Rebecca {senior session}

This session with Rebecca was in one of my favorite parts of Pittsburgh...Oakland has a number of gorgeous old buildings and is home to several college campuses, which creates a fun atmosphere with unlimited photo session ideas.  Rebecca decided she wanted to do a portion of her session in the Cathedral of Learning, so we began there.  College let out for summer break several weeks ago, and the building was so quiet - much quieter than I've ever seen it.  And most of the ethnical rooms were locked, unfortunately, but we managed to find a few that were open and had great fun exploring them.  I love that old, beautiful building...

I've seen these red doors on various other Pittsburgh photography sites, and have always loved them.  And yesterday, we found them!  I was so happy...the texture and color are great. :)

Recently (within this past week, actually), I discovered a part of Oakland I never knew existed...a friend and I happened upon a trail into Schenley Park while we were walking last Sunday night, and I instantly knew I wanted to do a photo session there.  It's a gorgeous trail through the woods, with lots of fun stone walls and stairs.  Rebecca had wanted some outdoor photos as well, and was willing to go back to Schenley Park with me.  

Rebecca, thank you for allowing me the privilege of doing your senior photos!  You have grown into a beautiful young woman with a sweet heart for God and desire to do His will.  This is an exciting season ahead for you, and I know God will use you in great ways as you continue following Him.

Rachel Elisabeth

Bex, Take 2

I did my sister Rebekah's official senior session last fall and at the time, she had wanted to do some photos at Hartwood Acres as well.  We ran out of nice days and winter came, but I made it up to her yesterday. :)  

She has developed an interest in photography herself, and wanted some practice with taking portraits. 

So we had a combined session...I posed for her and gave her some tips, then took some of her.

It was a fun girl's afternoon :) I'm so grateful for my sister, and the times we spend together.

Here is one that she took of me...I liked the sun spots in it. :)  

And the link to the blog she just started - I know she's going to be an awesome photographer!

{Jesse}

When Jesse wrote and asked me if I would consider doing a session with her and her horse, Chooch, I was excited at the idea, but not sure what to expect - I had never done a session that involved a horse, or any other animal for that matter.  But Chooch cooperated beautifully, and I really enjoyed getting to know Jesse.  She's a photographer as well, and it's always fun "talking photography" with people that love it as much as I do...

Welcome Home

Several weeks ago, I had the privilege of helping out a photographer friend of mine with a special photo session.  Elizabeth asked me to come assist her at the Pittsburgh airport - she had been asked to photograph the reunion of a military family, and wanted to make sure she had it covered from several angles. 

The wife of the soldier coming home was the one that organized the session, and she wanted us to be as discreet as possible, so her daughters didn't notice us taking pictures.  Even though the lighting was dim, and the situation not ideal from a photography standpoint, I loved this experience - it was quite special to watch the excitement on the faces of the little girls waiting for their daddy to come home after 7 months of being overseas.  I have so much respect for military families, and am very grateful 

for the sacrifices they all make on a daily basis for the freedom of this country.  

We all enjoy the benefits of their willingness to serve.   

Elizabeth {Nursing School Graduation}

Liz has been a wonderful friend of mine for many years...she's one of my sisters that's not really a sister, but could be because of how close we've been. :)  I'm so grateful for my friendships like that...the beautiful women that God has placed in my life to walk alongside of me.  

Liz is one of those women...

we've dreamed, laughed, cried, worked and had fun together...

we've watched God do amazing things in our hearts and in the lives of those close to us.  

And though He's given us slightly different dreams for the future, I'm always blessed by talking with her, and hearing her passion for Jesus and excitement at what's He has been teaching her.

At the end of February, Liz graduated from nursing school, and we thought it would be fun to take the opportunity to do a photo shoot. :)  So, on a gorgeous, early April afternoon, we went into Oakland to do photos in and around Phipps Conservatory.

Liz, congratulations on this huge achievement!  You are gorgeous, friend, but have an even more beautiful heart because of what you've allowed God to work in you.  Thank you for your smile, and for always inspiring me to follow Him harder.  And you never know...maybe someday we'll get to open that bakery. :)  I still think it would be a blast to work with you... :) Love ya!