Traditional Pittsburgh Fall

Every year after I painstakingly put myself through summer, I’m 100% ready for fall. The season of autumn is our favorite, so we try to hit up local farms for pumpkins, gain several pounds on pies, bread, and hot chocolate.. We celebrate our Anniversary, and we look forward to getting cold and cuddling up. It’s the perfect time of year. Especially for capturing some Fall Photography in Pittsburgh.

While Traxx Farms tends to be quite expensive, we enjoy the assortment and quantity of things available there. Plants, a variety of food, and tons of novelty items. Lately, we plan a seasonal recipe, and grab some produce there to try it out. We made apple cobbler one year, and pickled a bunch of peppers and cucumbers.

I always thought the aesthetics of Traxx was really appealing. It has a great touristy, but traditional seasonal vibe. They recently added a threadbare cider bar as well. If you have kids able to attend its a lot of fun for them with activities and snacks.

The environment is really great at giving you a genuine fall to winter feeling. Gearing us closer to Thanksgiving, then Christmas to spend with families.

Like Indian Corn.

I’m always reminded of my Grandpa Ray with the Indian Corn. He’d always have it outside and the squirrels would devour it. I’m not sure if he did it intentionally since Ray was fond of Squirrels. But nonetheless, Indian Corn strikes a fond and loving memory of him, so does seeing Squirrels. Family has a beautiful way of coming together in the fall.

Fun note: I recently came down with a pretty wicked Sinus flu. I was on a steady supply of Halls Menthols ( The blue kind ) I used to despise the smell of them as a kid because my Grandpa Ray always had them. Then under my breath, I said “Love you Grandpa” as they soothed my pain away. He surely is missed.

I really love the colors.
The Indian Corn, the leaves, pumpkins, produce and the focus on family.
Its a beautiful season.

Discover Deeper Roots

With family comes unique and encouraging relationships. Or at times, frustrating, sometimes distant memories resembling relationships often held together by nothing more than nostalgia.

Throughout my life, I’ve always tried to incorporate myself and weave my heart into families outside my own. I love and miss my family, but I always loved the feeling of getting the trust, love and respect of another family. Sometimes it was through girlfriends, other times through close but now distant friends. It taught me to work for something deeper from those you respect. Sometimes the windows in which we know them are short. But the effects of that Family can have a lasting effect.

Often it pays off.

Fortunate Findings

I love Keyas family. When we first started dating I had a hard time grasping the depth and strength defining struggle that her family has endured. With all my confidence, this one really brought on a new perspective.

To try and establish relationships outside my own family, and embrace ones shes had for a lifetime. It ends up being a privilege. And the more time I spend with the people that made Keya who she is, the more I appreciate them. Her family ultimately has shined a brighter light on her, and through that on us.

Sharing The Light

Part of growing with that light, is creating more time together, and bonding through memories. My family made a big effort to demonstrate that light with Keya right away. It went from weekends off, visiting me in Charlotte from College in App State, to 5 years. Now I’m fortunate enough to experience the same light Keyas family has shown me. Heck its been 3 years already.

Reminder Of The Seasons

As leaves fall off the trees, it reminds us of the close of a season. Some see spring as a fresh start. Others see fall as a fresh start. The new year approaches with new goals to attain and more memories to make. If the start or end of a season has you stumped, it’s the perfect time to close the gap on getting your own fall photography in Pittsburgh or starting a new project. Seasons have a very symbolic effect on our pursuit of happiness.

When seasons end, I’m often reminded of a simple thing…

Family.
The year we’ve had together.
And many more to come.

What is your Fall Tradition?