Just a few of my favorite shots from Fall Mini Sessions 2023 at Cranberry Woods.
The K Family - Mini Portrait Session
This family just radiates love and support for one another. It has been a joy getting to know them. We had so much fun playing in the leaves, while their middle child Carson, kept us all laughing. They’re so much fun. and looked gorgeous in their fall colors.
The K Cousins - Mini Portrait Session
I met the K Family in one of their favorite spots, Fawcett Fields, for their mini session featuring Baba, Pap, and their six adorable grandchildren. The park features a long shallow creek with a trail running alongside it, and is where the kids play when they visit their grandparents. The lighting along the creek was just right at golden hour to highlight the kids and the slightly orange leaves changing above their heads.
After a few shots in the creek, we moved over to the trail to walk back to our cars, and I was able to get a shot of the cousins walking side by side. Although we were fighting darkness at that point, the shady forest made the trail glow with freshly fallen leaves. Magic!
I hope these images of these little ones in their favorite forest will forever remain in their family as a reminder of their childhood.
Franco & Joey - Mini Portrait Session
I had so much fun capturing these sweet brothers! I just love their cool and casual style. Both sweethearts had fallen asleep in the car on the way to their session, so it took some dinosaurs and music to warm them up, but once they did, they had the sweetest smiles as the setting sun glowed through their ginger hair. Simply adorable!
The G Family - Mini Portrait Session
The G Family brought along a special guest for their annual session - their new puppy Marshall! Marshall fits in perfectly with his new family, and even has the matching blue eyes! It was a joy to capture this chaotic, but fun time in this family’s life. In my opinion, the crazy, candid shots are the ones you will look back on with a smile.
The H Family - Family Mini Session
I so enjoy photographing the H Family every year to see how much their sweet little girl has grown, and also to see her beautiful dress! Every year, Annie’s mommy makes her a gorgeous unique dress for their family photo shoot. I really loved this year’s style with the layers and the tulle. A perfect nod to her love of dance!
Fall Minis 2022
We could not have had a nicer day for Fall Minis at Cranberry Woods. The sun was shining, and the personalities were too! Thank you to the families who booked!
The D Family - Extended Family Mini Session
Grandparents are one part parent, one part teacher, and one part best friend.
I know this is true of my own children’s grandparents, and I’m certain that’s the case with The D Family, as well. When the whole family has an opportunity to get together, it is always so special. Their grandmother brought along a family heirloom, a quilt made by her own mother, for the session. The quilt, along with some lollipops, served as a perfect prop. Aren’t grandparents known for bringing comfort and sweets to everything they do!?
The G Family - Family Mini Session
The G Family looked beautiful for their family mini session under the shady trees. I love the summery colors they chose to wear! I always start a session with a few posed family shots, and then follow the children’s lead to get more natural looking captures. Noelle had fun picking flowers, and little man Cam enjoyed running and exploring the forest. He was very busy, but I got him to look at me with a few irresistible peek-a-boos. Sweet boy couldn’t help but crack a smile.
The H Family - Family Mini Session
I love the beauty of nature, but I also love a good “urban” session. For this one, I met up with the H Family in downtown Zelienople, one of my favorite Main Streets. We got a variety of backgrounds in a quick 30 minute mini session. Annie was too cute, and showcased her personality and beautiful dress (can you believe her mom made it!?).
The RS Family - Family Mini Session
I so enjoy watching this family grow every year. They knew they wanted a natural, simple background for their annual mini session, but weren’t sure where to find it in the middle of suburbia. I suggested one of my favorite spots, Cranberry Woods! I love this location. Shoot it at the right angle, and you’d think you’re deep in the forest instead of in the heart of a bustling business park.
Franco is One! - First Birthday Mini Session
Oh Franco! I just loved meeting you! This lil man was so sweet for his 1st birthday pictures. I’m a big fan of baby boys wearing classic looks, and Franco looked precious in his seersucker and knee socks! I wish him all the kisses, hugs, and happiness as he turns one - it’ll be an exciting year for this big-brother-to-be!
The M Family - Family Mini Session
I was going to save this session for Christmas, but I just can’t wait to share these! Handsome Jack and his gorgeous mama looked perfect for their mini session highlighting both a holiday look, and a more casual Fall look. Jack’s personality is larger than life, and I so enjoyed capturing it!
The Y Family - Family Mini Session
It has been a pleasure documenting the growth of this sweet family. Their son Alek has so much personality, and reminds me so much of my own son with whom he is a classmate and friend! I love the soft, neutral color palette they chose for their outfits, as well. I always tell clients, sometimes there is no need for fancy clothes and bright colors, especially when there is so much love to showcase.
The B Family - Family Mini Session
Nothing like a Fall session on an 80 degree October evening. Global warming? It’s been crazy hot here in PA, but the heat finally broke on Sunday, and we’re now down to our normal seasonal 50’s and 60’s. Feels much more appropriate, as I’m already shooting some family sessions for Christmas cards!
The B Family didn’t let the heat bother them. They were troopers, especially sweet, little Adrian with his gorgeous eyes and shy smile.
The M Family - Family Mini Session
My favorite thing about doing family sessions, is also the most challenging; it’s capturing the natural dynamic of the family members. I love to be able to see their personalities shine through, and with this session, I feel like we accomplished just that. I also LOVE the cool fall colors this family chose to wear, as well as the beautiful sunlight we caught for these images at golden hour.
Grandparent Session
Grandparents are so special. I know I can say mine positively shaped me as a person, and gave me some of my best childhood memories. I think these kiddo’s will feel the same about this lovely couple they get to call Oma and Opa. I was honored to be asked to photograph their 50th Anniversary celebration, and also do a quick mini session with their sweet grandkids. The energy and fun these grandparents radiate is palpable. They were truly a pleasure to photograph!
The F Family - Family Mini Session
I have enjoyed capturing images of this family since they were expecting their sweet daughter, and I was thrilled that they asked me to fulfill a special photography request. They were wanting to recreate a photo from their engagement session (not taken by me), but with the addition of their 2-year-old, because she has always carried the picture around with her. I thought it was such a sweet idea! You can see the original picture below being held by their daughter.
The B Family - Family Maternity Session
The B Family are some of my repeat clients, and I’ve loved watching their sweet family grow. For Baby #3, they wanted a quick mini session featuring the whole family - just a few summery pictures to capture their last days as a family of four.
Their new little guy is already here, and soo adorable! I’ll be sharing some photos of him later this week!
The G Family - Family Mini Session
It was great to meet the G family on a lovely summer evening at golden hour. This was their first ever family session, and I think they coordinated perfectly! These images will look great on their walls, and in their memory banks for years to come.
