Viewing entries in
Portraits
Kate is a gorgeous senior who is graduating this upcoming spring! I had the privilege of taking her senior photos not too long ago at Hartwood Acres Mansion - which is quite the popular spot for my seniors this summer (for good reason!). With so many backdrops to choose from and with Kate's lovely outfits, her senior photos were a breeze! We had so much fun working with you, Kate! Congratulations on your senior year!
Oh how I love this sweet girl and her family! If you've been following the blog for the last few years, your might recognize Casey from her family's mini family portrait session following her sister Maddie's senior photos at Hartwood Acres! My how fast three years flies by!
Casey is talented in so many different ways, including theatre, filmography, and art, but has a particular love for storytelling. She incorporated some elements into her session to represent her personality, including a book titled "Story," an old camera, and a suitcase! I also busted out my favorite gold & rose vintage chair for the occasion - it fit perfectly with Phipp's warm toned flowers and buildings!
Casey, I am so excited to see what you accomplish in your next adventure! Congratulations on your last year of high school!
We had so much fun hanging out with Conner at Hartwood Acres a few weeks ago! Conner's evening session was rained out, but we were able to shoot the very next morning and the light was perfect! Conner recently started his last year of high school at Northgate, and cheers on a nationally ranked cheerleading team! So of course, I had to see if he would be willing to hop in a tree for me, and he was totally game! He also brought two of his friends with him to cheer him on throughout his photos, so of course, we had to snag a couple of photos with them, too! Congratulations on your last year of school, Conner!
There have been a LOT of Hartwood Acres senior sessions this year, and I still haven't tired of shooting there! For Riley's Hartwood Acres senior session, the garden was looking particularly robust and the light was just to die for. I have to give Riley extra props, because she was right in the middle of a big week at dance camp when we had her session, but you would never be able to tell by her photos. Just from spending an hour and a half with her, I can tell that she's hard-working, dedicated, and is certainly able to accomplish whatever she sets her mind to. Check out a few of my favorites from her session!
I love all of my clients, but it's especially fun to photograph people I've known for an extended period of time - people like Josie! Josie and I grew up in the same neighborhood - actually, almost right across the street from each other, though quite a few years apart in age! If you've been following the blog for a while, you might recognize the similarities between Josie and her sister, Sami, whose senior photos I took almost three years ago (talk about the great genes that run in their family!!).
For Josie's Hartwood Acres Mansion senior summer session, we incorporated a few different styles of outfits to showcase her personality! We went from dressier to more casual, ending with a few in her volleyball t-shirt (with a matching volleyball, of course!) and Josie totally killed it with every look - by the end of her session, she was a pro, even suggesting some of her own ideas for posing and movement (which I love!!).
Check out a few favorites from her session below!
Jack is an Eden Christian Academy senior with a lot of style (check out that tie!). Jack came prepared with two very opposite outfits in mind for his session - we went from a Men's Warehouse suit to a Patagonia outdoor jacket and hat, and both of them fit perfectly at the Hartwood Acres mansion and surrounding woods. I'm a little surprised that Jack has never modeled before, because all of the poses came so naturally to him, which made my job so easy!
Check out of favorites from his session below!
When it comes to guy senior portraits, where is the best place to start looking for a location? Today I'm sharing 6 of my favorite Pittsburgh based locations for guy senior portraits, what I love about each, and sample galleries from each location! Without further ado, here are my top 6:
Why: Hartwood Acres Mansion has TONS of locations within a very short walking distance. The mansion itself has endless possibilities for photo opps, and is surrounded by forest, making it a great spot to get the best of both worlds!
Best Time of Year: One of my favorite parts about shooting at Hartwood is that it looks good almost all year round! In the summer, you will get the benefit of the natural greenery surrounding the mansion, but when shooting in the wintertime only in front of the mansion, you can barely notice what time of year it is!
Sample Sessions from Hartwood:
Why: I have a love for Historic Harmony because of its diversity - it has a HUGE variety of historic buildings with bright colored brick, doors, and windows, and even has a coffee shop (Wunderbar) right in town! There are also some options for more natural scenery that can easily be mixed in!
Best Time of Year: Historic Harmony is beautiful all year round! Of course, for more greenery, it’s best to schedule during the spring, summer, and fall months. It has a nearby field that is great year ‘round, too!
Sample Sessions from Historic Harmony:
Why: The North Shore is always a great spot for guy senior portraits! Within just a few blocks of PNC Park, the North Shore is chalked full of different types of architecture and textured backgrounds. Typically, for guy senior portraits, I like to recommend a mix of architecture and nature - architecture symbolizes strength and stability, which are the perfect qualities to showcase during senior portraits.
Best Time of Year: I love this location because it looks good year round! While in the spring, summer, and fall months I like to find little nooks and crannies of the North Shore with some greenery to incorporate, the North Shore looks just as great during the winter - because architecture looks good year round!
Sample Sessions from the North Shore:
Quentin H (Summer)
Why: The more I shoot at McConnell’s Mill, the more I love it! There are so many different elements to work with – some within walking distance, and some within a short driving distance. In the central part of McConnell’s, there is the wood mill, river, waterfalls, rocks, and roads. Within a short driving distance, there is a field and “Cleland Rock,” which has become a personal favorite of mine for it’s West Virginia-like views!
Best Time of Year: I’ve taken photos at McConnell’s during every season and can honestly say that I love photographing clients there year ‘round! However, I do find it to be especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing.
Sample Sessions from McConnell's Mill:
Why: You guessed it – there’s a great amount of variety at Moraine, especially if you are looking for more “natural” elements in your photos! At the South Shore boat launch, there are docks, fields, bridges, and forest within a very short walking distance.
Best Time of Year: Moraine is beautiful in the spring summer, and fall months (but fall is my favorite time!)
Sample Sessions from Moraine State Park:
Clay T. (Early Fall)
Aurelie G. (Spring)
Sarah F. (Fall)
Why: The Strip District has TONS of unique urban elements. It would have to be my top pick if you love urban style, mixed with Pittsburgh, mixed with lots of variety!
Best Time of Year: It looks great year round, even in the wintertime!
Sample Sessions from the Strip District:
Rylan (Summer) *Note: the locations in the first photos with spray painted walls have been demolished. Sadly!
If you’ve been following my blog for any extended length of time, you might’ve realized how much I LOVE incorporating the personalities of the people I photograph into my photos, including finding the perfect, unique location that represents who that person is. However, I realize that many times, it can be tough to find a completely unique location for every single person I photograph (that would be crazy!). Because of that, I wanted to share a couple of my favorite locations to photograph senior girls and what I love about each of them:
Why: One of my favorite features about Hartwood is its diversity. It includes a variety of different elements within a short walking distance, including a garden, woods, gate, and a stone mansion with archways, doorways, and lots of character. There is a lot to work with in this location, and is a great spot to choose if you’re interested in having a mix of nature and classic architecture.
Best Time of Year: Year round! However, if you’re interested in using the garden, it’s best to schedule between the spring and fall.
Sample Sessions from Hartwood Acres:
Shawna W. (Spring)
Jessi S. (Summer)
Jannelle G. (Fall)
Why: The Strip District has so many unique locations for photos! It truly captures that gritty, downtown Pittsburgh aesthetic. Brightly colored steps, painted brick walls, and one of the most gorgeous rooftop city views steal the show.
Best Time of Year: Really, all year round! Since the backgrounds are mostly comprised of architecture, this location holds up even through the colder months.
Sample Sessions from the Strip District:
Why: Mellon has stone elements reminiscent of Hartwood, but on a much smaller scale. It has more of a focus on nature.
Best Time of Year: Spring, summer, and fall are my favorite seasons to take photos at Mellon Park.
Sample Sessions from Mellon Park:
Anna E. (Summer)
Why: Downtown Pittsburgh has so many beautiful architectural elements that are perfect for "chic" seniors who love the city atmosphere! With tons of locations within just a short walking distance, downtown Pittsburgh has so much to offer!
Best Time of Year: One of my favorite parts about shooting in downtown Pittsburgh is that it looks good almost all year round! In the summer, you will get the benefit of the natural greenery in some of the small park areas (Mellon Green, Mellon Square), but when shooting in the wintertime, you can barely notice what season it is!
Why: Much like the other locations mentioned previously, I have a love for Historic Harmony because of its diversity (and because it’s a short distance from my house! ;) ). It has a variety of historic buildings with bright colored brick, doors, and windows, and even has a coffee shop (Wunderbar) right in town!
Best Time of Year: Historic Harmony is beautiful all year round! Of course, for more greenery, it’s best to schedule during the spring, summer, and fall months.
Sample Sessions from Historic Harmony:
Why: The more I shoot at McConnell’s Mill, the more I love it! There are so many different elements to work with – some within walking distance, and some within a short driving distance. In the central part of McConnell’s, there is the wood mill, river, waterfalls, rocks, and roads. Within a short driving distance, there is a field and “Cleland Rock,” which has become a personal favorite of mine for it’s West Virginia-like views!
Best Time of Year: I’ve taken photos at McConnell’s during every season and can honestly say that I love photographing clients there year ‘round! However, I do find it to be especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing.
Sample Sessions from McConnell's Mill:
Lauren N. (Late Summer/Early Fall)
Joey D. (Fall)
Lyndsay & Justin (Winter)
Why: You guessed it – there’s a great amount of variety at Succop, especially if you are looking for more a mix of natural elements, mixed with a bit of architecture in your photos! Within walking distance, you can find a pond, field, and willow tree, along with a beautiful mansion-esque building to provide lots of different opportunities for lots of variety!
Best Time of Year: Moraine is beautiful in the spring summer, and fall months (but summer is my favorite time!)
Sample Sessions from Succop Nature Park:
Why: Oakland has SO MANY beautiful locations within walking distance! There is a lot of historic architecture, as well as some natural scenery nearby, making it a great mix of different elements!
Best Time of Year: Oakland is beautiful year round, and can be a “year round” photo spot because of its plethora or architecture. However, it is especially beautiful in Spring & Summer when the flowers and trees are blooming! But it’s a great option in the winter months when there isn’t as much nature, too.
Sample Sessions from Oakland:
Mimi (Summer)
Why: Moraine State Park is one of my favorite parks around Pittsburgh! It has lots of beautiful locations, including docks, woods, trails, fields, and a lake. If you’re a nature lover, this is definitely a great spot to consider!
Best Time of Year: This location is best Spring, Summer, and Fall, but still looks beautiful with the water/snow in colder months!
Sample Sessions from Moraine State Park:
Olivia (Fall)
Have you ever heard of horse "barrel racing?" If not, you should definitely go check it out - it's where a horse and its rider literally races around a set of barrels as fast as they can possibly go - it's mesmerizing to watch! And this lady, Mikayla, has been barrel racing for a number of years with her two horses, Sierra and Gypsy. I had the opportunity to photograph the three of them at Maple Lee Farm in Washington, PA a few short weeks ago!
I'm not sure I even told Mikayla during her session, but I've always been slightly terrified of horses. When I was eight years old, one went a little crazy and bucked me off after galloping into the woods, away from the little line we were walking so carefully and so slowly in. Even when I went to Ireland a few years ago and went horse back riding on the beach, I requested the slowest, most gentle horse - who ended up having a limp and trailing behind the line of horses by about 20 yards for the majority of the experience (ha!). Regardless, Sierra and Gypsy (Mikayla's horses) were two of the most well behaved, gentle beasts I have ever met, and I'm happy to report that this session might've helped me conquer my fear (thanks Mikayla!).
Without further ado, here are just a few of my favorite highlights from Mikayla's Maple Lee Farm session!
Maternity sessions aren't something I do on the regular, but I am starting to love them more and more - especially with Amanda's classy downtown Pittsburgh maternity session! You might remember Amanda and Jeff from their gender reveal mini-session a few months ago (see it here!).
For the session, we began on the North Shore near PNC Park, then moved our way to Allegheny Commons Park on the North Side where we encountered the most beautiful glowy (is that a word?) light (which complimented Amanda's pregnancy "glow" so well!). I am so thankful to have met these two and can't wait for you to see a few of my favorites from their session!
