You are gorgeous, and deserve amazing senior photos EVEN WHEN YOU WAIT!

Alyssa’s shoot was bright, joyful, and full of personality. She is a 2026 graduate from Chartiers Valley High School. We planned an early winter senior photo session in Pittsburgh, PA — and even though it was a super cold day, the sunshine showed up beautifully.

It was one of those crisp winter afternoons where the light sparkles and everything feels fresh. That being said it was cold! I’ve included some tips for how to stay warm within this blog we used every single one of them during Alyssa’s session.

Pick your favorite Pittsburgh locations.

We started in Melon Park across from the Penn Omni Hotel right in Pittsburgh. I love this location because of the tall trees that ring the park as well as a different colors and textures of hardscapes. It is neat to be able to see all four sides of this park with different high-rise buildings. The textures in the colors make this my favorite city park to shoot in.

When we wrap at the park we quickly headed back to the parking garage to sit on the heated seats in our car and warm up. When we all stopped shivering we had to the Smithfield Street bridge area. We had to park a couple of blocks from the bridge and it was a very windy day. We opted for heavy coats and handwarmers in our pockets-as well as a blanket draped over alyssa’s hair to block the wind and keep her warm.

You all know I love the Smithfield Street Bridge! It’s so quintessentially Pittsburgh and yet niche enough where your portraits never look like everyone else is. Alyssa was such a great sport because the windshield on this particular day was well below 20. We moved quickly got our beautiful shots and then hustled back to the car to warm up again.

Trust yourself — you can do your own hair and make up and look fabulous!

Alyssa did her own hair and makeup — and she did it perfectly. I recommend most students have their hair and make up professionally done. It takes a lot of stress out of your day- that being said some people love doing their own hair and makeup!

Alyssa has her look down flawlessly and she loves doing herself up! If you know you will feel amazing and confident in your photos and you love hair and make up by all means do it yourself! My offering this service is to take stress away, at the end of the day you need to do what makes you feel most comfortable.

Even on this freezing day, her confidence kept the energy light and fun. The handwarmers came in clutch during our time on Smithfield because that wind was brutal.

Where’s your sunset? (Somewhere classic- Mellon Park is a Fav!)

We ended our time together at the beautiful Mellon Park. This quiet stone walled garden park in Shadyside has to be one of my favorite spots for sunset. Sunset matters even in the winter time! We typically plan your session around where you want to end our time together slightly after sundown.

The soft stone architecture and elegant gardens gives such a timeless feeling. Even long after the heavy frosts the plants and landscaping here are still beautiful! It was also a perk that the car is very close- we took a couple of warm-up breaks in the heated car.

It was so super fun spending the afternoon with Alyssa and her mom. I loved all of these classic Pittsburgh locations, and you know they are great locations when they look this good even in winter!

Embrace this season — even if it’s cold. Tips for cold shoot days-

• Pick locations that look good in winter, half back up places to shoot if the weather turns super foul. Larger than Life Photography has the perk of the full studio, as well as a few other beautiful spots indoors if needed.
• Bask in the warmth of the carpool! Every Senior Session always has the option of carpooling for no additional fee. This is great when you need to use the car to warm up (on the heated seats near where you are shooting!)
• Enjoy the Perks of working with a full service senior portrait photography studio! Warm drinks, snacks, hand-warmers & blankets come standard with every session as I really do strive to make your senior shoot day, comfortable, fun and EPIC!

Always Booking Seniors — Inquire today. You can still have winter senior photos in Pittsburgh!

Inquiry today and I will customize and personalize the perfect session for you. Even if you waited for winter, senior photos in Pittsburgh can be awesome!

Now booking the Class of 2027! If you still need a session for the Class of 2026- I’d love to work with you this spring!

Let’s create senior pictures in Pittsburgh, PA that feel warm — even on the coldest day. 💛❄️📸 Heidi