What types of photography sessions do you offer?

We specialize in fine art children's portraits, including studio sessions, outdoor sessions, fairy tale themes, and seasonal offerings like Magical Santa Sessions.

Where are you located, and which areas do you serve?

Our studio is located in Evans City, PA. We serve clients throughout the greater Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania areas, including Cranberry Township, Mars, and Fox Chapel, PA

How can I book a session?

Our session fees vary depending on the type and length of the session. For detailed pricing information, please visit our Investment Page.

Do you offer seasonal or themed sessions?

Yes, we offer seasonal sessions such as the Magical Santa Sessions. These are limited-time offerings, and details can be found on our Magical Santa Sessions Page

What should my child wear for the session?

We recommend classic, timeless outfits that complement the fine art style of our photography. Upon booking, we provide a detailed guide to help you choose the best attire for your child.

How long does a typical session last?

Session lengths vary: standard sessions typically last about an hour, while themed or seasonal sessions may be shorter or longer. We'll provide specific timing details when you book.

When will we receive our photos?

You can expect to receive your edited images within 2-3 weeks after the session. We'll notify you when your gallery is ready for viewing.

Do you offer prints and albums?

Yes, we offer a range of high-quality prints, albums, and wall art. Details and samples are available during your consultation and on our Investment Page.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that plans can change. Please notify us at least 48 hours in advance to reschedule. For full details, refer to our policies outlined during the booking process.

How to Plan a Family Portrait Session While on Vacation

There's something special about photographing a family where memories are already being made.

These portraits were created for my daughter, Tiffany's family while we were on vacation along the coastline of Nova Scotia. They had just welcomed their third child, a daughter, now two months old, and wanted family portraits to mark the moment — the five of them, together, for the first time.

It was also their first vacation with three children under the age of four, and they wanted family portraits at the beautiful house they'd rented for part of their trip.

Whether you're headed to the beach, the mountains, or somewhere you've always dreamed of visiting, a little planning makes all the difference. Here's what I've learned.

1. Plan Your Wardrobe Before You Pack

Instead of everyone matching, choose one outfit you love — often Mom's dress — and build everyone else's clothing around those colors. Tiffany chose a floral dress in soft greens, creams, and warm earth tones. Dad and the boys wore coordinating pieces that complemented it without matching exactly.

Tip: lay every outfit on the bed before packing. If it looks good together there, it'll look beautiful in your portraits.

2. Always Plan a Backup Day

Weather has its own plans — especially on vacation.

Our first evening was incredibly windy, and after a full day of exploring, the boys were simply exhausted. We captured a few beautiful moments, but Tiffany wanted another chance at it.

Because we had planned a backup evening, we returned the next day for a short session. Between the two evenings, we captured every moment she had hoped for.

Tip: Whenever possible, schedule your portrait session near the beginning of your vacation. If the weather doesn't cooperate or the little ones have had enough, you'll have another opportunity without the stress.

3. Know Your Family

Tiffany didn't expect her boys to stand still and smile on command. They played. They laughed. They ran. Those unscripted moments became some of everyone's favorite photographs. The best sessions don't ask children to behave like adults — they celebrate exactly who they are.

4. Give Children Something to Do

Instead of saying "look at the camera," try "can you pick a flower for your baby sister?" Suddenly they're engaged and curious, and genuine moments like that always photograph better than forced smiles.

5. Capture One Classic Portrait

As much as I love candid moments, every family should leave with one where everyone looks at the camera. That's the portrait that will be perfect for grandparents and loved ones.

6. Get Down to Their Level

If your children are toddlers, don't expect them to look up at adults standing over them. Sit down. Kneel. Play. Once the adults come into their world, the expressions become natural.

7. Choose a Location That Means Something

For Tiffany, it was the house itself — the one she'd rented for this vacation, perched at the top of a cliff with nothing but sky and ocean beyond it. She loved that view the moment she saw it, and it became the natural backdrop for the whole session.

A meaningful location doesn't have to be exotic. It just has to be somewhere the family already loves, or a place you do not want to forget. The setting becomes part of the story — not just the scenery.

8. Think About the Story

Years from now, small children won't remember every detail of the trip — but they'll remember moments like this one.

The boys had a bubble bath in a beautiful claw-foot tub overlooking the ocean. I set it up myself, just for this one shot — but the moment it became splashing, laughing, and soap flying everywhere was all them. It's already one of my favorite images from the whole trip.

Sometimes the photograph you planned is the one that ends up meaning the most — not because it was posed, but because of what happened once the camera came out.

Tip: Don't limit your camera to just the family portrait session. Look for the small, unscripted moments — even the ones you set up yourself — that tell the real story of your vacation.

Explore Family Portraits

Final Thoughts

Whether I'm photographing my own grandchildren in Nova Scotia or a family near Mars or Cranberry Township, my goal is always the same—to create portraits that tell your family's story.

If you're thinking about planning a family portrait session and are looking for a fine art photographer near the Pittsburgh Area, I'd love to help you create memories your family will treasure for generations.

Browse my portfolio or contact me to start planning your family's story.

Previous Post Next Post

SIGN UP TO FOLLOW MY BLOGS

Love learning about storytelling through photography? Sign up to follow my Blog!

Please provide your email below to get the latest Blog updates from me!

This form is protected by reCAPTCHA to prevent spam and abuse. Information collected may be processed for security purposes.

Thank you for contacting us!

We have received your message and will contact you shortly

View Submission

How to Plan a Family Portrait Session While on Vacation

Archive

SIGN UP TO FOLLOW MY BLOGS

Thank you for contacting us!

Thank you for contacting us!