Elizabeth - Class of '12

I have to say this photo session was one of the most eventful sessions I've ever done,

involving several mishaps throughout the several hours we were shooting.  Thankfully, no one was hurt :)

and we had a lot of fun in spite of it all.  

It was a privilege for me to do Elizabeth's senior portraits...she is a fellow photographer, 

and we have done several weddings together this past year (check out her blog here).

 She has a beautiful heart of love for the Lord and for her family, and enjoys spending time on their farm.

Her pictures were taken at several locations, including Buttermilk Falls, and on the family's farm.

 

Thanks for letting me do your pictures Liz!!  I so appreciate your friendship, and the times we've had to talk photography together (sorry I'm not as informed on the hockey subject...Bex is working on me :).  

I'm excited to see what the next few years hold for you!  

Blessings,

Rachel Elisabeth

{Bex}

Hmm, I'm not exactly sure where to start with this post.  

Maybe with the fact that I can't believe that my baby sister is graduating high school this year...  

I'm somewhat in awe of the woman she is growing into, and the friendship between us that has grown deeper and stronger over this past year than ever before.

I still vividly remember the day she was born - 

I met her when she was just seconds old, gently cradling her when the midwife handed her to me...

those are precious memories, of when my brother and I (a number of years older than her) would lie on the bed and watch her sleep, fascinated by her tiny hands, and mouth, and ears.  

Because of the fairly large age difference between us, for many years, she was my baby sister.
{even after she grew out of babyhood}
Lately however, she's become more of a best friend...I love that, the fact that we can share more and more of our hearts with each other as she gets older.  She makes me laugh all the time...
and we've shared tears, and secret jokes that only sisters really understand.
Her passion for life and love for God inspires me.

One thing I love about senior portrait sessions is the fact that the personality of each person
comes out in everything from the outfits they wear to the sites they choose
...resulting in a completely different and unique feel for each session.
Bex loves the urban/city look, so we started in Pittsburgh's cultural district downtown...

...we took a quick stop at the Consol Energy Center, home of her beloved Penguin team.
Bex is an {avid} hockey fan...she's working on me, but I don't quite yet share her love for the sport... :)

...and eventually ended up at the riverwalk on the North shore.

That was such a fun photo session for me...love you Bex, my beautiful sister. :)
I know this next season of life is wonderful and scary and so exciting all at the same time,
but I'm confident that as you continue walking with God and making Him your first priority,
He will direct your steps (remember Prov. 3:5-6 :), and do wonderful things in and through you.
I feel privileged to have the opportunity to watch what He does...I'm always here for you,
and {love} you more than I can say.

Rachel Elisabeth

Maggie

I was thrilled when Maggie asked me to do her high school senior pictures

...and had such a great afternoon with her!  

We started off in Oakland at the Cathedral of Learning.  

This was the first time I had done a portrait session there....the international rooms and gorgeous architecture were perfect for backdrops.  I really want to go back with my camera sometime soon and look around some more...

After an hour or so at the Cathedral, we went to Hartwood Acres for the second half of the session.  

Blessings to you Maggie, as you finish up your last year of high school!  You are a beautiful young woman with such a sweet smile and spirit...I know that God has some amazing plans in store for you as you look towards your next season of life. 

Rachel Elisabeth

Melanie & Robert

It's a gorgeous afternoon here in Pittsburgh....

perfect for baking snickerdoodles and editing pictures.  I'm so happy to see the sun again :)

I photographed another wedding this past weekend with Mark Ort, and wanted to share a few of the photos from the day.  In spite of the freezing, rainy weather, it was a beautiful celebration.  Melanie asked me to get a bunch of detail shots at the reception hall before most of the guests arrived - she and her mother hand-made all of the decorations, and did a wonderful job...it was a perfect fall wedding.

Congratulations Melanie and Bob!   Blessings on your new life together.

Rachel Elisabeth