Sweet Hello's and Sad Goodbye's

I've looked forward to meeting these two little munchkins for some time now. Their fabulous mommy was pregnant along the way with me so I never got the chance to take their newborn pictures. I finally got to meet up with them for their 6 month shoot. I just love that age... just starting to sit up on their own, a whole big personality developing and lots of drool (what?... it has a magical, glimmery quality to it on camera :O) ). And who can forget little BIG brother, who I had the honor of capturing his whole first year. He was so shy when I arrived, but quickly warmed up and became the best photographer's assistant EVER! In fact, by the end he was so excited to be in front of the camera, Mom had to distract him elsewhere! We had a blast! Little miss took a little more coaxing... (she seems to have a serious side) but I think a fun time was had by all.
I can't believe they have the audacity to move out of state!! You will be missed very much. Thank you for the wonderful memories and the joy of getting to know your family better. All the best to you... with love, T

Future Firefighter? It's in the genes!

Okay... I know it's been awhile. I mean... a LONG while, since I posted anything. I'd like to think that I am gingerly walking back into my job after an extended, extended maternity leave. This post would have you believe that I am just getting back to work. But that would be misleading. I've been working covertly for a little while now but have been really lazy about blogging. So, if I can actually find the alone time to do so, you will see an explosion of posts this week and next updating all the sessions I've managed to sneak in under the radar. (I'm sorry... I just couldn't keep the camera in hibernation for that long)

I'm a messy perfectionist so I will tell you that as hard as it is not to go in chronological order, I am skipping ahead to the most recent session that I just finished editing. This session was amazing for so many reasons. One, because every new life is a celebration. Two, because my very own Dad performed the marriage of this wonderful couple a few years back (okay, 5, but who's counting, er, I guess they are) and Three, because, quite frankly, I am in utter awe and have complete admiration for those who serve to protect us.

This sweet little man is born into a family of Firefighters. Men who risk their lives to save ours. Who run into a burning building when all others are running out. Thank you for your service. Thank you for the honor of capturing your precious little boy so new to this world.

Okay, before ya'll tear up from my sentimental and heart-felt tribute, can I just tell you that I had tears in my eyes when the little man filled his new Pa Pa's hat with more than his little tush :) Good thing we lined it with a washcloth (he he)

Congratulations on your new little firefighter!

{Love is in the Air...} Bethel Park Engagement Session

They say Spring is when Love is in the Air... but I think that Fall is just as romantic, if not more so. The beautiful fall leaves and splashes of color make it one of my favorite times of year to be outside photographing. It's been a real struggle to remain on maternity leave... the Autumn time just beckons me outdoors so it was not so hard to say yes to a dear family friend whose son just got engaged. I had a perfect night in Oakland with an amazing couple who are set to tie the knot next summer. Best wishes and God Bless--you two are AWESOME!

{Family Ties} South Hills Pittsburgh Family Portraits

Never underestimate the benefit of a good babysitter!!! I am so blessed to have one. I even overhear my kids telling her "I love you". That makes me know I made the right choice of a person to take care of my most prized possessions when I am needed elsewhere. (Plus she's 20 and all the energy that goes along with being 20 so she has the stamina to endure... while I must stop and rest every 2 minutes because this baby in my belly is taking up every available inch of space).
So, I wasn't surprised when I got to meet up with the rest of her family for a "Cousins" session and saw how great they were also. (She is a product of her environment, after all).
I hope I was able to convince you...the boys especially... that family pictures weren't the torture session you thought they were going to be :)

{The Start of Something Wonderful} Pittsburgh Newborn Photography

I had the pleasure of witnessing the wedding of these two amazing friends a few years ago. You could just feel the love... the kind of thing that gives you goose bumps to know that these two people were meant to share their lives together.
Fast forward a few years... the love keeps growing and they welcomed their precious little girl into their lives (almost 2 weeks late!) Little T was so awake for her session so that gave us plenty of family time while we waited for her to fall asleep. I loved every minute of it... getting to know the newest member of their beautiful family and also being able to catch up with some great friends.
Congratulations! She is beautiful!

{Itty Bitty Bundle of Joy} South Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer

If you've been following along with my blog, you've picked up on two things... {#1} I Love babies...  {#2} I, myself am due to have another baby in a few short weeks. If you thought I was baby crazy before, I'm even more so after meeting this precious little bundle who came barreling into the world at a whopping 4 pounds and 14 ounces. She wasn't that much bigger than that when I finally got to meet her and help her through her first official photo session. I had the pleasure of capturing her big sister just a few weeks before Ms. Itty-Bitty's arrival. What a beautiful family! Hope you are getting some sleep, Mommy :) I'll be in the boat with you in 4 weeks or so...

{3 Generations Strong} South Fayette Family Photographer

I love the fact that my job allows me the privilege of being able to get a real-life view of the families I photograph. Knowing someone in a work environment and knowing someone in their family environment is not the same... It's vivid and tender and fun to see how families love each other and interact. I had such a good time capturing this family and getting to know them even better!