Long before I was documenting the beautiful, chaotic, and heart-filling lives of families around Pittsburgh, I spent my days in a very different setting: the classroom.
Before transitioning into my career as a Pittsburgh lifestyle photographer, I was an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. On the first day of the semester, I had a go-to icebreaker to help my students feel comfortable: Two Truths and a Lie. It was my favorite way to discover the unique, unscripted stories my students brought from all over the world.
Today, I’m bringing that tradition to the blog! I want to share a bit more about the person behind the camera. Can you spot the lie?
1. Darkroom in Ireland
I learned to truly see light and composition long before I became a professional photographer. I studied traditional film photography, hand-printing portraits for hours in a darkroom in Ireland. Those quiet red-lit rooms taught me patience, precision, and how to really notice details.
2. The "Perfectly Posed" Expert
When it comes to my newborn sessions, I am known for my massive collection of elaborate props. I love spending the first hour of a session meticulously posing babies in complex, “statue-like” positions using tiny baskets, oversized hats, and neon backdrops to ensure every photo looks like a theatrical production.
3. The "Secret of Life"
While traveling in Ireland, an older stranger on a dance floor stopped me to share a “secret.” He told me the key to happiness was simply recognizing serendipity—those beautiful, unplanned moments that happen when you least expect them. That philosophy is exactly why I focus on lifestyle photography in Pittsburgh today.
The Reveal: My Evolution as a Photographer
If you guessed that #2 is the lie, you’re right!
Early in my career, I truly enjoyed the artistry of traditional newborn posing. There is something so special about those “perfect” first portraits, and I still cherish the sessions I did with my wonderful past clients. However, as I grew as both a person and an artist, my heart began to shift.
I realized that while a perfectly posed baby is beautiful, there is a different kind of magic in the realness of life. I found myself drawn to the “imperfections”—the messy hair, the way a sibling’s hand rests on a new baby’s head, and the quiet, unposed details you’ll want to remember twenty years from now.
Today, my style is all about unposed, baby-led sessions and authentic storytelling. I’ve traded the props for perspective, focusing on the natural connection that happens in your own home.
Ready to capture your story?
Whether you are looking for a Pittsburgh newborn photographer for a relaxed at-home session or want to document your family’s everyday magic, I’m here to find the serendipity in your story.
Which one did you think was the lie? Let me know in the comments below—or share your own Two Truths and a Lie!
