Laurel Highlands Portrait Session: The Grasmick Boys

The Grasmick Boys are back on the Blog! These cuties were featured last summer when little man, Dean, was just learning how to walk.  You can check out last year’s session here. Well, it’s no surprise here that Dean isn’t just walking. He is a running, tumbling wild man, just like his Daddy and his big brother, Miles!

 

We met on a warm day at Twin Lakes Park in Greensburg, Pennsylvania for an evening of playing on the swings and climbing a few trees. As usual, these little guys kept me on my toes!

 

I don’t know how but Miles definitely got more handsome in the last year! It was so good to see his smile, even with that front tooth missing!! He was happily helping his little brother climb rock formations and showing Dean which way he should sit for the photos! I was so impressed!

 

We stopped by the Veteran Memorial to pay our respects and these little guys raced their way around the flags. There wasn’t a better way to spend our Memorial Day Weekend.

 

I am so glad this group came out for our Spring Minis. It is always so nice to catch up with their Mama, Colby, and my longtime pal and their Dad, Doobie. They were asking about Baby Norris and wanted to know if we were having a boy or a girl and when I told them I didn’t know, they both grinned. Mom and Dad had waited to find out what Baby Grasmick would be and they both seem pretty pleased that their blue eyed baby, Dean, was the result!

 

These boys are wild and crazy and soooooo very sweet. Miles is the helpful, loving big brother and Dean is the adventurous little guy practicing his “Cheese” face 24/7! I was so glad that I had the chance to run around with these guys for a bit and I hope I get the chance to do it again soon!

 

To book your unique Portrait Session, email therustienailhead@gmail.com for pricing and packaging details! I cannot wait to see what you have in mind!

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Laurel Highlands Portrait Session: The Shipley Family

Look who’s back on the Blog!! Andrew Shipley graced the pages of the blog just a little over six months ago when his Mama wanted to capture his 2nd Birthday Portraits! At 9 months pregnant with their second child, Mama, Emily, helped me chase her little guy all over Linn Run State Park in Rector, PA. Little did we know, all that running would push her into labor. Not 2 days later, Olivia made her world debut and turned this crew into a Family of Four!

Though I was sad that I missed the opportunity to see their newest addition make their way into the world, I was elated to find out that this Mama Bear wanted to have new portraits taken of the kiddos during our Spring Mini Sessions in the Laurel Highlands! This little lady was well worth the wait. Just LOOK AT HER!! Isn’t she the sweetest little thing?

 Andrew was acting his usual self, wild and a little bit crazy.  He was climbing trees and running around the reserve. Speaking of, the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at Saint Vincent College was so perfect for this little man. He was definitely in his element when we let him just run and explore this kid-friendly and interactive property!

Though he wasn’t necessarily her biggest fan at first, Andrew has come to love his baby sister. He was all about giving her hugs and tickling her belly. She, on the other hand, wasn’t feeling it. We didn’t manage to get many of them together though I kind of love that we got this display of real life brotherly-sisterly love! Sometimes you just don’t want to be hugged!

His Mama used to tell me that she could not get him to sit still for a photo to save her life. I am now under the impression that he may be saving all those great smiles for my camera and I am totally fine with it. Andrew is my favorite kind of kid. He is busy and keeps me on my toes throughout the entirety of the session!

We made our way to a swing near the entrance to the property and thanks to a little help from Grandma, we managed to get a bunch of images of these guys just enjoying the May sunshine! Props to Grandma by the way! She was a trooper throughout the shoot and we couldn’t have wrangled the both of them without her!

Grandma took Andrew for a short walk and I made sure to get a few of this sweet Mama and her baby girl enjoying some one on one time together. Emily had mentioned that her little lady hadn’t been feeling well lately so I made it a point to take a minute to stop and let these girls enjoy the breeze in the shade so Mom could love on her sweet baby girl.

And then, out of nowhere, came Andrew again! He came running up to me and gave me the biggest smile, as if to say, “Someone mentioned Dairy Queen for Good Behavior.”

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It was getting hot outside and I wanted to wrap this up before we ended up with 2 cranky babies on our hands. We put a small pink blanket on the ground and Olivia put on a show. Her little curl was sticking straight up and I kinda love it. Add in that adorable yawn as if to say “It’s a Wrap” and we were finished.

I was so glad to meet this little lady finally, to see her wild big brother and I look forward to documenting these kiddos as they grow and prosper! Thanks for another wonderful day at the park Shipley Family!!

To book your unique portrait session, email therustienailhead@gmail.com to discuss your vision and Pricing and Packaging options!

Dallas-Fort Worth Portrait Sessions: Pida & the Girls

IF YOU THOUGHT THE GIRLS’ SHOOT WAS CUTE JUST WAIT…

THIS TIME, THEIR MAMA, PIDA, JUMPED IN ON ON THE FUN! We met for a bohemian styled shoot on the outskirts of Fort Worth, Texas and these girls brought their A game.

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Ever the fashionistas, these girls came prepared. Decked out in Kendra Scott bling, a super cozy vest and one fabulous flannel, these girls were ready to brave whatever came our way. In the past, these shoots have always become a sort of adventure and I was excited to see how this would turn out!

The thing I love the most about working with my friend Pida is that she seriously gets me. And thank God for that. I can tell her the crazy plan that I have been dreaming up and she somehow has this way of bringing my vision to life for me. She always has the right extra touch that makes the photos that much more cohesive. Truth be told, I am constantly asking her to style my shoots for me. Can we all just start petitioning for that?

In all seriousness though, these girls are never short on love for one another. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen this group of women uplift and support one other. As a single mom, their Mama Bear has done a great job of making sure that they look at life with eyes wide open, ready for whatever challenges might come their way. It’s awe-inspiring to see that kind of joy in real life and these Ladies emanate it.

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Ummmm…..Flawless. That’s all I’ve gotta say about that.

Seriously, how cute are these guys? I brought this blanket scarf along because in the past, we’ve had some posing issues. I know, I know. It’s hard to believe but usually by the time, Pida, jumps in the photos, the girls are whooped. They are in a position to have used up all their giggly, fun energy but this time would be different. I made sure Mom jumped in early and the product was simply perfect. This set of photos is probably my favorite of the bunch simply because they look so relaxed.

And, then the tickling happened and these girls just let loose. Once they started making faces and attempting to do the worm, I knew I had lost control but really in the best sort of way. In all my shoots, I hope that my clients feel free to actually be themselves. To make fart noises and do impressions of their Mom behind her back and to really have a good time. A few back handsprings later, we called it a wrap on this Mommy+Me boho shoot.

As usual, I had a blast hanging out with my girl, Pida and her two childlike-wildlike wonders. To see some of their past adventures with the Rustie Nail, head here.

Don’t forget, we have our Dallas Fort Worth Holiday Mini Session Special going on throughout the month of November. The package includes a 30 minute session at a TBD location within DFW, electronic delivery of downloadable gallery + the print release. These are perfect for Christmas Cards, Newborn Sessions, Senior Photos! Email therustienailhead@gmail.com for booking inquiries and details!