Tag Archive for: portrait

Cranberry Senior Portraits: No Muss, No Fuss for High School Guys

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Occasionally, I’ll get an inquiry from a parent with a son who is not particularly looking forward to his senior portraits. Let’s be honest, there aren’t many young guys out there who are eager about their senior portraits. Of course, I’d like everyone I photograph to anticipate their session with happy thoughts, but I understand and know that after the first few minutes, said senior will likely feel a sense of relief that it’s really not so bad. At least, this session concluded with a resounding, “that wasn’t painful” or something along those lines.

black and white senior portrait

We started this session at 8 a.m. which is early for any high school student, but this was my last available session before the senior portraits deadline. And while he said he likes to sleep in until about noon on the weekends, this guy handled the early morning like a champ.

high school senior close up

We went to Cranberry Woods, which is such a nice and convenient location for portraits.

high school senior at Cranberry Woods

I encourage my seniors to bring a change of clothes for two looks and I like this casual look on him. And it’s his favorite soccer team, which is all the better when there’s a story to go with the clothes.

high school senior casual portrait

high school senior in soccer jersey

For me, this was such a great start to the day. And I think it was better than expected for my subject too!

black and white portrait lit by the rising sun

If you have a high school senior in need of portraits, I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email at info@captivatingimagery.com or give me a call at 412-427-8371.

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

Pittsburgh Newborn Sessions: Let’s Start at the Very Beginning

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A very good place to start! This session took place when this wee one was just 7 days old. And she was awake for almost the whole hour and was so content! We started in this family’s gorgeous foyer. It had ample window light and lots of room so that I could back up and use my favorite lens.

kisses and snuggles

mom, dad, and baby

It’s so sweet to see parents swoon with delight when their baby yawns.

yawning baby

This might be my favorite shot of the session. I love seeing their faces so close together—the loving kiss of a mother and her baby so contented in her arms.

mommy kissing baby

We moved out to their front porch on this unusually cool day in August. Just look at that sweet pouty face.

on the front porch swing

I love how the light highlights her features while she rests in her daddy’s hands.

baby close-up in black and white

And this lovely nursery is going to be home to some wonderful memories!

in the nursery

At just seven days old, it’s hard to stay awake long. So this sweet slumber is a perfect conclusion to our session.

in mama's arms

Congratulations and blessings to this sweet family!

Pittsburgh Family Portrait: Sometimes the Best Location is Right at Home

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I’m a huge fan of backyard portraits especially for families with young children. It’s less pressure on the whole family and it captures a place where the family has spent most of their time together. And in the particular case of this session, when it started to sprinkle, we didn’t need to reschedule and just moved inside until the rain stopped. Plus this bubbly little girl was so proud to show off her bedroom!

lifestyle family portrait

Just love seeing families walking together holding hands.

walking through the backyard

Big smiles coming from this little man on his swing.

riding on his swing

Love how her personality is just beaming here.

big sister close-up

Piggy back and high-fives!

piggy back high fives

What a sweet, unscripted moment.

kisses for daddy

And here’s the whole family sitting so nicely with their dog! And that’s one more reason why portraits sessions at home are awesome because it’s easy to just add in the family pet.

family portrait with their dog

The giggles in this image were provided by their daddy, who would run up and tickle them and then run behind me. Sometimes as a parent of young children, you end up with a workout during a family portrait session.

giggling at daddy

This should be a must-have in all family portrait sessions, because it all starts here.

husband and wife

And this big sister really had her heart set on being photographed on mommy and daddy’s bed. It was a silly and fun way to end a great session!

upstairs on mom and dad's bed

Cranberry Family Portraits: Celebrating a First Birthday

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First birthdays are one of my favorite milestones to photograph. At one year old, little ones are so full of surprises and parents are brimming with excitement to celebrate their baby’s first birthday. It’s such a sweet occasion and it’s hard not to smile when I’m editing the images.

birthday girl

I love the curiosity that this sweet girl has for this book and how mom and dad are so enjoying sharing it with her.

mom and dad reading to their daughter

Getting this cutie pie to smile was effortless with her mommy and daddy at her side.

family portrait

So loved!

kisses!

We started this session at 7:30 a.m., what a great start to the day!

family portrait at the park

I love moments like these that aren’t real contenders for being framed and hung on the wall, but they show the sweet interaction that happened even when this family wasn’t looking at the camera.

a sweet moment between photos

And to conclude this post of non-stop sweetness, here’s a piggyback chase!

piggy back chase

Happy birthday, sweet one!