Mellon Park Family Photos

Did you know that a mini family session can be added onto any full senior package purchase? If one member of your family is getting photo ready, it can be a great time to bring the rest of the family along for some photos of you all together! And that’s exactly what we did for this sweet family!

Family mini sessions paired with a senior session take place either at the beginning or the end of the senior session. They last 20 minutes, and in that timeframe, we get as many different combinations as we can, along with some more posed photos and some more candid photos.

If you would be interested in adding a mini family session to your senior package, you can do so while booking with me! Or, if you’ve already booked and would like to add one on, feel free to reach out and we can get it added on for you!

Winter Mellon Park Family Photos

We had a beautiful, snowy day for this lovely family’s photos! Mellon Park truly looks magical in the snow. The real feel was 10°F, so our time together did not last long, but it was so much fun, and we were still able to get some beautiful and unique images! ❤️

Summer Mellon Park Family Photos

What a blessing it is to work with families over the years - and this one is no different! You might remember this sweet family from their rainy fall Cleland Rock family session a few years ago. And while it didn’t rain for their session this year, it was definitely by far one of the most hot and humid days of the whole year so far! But I’m not sure you would even be able to tell from these photos. Don’t these four look fantastic?!

Because it was such a hot day... there were very few people in the park, which made it easy to get a wide variety of locations at a park that is usually very busy with photographers and patrons!

Thank you so much to these four for allowing me to capture this season of your lives! I am so thankful that you would trust me with these memories!

Mellon Park Extended Family Photos

Incredible evening, gorgeous light, and the most fun family?! Check, check, & check.

When you're a photographer who loves their family, hardly any gift makes nearly as much sense as some photos with the people you love most... especially when the last "professional" family portrait was taken before you were born!

I was so honored when Amelia, who is also a photographer (talk about an honor to take a photographer's family photos!!), reached out to me about taking some photos of her family. Who, after this session, I completely adore! They were so much fun, laughing and chatting the entire evening together, which made my job SO EASY! I love when families come to sessions ready to have a good time.

A HUGE thanks to this sweet family (and to Amelia!) for allowing me to be a part of this season!

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

Best of Family Photos 2018

I think I want to make it my goal to photograph more families in 2019, because looking back through my family sessions from this year made me realize how precious these memories are! To the families I’ve had the pleasure of photographing: taking the time to invest in memories and moments of your family is never ever a waste. I am so thankful to have been the one to document these precious and fleeting moments for you! 💛

Herbie's First Birthday: Mellon Park Family Photos

I met up with Nicolas, Natalie, and Hera (Herbie) at Mellon Park a few weeks ago for the most beautiful little first birthday session!

This sweet family recently moved from Durham, NC (fun fact: that's where I was born!) to Pittsburgh, PA - and I'm pretty sure they have the cutest baby EVER! These three were complete naturals in front of the camera, and I'm so honored that I was able to capture all of Herbie's one year old cuteness! Check out a few of my favorites below! 

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)

 

Tessa's First Birthday: Mellon Park Family Photography

Can anyone believe it's JULY already?! I feel like I blinked and June was over! If there's one thing that gets me excited about summer, it's the beautiful golden light, especially in one of my favorite parks in Pittsburgh - Mellon Park!

I met up with sweet little Tessa and her parents for her first birthday, to celebrate with a photo session! This little lady loves to walk, hug, and hold car keys, and just has the sweetest personality (and the cutest curly hair!). Below are just a few of my favorites from this family session!