JHP Maternity Photo Highlights 2020

2020 was a year full of maternity photos - and I’m not mad about it!!! In fact, it was an absolute joy to photograph so many growing families - more than I ever have in past years!

Many of the couples I had the privilege to photograph were past wedding clients, which made me so happy! And all of the others became fast friends. It’s always such an incredible honor to be a part of new, exciting seasons of life.

To each and every couple who allowed me to be a part of this growing season: thank you. You are a blessing, and I pray that your family is filled with joy!

If you are interested in booking a maternity session, feel free to use the “Pricing” tab above to view packages, and the “Contact” tab to reach out and say hello! Or, feel free to email me directly at jhidingerphotography@gmail.com

Hartwood Acres Family Photos

These four were TROOPERS in the cold December weather, which is no small feat with two little ones in tow! We had cold, wind, and at the very end of our session - snow! But with so much stacked against us (including a quickly setting sun!) we got SO much done during our time together!

I am so thankful for the opportunity to photograph this sweet family of four! ❤️ Enjoy a few of my favorite photos from their session below!

Late Fall Hartwood Acres Family Photos

I had the pleasure of photographing this family of four a few years back when they were a family of three! WOW is it fun to see how families grow from behind my lens! 😍 And it’s crazy how much these two sisters look alike, going back and forth between this blog post and their last blog post from their photos at Mellon Park!

Family sessions can be chaotic - this is the norm! And it makes it even more fun when families are willing to lean into that chaos an be silly together. And these four definitely did that! We were able to get a mix of some posed photos, with some more fun ones! Everyone needs a little bit of both ☺️

A HUGE thank you to this sweet family for asking me to document this season of life. I am so thankful for you four!!!

Hartwood Acres Family Photos

What an immense blessing it was to spend an afternoon earlier this month with this absolutely wonderful crew!

Fun fact: Nick and I met these five in North Park years ago (before we were married!) when we had just finished a shoot, and they were taking some of their own family photos! We found out, through conversation, that we attended the same church (at the time) and there was an immediate connection. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing them a number of times since, and we’ve had the pleasure of getting to see their beautiful marriage & family first hand!

Ultimately, are a shining example of a marriage (and family) that points back to Jesus. I am so thankful to know you all!!! What a blessing you are!

Winter Hartwood Acres Mansion Family Photos

I met with this sweet family on a semi-warm January day during the first week of 2020! Hartwood Acres is always one of my top picks for winter photos because it looks good all year ‘round, so I was so excited when they chose this location for their family photos. And check out that adorable red hair on the two youngest!!

Eric G: Hartwood Acres Senior Photos

Eric is an Eden Christian Academy senior, graduating in 2020. He plays basketball and runs cross country (and comes from a big family of runners!). I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Eric’s family for quite a few years, and even photographed his sister Lauren for her senior photos almost four years ago! It’s hard to believe that it’s been so long!

I also had the pleasure of photographing Eric with his entire family at the very beginning of our time together! Senior photos are the perfect time to update your family portrait - if you're interested in adding a family "mini" session to an already booked senior session, just let me know!

Congratulations on your senior year, Eric! 🎉 You are going to do great things!

Hartwood Acres Family Photos

Family sessions don't necessarily have to be just immediate family - especially when Grandma asks for some photos of her three kids and two grandkids altogether as her birthday gift! It was an honor to take these photos for such a thoughtful gift. Happy birthday to Grandma! 🎉

Laura + Josh: Hartwood Acres Mansion Maternity Pictures

Ever feel like you’re in a season where everyone you know is getting married? Or having babies? I’m currently in the latter, and I am loving seeing so many people I know become parents and enter a new season! It just so happens that two of those people are Laura and Josh, two good friends of mine and my husband, who are due to welcome their first son into the world in June!

Laura and Josh moved down to North Carolina last year (but since have moved back up to the ‘Burgh), and I remember Nick and I sitting down with them at First Watch for breakfast in October of 2018 (when they were visiting town) talking about our goals and desires for 2019. Specifically, I remember Laura saying something like “I want to have a baby. Who knows, I could be pregnant right now!” And the next day… she found out she was!

And now, fast forward to May 2019, and baby Hamilton is set to make his grand entrance in just a few short weeks. Laura and Josh, we are so excited to see you two become parents and to walk into this next season with you! Love you guys! 💛

And, of course, we had to celebrate this new season with some photos at one of my favorite spots: Hartwood Acres Mansion! You may even see Nick and I make an appearance towards the end 😉

Koreen + Kurt: Hartwood Acres Mansion Engagement Photos

There are few things I love more than a couple that are best friends - and these two most certainly are! Koreen and Kurt laughed their way throughout their entire engagement session, which made my job SO dang easy!! And really, we couldn't have hit up Hartwood at a better time. The trees were in all of their pink, spring glory - which perfectly complimented Koreen's gorgeous dress from Altar'd State!

And now, for a little back story from Koreen and Kurt!

How did you two meet?

We went to high school together. We met a few years later at a party, and the rest is history!

What do you and your fiance like to do for fun?

"We really enjoy getting to go for a walk together in the evenings. It's a great way for us to find out what is happening in our day to day lives. It's better than sitting on the couch kind of talking and staring at our phones. [Can I get an amen there?! - Jenna] We also enjoy going out to eat and watching movies."

How did he pop the question?!

"He took me out to my favorite restaurant (A Taste of India). Slid the ring in a box across the table and said 'that's for you' I thought that it was maybe another charm for the Pandora bracelet he has been filing up for the past few years. Once I opened the box and saw it was a ring I was shocked! I had every emotion happening all at once. He said 'well what do you think?' I said 'Yes! I can't believe this is happening right now!' When we got home he got down on one knee and asked me."

And now, without further ado - a few of my favorites from Koreen and Kurt's engagement session! Thank you two for trusting me with these precious memories - I cannot wait for the wedding!!

Pittsburgh Family Session Location Ideas

1. Moraine State Park

Moraine State Park is the perfect natural setting for family portraits! With lots of space and tons of beautiful natural scenery - including a forest, a field, a gravel road, docks, and the lake, there are lots of different locations to choose from! Moraine looks particularly beautiful during the spring, summer, and fall months.

Sample Session: Lauren, Cody & Jam (Summer)

 

2. McConnell's Mill

McConnell's Mill is one of my favorite locations because there is SO much variety and it looks good in every single season! From roads to rocks to forest to the creek, McConnell's Mill has so many beautiful backdrop to choose from!

Sample Session: Goodman Family (Winter)

 

3. Hartwood Acres

Hartwood Acres might be one of my all time favorites! With a beautiful mansion, gardens, and a courtyard (surrounded by lots of forest), Hartwood has so much to offer! And the best part? It looks gorgeous all year round! However, if you're looking for lush greenery and gardens, I recommend booking in the late spring, summer or fall.

Sample Sessions:

Garland Family (Spring)

Carlson Family (Spring)

 

4. Cleland Rock

Cleland Rock is technically a part of McConnell's Mill, but it's about a 10 to 15 minute drive from the main McConnell's Park hub (near the Mill). Cleland Rock has sweeping, West Virginia-like scenery and beautiful fields. This location looks gorgeous year round!

Sample Session: Amanda & Jeff (Winter)

 

5. Cranberry Township Community Park

This location is one of my secret favorites - right near the Cranberry Community Dog Park! While this spot ALSO looks beautiful year round, it's my favorite in the fall!

Sample Session: Eagon Family (Early Winter)

 

6. Mellon Park

Mellon Park is the perfect choice if you're looking for a blend of natural and architectural scenery! This little park is nestled near Oakland and has lots of beautiful light. With the architecture, it is a great year round choice, but looks especially beautiful in the summer months!

Sample Session: Tessa's First Birthday (Summer)