Nico is One! - First Birthday Session

Nico has Mastered his first year! I was so excited for the chance to do a Masters-themed photo shoot. My husband is a big golf fan, and has been to the Masters, so I understand the admiration people have for the tournament and all it entails. Everything from the food, to the etiquette, to the iconic green jacket has special meaning. Nico’s daddy is going to The Masters this year, and to coincide with this exciting pilgrimage to Augusta, Nico’s parents chose to carry out the theme for his early April birthday party!

The Masters is a classic, renowned event, so I was thinking rich neutral tones, and an antique golf club would make for great props. Nico’s mommy brought the amazing baby Masters jacket, which couldn’t have been more perfect! We also scattered some golf balls throughout, and had a toy golf cart for Nico to play with. Giving Baby something to do during their session, always makes for some great captures.

Nico’s Mommy also had this most adorable baby Masters hat!

We ended his session with a “Hole in 1” smash cake to celebrate his milestone first year. This little guy smiled all through it. He was a joy, and this theme was super fun. Happy 1st, Nico!

Amelia is One! - First Birthday Session

I was so honored to do Amelia’s session, as she had traveled all the way from North Carolina for it! Six and a half years ago, I did her big sister’s first birthday photos when the family lived here in the Pittsburgh area. They had since moved, but knew they’d be home visiting family, so reached out to see if I could do their newest addition’s photos, as well.

When I heard Amelia would be wearing a sweet, simple rose colored dress, I immediately pictured it against a vintage wood background, and added some simple classic touches as props. Technically, Amelia turned one a few months ago, so we didn’t want these images to scream birthday as much as just highlighting her one-year-old self. Classic and sweet.

When I photographed Big Sister all those years ago, she was in this exact galvanized tub, but with a light pink dress, so we wanted to try to capture the same look for Amelia, but with a different shade.

I also knew that I had done some O - N - E shots with her big sis, so I pulled those letters out to be used, as well. Mommy and Daddy can look back on the girls’ first year with similar images to compare or display in their home.

We ended by pulling away the props, and getting some simple shots of Amelia clapping and playing. I love it how all babies seem to love, “so big!!!”

Happy 1st Birthday, Sweet Girl!

Emma is One! - First Birthday Session

Emma is one of my “First Year Special” babies, meaning her parents purchased a package including Newborn, Baby Portrait, and First Birthday sessions. This means that I had the absolute pleasure of capturing her cuteness at different stages throughout her first year.

For her First Birthday Session, her parents chose the theme “Lucky One” since she was born the day before St. Patrick’s Day! They requested pastel rainbow colors inspired by the marshmallow shapes in Lucky Charms cereal, which were used as decor at her first birthday party.

Besides bringing along her Lucky Charms, Emma brought along an array of expressions, her sweet cheeks, and an appetite for birthday cake! Once this cutie got started on her smash cake, she really enjoyed herself. I loved seeing her again, and wish her all the luck and birthday wishes!

Sadie is One! - First Birthday Session

This little sweetie is turning the Sweet ONE! Sadie has had quite the first year, becoming a big sister shortly before her first birthday! Her family is planning to celebrate her next month with a candy themed party, so for her session, I decorated the set-up with bright, playful colors, and classic sweets; lollipop, gumballs, gumdrops, and of course - cake!

She is as sweet as her onesie says she is - Miss Sadie was smiley for all her pictures, and really enjoyed her cake. Happy 1st Birthday, Sugar!

Finn - Newborn Session

It was an honor to be invited back to the P Family’s home to capture their newest addition, Finn William. Although his arrival came quickly after Big Sister’s, it is clear he was meant-to-be as he is surrounded by so much love. We started off his session with some family pictures, as his parents and siblings showed him such affection.

We then moved on to his basket pictures, where he was an absolute dream for the camera. Although little mister was awake for most of these shots, he was pleasant and oh-so-cute with his little smiles and kissy faces!

I always enjoy capturing the little details and candid moments in black and white. There is something about a colorless image that draws the eye more deeply onto the subject.

It was fun to meet you, Finn! Welcome to our world!

Piper - Mini Portrait Session

Just a few of my favorites from this precious, little sweetie Piper! She recently turned three, and her parents wanted to update her portraits, but didn’t need a full portrait session. I’m happy to offer just the thing…the Mini Portrait Session is offered year-round for this exact reason.

Please get in touch if you’d like to mark a birthday, a season, or just because!

Lucy - Newborn Session

It was such a pleasure to meet adorable Lucy and her sweet parents. They came to the studio for a custom newborn session to capture this special time in their lives. We started out with some basket poses with Miss Lucy featuring pearls and lace. I love the dusty rose color, as well. It’s giving classic, vintage beauty, which nicely complimented the warm tones of the props.

We then moved on to family pictures. It was Lucy’s mama’s idea to contrast with the light blue and pink, and I think it looks great! Makes Baby Girl pop as she’s being snuggled by her parents. I was so excited to catch a little smile, too!

We ended our session with a Spring-y basket look, and a sweet tulle diaper cover that Lucy’s mama brought along. She looked like a tiny dancer in her daddy’s arms. Welcome to the world, Lucy!

Esra - Newborn Session

Precious Esra joins big sister Nelle and fur sister Maisie, keeping the femininity strong in their household! For Esra’s session, we first wrapped her in blue to match her nursery. Mommy & Daddy didn’t know if they were having a boy or another girl, so they went with the gender-neutral theme of stars and moons. They were also inspired by the beautiful Psalm 147:4 “He determines the number of stars and calls them each by name.”

I absolutely love the oversized cable-knit sweater trend that is happening for newborns right now. Esra looked so snuggly matching with Big Sis.

We ended the session by recreating a favorite purple look from her Big Sister’s session two and a half years ago. The girls looked nearly identical at birth, so we had to get some of the same shots for Mommy to compare and treasure.

I can’t wait to see Esra again in several months for her mid-year session! Welcome to our planet, sweet little star!

Daphne is One! - First Birthday Session

Daphne is one of my First Year Special babies, meaning her parents purchased a package to capture her as a newborn, sitter, and one-year-old. I love working with her family - she is the fourth child I’ve photographed for them - so this session was a real treat.

Daphne was born on Valentine’s Day, so her color scheme was inspired by the pastels of conversation hearts - which is also the theme for her First Birthday party. She was such an angel in the studio, giving me smiles as sweet as vday candy. I was fortunate to have her big sisters present to help coax the smiles, as well as the assistance of Daphne’s favorite songs from Wicked (a girl after my own heart).

Happy 1st Birthday, Little Valentine!

The W Family - Maternity Session

Winter…The season of waiting.

Waiting for Baby. Waiting for Spring.

As the W Family anxiously awaits the arrival of their new addition, they’ve been snuggling up inside their cozy home in the picturesque countryside watching the snow fall. Here in western Pennsylvania, we’ve had snow on the ground since Christmas. A full month of snow on snow on snow. It forces us to slow down. To rest. To wait.

I was thrilled when Darcy requested we do this session outside on their property. A few years ago, we did her first maternity session here, as well, and their land was blooming with purple wildflowers. Now, the ground is covered in white, but still just as stunning a backdrop to compliment this growing family.

Some things still grow in Winter.

Lily - First Communion Session

Receiving communion for the first time is very special in our Catholic faith. It was my honor to photograph Miss Lily as she prepares for the sacrament. Lily came to the studio for a custom portrait session in her beautiful communion dress. I was sure to have her favorite music playing, and a cozy, private spot for her to get ready with her mom.

I’m excited to officially add First Communion Portraits to my session list. Having the studio space makes it convenient to get the portraits done indoors, away from the elements, prior to the Spring communion season. However, I’m still able and willing to meet outdoors or in a mutually agreed upon church location, if that is preferred. As always, your comfort and convenience is the top priority when planning any session.

Emma - Baby Session

While Miss Emma was in the studio for her holiday pictures, we also did her mid-year photos! This little bundle sat so pretty for me, looking absolutely adorable with a simple pop of purple color along with her creamy color scheme. Of course I had to capture the detail of those little feetsies.

Taytum is One! - First Birthday Session

I am always thrilled when a client books a “First Year Special” with me. This provides them three sessions for the approximate price of two. They can use these sessions whenever they’d like, but most use them for newborn, baby (around 6 months), and first birthday portraits. It’s a great way to document the ever-changing first year of life.

I’ve worked with the M family many times before, and loved to see them again this past year with the birth of their 3rd child Miss Taytum! For Taytum’s First Birthday session we did a warm, feminine color palette that also complimented the time of year (late Fall). This baby doll was a joy to work with, and I’m happy to know I will see her and her beautiful family again in the future.

Sutton - Newborn Session

Before the holidays, I had the chance to photograph beautiful Sutton in the studio. She was comfy and cozy throughout her session, making my job a breeze as she slept soundly. I keep my studio warm with a space heater, and have all the wraps at an arms reach to keep the session flowing and comfortable. I also have a changing table for easy changes, and always discuss color preferences with the parents prior to the session day, so the experience is as seamless as possible, and the customers receive the images they imagined.

Jane - Newborn Session

Sweet baby Jane was a real-life doll for her session. A cherub on a cloud of blankets. She is so blessed to have such a loving family surrounding her in her loving home.

Lennon - Newborn Session

Sweet little Lennon joined her family just in time for the holidays. She was such a precious doll for her session with her mommy, daddy, and fur-brothers (one of which is named Moose). It was a joy capturing her beauty, and the pride in her parents’ eyes as they stared lovingly at their early Christmas gift.

Aydan Benjamin - Newborn Session

Aydan came to see me at about seven weeks new. He was an absolute dream to photograph with his adorable face and long lashes! I loved that his family brought along some personal items for a few shots - including very special “Champ” boxing shorts to pay homage to his mommy’s late step-father who was called Champ. I absolutely love the tiny boxing gloves too! Mama Said Knock You Out! Daddy Said Knock You Out!

The B Family - Mini Session

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!