Kristin Merck Photography
Call now
Call now
Website
Call
Many parents skip family photo sessions because the process is overwhelming and time-consuming. From the style of shoot, to the location, even the finer details like hair, makeup and some pre-selected wardrobe options. We begin with the end in mind, talking about where you'll display your images so that we can capture exactly what you need and want.

Start with professional hair and makeup, then relax while I help pose you and your family to all look your best. All you have to do is have fun and feel amazing. Now you get to see the amazing results! I will guide you in selecting your favorite images and show you the best options to display them in your home.
Services
Twice a year I teach workshops through PPA (Professional Photographers of America) this fall! These will be very small groups (up to 5 people) held at my studio in Upper St. Clair. I also offer private classes (for you or a small group of friends) where we can cover anything from how to use your camera to taking photos of your kids to organizing and doing light edits.
Kristin Merck Photography is a full service studio. What does this mean for you? It means that I am there for you every step of the journey, and you will walk away with custom artwork from your session. We will speak on the phone for your discovery call so I can hear about your vision and answer all your questions.
The goal for any portrait session is the creation of stunning art for display in your home and keepsakes to last a lifetime. The best way to display portraits is to marry the collection with the style of your decor. Groupings of portraits in a series are an effective and beautiful way to tell your story.
This is my 3rd time using Kristin, and each time we are amazed at the entire process. She is so wonderful with the newborns, our other children, and incorporating our entire family at the right time to capture the most treasured moments. Overall an amazing experience and we look forward to using her again in the future!
Kristin is just awesome! We called her a couple years ago to do some pictures for my husband and I to use in an adoption profile. And we were so excited to call her back as our son turned 1 to do some new pictures for us! She remembered us and our story and couldn't wait to meet him. It just shows that she really takes and invested interest in her clients.
Reviews (10)
Laura Cordero
Laura Cordero
Jul 04, 2021
Report
Kristin was wonderful to work with! She took the time to explore different poses for my headshot. It felt like a photoshoot while moving around and using different props. The photos I selected tell a different story about me that I can use on my own media. This is due to Kristin's time and expertise while getting to know me during the shoot. I highly recommend Kristin!
Gretchen
Gretchen
Jan 25, 2021
Report
Our family photo session with Kristin Merck was outstanding from start to finish! She listened to what we wanted, made helpful suggestions when needed, and made many personal touches to the whole experience that did not go unnoticed. Our photos turned out even better than expected, and I would certainly trust Kristin again for any future photography needs!
Kaila Mihalik
Kaila Mihalik
Jun 06, 2020
Report
I can’t thank Kristin enough for the photos she was able to capture of my son. I show them off to everyone I know and everyone is so amazed at how they turned out! My son did NOT want to sleep during his newborn photo shoot and Kristin was so patient with him and was able to rock him back to sleep. Even when he was cranky and wide awake, Kristin captured photos that made him look like he was peacefully sleeping when I KNOW he was awake! It’s crazy how she was able to capture that! I will definitely be using Kristin for future shoots of my son and future babies! Thank you so much!!!
Lauren Parkins
Lauren Parkins
May 23, 2020
Report
I would highly recommend working with Kristin. I purchased a baby plan from her to capture all of my daughter's first year moments. The photos turned out even better than expected. I will cherish these photos forever. Kristin has so many adorable outfits, props, and headbands at her studio that you really don't need to buy anything for your sessions.
Brooke Butler
Brooke Butler
May 21, 2020
Report
Kristin was really great with my family. Her indoor set ups with the kids were simple and let the kids really be the focus of the pictures. Our outdoor family session was the perfect amount of time. She was very patient with my 3yr old and 1yr old. She helped me pick out outfits and the final photos I ordered. She really made the whole experience easy - especially for someone doing it for the first time! More importantly she was always available to ask questions and was prompt in getting the pictures to us.
Cara Anderson
Cara Anderson
Nov 20, 2019
Report
I had an excellent experience with Kristin for our newborn photo session! She is very creative and I loved all the different poses and outfits she chose! She offered everything that we wanted from the session including being able to have all our own digital files.
Lauren D'Alessandro
Lauren D'Alessandro
Oct 09, 2019
Report
We have used several photographers for our 3 children and Kristen was by far the best one to work with. She delivers an amazing experience from start to finish. Kristen was so patient with our kids and delivered amazing photos of our whole family. She incorporated our style into the session and the color scheme from our house which made it so easy to be able to order prints. I would highly recommend Kristen and will be using her again in the future.
Melissa Hodinko
Melissa Hodinko
Aug 28, 2019
Report
I have used Kristin Merck Photography numerous times over the years to capture special moments with my kids, and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Not only is Kristin highly organized and professional, but she has a special knack for putting everyone at ease throughout the photography session. I am always amazed at how she's able to capture of the true "essence" and personalities of my kids. Her finished product is UNBELIEVABLY BEAUTIFUL. I also appreciate her user-friendly online contract and payment process. If you're looking for a fab photographer, she's definitely THE ONE!
Chelsi McIlwain
Chelsi McIlwain
Aug 02, 2018
Report
This is my 3rd time using Kristen for our newborn photos and each time we are amazed at the entire process. She is so wonderful with the newborns, our other children, and incorporating our entire family at the right time to capture the most treasured moments. Her turn around time is quick yet you know she is taking ample time to make your pictures the best they can be. Her ordering session is wonderful with a slideshow that walks you back through the day. Her products are top notch! Overall an amazing experience and we look forward to using her again in the future!
Todd Exley
Todd Exley
Jan 07, 2018
Report
Our family has had a Fall Mini Session with Kristin Merck Photography the last few years. Each time we do it, the session itself is quick, easy and really fun! She keeps our boys engaged, the time flies by, and I'm amazed at how many great photos she is able to take in such a short period of time. She keeps things fresh and new from year to year, so each collection of photos has been unique. And she really captures the personalities of our boys and our interactions as a family during the session. I highly recommend Kristin, she's the best!