I am grateful for every family that choses me to photograph and essentially document a part of their story. This delightful family recently relocated to Pittsburgh from California. I love Dyan’s honesty when I asked about how they are adjusting to life in Pittsburgh. Although her responses were overwhelming positive, she mentioned that Pittsburgh doesn’t have as many healthy restaurant options as California. Although I haven’t been to California in years, I can still see that Pittsburgh has limited healthy restaurant options. So, that said, please leave healthy restaurant options in the comments section below to help us all eat a little healthier in Pittsburgh!
How did you and your spouse meet?
We were both actors in a screenwriter’s workshop and we were cast in the same script. One day before rehearsal, Byrne sat next to me, said hello and as the saying goes “the rest was history”.
What do you enjoy about living in the Pittsburgh area?
Being near family and the sense of community.
Write 3 adjectives that describe your family.
Loyal, real and funny.
Describe your son.
Ryder is wildly weird, curious, smart, active and has the best sense of humor and comedic timing. A true joy!
What are your family’s favorite things to do in and around Pittsburgh?
I don’t think there is a park we haven’t been to and one of our favorites is Mingo Creek Park. We are members of the Carnegie Museums so on a cold or rainy day, you can find us at the Carnegie Science Center or The History Museum. Personally, I love strolling the streets of Mt. Lebanon or Lawrenceville shopping and having lunch/dinner.
Share a funny family memory.
Some of my favorite memories are how we can laugh during the absolute chaos that life can be at times. If you have a toddler, dinner and before bedtime can be an exercise in patience so we started to make up funny songs about the chaos. For instance — Ryder dropping his advent calendar chocolate on the floor and our 15 year old dog Josie “Sissy” scooping it up in a matter of seconds, which made Ryder hysterical “I want my chocolate snowman!!. Sissy ate my snowman!” and Byrne having to quickly dig for said chocolate in Josie’s mouth before she ate it while I hugged Ryder and said “The snowman is gone but you can have some of Mommy’s chocolate.” That did not help so my husband and I started ironically singing “Christmas time is a happy time, Christmas time is joyous time.” while dancing around, which then made Ryder start laughing and singing.
What are your family’s favorite restaurants?
Mediterra, Spork, Poulet Bleu, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, Banh Mi & Ti, Mineo’s Pizza, Little Tokyo
How did you prepare for your family photo session?
I decided to make it easy on myself this year. I was going to get my hair professionally done and wear a flowy dress but realized that was only going to stress me out more so we went with each wearing a sweater and touching up my hair/make up about an hour before the shoot. That’s real life when you are juggling work, home and childcare. Luckily, Laura is a total pro and I believe the first photos she shot was the one we used for our holiday card. Easy breezy!
What is your favorite portrait from your family session?
We used the one with both of us holding Ryder’s hand where he had his leg crossed/toe on the ground for our holiday card so that one is up there. I also love the ones with Byrne and Ryder (the cutest!!) and me and Ryder since we didn’t have any professional “Dad/Son’ Mom/Son” shots from previous photo shoots.
Are you looking to have your family photographed? Please get in touch so that we can start planning your family portrait session!
