Capturing Memories at Home: A Heartwarming Fall Family Photo Session {gibsonia family photographer}

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Fall Family At-Home Portrait Session- Gibsonia, PA

There's something truly special about photographing families at their own homes. Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing precious moments for a beautiful family at their picturesque home that held decades of memories, nestled amidst apple trees, a charming red barn, and backyard hiking trails. The experience was nothing short of magical.

I cannot underestimate the importance of lighting in photography and boy did we luck out with the most gorgeous warm evening light during this shoot. The way the sun filtered through the the large trees on the property was truly breathtaking.

The stars of this photo session were three young, fun-loving, and sweet boys. It was heartwarming to see their interactions and the genuine affection they had for each other. As a photographer, it was a joy to witness and capture these moments.

The experience left me with a sense of gratitude for being able to document such precious moments. If you're ever considering a family photo session, don't underestimate the charm and significance of capturing your family in the very place where your most cherished memories are made—your home.

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 early November. Check out more about my family portrait packages HERE!

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.

Capturing Authentic Moments with Toddlers! {pittsburgh family photography}

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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.

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.

A New Perspective From the Other Side of the Camera

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Last week I swapped photography sessions with a wonderful local photographer friend of mine, Catherine. She captured some shots of my family, and I did the same for her. This experience was a unique way to gain a fresh perspective on what it's like being on the other side of the lens. I can tell you with 100% certainty I now appreciate the challenges many families face when trying to capture those picture-perfect shots of their family. (NOTE: I took the images you see below after both our shoots were complete)

why was my son making this face in every photo i took of him???

The Challenge of Picking Outfits

One of the first hurdles I encountered was the wardrobe selection. As a photographer, I often advised my clients on coordinating outfits for their family sessions, but I didn't realize how challenging it could be until it was my turn. I spent hours debating colors, patterns, and styles. And then had to switch outfits at the very last minute because the weather was surprising much warmer than I had anticipated.

Sibling Dynamics and Candy Corn Bribes

My kids, like many siblings, have a unique relationship that can be both sweet and volatile. During our family photoshoot, they didn't want to put their arms around each other or even stand close. It took some coaxing, patience, and candy corn bribes to capture the sibling shots every parent hopes for!

nothing to see here… just a solo dance party in the middle of hartwood acres

The Beloved Four-Legged Family Member

The inclusion of our 11-year-old dog in our family photoshoot seemed like a wonderful idea. However, convincing her to cooperate was a challenge in itself. She kept turning her backside to the camera or attempting to zoom away out of the shot. It was an amusing but frustrating situation!

Preventing Grass Stains, Muddy Mishaps, and Snagged Tights

Another challenge I hadn't fully appreciated was keeping my family clean and grass-stain free before the photoshoot. I mean they are six and eight so I didn’t anticipate this being such a challenge. It felt like every time I turned around my daughter was climbing on something and my son was rolling around on the ground with my dog. So, I found myself playing an impossible game of trying to keep their clothes and faces free of stains and dirt before photo time.

Embracing Unpredictable Moments

One memorable moment from our family photoshoot was my son's unexpected tree-climbing adventure. He decided to scale a nearby tree and refused to come down. I was left with a choice: either capture the unique moment of him in the tree or coax him down. In the end, I went with the former, as it was a genuine representation of his adventurous spirit.

The tree my son climbed and didn’t want to get down from

A New Perspective

Going through this experience, I have gained a deeper understanding of what my clients, especially moms, go through during family photoshoots. The mental and emotional toll of coordinating outfits, getting kids to corporate, and dealing with unpredictable circumstances (whether its pets, weather, or grass-stained knees) can be very overwhelming. As a family photographer, I can now relate to these challenges they face on a personal level.

I will say I drove away from my own family photo shoot feeling a bit defeated and stressed. But now I can reflect on the day and feel grateful for having this experience. It taught me firsthand that it's not just about capturing perfect smiles and poses but rather navigating the chaos and capturing the essence of what makes each family unique! I've learned that the most authentic family photos often come from embracing the imperfections, the sibling rivalry, the quirks of our furry friends, or even grass stained knees!

Thank you again, Catherine for your patience and postive attitude! I look forward to seeing the finished gallery! Check out her work below!

Acevedo Weddings: www.acevedoweddings.com

Instagram: @acevedoweddings

Newborn Studio Session with Baby Callan {pittsburgh newborn photographer}

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Baby Callan- Studio Newborn Photo Session- Glenshaw, PA

One of the most beautiful aspects of a newborn session is witnessing the overwhelming love and joy radiating from the new parents. It is such a gift to be able to capture this special bond in the early days of their new beautiful baby’s life.

Check out some of my favorite images from Baby Callan’s full newborn studio session!

If you're expecting a new addition to your family or want to celebrate the arrival of your little one, I invite you to reach out through my contact page! Also, check out my FAQ page for more info on what to expect during a newborn photo session with Jessi Adams Photography. I am here to help you capture memories that will be cherished for generations to come!

Jessi Adams 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.