About
Meet Kristin
Merck
Pittsburgh portrait photographer, PPA Master Photographer, NAPCP certified.
About Kristin
Your family is everything.
Hi, I'm Kristin Merck. I grew up on the beaches of Cape Cod, and I believe the ocean can cure just about anything. I love great food, traveling, date nights with my husband, cheering on my kids at their games, and coming home to our two crazy corgis who keep life very entertaining.
I went to college in Philadelphia for architecture and to play volleyball, which is also where I met my husband. He eventually brought me back to his hometown of Pittsburgh, and that's where we built our life, raised our family, and where I found my way into the work I love so much today.
I've always been drawn to the emotional side of portraiture. Not just how a photograph looks, but how it makes someone feel. As a mother, I know how quickly childhood changes, how easy it is to miss the little details, and how much it means to have artwork that brings you back to a season of life you never want to forget. My work is rooted in connection, confidence, and creating portraits that feel as personal and meaningful as they are beautiful.
Credentials
Certified. Award winning.
Still learning every day.
With more than 14 years of experience as a portrait photographer, I specialize in creating heirloom portraits for growing families & children, seniors, and personal branding. I hold my Master of Photography and Craftsman degrees from Professional Photographers of America (PPA), am a Certified Professional Photographer, and have earned several Master designations from the National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP).
In addition to these credentials, I have traveled across the country for countless workshops, mentorships, and advanced training opportunities, always refining my craft so I can give my clients the highest level of artistry, care, and expertise.
My background in architecture shaped the way I see light, lines, composition, and design, while years of photographing families have taught me how to guide even the most camera-shy clients with ease. I’m especially passionate about helping tweens and teens feel confident through portraiture, which led me to create my Dreamcatchers portrait initiative, a series focused on celebrating individuality, self-esteem, and the unique beauty of each child.
From consultation and wardrobe styling to professional hair and makeup, custom artwork design, and finished wall portraits, every session is thoughtfully planned to create an experience that feels effortless, empowering, and worthy of being displayed for years to come.
NAPCP Master Photographer
New Born
Child
Family
Maturity
Fine Arts
The Studio
Everything you need
is already here.
My studio was designed with families in mind from the very beginning. This is my fourth studio space, and after years of learning what worked beautifully, what could be improved, and what families truly needed during their portrait experience, I used my background in architecture to create my dream studio from the ground up.
Built from concrete walls into a warm, thoughtful portrait studio, every detail was planned to make your session feel comfortable, organized, and effortless.
The studio is fully stocked with everything new parents may need for their baby, including a fully equipped changing table, snacks, drinks, styling tools, and a quiet, heated newborn room where every outfit, wrap, accessory, and prop is within arm’s reach.
Parents and siblings can watch through the window without disturbing the baby, and older children have toys, books, and little comforts to help them feel at ease. With a comfortable sitting room, large shooting space, curated wardrobe and prop closet, and plenty of thoughtful details throughout, the studio was created to help families relax while I take care of the rest.
Workshops
Teaching other
photographers.
Twice a year Kristin teaches workshops through PPA open to all photographers. Private classes for individuals and small groups are available year-round.
What workshops cover
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Newborn and family photography techniques
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Lighting, posing, and session workflow
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Building a sustainable portrait business
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PPA merit eligible