There’s something truly special about watching a family grow and change over the years, and it’s been a privilege to witness that with this wonderful family here in Pittsburgh. Over the course of eight sessions, including two newborn shoots, I’ve had the joy of capturing their milestones, their laughter, and the everyday moments that tell their unique story. Each year, I look forward to hearing about their latest adventures, seeing how they’ve grown, and watching how their journey evolves. It’s an honor to be part of their lives year after year, and I’m excited to share this interview where they reflect on their experiences with photography, family life, and the moments we’ve had the privilege of documenting along the way.
Tell us about your family.
Brian and I met 15 years ago at Penn State, and we’ve been married for 10. We have three amazing kids — Cassidy (6), Mackenzie (3), and Kieran (2 months). We’ve lived in the South Side of Pittsburgh for the past 10 years and we love it so much!
What has been the most rewarding aspect of having a family?
It’s tough to pin it down to just one thing! Watching our children grow, learn, thrive, and develop their own little personalities is pretty incredible.
What is one of the funniest things your children have done?
They’re hilarious! Lots of small things every day. One that comes to mind right away is when Mackenzie had just turned 1, went on our annual vacation to the Outer Banks. She couldn’t walk yet, but more importantly she never crawled a day in her life — when she mobilized, she used her arms and legs to scoot everywhere on her bum. When we were at the beach, she was still in her “scooting” stage, but she was absolutely obsessed with the ocean, and constantly trying to scoot her way to the water. There was a little bum track in the sand behind her everywhere she went … all these sand paths to the ocean.
When out of town friends and family visit you, where do you like to take them around Pittsburgh?
Noodlehead is one of our favorite restaurants, we like to take people there. And if the season permits, we always try to take them to PNC Park for a Bucs game! Best ball park in the country.
Describe how your life has changed once you brought home your newborn baby.
Well with our third, we’re officially outnumbered, and our lives are more chaotic than I would have ever predicted. Not me thinking, “we’ve done this twice, we’ll be pros now!” haha. But it’s the best kind of chaos. The girls are obsessed with their baby brother, we just bring him along to everything we’re doing and it’s definitely crazy, but so fun.
What were your favorite parts of your newborn and family photo sessions?
The photos! The newborn stage seems to get shorter with each baby… I’m so grateful to have those pictures capturing Kieran, and our family with Kieran, when he was so brand new. It’s really fleeting, and you think you’ll remember it perfectly, but that’s not necessarily the case.
How did you decide what your family would wear for your portrait sessions?
I try to find things that are neutral, not too matchy-matchy but will still complement each other, and that everyone will be comfortable and can move freely in.
What are your favorite portraits from your newborn and family sessions?
I don’t know if I could choose a favorite, it’s hard enough for me to narrow down my selections from the original gallery! I love having photos of our whole family together, as those are usually the hardest to get since I’m often the one behind the camera at home. But I also love the ones of the siblings together… those always get me, they’re so sweet and authentic.
Why is it important for you to have yearly family photo sessions?
Our family changes so much every year, and childhood is fleeting. My family is so precious to me, and I want to have mementos from each stage.
What are your thoughts on displaying family photos in your home?
It’s fair to say there’s no such thing as a blank wall or an empty dresser top in our home…I’m running out of room (in a good way!) I think displaying family photos adds warmth and interest, and I love being able to see my family in all its iterations throughout the house.
Let's tell your story!
If you’re ready to book your own family or newborn session, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d be honored to work with you to create beautiful images that you can treasure for a lifetime!
