Extended Family Christmas Tree Farm Photos

It’s hard to believe that this was my very last photo session of 2020 - and truly, I couldn’t have asked for it to end on a better note, or with better people!

This extended family photo session was for a family who recently moved to the Pittsburgh area. Thankfully, these Washington State natives are pros when it comes to snow, so the extra snow we had for their session was warmly welcomed! Even if it was a bit chilly ;)

One thing I love most about photographing people in snow is the LIGHT! The snow is light, bright, and reflects the most beautiful, soft light. Winter might just be my favorite season for photos! And I am always SO THANKFUL for the people who are willing to go out in it for some killer (and unique!) photos!

Truly, I adore extended family photo sessions. They are such a special time to capture SO many different relationships and generations - mom, dad, kids, grandparents, and grandkids. I am so very thankful to have been the one to capture these images!

Enjoy a few (or more! ;) ) of my favorites below!

JHP Behind the Scenes 2020

Wow… what a year! 2020 will certainly be one for the books.

At the beginning of this year, all of us were unsure of many things. I, for one, was completely unsure of how wedding season (and portrait season!) would shake out. I had so many couples (for good reason!) postpone their wedding days in the spring and early summer, and I wondered if I would if I would have any clients at all. Would people be too nervous to go outside to have their photos taken? Would there be any sense of normalcy late summer/early fall when it came to events? Would I need to get another full time job?!

In all of the uncertainty, I was reminded of the incredible, unsuspecting ways that God provides. And provide he did! From random part-time jobs to an increase in senior sessions, God truly provided for every need - and gave me many, MANY opportunities to continue doing what I love, even in the midst of a pandemic.

This year, I got to photograph 13 AMAZING wedding days, and over 70 portrait sessions. I was able to start a little Etsy shop that I’ve been dreaming up over the past year (Beyond the Boardwalk), take on a few graphic design projects (which is what my degree is in!), and dove a little bit into the world of thrifting through Mercari and Poshmark (which I love!).

More than anything, this year, I learned the value of being truly grateful for every. single. thing. that God provides for me. We’re easily tempted to compare and wallow when we are not grateful, but when we see the continual goodness of God within every opportunity and praise him for it (something I am quite imperfect at), we live in a renewed perspective - and a much better one, at that!

To every couple, senior, mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, baby, and fetus who gave me the joy of photographing them during this strange year - thank you. Your support, your encouragement, and your love mean the world to me! I am so thankful for you!

For more Behind the Scenes content: 2017 / 2018 / 2019

Our only "normal" wedding this year (without any restrictions or masks) was back in February at the Atrium. Little did we know that every other wedding would be extremely different!

Seeing if we could make a living taking cell phone photos... I think DSLR's still win 😎

Helping the FOB with his boutonnière! Nick has pretty much perfected his "pinning" skills by now!

This was riiiiight before Covid hit!

Our first wedding in the Covid era!

My little editing helpers!

Our first 2020 backyard wedding. It was absolutely beautiful!

One of the coolest senior sessions I've had to date! We shot at the Butler Airport.

Nick with his favorite movie poster at a movie themed wedding this year!

When we got to ATTEND my cousin's wedding!

Anddddd later that night, I sprained my ankle on the dance floor and couldn't walk for two weeks. 🤦🏽‍♀️

My assistant leaf thrower! I was so thrilled to have Robin join me at so many of my senior sessions this year. She is fantastic! And has the coolest hair!

Getting to take photos at this private family farm was magical! And this was the year I fell in love with fanny packs. Not mad about it.

These two!!! 😍

Professional veil fluffer. I don’t think I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing such beautiful, vibrant fall color before this wedding!

Sweet Jill! I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to work with this beauty this year! She is fantastic!

So many Nick photo bombs...

See?

Thankful when he’s able to come and carry all of the things :)

That's Jean (my mom!) helping us out at Christmas mini sessions!

Last wedding of the year selfie!

Christmas Tree Farm Maternity Photos

We had one of the most beautiful December days for this maternity/family session. I didn’t even wear a coat… which is crazy for mid-December in Pittsburgh!

This family is welcoming their second child into the family in just a few short months, and wanted some maternity photos at a local location to celebrate! We had so much fun taking these sunlit shots. Congratulations to you three on your expanding family!

Bryce W: Snowy Historic Harmony Senior Photos

Bryce is a Seneca Valley senior who loves music… and the snow! Which is great, because we had a LOT of it the day of his session. We were able to get some super unique images in one of my favorite locations for him because he was willing to push through the cold!

Congratulations on your senior year, Bryce!

Nate T: Historic Harmony Senior Phots

Nate is a 2021 senior who plays football, loves camping, and tacos! This was another cold weather session, but Nate was a champ, and I think you can barely even tell how cold it really was! Congratulations on your senior year, Nate!

Hartwood Acres Mansion Extended Family Photos

This was a very special extended family session! Katie, the eldest sibling and sister, contacted me a few months prior, inquiring about a family session for December! I don’t get many requests for December sessions, so I was initially surprised (and excited!) by her request. I soon learned that this session needed to take place while her brother was back in town from boot camp, and was a gift for her mom. These photos feature not only Katie’s immediate family (her parents, herself, and three brothers!) but also Katie’s fiancee and her brother’s wife of one day! That’s right… this session took place only a day after a family wedding, making it all the more special!

If that wasn’t enough, at the end of the session, Katie’s mom walked around to each family member with tears in her eyes, giving each a hug, thanking them for being there. How sweet is that?!

Below are a few of my favorites from our time together. Congratulations to this family on all of the exciting changes coming their way!

Hartwood Acres Family Photos

These four were TROOPERS in the cold December weather, which is no small feat with two little ones in tow! We had cold, wind, and at the very end of our session - snow! But with so much stacked against us (including a quickly setting sun!) we got SO much done during our time together!

I am so thankful for the opportunity to photograph this sweet family of four! ❤️ Enjoy a few of my favorite photos from their session below!

Avery G: North Shore Pittsburgh Senior Photos

Avery is a senior graduating with the Class of 2021 from a local performing arts school! This lovely lady is proficient in music, makeup, and hair - and as you can see from her super FUN blue hair, she has a knack for individual style!

We had a very VERY cold day for Avery’s senior photos… but that didn’t stop us from shooting along the North Shore of Pittsburgh, and getting some great images! We visited one of Avery’s favorite spots, Stage AE, where she has seen multiple concerts throughout her life! It was a nice nod to her love for music, too.

Avery, it was such an honor to take these photos for you! Congratulations on your senior year my friend!!

Amy & Chad: Winter Mellon Park Maternity Photos

This maternity session at Mellon Park was a total dream to photograph! Amy and Chad are prepping to welcome their first child into the world in 2021, and Amy is a wonderful photographer here in the Pittsburgh area - so, naturally, maternity photos are the perfect way to celebrate!

Amy wore the loveliest green maxi dress for their photos (I adore maxi dresses for maternity sessions!), complimented by Chad’s blue suit, for a nice upscale look! And yes - Amy was a trooper in the cold with her short sleeves!!

Amy & Chad, thank you so much for the honor of celebrating with you during this sweet season of your lives! Congratulations to you both on becoming parents!

Stephanie & Bill: Vibrant Fall Shady Elms Farm Wedding

Where to even begin with this wedding day?! Stephanie & Bill tied the knot on one of the most beautiful, fall November days at Shady Elms Farm in Hickory, PA - one of my all time favorite wedding venues! I couldn’t have imagined photographing my last wedding of 2020 for any other couple, and at any other venue. It was truly a magical day!

Though Stephanie & Bill warned me beforehand that they weren’t too keen on having their photos taken, I found them to be literally one of the easiest couples I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing! They are obviously SO comfortable with each other, and (I think ;) ) it shows so much in their photos! We felt like we were instant friends with these two! ❤️

Stephanie & Bill, it was TRULY an honor to photograph your day. Congratulations on your wedding day, and on your marriage!

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Vendors: Shady Elms Farm, DJ Crush, Jordan Sasson (Hair Artist), Toula’s Bridal (Bride’s Dress), Birdy Grey (Bridesmaid Dresses), Maddie Kozik (Invitation Designer), PW Catering