Oh, sweet Avelin - how wonderful to meet you and your beautiful family! When mom, Noona, contacted me about a newborn session for her baby girl, Avelin had already arrived. She was just over 4 weeks old when we were able to schedule her session and absolutely gorgeous! When I arrived to their home, we began the session with family photos in Avelin's nursery. Her parents created a beautiful space for their baby girl, complete with vintage floral prints and shabby chic details. The light fixture was absolutely stunning! Big brother Elliot was very excited and was more than happy to snuggle up with his mama, daddy and baby sister. Elliot was so sweet with little Avie and I loved how gentle he was as he cuddled up with her and held her hands. After taking some family photos and individual photos of Avie with her mom, dad and big brother, I then took some lifestyle images of Avelin in her nursery. She was awake by this time so I was able to capture some images of her in her crib while she was more alert and interactive. 

After a quick feeding and snuggle time with mama, we were ready to set up for Avelin's posed newborn photos. Noona shared that she wanted to use neutral tones and various shades of pinks in the set ups, which would coordinate with her nursery decor. She also had a white and pink floral wrap and headband that she wanted to use so we started with Avelin wrapped in the swaddle lying on a soft fur blanket. This is where I captured a beautiful little smile as she settled into the wrap and furry blanket. Little Avelin appeared to be most comfortable when she was swaddled and cozy, so we kept her wrapped or covered throughout the session. Her full head of thick, dark hair stood out and looked beautiful against the neutral and light colored blankets we selected for her photos. And I loved how her little toes and fingers showed with each wrap, displaying those tiny little features and details that we love so much about newborns. I thoroughly enjoyed photographing sweet Avelin and getting to know her kind, friendly and funny family!

When I first met the Wiersma family, their oldest daughter Lucy was only 6 months old and I have had several wonderful opportunities to photograph their growing family over the years! With brother Isaac's newborn photos and now the maternity, family photos and newborn session for their third child, little Maisie, I have absolutely loved being able to photograph their family change and grow! Mom and Dad, Carrie and Nathan, are very laid back and relaxed so when it was time for their maternity and family session, we chose a location that would allow the kids space to play and explore as I captured more lifestyle and candid moments of their family together. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve was the perfect locations for them to roam and it offered a wide range of beautiful backdrops for their playful photos! There are so many lovely spots all throughout Beechwood Farms, from wooded trails to open fields with tall grass, blooming trees and a pond to check out the frogs and ducks! Carrie and Nathan also came prepared with Lucy and Isaac's favorite stuffies and some bubbles to keep the kids having fun and laughing. It was so much fun following them around as they explored the park, played chase, tickled each other and giggled and laughed the entire time!

When little Maisie arrived, I was excited to not only meet the newest member of the Wiersma family, but also observe big sister Lucy and now big brother Isaac were doing with a new baby in the house. As per my usual routine, we started with family photos and we chose a room in their house that had tons of beautiful natural light. I asked the family to sit together on the couch, cuddle and play around so that I could capture some of those truly candid moments of mom, dad and their three children. I was able to capture some snuggles, kisses and little touches from the older siblings and their new baby sister. As the family were preparing to move to another state soon, we also went outside for a few photos of them all together in front of the first home they lived in as a family. What a bittersweet image for the family as they move on from their first home and on to another amazing adventure together!

Lucy and Isaac were soon ready for a snack and playtime so we moved on to Maisie's posed newborn photos. In the pre-session questionnaire, Carrie stated that she did not have any specific color or prop preference and that she trusted my judgement in the set ups. But she did mention that the nursery colors were grey and mint, so I brought several options including complimentary colors and props, like pink and neutral tones. Maisie slept so well, with only a few breaks for feeding and snuggles, that we were able to work through several set ups. She was so snuggly and posed well for a variety of looks to their final gallery!

I am so happy that I was able to photograph the Wiersma family to celebrate their newest addition to the family and before their big move! I am always sad when such an amazing family moves away because I know I will not get the same chance to catch up with them, but I am really excited for the Wiersma's newest adventure!

It is always so much fun for me to photograph families each year. It gives me a chance to catch up with the family, learn about their lives since I last saw them but to also watch their children grow each year. It is probably my favorite part of being a photographer!! The Licastro family is one of those families. I have had the pleasure to photograph Callie's newborn photos, first birthday and now her 2nd birthday session. And to see that huge, infectious smile each year is just the absolute best!! 

We met up at the always beautiful Hartwood Acres Mansion for their portrait session. Two year olds can sometimes be tricky to photograph as they do not want to just sit down and smile. I often encourage lots of interaction in my sessions, with tons of kisses, tickles and silliness but especially when there are toddlers involved! Callie was having so much fun playing with her parents and we were able to capture some of the best reactions and facial expressions! She danced, giggled, and gave lots of hugs which created the best photos for their family to enjoy. It was so much fun following her around the mansion and garden to photograph this happy, fun-loving girl!! 

The Cummings family contacted me about a portrait session for their family and baby daughter Claire. Not only would this be a milestone, sitter session for Claire, but also updated family photos for this new family of three! Mom, Meredith, decided that Claire would be happier and more playful in the morning so we settled on a sunrise session in the Mellon Park Walled Garden. This is such a beautiful location and always showcases the best light for both sunrise and sunset sessions! It is one of my favorite parks within Pittsburgh for portrait sessions!

We ended up scheduling our session on Father's Day, so after a 'Happy First Father's Day!' to dad, Steve, we began with some family photos near the brick wall and walkway at the entrance of the garden. We took our time walking around the garden, looking for the best spots to use the morning sunlight but also capture the beauty of the garden and blooming flowers. Claire was able to sit comfortably and steady enough on her own that we were able to capture some adorable photos of her sitting tall and playing on the blanket. After some time warming up in front of the camera and LOTS of peek-a-boo, Claire gave some really big smiles! It was a perfect morning for this adorable family's portrait session!