!

husband and wife

Pittsburgh Quinceañera: A Latina’s Sweet Fifteen!

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In May, I had the pleasure of photographing my first quinceañera, I’ve photographed bar and bat mitzvahs before, so I had some idea of what to expect, but let me say, this special milestone for latinas turning 15 is my kind of party! It’s a lot like a wedding in many ways with the formalities—the special dress and cake, but it’s all about the celebration of an emerging young lady. One of the sweet traditions of a quinceañera is that she comes to her party in slippers and later in the night, she ceremoniously changes into high heels! And then of course, she dances in them! What a fun way to celebrate womanhood!

Before the party started, we met at the overlooks at Mt. Washington for some portraits.

walking to Mt. Washington Overlook

quinceañera

portrait at Mt. Washington

The quinceañera was held at Franzee’s-Javy’s in Ambridge, Pa.

Quinceañera cake

After some introductions and a welcome speech the quinceañera danced with her father.

dancing with her father

first dance

A little later in the evening, came the champagne toast and this quinceañera had her first taste.

champagne

father's toast

cheers!

One of the littlest members of this quinceañera’s court presented the high heels to her father.

presentation of the high heels

She promenaded in her new heels with grace and poise.

promenading in her new shoes

And then the quinceañera court entered for the formal dance.

grand entrance

formal dance

And after that, the dance floor was jumping!

bustling dance floor

I’m pleased to add quinceañeras to my events coverage and would love to photograph more. Please contact me if you would like to learn more!

Pittsburgh Wedding Photography: Sentimental Details Bring Sweet Moments

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When I first met with this happy couple, I was intrigued at how thoughtful they were in making their wedding plans. They were simple, but had so much meaning. This couple chose to marry at The Point, where they shared part of their first date. They met by a tree for a prayer moments before their ceremony and invited their closest family and friends to gather by the fountain to witness their ceremony—which was also broadcast on Facebook Live and later replayed for the guests at their reception.

the new mr. and mrs.!

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Pittsburgh Newborn Sessions: Keeping Baby’s Wardrobe Simple

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I love photographing babies simply swaddled or dressed in a basic onsie. It’s funny how when a parent is getting ready for their baby to arrive, it’s so much fun to shop for their clothes and get all of the warm, fuzzy feelings that go with anticipating our baby wearing them. So when I suggest dressing a baby simply for my sessions, I know that’s hard to do as a parent. We are so excited for our baby to be photographed and there are so many outfits to choose from, but I think this recent session illustrates how lovely and timeless a simple swaddle or onsie can be.

baby sleeping on a moose

One of the benefits of dressing a baby simply is that you don’t have to do an outfit change, which irritates most babies and by going with a soft onsie or swaddle, the baby is comfortable and more likely happy. This little guy sure way.

sleeping in his mama's arms

Even their dog was super relaxed!

family dog meets baby

They had great window light on the landing of their stairs, so we made a quick stop on our way up to the nursery.

mom and dad admiring their baby boy

so snuggly!

More great window light in the nursery too! Just love these images of mama with her baby.

mama and baby

kisses from mommy

And dad gets a turn too.

daddy kisses too!

When you’re a baby, yawning is adorable.

big yawn, sleepy baby

This might be one of my favorite shots of the session. Just look how this little sweetie is studying his dad!

checking out his daddy

This last one pretty much sums up how meaningful this time can be. Two adoring parents and a brand new baby, what a great start to this family’s story!

sweet family