indiana pa photographer | Jen McKen Photography

Horse Farm Senior Photos in Milton, PA | Adelay

jen mcken — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:47:53 +0000

11 Years Later: Adelay’s Senior Photos at Liberty Line Farm

I first photographed Adelay and her family somewhere around 2011, back when she was just a little girl. For several years, photographing their family became an annual tradition. I got to watch the kids grow and document those little stages of life that never seem particularly historic while you’re living them. And then, around 2014, they moved away. Life did what life does. Years passed. Kids grew up. And I hadn’t photographed their family since. Until now.

Take a trip down memory lane and check out some of Adelay’s past family sessions:

→ 2011
→ 2012
→ 2013
→ 2014

And then come back here and look at her senior photos again because HOW DID THAT LITTLE GIRL BECOME A SENIOR?!

From Family Photos to Senior Photos

When I found out I’d get to photograph Adelay’s senior pictures all these years later, there was absolutely no way a 2½-to-3-hour drive was going to stop me. So I packed up my gear and headed across Pennsylvania to Liberty Line Farm in Milton, PA, where we created her senior photos in a place that feels very much like her. Adelay rides horses, so photographing her at the farm made perfect sense. Rather than choosing a location simply because it was pretty, we were able to create senior portraits surrounded by something that’s actually part of her life. And those are always my favorite kinds of sessions.

And Then We Recreated a Little Piece of History

While we were together, we also made time for an updated family portrait. That’s when they told me something that stopped me for a second: The last professional family photos they’d had taken were the ones I photographed in 2014. Twelve years. Kids who were little aren’t little anymore. Everyone has changed. Life has happened. And yet there I was, standing behind the camera photographing all of them together again. That’s the part of this job that means more to me the longer I do it. When I first started photographing families, I knew I was creating photographs for them. What I don’t think I completely understood yet was that I was documenting their history.

The Photos Become More Important With Time

We always think we’ll remember. What they looked like at eight. The missing teeth. The awkward stages. How tall they were compared to Mom. The way siblings interacted before everyone grew up and started creating lives of their own. But eventually the details get fuzzy. The photographs don’t. That’s why seeing Adelay and her family again after all these years felt so special. I wasn’t meeting a brand-new senior client. I was picking up a story I’d started photographing more than a decade ago. From family photos in 2011, to their last session with me in 2014, to Adelay’s senior year in 2026. That’s a pretty incredible timeline to get to document.

I hope it isn’t another 12 years before the next family photo.

Let Me Tell Your Story

You don’t have to know yet which photos will mean the most to you 10 or 15 years from now. That’s kind of the magic of it. Maybe I’m photographing your senior now. Maybe I photographed them when they were five. Maybe this is the first chapter we’ll create together, and hopefully not the last. Whether your senior wants horses, sports, city streets, their family farm or something completely their own, we’ll create photographs that actually feel like them. I’m based in Blairsville, Pennsylvania and photograph seniors throughout Indiana County, Western Pennsylvania and, clearly, wherever a good story takes me.

Ready to plan senior photos that will mean even more years from now? Reach out and let’s start planning your session.

FAQ: Senior Photography With Jen McKen Photography

Do you travel for senior photography sessions?

Yes. While Jen McKen Photography is based in Blairsville, Pennsylvania and regularly photographs seniors throughout Indiana County and Western Pennsylvania, travel sessions are available. Adelay’s session took me roughly 2½ to 3 hours from home to Liberty Line Farm in Milton, PA.

Can we choose a senior photo location based on a hobby?

Absolutely—and I encourage it. Locations connected to a senior’s actual life can make the photographs much more meaningful. Farms, athletic fields, downtown streets, family properties and other personal locations can help tell a story rather than simply provide a pretty background.

Can we include family photos during a senior session?

Depending on the session and location, absolutely. Senior year is a huge milestone for the entire family, and sometimes it’s the perfect excuse to finally update the family portrait—especially if your last one is more than a decade old. Ahem.

The post Horse Farm Senior Photos in Milton, PA | Adelay first appeared on Jen McKen Photography.

River Valley Senior Pictures | Isabella’s Senior Session

jen mcken — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:19:46 +0000

A FULL-CIRCLE MOMENT BEHIND THE LENS

There are some photography sessions that you remember because of the photos. And then there are the sessions you remember because of the story behind them. This one falls into the second category.

Long before Isabella was born, I stood on that very same property as a brand-new newspaper photographer covering a story about the restoration of a historic log cabin. It was 2004. I had just graduated from college, I was new to the job and I felt like I had everything to prove. I remember following the reporter around while experts explained the reconstruction process. I was taking photographs, trying to look confident and professional, when I suddenly started to feel sick. Not a little sick. The kind of sick where you immediately start looking for the nearest place to hide.

I quietly slipped away and ended up getting sick in the bushes, hoping no one would notice. I was absolutely convinced the reporter was going to think I was hung over. I was mortified. A week or two later, I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, Mallory.

Fast-forward 22 years. There I was again, standing on that same property, owned by her family, a place Isabella spent playing growing up, with my camera in hand. Only this time, I wasn’t a nervous 22-year-old trying to prove myself. I was photographing Isabella’s senior session. And somehow, without either of us planning it, we ended up using that exact log cabin as the backdrop for some of her photos.

People often think photography is about freezing a single moment in time. But after 24 years behind the camera, I’ve learned that it’s really about collecting stories. Sometimes those stories stretch across decades. Sometimes they connect complete strangers. And sometimes they bring you right back to the place where your own story was just beginning.

Standing in front of that cabin, I couldn’t help but smile. Because life has a funny way of bringing everything full circle.

Or should we just call it the day I accidentally marked a future senior photo location by throwing up in the landscaping?

WHO IS ISABELLA?

She’s the girl who will spend the morning at the gym, the afternoon hiking with her family and the evening finding a festival, going for a drive or hanging out with friends. She’s equal parts cheerleader, church volunteer, theater kid and psychology major-in-the-making. But more than anything, she’s someone who genuinely wants to make people happy.

She’s optimistic without being unrealistic, confident without needing to be the center of attention and grateful for the life she’s living right now. In a generation that’s constantly being told to have everything figured out, Isabella is perfectly comfortable admitting that she doesn’t have all the answers yet. She just knows she wants to help people, and honestly, that’s a pretty incredible place to start.

Her playlist jumps from Mac Miller to Stand By Me. She shops at TJ Maxx, Aerie, Hollister and Brandy Melville. She loves CAVA, ice skating, long walks and spending time with the people she loves. She’s also the girl who once tried to pet a rabid raccoon because she thought it was a cat.

Basically? Isabella is proof that happiness never goes out of style.

READY TO PLAN YOUR OWN SENIOR SESSION?

If you’re looking for senior photos that feel natural, reflect your personality and capture this season of your life exactly as it is, I’d love to work with you. Whether your vibe is wildflowers, downtown streets, football fields, coffee shops, vintage trucks or a historic log cabin with a story to tell, we’ll create a session that’s uniquely you. Because your senior photos shouldn’t look like everyone else’s.

They should look like your story. Ready to start planning? Reach out, and let’s create something you’ll still love long after your senior year is over.

The post River Valley Senior Pictures | Isabella’s Senior Session first appeared on Jen McKen Photography.

Virginia Senior Photos | Abby’s Senior Session in PA

jen mcken — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:41:54 +0000

There’s something pretty darn cool about having a senior travel from another state because she wants you to photograph this chapter of her life. Abby made the trip from Virginia to Blairsville, Pennsylvania for her senior photos with Jen McKen Photography, and I knew before she even stepped in front of my camera that this session was going to be a good one. She’s outgoing. Athletic. Funny. The kind of girl who loves country music, sunshine, animals, the beach, a good book, being outside—and apparently laughing so hard she cries and occasionally pees her pants. Listen, SHE put that on the questionnaire. I’m simply reporting the facts. But underneath all of that fun is a young woman who seems to have a pretty solid understanding of who she is and where she’s headed. And she’s headed somewhere pretty exciting.

Meet Abby

Abby is a rising senior at Battlefield High School in Virginia, where saying she’s “involved” feels like a bit of an understatement. She plays softball and swims, manages both football and volleyball, and participates in athletic student leadership. Oh and after graduation? She’s headed to Amherst College, where she’ll continue playing softball at the collegiate level. No big deal. Just casually balancing approximately 47 activities while the rest of us are proud of ourselves for remembering to move the laundry from the washer to the dryer.

Twelve Years of Softball…and She’s Just Getting Started

Softball isn’t something Abby picked up recently. She’s been playing for 12 years. That’s a huge part of her story, which made incorporating softball into her senior portraits feel less like bringing a “prop” and more like documenting something that has helped shape who she is. And the story doesn’t end with high school. Abby will be attending Amherst College and playing collegiate softball, so she brought along her Amherst flag to celebrate what comes next. Senior photos should do both. They should preserve the person you are right now while leaving a little room for the person you’re becoming.

A Future Psychiatric Nurse With a Big Reason Why

One of my favorite things about photographing seniors is hearing them talk about their future. When I asked Abby what she wants to do someday, she told me she hopes to become a psychiatric nurse. Her reason? She wants to help people who may not be able to help themselves or who have somehow become lost in the process. That’s a pretty meaningful answer from someone who hasn’t even graduated from high school yet. There is so much emphasis during senior year on what comes next…college, majors, careers, sports, plans. But sometimes the more interesting question is why. Abby already seems to know hers.

The Senior Photo Vision: Greenery, Water + a Long Dress

Abby had a very specific vision when we started talking about her senior session. She wanted greenery. She wanted water. She wanted something that felt outdoorsy and natural…somewhere with a river, creek or lake where she could actually step into the water wearing a long dress. Ummmm…YES. This is exactly why I love planning senior sessions around the person I’m photographing rather than recreating the same poses in the same places over and over again. Her session wasn’t about following whatever senior-photo trend is popular this year. It was about creating something that felt like Abby. Natural. Outdoorsy. Laid-back. A little adventurous. And beautiful without feeling overly staged.

From Virginia to Western Pennsylvania for Senior Photos

Having Abby and her family travel from Virginia to Western Pennsylvania for her senior portrait experience is something I don’t take lightly. There are photographers everywhere. So when someone gets in the car, crosses state lines and comes to Indiana County specifically because they connect with the way I photograph people and tell their stories, that means something to me. After all these years behind the camera, that’s still one of the biggest compliments someone can give me.

Abby, thank you for trusting me with yours. I have a feeling this next chapter is going to be a pretty darn good one. And wherever it takes you… be where your feet are.

Want Senior Photos That Actually Feel Like You?

Your senior session doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. Bring the softball. Bring the guitar. Bring the truck. Bring the dog. Bring the baby blanket you’ve had since birth. Get in the creek. Wear the dress. Tell me the weird idea you’ve been saving on Pinterest. We’ll figure out how to make it yours.

Jen McKen Photography creates personalized, storytelling-focused senior photography in Blairsville, Indiana County and throughout Western Pennsylvania and yes, apparently Virginia seniors are welcome to cross state lines and come play, too. Ready to create senior photos that tell your story? Reach out to Jen McKen Photography to start planning your session.

Five Random Things You Should Know About Abby

Because every good magazine profile needs the important investigative journalism:

She loves to read.
She has played softball for 12 years.
She cries when she laughs really hard.
She loves naps.
She says she loves getting sunburned.

Abby, I support four out of five of these choices.

Please wear sunscreen.

Abby, At a Glance

Three words she’d use to describe herself:
Outgoing. Funny. Athletic.

Current soundtrack:
Country—with Ella Langley, Jason Aldean, Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen making regular appearances.

Perfect day off:
Working out, hanging with friends or her boyfriend, taking a walk, watching a movie or going shopping.

Things she loves:
Animals, kids, reading, traveling, the beach, the lake, being outside…and naps.

Honestly, Abby. Same.

FAQ: Senior Photos with Jen McKen Photography

Do you photograph seniors who live outside Pennsylvania?

Absolutely. Abby traveled from Virginia for her senior session, and I’m always happy to work with seniors traveling into Western Pennsylvania. We can plan the session ahead of time so your locations, outfits and overall feel make the trip worthwhile.

Can I incorporate sports into my senior photos?

YES. If you’ve spent years playing a sport, it’s part of your story. We can incorporate uniforms, equipment, fields or other meaningful details without making your entire gallery feel like traditional sports portraits.

Can I bring sentimental items to my senior session?

Please do. Sometimes the smallest object carries the biggest story. Abby brought the baby blanket she’s had since birth, along with pieces representing softball and her future at Amherst. Those details make your photos personal instead of generic.

Can my senior session include multiple locations or different looks?

Depending on your session, absolutely. I love creating variety and choosing locations around Western Pennsylvania that complement your personality, clothing and interests rather than forcing every senior into the same setting.

What if I have a weird idea for my senior photos?

Even better. Tell me. Some of my favorite photographs begin with, “Okay, this might sound weird, but…”

The post Virginia Senior Photos | Abby’s Senior Session in PA first appeared on Jen McKen Photography.

Levi’s 1st Day of 5th Grade

jen mcken — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:07:41 +0000

1st Day of 5th Grade

Every year on the first day of school, I get up a little earlier than I probably need to, grab my camera, and start documenting. I’ve been doing this since Mallory started kindergarten. Back then, I don’t think I realized I was starting a tradition. I was just a photographer-mom with a camera who wanted to remember the backpack, the outfit, the breakfast, the nervous excitement and that walk to the bus. But I kept doing it. Every. Single. Year.

By the time Mallory graduated, I had an entire collection of first mornings, from kindergarten all the way through senior year. I put them together in a book for her, and it became one of those things I’m so glad I was slightly obnoxious about. So naturally, Levi never stood a chance. This morning was his first day of fifth grade. And in true ninja-mom fashion, I followed him around the house with my camera.

Fifth-grade mornings look a little different than kindergarten mornings. Especially with a boy who would probably prefer that his mother stop documenting his every move before he’s fully awake. There’s less fuss over the outfit. Less posing. Definitely less enthusiasm about Mom saying, “Wait, stand there for one second.” And this year, if I’m being truthful, there wasn’t a whole lot of excitement about school either. Levi wasn’t thrilled about going back. He didn’t want to pretend he was excited for my camera, either. And I wasn’t going to make him.

School isn’t his favorite place. Learning doesn’t always come easily to him, and I think when something requires more effort from you than it seems to require from everyone else, it’s pretty understandable that you might not exactly jump out of bed screaming, “FIFTH GRADE! LET’S GOOOO!” So this morning, I let him feel how he felt. He got himself up. He got dressed. He got ready.And I quietly…or maybe not so quietly…followed him around documenting it.

Eventually, the nerves softened. I got a laugh. Then a smile. And by the time the bus came, there was my Levi again. The kid who can make me laugh with the most random comment when I least expect it. And somewhere in the middle of photographing this completely ordinary school morning, it hit me: This is his last first day of elementary school. Next year, he’ll be heading to middle school. And after all these years of elementary school between my two kids, this is my last year of having an elementary school kid.

Oof. That one snuck up on me. There are so many parts of parenting that feel like they’re going to last forever when you’re living them. Packing lunches. Signing papers. Looking for missing shoes five minutes before the bus comes. Elementary school concerts, field trips, classroom parties and backpacks dropped wherever backpacks apparently believe they belong. And then one morning you realize you’re doing some of those things for the last time.

That’s probably why I keep taking the pictures. As a photographer, I’ve spent more than twenty years documenting other people’s milestones. I know how quickly the things that feel ordinary today become the things we desperately wish we could see again someday. The messy unorganized room. The messy hair. The sleepy face. The backpack that somehow looks enormous in kindergarten and completely normal a few years later. The front porch pictures. The walk to the bus. Even the kid who doesn’t particularly want his picture taken. Especially that kid.

Someday, Levi may roll his eyes at this tradition the same way his sister eventually did. Actually, let’s be serious. He absolutely will. But I also know he’ll humor me. Because he knows it matters to me. And someday, when he graduates, I’ll make him the same book I made for Mallory, kindergarten through twelfth grade, all those first mornings lined up beside each other. He’ll be able to watch himself grow one school year at a time. And maybe by then he’ll understand why his crazy photographer mother followed him around every August with a camera.

Today, though, I’m not ready to skip ahead that far. Today he’s just my fifth grader. A little nervous. Not particularly thrilled about school. Growing up faster than I’d like. And smiling before he got on the bus. One more first day documented.

Only seven more to go.But who’s counting? Me. Obviously.

First Day of Kindergarten
First Day of 1st Grade
First Day of 2nd Grade
First Day of 3rd Grade
First Day of 4th Grade

The post Levi’s 1st Day of 5th Grade first appeared on Jen McKen Photography.

The Home Farm Barn Summer Wedding | Alex + Hunter

jen mcken — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:46:21 +0000

Alex + Hunter’s Home Farm Barn Summer Wedding in Indiana, PA

Alex and Hunter planned their wedding at The Home Farm Barn in Indiana, Pennsylvania, while living out of state—and they didn’t see their Indiana County wedding venue in person until the day before the wedding.

Planning a wedding is one thing. Planning a wedding from out of state at a venue you haven’t actually seen in person yet? That requires a whole different level of trust. Alex and Hunter planned their wedding at The Home Farm Barn in Indiana, Pennsylvania, while living out of state—and Alex didn’t see the venue in person until the day before the wedding, when they arrived for setup. No pressure.

Luckily, they had an incredible team helping bring everything together, and by the time the wedding day arrived, The Home Farm Barn was filled with dusty blues, navy, gold accents, pearls, approximately 150 of their favorite people, and all the pieces of a celebration they had been imagining from several states away. And somehow, it all came together beautifully.

From Best Friends to Bride + Groom

Alex and Hunter met during their freshman year of college through mutual friends and quickly became best friends. Over time, that friendship became something more. For Hunter, the realization that Alex was his person happened during the second half of their senior year when they lived together. Spending everyday life together made it pretty clear that this was the person he wanted beside him for the rest of it.

For Alex, the moment involved someone else entirely: their dog, Sosa. Hunter wasn’t exactly thrilled when Alex first brought Sosa home. But eventually she started noticing the wrestling matches, the secretly shared snacks and just how much Hunter loved and spoiled him. Watching the two of them together—and especially taking walks as their own little family…made something click.

A Proposal Hidden Inside College Graduation Photos

Technically, Alex had a little advance warning that a proposal might be coming. She accidentally found the ring. Whoops. She knew something was probably happening, but she didn’t know when. Hunter managed to preserve at least part of the surprise by proposing during their college graduation photos while one of Alex’s close friends was taking pictures. It was the perfect full-circle moment: celebrating the end of one chapter while beginning an entirely new one.

Planning a Pennsylvania Wedding From Out of State

By the time their wedding arrived, Alex and Hunter were living in Delaware, which meant much of their Indiana County wedding had to be planned from a distance. They chose The Home Farm Barn in Indiana, PA, and put their trust in the people here to help make their vision happen. In fact, Alex didn’t actually see the venue in person until the day before the wedding during setup.

As a photographer who has worked a lot of weddings throughout Indiana County and Western Pennsylvania, I can tell you that having a strong vendor team matters on every wedding day, but it becomes especially important when you’re planning from several hours away. You need people who communicate. People who know the venue. People who can solve problems without turning every little hiccup into an emergency. Alex and Hunter had exactly that.

The Rule They’ll Carry Into Marriage

Underneath all the funny stories, there’s one little detail I loved about them. Alex said one tradition they plan to carry into their future together is simple: No phones at the dinner table.

It doesn’t matter whether they’re home or eating out. Dinner is time to actually be together. It makes perfect sense considering their Friday-night tradition. After a long week, they go out to a bar, put their phones away, order food and drinks and spend a few hours actually talking about their week. There’s something beautifully uncomplicated about that. In a world where everyone is constantly documenting, scrolling and responding to something, they’ve intentionally created little pockets of life where they are simply present with each other. Hunter, meanwhile, has also established an important future-family tradition: Their children will not be required to attend school the Monday after the Super Bowl. Priorities.

Alex + Hunter’s Indiana, PA Wedding Vendors

A wedding planned from out of state requires people you can trust, and Alex and Hunter had a wonderful team helping make their day happen.

Venue: The Home Farm Barn — Indiana, Pennsylvania
Wedding Coordination: Colleen — One Fine Day PA
Hair + Makeup: Tracey Chambers
DJ: It Takes 2 — Jenn Gunter
Catering: Mission BBQ
Photography: Jen McKen Photography

Planning a wedding at The Home Farm Barn or somewhere else in Western Pennsylvania? Reach out to Jen McKen Photography and tell me what you’re dreaming up. I want to hear the whole story—the sentimental parts, the weird parts and everything in between.

The Very Serious Business of Being Alex + Hunter

Of course, sentimental is only half the story with these two. Their relationship also includes some wonderfully specific quirks. Their ideal Saturday morning? Sam’s Club.

They wake up early, wander the aisles together, get what they need—and probably several things they don’t—and Hunter gets his soft pretzel and soda before they sit and people-watch. That’s marriage material. Alex is the more social of the two, while Hunter tends to be reserved until he’s comfortable. Apparently once you get him talking, though, good luck getting him to stop. Alex’s treat-yourself order is a green tea refresher and cake pop from Starbucks.

Hunter’s? Velveeta Shells & Cheese. Alex would be thrilled with a thoughtful, personalized gift tied to a memory or inside joke. Hunter would like free beer.They are beautifully balanced.

If they won the lottery tomorrow, Alex would buy a boat and Hunter would be shopping for a 1997 Toyota Supra. And while Alex admits that Hunter’s nervous leg-shaking can occasionally drive her crazy—particularly when it gets vigorous enough to shake the entire car—Hunter would like it officially documented that Alex shops and buys things she does not need. We won’t be taking sides.

Planning a Wedding at The Home Farm Barn?

One of the things I love about photographing weddings in Indiana County is being able to tell the story of the day in a way that feels like the people actually living it. Yes, we’ll make the beautiful portraits. But I also want the photo of Grandma watching you when you don’t notice. Your best friend losing it on the dance floor. Your dad’s face right before he walks you down the aisle. The way your new spouse looks at you when everyone else’s attention is somewhere else. Those are the photographs that become more valuable with time. If you’re planning a wedding at The Home Farm Barn in Indiana, PA, or anywhere throughout Indiana County and Western Pennsylvania, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Farm Barn Weddings

Where is The Home Farm Barn located?

The Home Farm Barn is located in Indiana, Pennsylvania, making it a convenient wedding venue for couples looking to celebrate in Indiana County and the surrounding Western Pennsylvania region.

Can you plan an Indiana, PA wedding while living out of state?

Absolutely—and Alex and Hunter are proof. A responsive venue, experienced wedding professionals and clear communication become especially important when you’re coordinating everything from another state. Their wedding came together beautifully even though they didn’t see the venue in person until the day before.

Is The Home Farm Barn good for wedding photography?

The property gives couples the ability to keep much of their wedding day in one location while still creating variety in their photographs. For photographers, having access to different textures, open spaces and changing light throughout the day means we can create polished portraits while also documenting the candid moments happening around the celebration.

Do you photograph weddings outside Indiana County?

Yes. Jen McKen Photography is based in Blairsville, Pennsylvania and photographs weddings throughout Indiana County, Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania and beyond. Destination and out-of-state weddings are also welcome.

The post The Home Farm Barn Summer Wedding | Alex + Hunter first appeared on Jen McKen Photography.

2026 Christmas Studio Sessions | North Pole Experience

jen mcken — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:15:06 +0000

These Aren’t Traditional Christmas Mini Sessions

If you’ve ever had a session with me before, you already know that I’m a documentary-style photographer at heart. I love movement. I love interaction. I love the moments children create when they forget a camera is even in the room.

They’re about experiencing something together. Because years from now, you probably won’t remember whether your child looked directly into the camera. But you’ll remember the way they held their train ticket. You’ll remember the excitement of dropping a letter into Santa’s mailbox. You’ll remember the wonder in their eyes. And that’s exactly what I want to preserve. The magic happens in the in-between moments. The excitement of finding a letter. The curiosity of looking down the train tracks. The laughter that happens while sorting Christmas packages or the serious concentration that comes with writing a letter to Santa. They’re storytelling sessions designed to capture the magic of childhood.

Step into two beautifully designed holiday sets inside our Blairsville studio (Limited sessions will be available.):

The North Pole Railway Station

Santa’s Magical Mailroom

Book Your Session

The Holiday Experience | $355

30 minute storytelling session
Two interactive Christmas sets
5 digital images of your choice
Up to 4 people included
Additional images: $55 each
Interactive props designed to encourage imagination and play

Additional images, collections, albums, and keepsakes will be available after you view your gallery.

A Few Important Details

Sessions will be offered from mid-October through December 2026
Located in Blairsville, Pennsylvania
Up to 4 people are included
Additional family members are $25 each
Perfect for children, siblings, and families
Limited availability

Book Your Session

What Are Limited Edition Holiday Sessions?

Limited Edition Holiday Sessions are themed mini sessions designed for families who want festive photos without the full-session commitment. These sets are created once, used for a handful of families, and then POOF ….gone until next year.

Because they’re discounted + seasonal, they book FAST and are only available for a short window. If you want in, now’s the time to slide into my inbox and I’ll get you on the schedule! This year’s holiday sets were designed to feel like pages pulled directly from a Christmas storybook. Children will move through two styled studio scenes while I document genuine moments of curiosity, wonder, laughter, and imagination.

Book Your Session

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a real train?

No. These are beautifully designed, storybook-inspired studio sets created specifically for photography.

Will Santa be there?

No. These sessions focus on imagination, storytelling, and documenting authentic childhood moments.

What ages are these sessions best for?

These sessions are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, elementary-aged children, siblings, and families.

Are these posed mini sessions?

Not entirely. I’ll certainly capture a few smiling-at-the-camera photographs, but the focus will be on documenting natural interactions and genuine expressions.

Book Your Session

The post 2026 Christmas Studio Sessions | North Pole Experience first appeared on Jen McKen Photography.

Edgy Pittsburgh Senior Photos | Dauphin County Vo-Tech Senior

jen mcken — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 13:28:30 +0000

Not Every Senior Girl Dreams of Wildflowers: An Edgy Senior Session in Pittsburgh for a Girl Who Refuses to Be Put in a Box

Bookstores, Coffee Shops, Bridges, and the Pittsburgh Skyline

When we started planning this session, Ariana’s inspiration list was unlike anything I usually receive.

Her vision included: City streets, Bridges, Bookstores, Coffee shops, Pittsburgh skylines, Her favorite books, and Anime collectibles

And if that doesn’t perfectly summarize Ariana’s personality, I don’t know what does. I love senior sessions like this because they’re built around storytelling instead of trends. The goal isn’t to create photographs that look like everyone else’s. The goal is to create photographs that look like you.

Meet Ariana

Ariana is a senior at Dauphin County Vo-Tech, where she’s enrolled in the landscaping program. Her love of flowers runs so deep that she has both orchids and a lotus flower tattooed on her arms.

But that’s only one small piece of who she is.

She’s also:

A bookstore employee
A coffee drink creator
An anime enthusiast
A collector of gemstones, figures, and special-edition books
A lover of all things Y2K
A cat person
A gifted singer
Someone with an almost superhuman ability to memorize song lyrics

Her music taste is exactly what you’d expect from someone who refuses to fit into a single category. Her playlists jump from Sublime to Mitski, Twenty One Pilots, Olivia Rodrigo, Bad Omens, and, according to Ariana, absolutely anything by Megan Thee Stallion….that’s some range.

The Most Important Part of This Story Has Nothing to Do With Senior Pictures

One question on my senior questionnaire always tells me more about someone than any other. What do you want to remember most about this time in your life?

She wants to remember becoming her most authentic self. She wants to remember surviving. She wants to remember finding her people. She wants to remember learning how to stop caring so much about everyone else’s expectations and finally allowing herself to become exactly who she was always supposed to be.

That’s a powerful realization for anyone. Especially during your senior year. Her three words? Empathetic. Eccentric. Resilient. I honestly can’t think of a more accurate description.

More Than Senior Pictures

One of the things I loved most about reading through Ariana’s questionnaire was seeing how much she wants to help people. Her future plans involve advocating for those struggling with mental health because she never wants anyone to feel alone. She knows what it’s like to fight hard battles. She knows what it’s like to feel unheard. And she wants to be part of creating change.

Whether that path begins after a gap year or unfolds in an entirely different way, I have a feeling she’s going to leave her mark on this world.

Ready to Plan a Senior Session That’s Completely Different?

If you’re looking for senior photos in Blairsville, Pittsburgh, Indiana County, or anywhere in Western Pennsylvania, let’s create a session that actually reflects who you are. Bring the books. Bring the coffee. Bring the collectibles. Bring the stuffed animal you’ve had since birth.

Most importantly? Bring your authentic self.

Five Random Facts About Ariana That You Need to Know

She owns a stuffed dog named Bella that she’s had since birth.
She gives her sister increasingly ridiculous Twilight-themed Christmas gifts every year.
She prefers the city over the beach.
She has a daith piercing in her right ear.
She can spend money faster than most people can refresh their banking app. Preorders are already lined up.

Bonus fact?

She still has an album filled with baby pictures of the chicks she helped hatch in elementary school, including photos of them going down makeshift playground slides. I honestly don’t know if anything could be more wholesome than that.

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Photos

Can I bring books, collectibles, or personal items to my senior session?

Absolutely. Your favorite books, collectibles, musical instruments, or sentimental items help tell your story and make your session feel more personal.

Do all senior sessions have to be outdoors?

Not at all. Coffee shops, bookstores, city streets, bridges, rooftops, and urban locations can create incredible senior portraits.

What if I don’t like having my picture taken?

You’re not alone. Many seniors tell me they’re nervous because they don’t like traditional, posed photographs. That’s why I focus on movement, conversation, and natural interactions instead of stiff poses.

The post Edgy Pittsburgh Senior Photos | Dauphin County Vo-Tech Senior first appeared on Jen McKen Photography.

My Most Controversial Blog Post, 15 Years Later

jen mcken — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:00:37 +0000

15 Years Ago (almost to the day) I Wrote an Article That Went Viral.

Here’s What It Really Meant… and What I’ve Learned Since. Fifteen years ago, in my tiny Pennsylvania studio with lukewarm coffee and big dreams, I wrote a blog post titled:

“I Won’t Photograph Ugly People.”

As you can imagine, the internet lost its damn mind. Before anyone grabs their pitchforks again, it wasn’t about looks. It wasn’t vanity.It wasn’t even really about photography. It was about character. But the title was spicy enough that people didn’t bother reading past it before forming Very Loud Opinions. And somehow, that little post, written on a hand-me-down desk while I was still figuring out what the hell I was doing in business and in life, exploded.

TIME.com.
HuffPost.Newspapers.
ABC News.
Blogs.
Radio stations…..across.THE.WORLD.

Everyone had something to say. Some called me brave. Some called me crazy. Some called me fat. Some clearly didn’t read the article. And some of the photographers I thought were my friends made themselves real comfortable in national comment sections , which was a fun little plot twist for my twenties. That sting sticks with you. But here’s the part I didn’t know at the time: That headline would end up meaning a lot more to me as I grew…as a woman, a mom, and an artist. Back then, I thought I was just standing up to a few mean girls. Turns out, I was learning how to stand up for myself.

What Really Happened

In August 2011, I had a normal senior session on my calendar… until I saw the girls’ Facebook posts and felt my stomach hit my kneecaps.

They weren’t just being snarky teenagers, they were full-on Mean Girls: Digital Edition, complete with a Facebook “burn book.” Cruel comments. Laughing. Tearing down another student like the internet wasn’t forever. So I did what any young photographer with a moral backbone and a half-charged laptop would do: I emailed their parents screenshots, refunded their money, and said:

“If you’re ugly on the inside, I’m not going to make you look beautiful on the outside.”

Then I wrote a blog post about it, not to shame them (I never named them, even when news stations begged me to), but because it felt like the only right thing to do. I had worked too hard building my business to represent kindness and authenticity… and then turn around and photograph people actively harming others. I hit publish. And the internet said, “Oh. Bet.”

Within days, the post exploded. TIME.com picked it up. The Huffington Post covered it. My tiny Indiana County studio became ground zero for national opinions…tons of them…about my decision, my ethics, and apparently my entire personality.

WHAT IT MEANT BACK THEN

Back then, it meant something pretty simple: I had boundaries, even if I didn’t know that’s what they were yet. It meant I wasn’t willing to make someone look picture-perfect while they were treating others like crap. It meant I wasn’t going to profit from cruelty or pretend it didn’t exist just because it came with a booking fee. It meant I believed photography was more than pretty pictures, it was a reflection of character, of who we are in the moment the shutter clicks. And it meant I was young, fiery, and completely unafraid to stand alone in my values. Looking back… I’m damn proud of that girl. She didn’t know it yet, but she was planting her first real boundary and strengthening her backbone.

WHAT IT MEANS NOW (15Years Later)

Fifteen years later, after motherhood, divorce, healing, therapy, rebuilding, and finally learning to value myself , the phrase “ugly on the inside” hits completely differently. And here’s the ironic part: the moment I refused to photograph bullies, the internet bullied me. Strangers tore me apart with the same kind of cruelty I was speaking out against. That was my first real taste of how loud people can get when they don’t understand you…and how similar adults can be to the very teenagers I was standing up to.

Life has a funny way of circling back to make sure you really learn the lesson. Here’s what life taught me:

1. Ugly behavior doesn’t stop at high school.
Sometimes it shows up in adults you trusted: friends, family, coworkers, community members. People who never learned emotional accountability. And I’m done making space for that.

2. Outgrowing people is not dramatic, it’s healthy.
Peace > validation. Silence is an answer. Boundaries are a love letter to your future self.

3. Beauty is easy to photograph.
Character is what shows up in the lens. You can’t fake connection. You can’t Photoshop sincerity. Integrity refuses to pose.

4. Who I photograph reflects what I value now.
Sentimental women. Families who adore each other. Seniors with kind hearts. Joyful, grounded couples. People who value emotion over perfection. You can see it in every gallery I share.

5. “I Won’t Photograph Ugly People” was never about judgment…it was about alignment.
And ….It still is.

WHAT I WOULD TELL 2011 ME

I’d tell her:

“Good job. This moment wasn’t just about the bullies, it was about you learning to choose yourself. This was your first boundary… the tiny spark that would eventually light the way for every single one you’d have to set later. You had no idea you were practicing for the big ones.”

FULL CIRCLE MOMENT

Fifteen years later, that decision feels less like a bold business move… and more like a premonition. It was the first time I ever said, even quietly:
“I don’t have to participate in someone else’s ugliness.”

I didn’t know it then, but that one decision became the seed of:

the boundaries I’d eventually have to protect
the toxic patterns I’d walk away from
the cycles I’d work hard to break
the relationships I’d outgrow
the family dynamics I’d no longer tolerate
the life I’d rebuild from scratch
the peace I’d protect at all costs

Back then, it felt like it was just about four mean girls and one senior portrait session. But really? It was the first time I learned that I don’t have to make space for people who cause harm…even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it’s misunderstood, even when people don’t like it. It was the moment I chose values over validation. My first quiet rebellion. My first “I deserve better.” And the wild part? I had no idea how many times I’d have to say that sentence again but in far deeper, far more painful circumstances.

The Part No One Could Have Predicted

Fifteen years later, I’ve photographed thousands of people. I’ve traveled to places my younger self never imagined. I’ve stood on mountaintops, inside hospitals, in churches, on beaches, on boats, in backyards, and in living rooms documenting the moments that eventually become family history.

I’ve met CEOs, construction workers, stay-at-home moms, farmers, artists, physicians, athletes, business owners, and grandparents celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversaries. I’ve photographed tiny backyard weddings and elaborate cultural celebrations. I’ve documented first babies, growing families, graduating seniors, and women learning to see themselves differently. I’ve watched people fall in love, become parents, start businesses, rebuild after heartbreak, and celebrate milestones they once thought they’d never reach. And every single person I’ve photographed has left a fingerprint on my life in some way.

That’s the part of this story no one could have predicted in 2011. A viral article may have put my name in front of millions of people. But photography? Photography introduced me to humanity. The internet remembered the headline.I remember the people.

A PhD in Resilience

And listen… if I can survive being attacked virally when ‘going viral’ meant something VERY different than TikTok viral AND survive small town gossip….I think I’m more than qualified to speak on what ‘ugly on the inside’ really looks like.
At this point, I’ve basically earned a PhD in resilience.”

But I did. And I survived. And I rebuilt. And I became the woman who can say …with her whole chest:

I’m allowed to walk away from people who are beautiful on the outside but damaging on the inside.

Full circle. Right back to that 2011 headline… only now I understand it in a way my twenty-something-year-old self couldn’t have possibly imagined. Today, it’s not just about clients. It’s about relationships. It’s about emotional safety. It’s about peace. It’s about the example I’m setting for my children. It’s about the life I’m creating with intention.

Today, I understand the weight of those words more than ever:

Ugly isn’t a face.
Ugly is behavior.
Ugly is cruelty.
Ugly is a pattern.

And kindness? Kindness photographs BEAUTIFULLY.

SO NOW WHAT?

So here we are, fifteen years later. Same moral. Different woman.

I still won’t photograph “ugly people.” Not because I’m judging anyone but because your photos should reflect who you truly are: Kind. Warm. Joyful. Real. Sentimental. Human. Loved. Growing. Authentic. Those are my people. Those are the stories I’m here to tell.

If you’ve been here since 2011, you absolutely deserve a loyalty card. You’ve survived my spicy headlines, my glow-ups, my heartbreaks, my mom era, my boundary era, my healing era, and now my “photograph people with good souls” era. Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for staying. And if you’re new here? Buckle up, babe. We’ve got stories to tell.

If I can survive a small-town rumor mill AND MySpace top 8 politics… trust me, I’m good. <3

2011 — The Firestarter (“I Won’t Photograph Ugly People”)

2011 — The Clarification (“Here’s what I meant”)

2012 — The Aftermath (“What I Learned About Going Viral”)

The post My Most Controversial Blog Post, 15 Years Later first appeared on Jen McKen Photography.

Faith, Music & Cars | Indiana PA Senior Photos

jen mcken — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:14:48 +0000

Faith, Music + Cars: Indiana Area Senior High School Class of 2027

Meet Aiden! He is a senior at Indiana Area Senior High School and a leader in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He’s also a worship leader at his church, where music plays a major role in his life.

One of my favorite parts of being a senior photographer in Indiana, Pennsylvania, is getting to know the person standing in front of my camera before I ever pick one up. Every senior has a different story, and Aiden’s story couldn’t be summed up in just one word.

When he’s not leading worship, you’ll probably find him:

Playing guitar
Singing
Working out
Making coffee at work
Spending time with friends

Music isn’t just a hobby for Aiden. It’s woven into nearly every part of his life. His playlists range from indie-pop and country to worship music, and artists like Dominic Fike are regulars in his rotation. But what stood out most during our conversations wasn’t his talent or his long list of interests. It was his perspective.

A Few Fun Facts About Aiden

He’s left-handed.
He knows sign language.
He plays multiple instruments.
He loves to sing.
He once had a Roblox YouTube channel that middle-school Aiden would probably rather everyone forget.

Why Documentary-Style Senior Photography Matters

One of the reasons I love senior photography throughout Indiana County and Western Pennsylvania is because every session becomes a time capsule. Senior year is one of those rare seasons in life where everything feels possible. You’re old enough to start building your future, but you’re still holding on to the people, places, and passions that helped shape who you are. Whether Aiden eventually pursues music, real estate, or both, one thing seems pretty clear. He’s not interested in following a single path…that’s exactly what makes this chapter so exciting.

Ready to Create Senior Photos That Actually Feel Like You?

Your senior photos shouldn’t look like everyone else’s. Whether you’re into music, sports, cars, art, or something completely different, your session should tell your story. If you’re looking for a senior photographer in Blairsville, Indiana County, or anywhere in Western Pennsylvania, I’d love to help you create something that’s uniquely yours. Reach out, let’s start planning your session.

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Photos

Can I include my car in my senior pictures?

Absolutely. Cars can add personality and create a more customized senior session experience.

Should I bring my hobbies or instruments to my senior session?

Yes. Instruments, sports equipment, books, cars, artwork, and other meaningful items help tell your story.

What if I have multiple interests and can’t choose a theme?

You don’t have to choose just one. The best senior sessions often combine multiple interests to create a gallery that feels authentic.

The post Faith, Music & Cars | Indiana PA Senior Photos first appeared on Jen McKen Photography.

Marion Center Senior Photos | Parker’s Senior Session

jen mcken — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:22:59 +0000

Meet Parker- Marion Center High School Senior

Parker works at a local ice cream shop. She loves fashion and redecorating her room. Her favorite food is an açaí bowl. She journals almost every day and, according to her mom, she can even sing a little.

Her ideal free day involves sleeping in, taking a walk, going to the gym, grabbing a fun drink from Starbucks or 7 Brew, getting Chipotle, hanging out with friends and finishing the night with her comfort movie, Michael. And then there’s Michael Jackson. Parker isn’t just a casual fan. She’s among the top percentage of Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 listeners, with favorites including Human Nature, Ben, The Girl Is Mine, The Lady in My Life and Stranger in Moscow. Basically, if Michael Jackson somehow comes up during a senior session, Parker has entered the chat.

She’s also a skier…although skiing has provided at least one humbling life experience. While getting off a ski lift with her brother and friends, everyone jumped off, the chair swung back and Parker proceeded to fall face-first off the lift…in front of the guy she liked. If that isn’t a teenage coming-of-age movie scene, I don’t know what is.

Senior Photos That Actually Feel Like You

Senior year is a weird little time capsule. You’re old enough to know yourself pretty well, young enough to still be figuring out what comes next, and suddenly everything comes with the word last attached to it. For Parker, a senior at Marion Center Jr/Sr High School, that’s exactly what she wants to remember…the fun, the friendships, and all those bittersweet “lasts” that come with senior year. When we planned her senior photos here in Western Pennsylvania, the goal wasn’t to create something overly posed or trendy just for the sake of being trendy. Parker wanted warm tones, natural images, flowers, little pops of color and, most importantly, photos that actually felt like her. And that is always the goal.

“But What If I’m Awkward in Photos?”

Here’s something I hear ALL. THE. TIME. “I’m afraid I’m going to look awkward.”

Most seniors aren’t professional models. They aren’t supposed to walk into a session knowing what to do with their hands, where to look or how to stand. That’s my job.

The best senior photos usually happen somewhere between the actual poses, the walking, laughing, fixing your hair, looking away or moving through a location naturally. You don’t have to know how to be photogenic. You just have to show up. I’ll take care of the rest.

Why Your Senior Photos Become More Important With Time

Senior photos are obviously fun now. But I think their real value shows up later. Years from now, you’ll notice things you barely think about today. The hairstyle you always wore. The jewelry you never took off. The clothes you thought were so you. The way you smiled. The confidence you were just beginning to find.

You’ll remember the friends you spent every weekend with, the place you worked after school, the songs you played approximately 9,472 times and the dreams you had before adulthood came along and started rearranging them. That’s why I don’t believe senior photography should only be about creating a pretty profile picture. We’re documenting a version of you that only exists for a little while….and that’s worth remembering.

Ready to Plan Your Senior Photos?

If you’re looking for senior photography in Indiana County or Western Pennsylvania and want something that feels natural, personal and completely different from a cookie-cutter senior session, let’s start planning.

Come with ideas. Come with a Pinterest board. Come with absolutely no clue what you want. Just come as yourself. I’ll take it from there.

Reach out, let’s work together!

Senior Photo FAQ

What if I don’t know how to pose for senior photos?

Perfect. You don’t need to. I guide my seniors through posing, movement and prompts throughout the entire session so you aren’t left wondering what to do with yourself.

Should I bring props to my senior session?

Only if they’re meaningful to you. Sports equipment, instruments, cars or something connected to a hobby can be fun, but props are absolutely not required. Your session can still feel incredibly personal without them.

How do I choose outfits for senior photos?

Choose clothing that feels like an elevated version of what you’d actually wear. I recommend bringing variety in color, texture and style rather than several outfits that photograph similarly. Trends are fun—especially during senior year—but adding pieces that genuinely feel like you keeps the gallery personal.

Where can senior photos be taken in Western Pennsylvania?

Almost anywhere with the right light and permission. I photograph seniors throughout Blairsville, Indiana County and Western Pennsylvania using fields, urban locations, family properties, sports facilities and unexpected little pockets of great light. A location doesn’t have to be spectacular in real life to photograph beautifully.

The post Marion Center Senior Photos | Parker’s Senior Session first appeared on Jen McKen Photography.