Capturing Authentic Moments with Toddlers! {pittsburgh family photography}

Pittsburgh Fall Mini Sessions- Pittsburgh, PA

Let's be real, working with 2-year-olds during a family photoshoot can be a lively adventure! Instead of making them sit still I try to embrace their boundless energy! Here are a few of my tricks for working with toddlers.

Let them PLAY: Toddlers thrive on exploration. Encourage them to run around, chase bubbles, or play with their favorite toys. Their candid joy makes for heartwarming shots!

RUN & JUMP: Don't fight the wiggles; embrace them! Capture their giggles mid-air or as they take off on an adventure. Action shots bring out their lively personalities.

Get Creative with Surroundings: Use your environment to create games. Let them explore a field, jump off a bench, or play hide and seek behind a tree.

Make them your little helper: Engage them by giving them a "job." They can hold a reflector, play with a colorful prop, or even "help" adjust the camera settings. Their involvement makes them feel like stars!

What I love about 2 and 3-year-olds is when they smile, it's GENUINE! Their laughter and grins are pure and infectious. Catch those unscripted, heartwarming moments that truly reflect their beautiful little souls.

Embrace the chaos, cherish the spontaneity, and you'll capture the essence of your little ones in the most precious way!

Check out some of my favorite shots of Finn and his sweet family of four!

If you or someone you know is interested in squeezing in some last minute fall family portraits don’t hesitate to reach out! I have a few spots available on weekday evenings available for October.

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Jessi Adams Photography specializes in newborn, baby, child, lifestyle/posed family photography in Pittsburgh PA and surrounding areas, including, North Hills, Hampton township, Cranberry Township, Mars, Gibsonia, Allison Park, Sewickley, Wexford, Warrendale, Shadyside, Moon Township, Canonsburg, Bethel Park, South Park, Fox Chapel, Aspinwall, Squirrel Hill, Monroeville, Brighton Heights, and beyond.

The Zoet Family {south hills family photographer}

Fall family mini photo session- Pittsburgh

Glad we squeezed in this fall mini session before the rain! You never know what kind of weather you will get in Pittsburgh during autumn, but those changing leaves sure are pretty!

Jessi Ruscher Photography specializes in newborn, baby, child,  lifestyle,  senior, engagement, and family photography in Pittsburgh PA and surrounding areas, including, North Hills, Hampton township, Cranberry Township, Mars, Gibsonia, Allison Park, Sewickley, Wexford, Warrendale, Shadyside, Moon Township, Canonsburg, Bethel Park, South Park, Fox Chapel, Aspinwall, Squirrel Hill, Monroeville, Brighton Heights, and beyond. 

Have a fall family photo session coming up? Wondering what to wear? Check out this guide on what to wear for fall family portraits!

What to Wear for Your Fall Family Photography Session {north pittsburgh family photographer}

Pittsburgh Fall Photography Styling Guide- Jessi Ruscher Photography

My most asked question as a photographer:   What do we where for our family session??    The biggest thing to remember is that you don't necessarily need to match but you do need to coordinate.  For my own families fall photos I like to stick to a mix of neutrals and jewel tones (mustard yellow, burgundy, navy blue).  I like to dress one of my family members in a pattern such as a floral print or plaid.   After selecting the pattern item of clothing I base the rest of my family's outfits around that item of clothing. I typically stick with only one person in a pattern for a family of 4.  I love my 3.5-year old son in flannel so he usually gets the pattern shirt in our family!    

Another thing to consider when choosing colors is what you will be doing with these photos.   Will you be printing them and framing them for your home?  If that is the case you might want to be mindful of what color schemes will coordinate with your home decor.   

When planning outfits for your family please remember to where clothes you and your children are comfortable in.   When adults/kids are uncomfortable it will show in photos.   To capture joy and genuine moments of connection between family members I encourage you to play with your child, throw them up in the air, spin them around, or get down on their level for tickles/snuggles. Keep this in mind when choosing outfits.     Headbands/bows are adorable but if your 18-month old hates them, you might want to skip it.   If your 4-year old can't run and jump in dress shoes maybe look for another cute option that is a bit more functional. 

Pinterest also has LOTS of awesome ideas for family photo outfits and color combinations.    These families below nailed their family portrait outfit selections!  Take a look.  Be inspired. :-)

I love the rich jewel tones this family picked for their fall session.  These colors stand out so well against the green background.  Another fun part of styling fall sessions is all of the layers and textures you can incorporate to create more visually appealing images.  I love using texture accents such as scarves, vests, jackets, boots, hats, simple jewelry, and accessories.   Blankets can also add lovely texture and pops of color.  During my sessions I provide vintage quilts, knit blankets, and plaid throws but if you have something else you would like to use let me know! 

I love the layers and pops of bold color this family picked.  Look closely and notice mom's scarf/nails, little brother's socks, big brother's plaid shirt/pants, and dad's watch.  These red pops of color tie everyone together!  Little details like this can make a big difference.   

Navy and burgundy are two of my favorite color choices for fall, they look lovely with a green or fall foliage background.    This family did an awesome job mixing neutrals, bold colors, and patterns.  

Lovely fall jewel tones!

I am now booking full or mini fall family sessions.   Check out fall mini session details here!    These sessions book up quickly so if you're interested book sooner than later to avoid disappointment! 

Jessi Ruscher Photography specializes in newborn, baby, child,  lifestyle,  senior, engagement, and family photography in Pittsburgh PA and surrounding areas, including, North Hills, Hampton township, Cranberry Township, Mars, Gibsonia, Allison Park, Sewickley, Wexford, Warrendale, Shadyside, Moon Township, Canonsburg, Bethel Park, South Park, Fox Chapel, Aspinwall, Squirrel Hill, Monroeville, Brighton Heights, and beyond.