Family Archives | Pittsburgh Newborn and Family Lifestyle Photographer

Differences between Lifestyle and Portrait Photography Sessions

Post author:Laura
Post published:June 14, 2020
Post category:Family / Lifestyle Photography / Session Tips
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Differences between Lifestyle and Portrait Photography Sessions I’ve received this query from a few of my clients over the years, so I decided to share my thoughts on this common question. At-Home Lifestyle What is a Lifestyle Session? The basic outline of a lifestyle family session is an at-home, personalized photo shoot. I often tell families to explain it to their children as a friend coming over to visit and she'll take photos as well. I have the opportunity of experiencing one day of your family’s life and you have the freedom of choosing how to spend it! This can be anything from making a pizza, a tie fashion show, or a tickle fight! Not sure what your family should do for the photo session? Hold a family meeting with the kids and get some creative input! However, if you want the feel of a lifestyle shoot, but don’t want your…

Our Quarantine Lifestyle in the South Hills of Pittsburgh

Post author:Laura
Post published:April 10, 2020
Post category:Family

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GiXmOCfiTU Making the Most of our Family Time at Home Through technology we can now bring the world into our home to explore with our family. I've been joking with my husband that our home has turned into a one room schoolhouse! We have a high schooler, middle schooler and kindergartener. It is not uncommon to quickly transition from a conversation about politics to comics. Although it can be crazy in our home at times, it provides our family with a unique perspective of "home schooling" with such a span of ages in our children! National Geographic K-12 Learning National Geographic states, "Schools are closed. Learning is open." Your children can choose lessons based on subjects or grade level. My kids have been checking out the storytelling and photography section. Bringing the Zoo to You The Pittsburgh Zoo is able to bring the zoo home to you. Check out the Penguin…

Family Spotlight – Pittsburgh Family Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:January 23, 2020
Post category:Family

How did you and your spouse meet? We met in Philadelphia through a mutual friend - and he never lets us forget it! What do you enjoy about living in the Pittsburgh area? Pittsburgh always lands on those liveable cities lists - and we agree! We consider ourselves very lucky to be able to live in an area where we have access to both the city and a variety of outdoor activities. Being able to drive places in a short period of time - or being able to walk! - is a real win when you have little kids. What are your family's favorite things to do in and around Pittsburgh? If it's nice outside, we love to go to South Park for hikes and picnics, or the Arrowhead Trail for biking. Our kids are also now at an age where we can take advantage of Pittsburgh gems like the Carnegie…

Family Spotlight – Pittsburgh Lifestyle Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:January 2, 2020
Post category:Family

Every year I set 10 business goals. One of my goals for 2019 was to find more laid back and adventurous clients. This family was exactly what I had in mind! We had fun hanging out in this beautiful location and I enjoyed getting to know them and photographing their joy. How did you and your spouse meet? We met in college, however it turned out Wayne played hockey with my brother when they were younger, so our families knew each other already. What do you enjoy about living in the Pittsburgh area? We enjoy the people, the seasons, and things to do in Pittsburgh. Write 3 adjectives that describe your family. Our family is laid back, fun, and adventurous. Describe your children. Ty is the happiest little kid, always smiling and telling jokes. He’s also very sensitive and smart. Tristan is very laid back. What are your family's favorite things…

Family Spotlight – Pittsburgh Family Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:December 26, 2019
Post category:Family

To be honest, some families are easier to photograph than others. Although toddlers are adorable, they aren't always agreeable! Even though I'm almost always up for a challenge, it was a treat to photograph this family with two "big" girls who really enjoyed having their photos taken and even came up with different ideas for unique photographs! The icing on the cake was realizing these loving parents were also up for any of my off the wall suggestions! I hope you enjoy reading this interview and viewing highlights from their urban family portrait session. How did you and your spouse meet? We met our senior year of college while attending The Ohio State University. What do you enjoy about living in the Pittsburgh area? Ketih and I were both born and raised in Ohio. We moved to Pittsburgh 10 years ago for Keith's job. We were newly married and thought it…

Family Spotlight – Pittsburgh Family Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:November 26, 2019
Post category:Family

Before I became a photographer, I didn't realize that one of the best aspects of the job is meeting the families that make up Pittsburgh. It's difficult to explain what a privilege it is to be trusted and even become friends with clients as you meet over the years. This family is fun, loving and kind - it is obvious when you get to spend time with them how special they are! How did you and your spouse meet? We met at a small liberal arts college in the Pittsburgh area and bonded over being from the other side of the state. What do you enjoy about living in the Pittsburgh area? Everyone who lives here is incredibly friendly and focused on building a close community. Describe your child. Claire is an independent and fierce little girl, so watch out world! What are your family's favorite things to do in and…

Family Spotlight – Pittsburgh Family Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:November 8, 2019
Post category:Family

This welcoming family decided to have a family photoshoot on their beautiful horse farm. We began our shoot near the horse field and ventured on to other areas of their property. The three generation family got together to celebrate this special grandma's birthday with a portrait session. It was quite an enjoyable evening exploring the rolling acres and interacting with the friendly family members! I asked Grace if I could feature her family on the blog. How did you and your husband meet? Matt and I met through a mutual friend in college. I went to DePaul in Chicago and he was playing hockey at Western Michigan at the time. We had a long distance relationship for a few years. What do you enjoy about living in the Pittsburgh area? We enjoy how easily you can access the city and the rural areas around Pittsburgh. I love that our kids can grow up seeing…

Incorporating Older Children in a Newborn Lifestyle Session – Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:October 29, 2019
Post category:Family / Lifestyle Photography / Newborn

Bringing a baby home is a big adjustment for everyone, especially for the older siblings. Sometimes it's a positive adjustment and sometimes it's not. After years of being a newborn and family photographer, I have seen it all! My goal is to make your older child feel special at the photoshoot. I spend time getting to know them and do my best to consider their feelings on becoming a big sister or brother. I've noticed that children enjoy the attention and the time to love and examine the their new baby. Safety First Although we may appreciate how precious and fragile newborns are, even the well intentioned toddler may not be up up to the task of holding a newborn! Therefore, I typically get photos of the newborn baby and older siblings by placing the baby safely on a bed and inviting the other children to sit next to him or her, or by…

Family Spotlight – Pittsburgh Family Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:August 17, 2019
Post category:Family

Today, I'm excited to share highlights from a recent family portrait session in Mellon Park. I had a blast spending time with this photogenic family! Sadly, when I get behind the camera I get so focused on creating portraits that I occasionally forget names or use the wrong ones. I can't actually claim to be good with names in the first place, but when my interest is capturing portraits, it only goes downhill. (I'm curious if other photographers have the same trouble.) So today, I'm going to introduce you Mike and his family... But only I call him that, the rest of the world knows him as Brain! How did you and your spouse meet? Brian and I met Senior year at Penn State. I showed up at a bar on campus with one of my girlfriends, and Brian was sitting at the bar with his buddy Mike, who was also…

Lifestyle Spotlight – Pittsburgh Family Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:July 26, 2019
Post category:Family / Lifestyle Photography

Lifestyle Spotlight | Pittsburgh Family Photographer I love meeting new people. I began to realize how much I loved meeting people when I began traveling and teaching English after college. I love that photography offers me a unique chance to authentically capture a glimpse into a family's daily life. Think about it, one doesn't often welcome someone into their home for a couple hours to observe their family life! Although I often arrive as a stranger, I hope to leave as a friend. I can't explain it, but there is something magical about having your family photographed naturally in your home! How did you and your spouse meet? Brian was my brother’s friend when I was a sixth grader and he was an eighth grader. We didn’t really notice or talk to each other until I was a senior in high school and he was a sophomore in college, when we…