PLANNING AN OUTDOOR SESSION AND DON'T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN?
Here is a very comprehensive list of locations we've shot at many times to get your wheels turning. What location appeals to you and the style you're hoping to capture? Check out the specials and specific dates at the bottom of this blog for deals on session fees too!
WINNIE PALMER NATURE RESERVE
Location description: Country, fields, barn and flowers! You can't go wrong with this spot it is truly magical and if you catch a sunny day you'll have the most amazing golden hour sunset if your session is in the later evening! What we suggest you wear for this location - something light, flowy or natural! I love white, pastels, colors and anything that fits the country setting. Be sure you feel good in the clothing you wear, confidence will show through for sure and you'll love how you look.
Seasons here change quickly. The flowers bloom differently from month to month, and field to field. So depending on when you schedule your session, the fields will look completely different. The time of day you schedule your session makes all the difference as well! Take a look through these photos to see the differences!
Golden hour guarantee:
Love the sunset glow? ME TOO. Its beautiful beyond words. If you want this golden hour glow, you must request this time slot which is approximately one hour before sunset (or less if scheduling a short session such as a 30 minute package). Golden hour slots are subject to availability. At this location, golden hour images will be taken in the upper field only. Keep in mind, a sunny day is required for golden hour! If clouds roll into the area, golden hour may be dimmer than images shown below. We will do our best to capture this look for you, but can't predict it unless it is a very clear, sunny day. Keep in mind, true golden hour in June-July is typically too late for small children. Rescheduling will only be available for rainy days, not cloudy, sorry
DOWNTOWN GREENSBURG, THE HISTORIC DISTRICT
Downtown Greensburg is just minutes from our studio and is a great place for family, children, and senior portraits. Its a great alternative to the classic park or nature type setting if you want to try something new for your family photos this year! What to wear for this location: edgy fun outfits, black or gray, or pops of bright colors like red! Dressy clothing like ballgowns, dresses, suits with ties also work to make a super cool different look to this location. When scheduling this location in spring (first to second week of April), you'll catch some great pink blossoms along the city streets so plan accordingly for some outfit changes perhaps! When scheduling here for fall or later, I'll bring some holiday props like a giant wreath or Christmas lights to dress up the alley way!
DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH
THE POINT, MT WASHINGTON, BRIDGES, STATION SQUARE &MORE...
PITTSBURGH *SELECT DATES ONLY FOR MINI SESSIONS OR SCHEDULE WITH A TRAVEL FEE*
Downtown Pittsburgh offers a lot of options. We can explore Point State park, ending at the fountain at dusk. Or we can hang on the north shore next to PNC park, hit up the bridges and views from the river walk area. There are awesome views from some parking garage roofs even, so once you pick the session length you want, we'll discuss locations and where we can manage in that timeframe.
MELLON PARK
Mellon Park's walled garden is one of my favorite spots near Pittsburgh for that old time castle garden vibe! An iron gate, steps that are covered by giant oak leaves in fall, stone walls, and a fountain with courtyard grounds to make any princess jealous.
*2021 might have some challenges here, as they are replacing/working on some areas such as the fountain - but as soon as we figure out those roadblocks, we'll be scheduling here again!
HARTWOOD ACRES MANSION & GARDEN
Hartwood acres mansion has long been a favorite place for me to photograph. It has nature with its big trees surrounding the grounds, but also some great stonework all around and beautiful mansion for the backdrop. The cobblestone driveway is a fun addition to the foreground, and of course their gorgeous garden full of flowers mid summer is an added bonus.
RANDYLAND
Fun, funky and different - these are the best words to describe Randyland! A private residence near the Mexican War Streets of the north shore in Pittsburgh, this location requires a fee (suggested donation in the box upon arrival) but otherwise we have free reign to photograph all over this fun spot!
COLUMNS AT CMU
Often thought of as a bridal party location for photos, the columns at the Mellon Institute Library are truly perfect for any photo session from families to maternity. When paired with photos across the street at the Heinz Chapel fountain garden and/or Pitt's campus with long rows of beautiful green trees - this is an amazing location that you could spend an hour or more photographing.
PITT CAMPUS AND HEINZ CHAPEL FOUNTAIN GARDEN
FRICK PARK