One-year olds are so much fun to capture and I’ve found that it’s best to come to a first birthday session with an expectation for play, a lot of exercise (whether they’re crawling or walking), and a willingness to be silly. Although, I am careful to judge whether or when I can be silly because it’s natural for one-year olds to be wary of strangers.
These photos are posted from the end of the session to the beginning. As you’ll see later, we started with some simple portraits at a nearby park. But it’s really when we got back to their house that this little guy warmed up and was ready to play.
This little fella is super cute, but I love how this mama’s face lights up as she looks into her son’s eyes.
And dads sure do know how to bring out the sillies.
I brought this tiny chair, which slowed this guy down just long enough to capture him sitting on it before he popped up and walked away!
And while I’m all about capturing emotion and relationships, I know how important it is to capture a family portrait too!
If you are getting ready to celebrate something special with your family or if you’d like your family to be captured at play, I’d love to hear from you. Please click here to get in touch!
http://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttp://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Web-Use.pngkmiller2019-01-31 13:18:492019-01-25 13:53:15Pittsburgh First Birthday Portraits: Come to Your Session Ready to Play
Looking back on this newborn session from August, I’m recalling a lesson learned that seems very apt for this cold snowy day.
hello baby!
This tiny sweetheart was having a rough day. She was fussy, though I don’t think you’d know it from these photos, but I could tell this mama was feeling defeated because her baby girl just wasn’t feeling it.
snuggling in dad’s arms
mama’s burping baby after a feeding break
The session went long because we were trying everything. Toward the end of the session, I suggested going outside because I thought she’d like the fresh air and a change of atmosphere and we ended up discovering that this baby girl was probably cold! Immediately, she settled and went right to sleep. Even though her home was a comfortable temperature inside on this hot, summer day, with the outfit changes and bare skin, baby girl was cold!
With a snow storm in the forecast, it’s fun to look back at this family session in the peak of Fall foliage last year. The fall gets so busy that it’s easy for lovely sessions like this one to get lost in the shuffle. But now that the holidays are past, it’s time to catch up and reflect. And with these school-aged boys, I’m reminded that lifestyle sessions are great for families regardless of the age of their children.
My thought when I first received this session inquiry is, hmm, what can we do to keep the session fun for this 6- and 8-year old boy? Well, that answer came naturally when this mom asked about a woodsy location. There is so much to explore in this Cranberry location that the boys found their own fun! And when the whole family joins in and goes with the flow, the rest is magic!
This is my favorite picture of these two. I’m a mom of two boys too and I just love to see them play like this!
We walked along a path through the woods, stopping for family portraits here and there.
The session was fast-paced and the boys never lost interest.
Seeing our children enjoy each other’s company is one of the most rewarding moments as a parent. I know from my own experience, that photos of my two boys laughing together are some of my most prized possessions.
If you or someone you know is looking for family portraits with a fresh and fun approach, I’d love to hear from you! It’s not too early to start planning for spring sessions! Contact me here to get started with planning.
http://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttp://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Web-Use.pngkmiller2019-01-17 10:27:102019-01-17 10:27:10Pittsburgh Family Portraits: Lifestyle Sessions Keep It Fun and Fresh
This fall has been busy, but it’s been a blessing and an inspiration! I’ll jump right back to where I left off so we can get caught up. In my last post, I shared a message from an inspiring guest blogger and friend about how she and her husband felt called to foster-to-adopt three little ones over the course of 15 months. She told me about this amazing organization, the Foster Love Project, and how it provides for foster children and the families who care for them. After witnessing this precious family grow through adoption and hearing about the Foster Love Project, I knew I wanted to do something to support foster and adoptive families through photography. In one day, fifteen families raised $750 through the Family Portrait Fundraiser on November 3rd. With this money, the Foster Love Project can provide for specific requests from families like cribs, bunk beds or strollers; as well as specific requests from kids in foster care such as special bedding, sports equipment or school supplies.
Here are a few highlights from our Family Portrait Fundraiser.
And here is one of the many families I’ve been blessed to meet through this fundraiser with the Foster Love Project.
This family was so much fun to photograph, just look at these charming faces!
And here’s the couple that started it all!
I want to thank everyone who participated in the Family Portrait Fundraiser and I’m definitely making plans to do something similar next year. If you’d like to stay in the know about this and other opportunities, please subscribe! Plus, you’ll get a bonus Session Planning & Style Guide, written by yours truly, with exclusive tips from over 10 years of experience in photographing families.
http://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttp://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Web-Use.pngkmiller2018-12-14 16:26:292018-12-14 16:26:29Family Portrait Fundraiser for Foster and Adoptive Families
If you would have told me that I would be a foster mom, I would have laughed at you. Life takes you on unexpected journeys. I have the habit of telling God how my life should happen. But, here I am, adopting three children from foster care in 15 months. What!!!?!? A few short years ago, I was asking God, “Why!?!?!” “Why is our house empty? We have a desire to have a family so…..!?!” In 2014, our question was answered when my husband and I attended Northway Church’s Orphan Expo (now called the Imagine Conference) and we unintentionally found ourselves in a workshop about foster care. My husband turned to me and said, “We should be doing this.” And “do this” we did. In July 2015 we were officially licensed foster parents. In August 2015, we had our first placement. Fast-forward to today and we have had a handful of placements in our home both short and long term. Presently we have three children: our adopted son, our adopted daughter, and our soon-to-be adopted daughter.
Throughout our three-year journey as foster parents, three main things have stuck out to me:
1. It takes a village part 1 and 2.
Part 1: We have seen the commercials and ads stating that, ‘everyone can do it’ (foster/adopt). However, (controversy alert) I do not believe that to be true. Not everyone has the flexibility and resources to be foster parents and that is OKAY. Do not feel guilty! (so easy to do right!?!)
My family and I attend a church where the congregation is predominantly African refugees. They have a hard time understanding many American policies because their philosophy is that the village takes care of one another. They support each other when someone else is in need.
We need to have the same philosophy. We have ALL been called to serve orphans and widows. That does not mean fostering and/or adopting; but, it may mean providing a meal when a foster family receives a new placement (SUCH A BLESSING!), giving a child new or hand-me-down clothing and toys, babysitting a foster/adoptive family that has kiddos with various needs, etc. See where I am going with this? 😉 While I do not encourage everyone to become a foster or adoptive family, I do encourage everyone to stand behind foster care and adoption in some capacity. There are several organizations in our immediate area including Northway Church and Foster Love Project (I mention those specifically by name because of the amazing resources that they have provided to us including training, friendships, and material items) that provide support and care to foster and adoptive families. If you are not sure where to start, I encourage you to look there first.
Part 2: On October 2, 2018 we officially finalized the adoption of our middle daughter. In the courtroom that day, we had over 30 caseworkers, lawyers, friends, and family members supporting us. Thirty-plus people were able to rearrange their schedules (with a week’s notice) to be there as our daughter took our last name. We have relied on those 30+ people (amongst others) and because of each one of them, we are in the position we are in today. We know that we can call any one of them for immediate assistance. We know that although our family may look and act different, we are accepted and loved. We know that our daughter has someone to tell her that she is important. We know that my daughter has a community of other adoptees and families like her. We know that we have legal guidance and counsel. At the end of the day, those things can make all the difference for a foster and adoptive family.
2. People are people.
We as humans are so quick to judge one another and jump to conclusions regarding someone else’s life and circumstances. But, who are we? We make mistakes all the time. Those mistakes may have different consequences; but, they are mistakes just the same and still represent the downfall of man. When we started fostering, we had this idea that we would be mainly ‘helping’ the kids; however, we have felt a passion and calling to love and serve first families, along with the caseworkers, lawyers, judges, and other people we have encountered while fostering our children. We can still advocate for our children while loving people who are hurting, who have made mistakes, who are tired, and who are different from us. No matter the circumstances, first families deserve our love and compassion.
3. We foster/adopt. We do not save and rescue.
There are different reasons and situations as to why foster care/adoption may need to happen. However, the separation from the first family no matter the situation is harmful. There is so much loss encompassed in foster care/adoption. It is important to recognize that. It is also important to note that we are not heroes. When we finalized the adoption of our daughter, we did not rescue her. We simply provided necessary permanency and stability; but, it is crucial that we identify she has a story and relationships before us and upon placement & adoption those do not simply end but remain a significant part of her.
So, here we are: an official family of five in a blink of an eye. It has been quite a journey but one where I have grown, gained knowledge, and developed amazing relationships along the way. We will have to see what I can add to this post after the next three years.
http://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttp://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Web-Use.pngkmiller2018-10-24 10:11:152018-10-24 10:15:47Guest Blog: A Foster-to-Adoption Story from a Friend
Pittsburgh First Birthday Portraits: Come to Your Session Ready to Play
/by kmillerOne-year olds are so much fun to capture and I’ve found that it’s best to come to a first birthday session with an expectation for play, a lot of exercise (whether they’re crawling or walking), and a willingness to be silly. Although, I am careful to judge whether or when I can be silly because it’s natural for one-year olds to be wary of strangers.
These photos are posted from the end of the session to the beginning. As you’ll see later, we started with some simple portraits at a nearby park. But it’s really when we got back to their house that this little guy warmed up and was ready to play.
This little fella is super cute, but I love how this mama’s face lights up as she looks into her son’s eyes.
And dads sure do know how to bring out the sillies.
I brought this tiny chair, which slowed this guy down just long enough to capture him sitting on it before he popped up and walked away!
And while I’m all about capturing emotion and relationships, I know how important it is to capture a family portrait too!
If you are getting ready to celebrate something special with your family or if you’d like your family to be captured at play, I’d love to hear from you. Please click here to get in touch!
Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer: Staying Warm During Cozy In-Home Sessions
/by kmillerLooking back on this newborn session from August, I’m recalling a lesson learned that seems very apt for this cold snowy day.
hello baby!
This tiny sweetheart was having a rough day. She was fussy, though I don’t think you’d know it from these photos, but I could tell this mama was feeling defeated because her baby girl just wasn’t feeling it.
snuggling in dad’s arms
mama’s burping baby after a feeding break
The session went long because we were trying everything. Toward the end of the session, I suggested going outside because I thought she’d like the fresh air and a change of atmosphere and we ended up discovering that this baby girl was probably cold! Immediately, she settled and went right to sleep. Even though her home was a comfortable temperature inside on this hot, summer day, with the outfit changes and bare skin, baby girl was cold!
big yawn!
Pittsburgh Family Portraits: Lifestyle Sessions Keep It Fun and Fresh
/by kmillerWith a snow storm in the forecast, it’s fun to look back at this family session in the peak of Fall foliage last year. The fall gets so busy that it’s easy for lovely sessions like this one to get lost in the shuffle. But now that the holidays are past, it’s time to catch up and reflect. And with these school-aged boys, I’m reminded that lifestyle sessions are great for families regardless of the age of their children.
My thought when I first received this session inquiry is, hmm, what can we do to keep the session fun for this 6- and 8-year old boy? Well, that answer came naturally when this mom asked about a woodsy location. There is so much to explore in this Cranberry location that the boys found their own fun! And when the whole family joins in and goes with the flow, the rest is magic!
This is my favorite picture of these two. I’m a mom of two boys too and I just love to see them play like this!
We walked along a path through the woods, stopping for family portraits here and there.
The session was fast-paced and the boys never lost interest.
Seeing our children enjoy each other’s company is one of the most rewarding moments as a parent. I know from my own experience, that photos of my two boys laughing together are some of my most prized possessions.
If you or someone you know is looking for family portraits with a fresh and fun approach, I’d love to hear from you! It’s not too early to start planning for spring sessions! Contact me here to get started with planning.
Family Portrait Fundraiser for Foster and Adoptive Families
/by kmillerThis fall has been busy, but it’s been a blessing and an inspiration! I’ll jump right back to where I left off so we can get caught up. In my last post, I shared a message from an inspiring guest blogger and friend about how she and her husband felt called to foster-to-adopt three little ones over the course of 15 months. She told me about this amazing organization, the Foster Love Project, and how it provides for foster children and the families who care for them. After witnessing this precious family grow through adoption and hearing about the Foster Love Project, I knew I wanted to do something to support foster and adoptive families through photography. In one day, fifteen families raised $750 through the Family Portrait Fundraiser on November 3rd. With this money, the Foster Love Project can provide for specific requests from families like cribs, bunk beds or strollers; as well as specific requests from kids in foster care such as special bedding, sports equipment or school supplies.
Here are a few highlights from our Family Portrait Fundraiser.
And here is one of the many families I’ve been blessed to meet through this fundraiser with the Foster Love Project.
This family was so much fun to photograph, just look at these charming faces!
And here’s the couple that started it all!
I want to thank everyone who participated in the Family Portrait Fundraiser and I’m definitely making plans to do something similar next year. If you’d like to stay in the know about this and other opportunities, please subscribe! Plus, you’ll get a bonus Session Planning & Style Guide, written by yours truly, with exclusive tips from over 10 years of experience in photographing families.
Guest Blog: A Foster-to-Adoption Story from a Friend
/by kmillerIf you would have told me that I would be a foster mom, I would have laughed at you. Life takes you on unexpected journeys. I have the habit of telling God how my life should happen. But, here I am, adopting three children from foster care in 15 months. What!!!?!? A few short years ago, I was asking God, “Why!?!?!” “Why is our house empty? We have a desire to have a family so…..!?!” In 2014, our question was answered when my husband and I attended Northway Church’s Orphan Expo (now called the Imagine Conference) and we unintentionally found ourselves in a workshop about foster care. My husband turned to me and said, “We should be doing this.” And “do this” we did. In July 2015 we were officially licensed foster parents. In August 2015, we had our first placement. Fast-forward to today and we have had a handful of placements in our home both short and long term. Presently we have three children: our adopted son, our adopted daughter, and our soon-to-be adopted daughter.
Throughout our three-year journey as foster parents, three main things have stuck out to me:
1. It takes a village part 1 and 2.
Part 1: We have seen the commercials and ads stating that, ‘everyone can do it’ (foster/adopt). However, (controversy alert) I do not believe that to be true. Not everyone has the flexibility and resources to be foster parents and that is OKAY. Do not feel guilty! (so easy to do right!?!)
My family and I attend a church where the congregation is predominantly African refugees. They have a hard time understanding many American policies because their philosophy is that the village takes care of one another. They support each other when someone else is in need.
We need to have the same philosophy. We have ALL been called to serve orphans and widows. That does not mean fostering and/or adopting; but, it may mean providing a meal when a foster family receives a new placement (SUCH A BLESSING!), giving a child new or hand-me-down clothing and toys, babysitting a foster/adoptive family that has kiddos with various needs, etc. See where I am going with this? 😉 While I do not encourage everyone to become a foster or adoptive family, I do encourage everyone to stand behind foster care and adoption in some capacity. There are several organizations in our immediate area including Northway Church and Foster Love Project (I mention those specifically by name because of the amazing resources that they have provided to us including training, friendships, and material items) that provide support and care to foster and adoptive families. If you are not sure where to start, I encourage you to look there first.
Part 2: On October 2, 2018 we officially finalized the adoption of our middle daughter. In the courtroom that day, we had over 30 caseworkers, lawyers, friends, and family members supporting us. Thirty-plus people were able to rearrange their schedules (with a week’s notice) to be there as our daughter took our last name. We have relied on those 30+ people (amongst others) and because of each one of them, we are in the position we are in today. We know that we can call any one of them for immediate assistance. We know that although our family may look and act different, we are accepted and loved. We know that our daughter has someone to tell her that she is important. We know that my daughter has a community of other adoptees and families like her. We know that we have legal guidance and counsel. At the end of the day, those things can make all the difference for a foster and adoptive family.
2. People are people.
We as humans are so quick to judge one another and jump to conclusions regarding someone else’s life and circumstances. But, who are we? We make mistakes all the time. Those mistakes may have different consequences; but, they are mistakes just the same and still represent the downfall of man. When we started fostering, we had this idea that we would be mainly ‘helping’ the kids; however, we have felt a passion and calling to love and serve first families, along with the caseworkers, lawyers, judges, and other people we have encountered while fostering our children. We can still advocate for our children while loving people who are hurting, who have made mistakes, who are tired, and who are different from us. No matter the circumstances, first families deserve our love and compassion.
3. We foster/adopt. We do not save and rescue.
There are different reasons and situations as to why foster care/adoption may need to happen. However, the separation from the first family no matter the situation is harmful. There is so much loss encompassed in foster care/adoption. It is important to recognize that. It is also important to note that we are not heroes. When we finalized the adoption of our daughter, we did not rescue her. We simply provided necessary permanency and stability; but, it is crucial that we identify she has a story and relationships before us and upon placement & adoption those do not simply end but remain a significant part of her.
So, here we are: an official family of five in a blink of an eye. It has been quite a journey but one where I have grown, gained knowledge, and developed amazing relationships along the way. We will have to see what I can add to this post after the next three years.