Originally from Japan, Miki Pucciarelli has built a life in Pittsburgh alongside her husband, Joe. The Ross Township mom balances a full career and the joyful chaos of raising a young child, Nico (3 ½). After moving to Pittsburgh to teach Japanese language and culture, Pucciarelli quickly discovered that the city’s blend of urban life, natural beauty and close-knit community reminded her of home. She shares how motherhood has deepened her appreciation for family, the importance of community and finding beauty in the everyday moments that make childhood so special.

What drew you to Pittsburgh, and what do you enjoy about living here?

When I first moved to Pittsburgh, I was surprised by how much Pittsburgh reminded me of my hometown of Hiroshima. Both cities have a wonderful balance of city life and beautiful nature, and they’re filled with kind, down-to-earth people who have a fierce love for their sports teams! Although my whole family lives in, Japan, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a loving and supportive family here. It’s one of the many reasons Pittsburgh truly feels like home. I especially love living here as a mom. We never run out of fun things to do! From local businesses and local events to wonderful libraries and parks, there’s always something bringing people together.

You have a successful photography business. How has becoming a mom changed the way you capture stories through your lens?

Before becoming parents, my husband and I photographed weddings and portrait sessions together. After becoming a mom, I realized just how much our own family photos mean to me. I often find myself looking back through them at the end of the day, reliving moments that seemed ordinary at the time but have already become precious memories. That’s what inspires my photography business today. I want to create images that families will treasure not just now, but years from now. While I still photograph the occasional wedding and portrait session, my primary focus is family and newborn photography. Joe primarily photographs weddings, events, seniors and professional portraits.

Are there any traditions or values from your upbringing that influence your parenting style?

One value that’s very important to me is staying connected to my Japanese roots. Since all my family lives in Japan, I speak exclusively Japanese with my son so he can communicate with his grandparents and relatives, and we also celebrate Japanese holidays at home. These small traditions help him feel connected to his roots, even from far away. I hope he grows up embracing both Japanese and American cultures and feels at home in both.

Many parents worry about getting their children to cooperate during photo sessions. What advice do you have for making family photos feel natural and fun?

Don’t worry about perfect smiles or kids sitting still. The best photos come from genuine moments and letting children be themselves. Bringing a favorite toy or stuffed animal can help them feel comfortable. When parents stay relaxed and focus on having fun together, kids usually follow along. I also love engaging with children in a playful, interactive way, which helps them feel at ease and brings out natural moments. My goal is to guide the session so it feels relaxed, fun and stress-free for everyone.

How do you balance running a photography business while raising a young child?

I honestly want to ask all the working moms out there this question because I’m still trying to figure it out! I try to separate work time and family time. When I work, I focus on work; and when I’m off, I’m fully with my son. I like to plan ahead and have found that writing things down and checking my calendar regularly helps me stay intentional about protecting and truly prioritizing family time, even in the busiest seasons.

What do you hope families feel when they look back at the photographs you’ve taken for them years from now?

I hope families feel the love and connection in their lives when they look back at their photos. My goal is for them to remember not just how it looked, but how it felt to be together — how they spent time, what their children were doing and how they were growing during that stage of life.

What is one piece of parenting wisdom or encouragement you’d like to share with other parents of young children?

A former coworker once told me, “The house chores can wait, but your child’s growth can’t,” and I always come back to that when I need a reminder to slow down and be present with my son. I also try to remember that prioritizing my own health and happiness is essential in raising healthy, happy children.

To learn more about Pucciarelli’s photography, visit Loop Photography at loop.pics.

Carrie Woodard is a National Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor and a Pittsburgh mama of two.  

FAMILY FAVORITES:

Weekend Activity: Exploring local farms, community events, museums and other family-friendly adventures

Sports Team: Pittsburgh Penguins

Family Movie: Disney’s “Zootopia”

Date Night Plans: Exploring new restaurants and coffee shops

Family Restaurant: Eddie Merlot’s for special occasions. Surprisingly, they have some of the best kids’ meal options in the city, and their servers are the true highlight. They always go the extra mile for our son! Eat’n Park is our go-to for a more casual meal. Our son won’t let us leave without a Smiley cookie!