Give me all the perfectly imperfect images. I love them! So many times I have told families not to sweat it if their children aren’t looking at the camera or smiling perfectly. Instead, I instruct them to lean into that concept of imperfection. Let them hug and play. Let them hold a little treasure they’ve found on the forest floor. I honestly prefer those types of images over the perfectly posed ones. It shows life as you are living it right now at this stage. And more often than not, after the kids have gotten their wiggles out and become more comfortable, they hold still for a smile at the end.
The B Family - Mini Session
It was fun to photograph my clients, The B Family, and meet their newest addition! We get together every Fall to update their family portraits, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn another little man would be joining them this time around. The kiddos were all smiles running through the fresh, thick blanket of leaves that had just fallen, and the sun highlighted them perfectly behind the remaining colorful branches.
The M Family - Mini Session
I enjoy having my returning clients recreate sessions they’ve loved from the past, and I also enjoy the M Family and their sweet little blonde babies, so this was a real treat! After four years, their mama wanted to recreate a session they had originally done with their one-year-old twins, but this time, to mark the twins turning five and their new addition, Miss Taytum, turning one oh so soon (although, we have a First Birthday session planned separately for her December birthday)!
We visited the town of Harmony to get the same background as we did in 2020, and the family also wore buffalo plaid outfits just as they did four years ago. Mama has some beautiful wall art of the past session, so these images will make a great addition to their home. It was such a fun little session!
The G Family - Family Mini Session
The G Family is always a bright spot in my summer schedule. For four years we’ve been meeting to capture their family, and watching the children (and dog) grow every year is a delight. This year, we got a stunning summer evening as bright as their smiles!
The R Family - Family Mini Session
It was a pleasure meeting the R Family for their session amongst the trees. I love this little stretch of trail hidden in the middle of a business park. It’s so unexpectedly beautiful with it’s meandering path, and just enough tree coverage to shield from the harsh sun, but give us enough glow. The R family looked radiant in the sunlight, and I could really sense the friendly, loving relationship between brother and sister.
The H Family - Family Mini Session
The H Family are regulars of mine, and every year I enjoy catching up with them and seeing the new dress that Mama has sewn for Miss Annie. Such a special personal touch to their annual family photos. Every year, they have chosen a different location for their photos. This year, they chose Venango Trails.
This is one of my favorite settings in which to shoot. I love the weeping willow trees that surround the lake, and the way the sun sets behind the tree line. In the summer time, it really illuminates my subjects, and cast the most beautiful light upon them. It’s also fun to play with the depth of the gravel pathway. Lots of fun perspectives to explore!
Fall Mini Sessions 2023
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.
