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 😉

Todd Family: Historic Harmony Family Photos

I had the BEST time hanging out with this incredible family in Historic Harmony! Also, general PSA - feeding your children milkshakes before a photo shoot is definitely encouraged! 😉 But seriously - these kiddos had so much energy, which made our time together so much more fun!

When I first started photographing families, I used to struggle with photographing kids who had lots of energy… until I figured out how to use that energy to my advantage! One of my favorite things about photographing kids now is that they’re naturally moving allllll over the place. They want to move, laugh, talk, and giggle, so I love to lean into that with using some fun games and questions to get them laughing and having a good time. The less they feel forced to smile, the more fun they can have, and the more their natural smiles will come out! (But for any moms out there who might be reading this - don’t worry! I always make sure to get a few of everyone looking directly at the camera!)

Thank you for the incredible honor of taking these photos for you, Todd family! You all are such a blessing!

Introducing Spring Photo Mini Sessions 2019!

Spring is almost upon us - which means so are spring mini sessions! This year, JHP spring mini sessions will be held in one of my favorite colorful locations: Historic Harmony!

Historic Harmony is a revitalized German town that dates back to the early 1800’s. Over the course of history, this town has had many ups and downs, but now is the perfect spot to explore with multiple bakeries, a coffee & crepe shop, restaurants, a museum, antique stores, and more!

WHY HARMONY?

I chose this spot specifically for a couple of reasons. First - I live in the neighboring town, Zelienople, and can walk to Harmony (best thing ever!). I’m a big fan of historic, colorful buildings and have a strong affinity for small town life. It has a special place in my heart! Second - I’m slightly obsessed with the bright colors for photos! Blues, reds, whites, yellows, and greens all line the streets, making it a beautiful place for photos with tons of variety!

WHO IS THIS FOR?

These sessions are perfect for…

• Families (Perfect for those with young ones who don’t have a long attention span, and for families who have a senior leaving for college in the fall!)

• Seniors

• Couples (Engagement, anniversary, or just for fun!)

• Updated headshots (Read: Why you should have a killer LinkedIn headshot)

• Just the siblings (Mother’s day is coming up!)

• Just the grandkids (Again - mother’s day is coming up!)

• And pretty much anything else you can think of!

*Mini sessions make the perfect gift, too! If you’re interested in gifting a mini session to someone, feel free to email me directly at jhidingerphotography@gmail.com

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• 20 minutes of on location photography around Harmony

• 5 to 10 high resolution, digital files delivered via an online gallery

• A print release, allowing you to print your photos wherever you would like!

HOW MUCH?

Each time slot is priced at $250, plus 6% sales tax. This includes the time of the session, the post-production work, your online gallery, and your high resolution files!

Spring mini sessions are only offered once or twice a year, so now is the time to take advantage of these smaller sessions! If you are interested in booking, follow the link below to claim your spot! 💛 OR, if you would be interested in a full family, senior or couple session, use the “Contact” tab above to reach out for more pricing and information!

Kim + Darren: Historic Harmony Maternity Photos

What a sweet season these two have entered as they prepare for the birth of their first child! I’ve taken photos of Darren and Kim twice before (check out their engagement photos here and their Myrtle Beach photos here!), and they are always so much fun! As you’ll discover in the previous blog posts, my husband and I have known Darren and Kim for quite a few years!

The morning of their session, all of Pittsburgh was preparing for the blizzard of the century (i.e., the blizzard that turned out to mostly be rain and a few inches of snow that stuck! 😂). While we may not have gotten any snow, and while it was pretty darn cold, Kim and Darren were such great troopers. They even chose one of my favorite locations for their photos - Historic Harmony! 😍

Kim and Darren, we are so excited to see you two become parents and to meet this baby that God has blessed you with!

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! 💛

Moore Family: Lake Forest Gardens Christmas Tree Farm Photos

Isn’t it crazy when life comes full circle?! Just a few years back I was photographing Amanda and Jeff for their pregnancy announcement, then for their maternity photos - and now for Atlas’ first Christmas at Lake Forest Gardens! 🎄We had such a great time walking through the rows of trees - even though it was a little muddy, and a little cold, but they were such troopers through it all! Amanda and Jeff, thank you for having me take these photos for you. It was such an honor!

Tsung Family: North Shore Family Photos

I’ve had the pleasure of photographing this sweet family a few times over the last couple of years - and they are truly some of the kindest people I’ve had the pleasure to work with! This year was especially special, considering they’re moving out-of-state towards the end of this year! So, of course, the city made the perfect backdrop as a tribute to their years spent in Pittsburgh.

Eva, Allan, Peter, and Carolyn - you will be missed! Prayers for a smooth move and transition into your new norm! 💛

The C Family: Hartwood Acres Family Photos

Two words: three boys - all five and under! 😲 And let me tell you - these three were some of the most well behaved kids I think I’ve ever photographed!

I had the pleasure of photographing this absolutely beautiful (and fun!) family just a few weeks ago at one of my favorite places - Hartwood Acres! Megan and Chris told me that they hadn’t had professional photos taken for eleven (or twelve?) years - since their wedding!! So of course, after we snagged a few of the whole family and the kids, we snagged a few updated portraits of Megan and Chris!

Thank you all for the honor of taking these photos! 💛

The B Family: Historic Harmony Family Photos

Recently moved from North Carolina, I had the pleasure to taking photos of the “B” family in one of my favorite locations - Historic Harmony! Aren’t the girls’ dresses adorable?! You’ll also notice that we worked in the “bakery” sign, which is a little nod to the girls’ love of baking! 💛

Silas' First Birthday: McConnell's Mill Family Photos

I know I'm biased as his aunt, but I think this little nugget is the cutest one year old around! I LOVE when I get to take photos for family, so hanging out with my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and their son Silas was an absolute blast! I can hardly believe this little guy is nearly a year old. 💛Enjoy a few favorites from their beautiful summer evening family photos at McConnell's Mill below!