|
For those of you who don't know, my daughter Carly is an artist. And even though I don't always like to admit it, she gets a lot of her personality traits from me: stubborn and headstrong, sarcastic and sassy. She's creative, but in a dark and moody sort of way. She doesn't like the spotlight and prefers to stay behind the scenes, and does not like to have her picture taken. She acts like she's tough, but deep down she's emotional and sensitive. She hates dresses and the color pink. She loves cats a little too much. Although not a musician, she has a deep connection with music and often uses it to inspire her art.  
 I asked her to paint something that has a strong personal meaning for me - Three Crooked Hearts. 
It took me way too long to figure out what I was meant to do in this life. It was always there, in the back of my mind, but I ignored it for way too long. Carly has found it early, and I hope that she follows her dream and gets to do what she loves for the rest of her life. I can't wait to watch her.  "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." |
 |  |  |
 |  |
Suddenly, we heard a knock on the door; Lily went to investigate.
 |  |  |
It seems Santa had some spare time between feeding the reindeer and supervising the elves, so he took a few minutes to stop by.
He even took a few minutes to read with Lily.
 |  |
He was quite impressed with her gymnastics skills!
Santa dozed off for a minute, so Lily decided to check to make sure his beard was real (it is!)
 |  |
Finally it was time to say goodbye. After all, this is Santa's busy time of year!
Merry Christmas To All!
Tracy Miller is a family & newborn lifestyle photographer serving Pittsburgh & surrounding communities including:
Greensburg, North Huntingdon, Penn Township, Sewickley, Murrysville, and beyond.
~ NOW BOOKING FOR 2020 ~
December promo for readers of this blog:
$50 off of a family or fresh 48 session or $100 off an in-home newborn or storytelling session booked in December.
Contact me and use code: SANTA in your message
Greensburg, North Huntingdon, Penn Township, Sewickley, Murrysville, and beyond.
~ NOW BOOKING FOR 2020 ~
December promo for readers of this blog:
$50 off of a family or fresh 48 session or $100 off an in-home newborn or storytelling session booked in December.
Contact me and use code: SANTA in your message
As a newborn and family photographer, I devote much of my time to capturing memories of growing families in my area. But occasionally I get a request to do something completely different, and I welcome the chance to expand my creativity into other areas. This week I had the opportunity to create some wall art for a prominent local CPA firm that recently renovated their offices. Located in the heart of this expanding town, they wanted art that would be recognizable to the local community. Here in Greensburg we have many new updated store fronts and local treasures that are well noted, but the biggest statement piece would be the Westmoreland County Courthouse. Designed by William S. Kaufman and built in 1906, it is one of the tallest buildings in Greensburg at 175 feet above street level.
  View from the helipad at Excela Westmoreland Hospital |   The dome is illuminated at night and often changes color to represent a cause for awareness, i.e. pink in October for breast cancer awareness. |
I have lived here my entire life, so while growing up I didn't fully appreciate the stunning architecture of many of the buildings and landmarks that I pass by nearly every day. I've enjoyed working on this project so much that I've decided to explore some of the other important places in our beautiful town, of which there are many. Stay tuned in the coming weeks and months to see what I explore next, and be sure to follow my social media pages for more of my work:
Thank you to Delisi, Keenan & Associates for commissioning me for this project.
Tracy Miller is a family & newborn lifestyle photographer serving Pittsburgh & surrounding communities including:
Greensburg, North Huntingdon, Penn Township, Sewickley, Murrysville, and beyond.
~ NOW BOOKING FOR 2020 ~
December promo for readers of this blog:
$50 off of a family or fresh 48 session or $100 off an in-home newborn or storytelling session booked in December.
Contact me and use code: COURTHOUSE in your message
Greensburg, North Huntingdon, Penn Township, Sewickley, Murrysville, and beyond.
~ NOW BOOKING FOR 2020 ~
December promo for readers of this blog:
$50 off of a family or fresh 48 session or $100 off an in-home newborn or storytelling session booked in December.
Contact me and use code: COURTHOUSE in your message
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of doing an in-home newborn session for a beautiful family who welcomed their third child, Meadow, into their home. Newborns don't always follow photographer's schedules, so we had to stop several times so her mom could feed and change her. Meadow's two big brothers were playing in their bedroom right next to us, and I peeked in and saw this beautiful window light shining into their room. Of course I had to snag a few shots before they noticed me standing there:
 |  |
But then...
BUSTED.
Things quickly morphed into an impromptu documentary/storytelling session, and it all started with Roman showing me his muscles
Then he became a superhero
 |  |
Little brother Archer decided to get in on the action
 |  |
Of course, all superheroes can fly!
 |  |
Well, maybe not ALL
MOM'S COMING!!!
Dad to the rescue!
 |  |
It ended with some snuggles and family love ❤️
~~~
Tracy Miller is a family & newborn lifestyle photographer serving Pittsburgh & surrounding communities including:
Greensburg, North Huntingdon, Penn Township, Sewickley, Murrysville, and beyond.
~ NOW BOOKING FOR 2020 ~
Tracy Miller is a family & newborn lifestyle photographer serving Pittsburgh & surrounding communities including:
Greensburg, North Huntingdon, Penn Township, Sewickley, Murrysville, and beyond.
~ NOW BOOKING FOR 2020 ~
December promo just for readers of this blog:
$50 off of a family or fresh 48 session or $100 off an in-home newborn or storytelling session booked in December.
Contact me and use code: SUPERHERO in your message
$50 off of a family or fresh 48 session or $100 off an in-home newborn or storytelling session booked in December.
Contact me and use code: SUPERHERO in your message
This beautiful family has just welcomed baby #3 into their home, and she could not be more perfect.
Baby Meadow joins two big brothers, who are clearly just as captivated with her as Mom & Dad are.
Meadow was wide awake at first, obviously not wanting to miss any of the action going on in her brothers' bedroom right beside us!
 |  |
But she eventually drifted off to sleep and we were able to capture some gorgeous images of her surrounded by her momma's wedding veil 💗
Welcome to the world, Meadow!
~~~
|
|
| Tracy Miller is a family & newborn lifestyle photographer serving Pittsburgh & surrounding communities including Greensburg, North Huntingdon, Penn Township, and Murrysville. |
~ NOW BOOKING FOR 2020 ~
I was so excited to be doing Rachel's senior photos because she and her mom had chosen to do them at their home, which is a spectacular location for a session. I knew this because I had done a session there last year for one of their friends who chose it for the same reason.
One of Jayna's senior photos from last year, also shot in Rachel's backyard
I love the contrast between the red of Rachel's shirt and green tones of the plants, while the yellow of the flowers compliments both.
As much as I love color, black & white photos will always be my personal favorite.
A message from mom ❤️
Those eyes! 👀
It was beginning to get dark on Rachel's back porch, but she wanted to include a few shots on the swing so I used a reflector and bounced a speed light to create this look.
The sun was shining in just the right spot, and I'm always happy to include a few shots of boyfriends/girlfriends in my senior sessions when asked. How cute are they?
Thank you Rachel for allowing me to create your senior pictures! Have a fantastic senior year!
Today I made a very unexpected and impulsive decision to visit the Flight 93 Crash Site Memorial in Shanksville. It's taken me 18 years to be able to go there without becoming emotional and having to leave. The last time I tried several years ago, I couldn't get beyond the parking lot. Today I was able to go in - and stay - from behind the safety of my camera.
The boulder in the lower right corner marks the point of impact of Flight 93
The Wall of Names
I sat awhile and observed the other visitors and overheard some of their conversations. Many seemed oblivious to the significance of the site - one man in particular caught my attention as he walked hurriedly past the Wall of Names, engrossed in a conversation about overdue accounts and unpaid invoices (on the Sunday of the 4th of July holiday weekend no less). He never paused or slowed down, never even looked up to acknowledge the 40 names engraved on the wall next to him and what they meant. Nearly everyone who walked the 1/4 mile pathway that leads to the wall stopped to take a photo when they reached it. I was no exception. But most seemed to dismiss it as just another photo op that will end up on Instagram next to a picture of whatever they ate for breakfast that day. One couple smiled happily as they stood in front of the wall after asking a stranger to take just "one quick pic" on their iPhone. Just beyond them, a grandmother took a photo of her teenage grandson giving a double thumbs up for the camera. One more for the scrapbook I guess.
Eighteen years after the tragedy that we swore we would never forget, it seems many of us have indeed forgotten. Most can't see beyond their cell phones to appreciate the sacrifice that was made that day. There were a few exceptions, a few people who stopped for just a moment to write a message of gratitude and condolence to the families, or to read the names on the Wall and acknowledge the courage and strength they showed that day. These few will surely never forget.
 |  |
Please, if you visit this or any of our national memorials, take a moment to at least read the names of those who sacrificed. The Flight 93 Memorial has an exhibit with pictures of all 40 victims. Take the time to look at them, and think about their lives that were cut short and the families they left behind. Put down your cell phone. Really think about why the memorial is there. It’s designed to mirror the flight path of the plane - look around, think about what that must have been like. The plane was going over 500 miles an hour when it made impact, accelerating as it neared the ground. Can you even imagine what that was like for those on board? It’s not just a tourist attraction. Never forget that.
This is a question that I get asked a lot, so I thought it might be helpful to share some of my tips with all of you here.
 ANDREA | 1. First and foremost, you want your senior photo session to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Comfort is key! Be sure to choose outfits that aren’t too restricting and that fit properly. If you are uncomfortable during your shoot, it will show in your pictures. 2. Be yourself! Wear something that reflects your individual style and personality. I know this is a special occasion and you might be inclined to buy something extra special to commemorate it, but you don’t want to stray too far from what you would normally wear. 3. Consider the setting - try to choose colors that will complement the background as much as possible. Natural, solid colors generally photograph best, but prints and patterns can work as long they aren’t too bold or “busy”. Avoid pinstripes though because they can cause an undesirable Moire effect. |
| 4. Avoid graphic tees - clothing with slogans or pictures can be distracting. The focus should be on your face, not on who your favorite band is at the moment (you'll thank me for this later). 5. Glasses - if possible, consider popping out the lenses prior to your shoot to avoid unwanted glare. 6. A few things to check before your shoot begins:
|  MARCUS |
Remember, these are only suggestions based on my experience photographing seniors. Ultimately they are your photos, and I want you to love them so the choice is yours! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. I will be happy to talk with you and help you decide what's best for you.
Kodak Instamatic The first time I can remember being interested in photography, I was very young, probably around 8 or 9. I vividly remember my parents' Kodak Instamatic camera and being fascinated by the flash cubes. I wasn't allowed to play with it if there was film in it - film cost money and you couldn't waste a shot - but when it was empty I would walk around the house and take photos that never existed. It didn't matter though, there was just something about pressing that shutter.
Kodak Slimline When I got a little older, I got a camera of my own for Christmas - a Kodak Slimline - and it was quite the upgrade. This one even had a built in flash! I remember taking it with me on a family vacation to Niagara Falls that summer because I recall using tree branches to frame my subject, a tip I had read in the owner's manual that came with my camera. If I can ever find that photo, it's definitely getting framed and hung on my wall because even though I didn't realize it at the time, it was very significant. It was one of the first photos I took with purpose.
When I got a little older I got an Ansel Adams calendar as a gift. It had a different landscape photo for each month, and I thought it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. That's when I fell in love with black & white photography and I am still obsessed with it to this day. As I got older my interest grew, and I even took a few classes as a teenager. People told me I had an eye for photography. But growing up in a blue collar household, I was encouraged to pursue something more "practical". I graduated high school, got an office job, met my husband and raised a family. I always worked part-time to help out with finances, but I never had a career. I sold my 35mm Minolta Maxxum camera that he'd bought me when we were dating. It was hard for me to part with, even though I hadn't used it in years. But we needed the money, I don't remember what for. Probably diapers.
Fast forward a lifetime or two: the kids grew up. I changed jobs a few times. And though I was grateful to have a job, I just could not imagine staying where I was for the next phase of my life. I wanted to find something I actually enjoyed doing, but what? How could I possibly start something new at my age? I didn't want to trade one unfulfilling job for another, and I was too dependent on the extra income to just quit. Then a friend who'd gone through something similar convinced me to take a leap of faith, because ultimately being happy is far more important than having more material things in my life. I quit my job and tried going back to school, but my heart just wasn't in it. I felt a bit lost. My kids didn't need me as much anymore and now I had no job and no clue what to do with the rest of my life.
Then one day during a trip to my parents' cabin in the mountains, my sister suggested that I borrow her fancy new DSLR and go for a drive. At first I was reluctant, I hadn't picked up a real camera in many years. Cameras had gone digital and I had no clue how to use it. But I was bored and it was a beautiful morning, so I went on a drive, alone. I saw some beautiful rock formations along the river just down the road, so I pulled over and took out my sister's camera. I barely knew how to turn it on and I could only use Auto mode, and suddenly I felt like an 8 year old girl again. I didn't know what I was doing, but I was fascinated. There was just something about pressing that shutter. I started to look around for things to photograph, and I came across some tiny rock sculptures that someone had made and left behind for others to enjoy. One particular sculpture was in the shape of a rectangle with a hole in the middle, and another smaller sculpture was just behind it, If I got down to ground level, I could make a picture of the smaller sculpture framed by the larger one. I made that photo with purpose, just like I had a lifetime ago in Niagara Falls.
I went home and ordered a DSLR the very next week. And the rest, as they say, is history.
| Last month I participated in the Shoot & Share online photo contest, which had over 1.1 million entries this year from thousands of photographers all over the world. Each photographer was permitted to enter up to 50 photos, but since I decided to enter just one day before the deadline, I entered only 27 images. Out of those 27, three placed in the top 30%, two in the top 20%, and one in the top 10% in their categories! In fact, my top photograph finished at #2543 out of 48,578 which actually places it in the top 5% (but the contest only awards badges in increments of 10). This was my first year participating and the competition was unreal, so I am absolutely thrilled with those results. Although this contest is "just for fun" and doesn't award any tangible prizes, I feel as though I won far more than just bragging rights. Having my photos perform as well as they did gives me an overwhelming sense of pride in my work, and validation in knowing that there are others out there in cyberspace who like my work but don't even know me. And seeing so many incredible photos from such talented photographers also gives me motivation to continue to study as much as I can in order to grow my own skills, and never stop learning. Now on to next year's contest! You can view all of 27 of my entries along with my results on my Shoot & Share profile page. You can go here to view all of the winning images and see the competition I was up against! |  This image placed in the top 5% in "Enagement/Couples" category. |
 Category: Creative Projects |  Category: Pets/Animals |
 Category: Lifestyle/Documentary |  Category: Engagement/Couples |  Category: Pets/Animals |
I have this problem where the most recent thing I shoot then becomes my favorite thing to shoot. I’ll do an outdoor couples session and the photos will turn out amazing and we have fun doing it and then I’m all “couples are my favorite thing!”, and then the next week I’ll do something in the studio and then I’m all “dramatic lighting is my favorite thing!”. It’s a problem y’all.
So I understand if you don’t believe me when I say, FAMILIES ARE MY FAVORITE THING. I’m not even sure why. Maybe it’s because I was raised in a family with a strong emotional bond and I've carried that on with my own family. Or maybe it's because I think it's easier to get great candids because kids are real and usually don't care if you take their picture. Whatever the reason, I find true joy in observing the love between a parent and child and I feel blessed to be asked to document it so that when the kids are grown, you can look back and always remember how tiny their feet were, or the sparkle in their eye when they see you walk into a room. And trust me - as a mom of 3 grown kids who are about to leave the nest, you won’t remember as much as you think you will.
So I understand if you don’t believe me when I say, FAMILIES ARE MY FAVORITE THING. I’m not even sure why. Maybe it’s because I was raised in a family with a strong emotional bond and I've carried that on with my own family. Or maybe it's because I think it's easier to get great candids because kids are real and usually don't care if you take their picture. Whatever the reason, I find true joy in observing the love between a parent and child and I feel blessed to be asked to document it so that when the kids are grown, you can look back and always remember how tiny their feet were, or the sparkle in their eye when they see you walk into a room. And trust me - as a mom of 3 grown kids who are about to leave the nest, you won’t remember as much as you think you will.
 |  I ❤️ Isabella's little piggies |
I recently dug out some big ol’ VHS tapes that I shot with my shoulder-mounted 90’s camcorder and had them transferred to CD’s, because who even has a VCR anymore? I sure don’t, so I hadn’t watched them in quite awhile. I’m so grateful to have all the birthdays and Christmases preserved for me to look back on. But although those milestones are important, I find that I usually just skim over them. The videos and photos that I enjoy the most are the ones taken on an ordinary day just playing together in the yard, or building blanket forts in the living room on a rainy day. Those are the things that fade from your memory over time, but photographs and videos will keep those memories fresh in your mind forever. I suppose that’s why families are my favorite thing :)
The look on dad's face □
Oh, and if you are looking for someone to transfer your old VHS tapes onto CD, hit up Brandon Keenan at KVT Productions - he can hook you up!
Until next time ~
T.
Until next time ~
T.
Ok so I’m a bit late to the party this year. Better late than never, right? These first few weeks of 2019 have been busy for me and I could not be more excited!
As some of you may know, January 1st began a whole new chapter for me and my little photography biz. While I spent a lot of 2018 exploring different genres of photography to decide what direction I wanted to steer this ship, I am planning to spend 2019 charting the course and taking action.
While I enjoy many different types of photography, I’ve found that what I love the most is capturing the real emotion and authentic connections that we experience in our everyday lives. It’s not always connections between people - sometimes we connect with animals, or nature, or even a treasured possession, like a child with their favorite toy. Sometimes we as the viewer make a connection with with the photo itself, and it can elicit an emotional response within us. Within these connections lies a story, and I want to be the storyteller.
As some of you may know, January 1st began a whole new chapter for me and my little photography biz. While I spent a lot of 2018 exploring different genres of photography to decide what direction I wanted to steer this ship, I am planning to spend 2019 charting the course and taking action.
While I enjoy many different types of photography, I’ve found that what I love the most is capturing the real emotion and authentic connections that we experience in our everyday lives. It’s not always connections between people - sometimes we connect with animals, or nature, or even a treasured possession, like a child with their favorite toy. Sometimes we as the viewer make a connection with with the photo itself, and it can elicit an emotional response within us. Within these connections lies a story, and I want to be the storyteller.
 My project for this year is going to be focused on documentary photography, with an emphasis on families. I have joined a year-long study program with award-winning family documentary photographer Kirsten Lewis, and in just the first few weeks I have already discovered new things about myself that will help me as I continue to grow as a photographer. As the year progresses, I plan to share my experiences with all of you so that you can follow along on this adventure with me. I might even be asking some of you to participate, so stay tuned! Until next time ~ T. |  |
