Captivating Imagery: Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer and Professional Photography Services

Lee and Brian decided to opt for a post-wedding photography session after their elopement this spring. It was a fun and relaxed way for them to commemorate the beginning of their lives as Mr. and Mrs. We decided to head to the Oakland area of Pittsburgh for its plentiful locations that are perfect for a playful post-wedding session.

Such a pretty bride! The petals were already falling and we had Brian shake the tree a bit to help.

Brian’s look was inspired by Johnny Depp. Lee said they liked what he wore at a recent event and decided that it was a good alternative to a suit or tux for Brian.

Our session was rescheduled by one week due to heavy rain and while it sprinkled that morning, we weren’t going to let that get in our way.

Much giggling occurs when I set couples into loose poses for more romantic shots. And I do love it when they giggle.

Here’s a fun one under another tree with pink blossoms. I love springtime.

We stopped at the gardens outside of Phipps Conservatory for a few shots.

This image was begging to be black and white.

It’s tough to tell, but it was raining lightly here as we walked around outside Heinz Chapel.

Lee is a Pitt graduate and Brian graduate from Penn State, but he was a good sport and didn’t seem to mind having his photo taken all over Pitt’s campus.

Sometimes it’s fun to have a couple that’s not the exact same height. It can be challenging, but it can also bring about unexpected images like this one.

Lee is actually standing on a small concrete bench. If I could go back, I’d photograph a full length shot for fun.

This one was fun. Lee is smiling at Brian who is just taking it all in while he stands off to the side. He said that the Frick Fine Arts building has never looked better.

One thing that’s nice about post-wedding sessions is the opportunity to get a little dirty and have fun. They wanted to get in the fountain for a few photos and I was happy to join in the fun.

This one is a new favorite and it is definitely going on the front page of my site. Lee and Brian, many blessings to you and your marriage! Thanks for a fabulous post-wedding session!

For creative portraits, a good location can really set the mood and provide a backdrop that suits the couple’s style.  From time to time, I’ll be listing a few favorite locations for brides who are still in the planning process.

My first recommendation is a park that has a bad rap, but is actually quite stunning.  Highland Park is tucked right above the Pittsburgh Zoo and is best-known as a shady scene.  I wouldn’t recommend going there after dark, but the beautiful fountain and landscaping is very attractive for photos of the newly married couple.

Here are a few shots at the park:

If you like the feel of this park, but are not keen on the location.  Mellon Park is only a few minutes’ drive away and offers formal gardens and a smaller fountain.  Mellon Park is currently under construction with an art installation in the walled garden which was slated to be complete this fall.  It should be in full splendor in time for the spring and summer of 2010.

Here are two treasures from my vacation in Bermuda: Petals eau de toilette by Lili Bermuda, a sweet perfume that just debuted at the end of June; and rum cake in the Rum Swizzle flavor, a popular Bermudian drink made of dark rum and fruit juices.  More photos of the actual vacation to come…  I took a Holga 120N for those who are familiar and if you are, you know that the camera’s limited controls mean I will, no doubt, be surprised at how they turn out.  I took the camera because 1) it’s cheap and I wouldn’t feel bad if I lost or broke it and 2) because of its capacity for 120 film and endearing aesthetic quality! 

You can approach this process in a number of ways, depending on what’s most important to you: hiring your preferred photographer or securing your preferred location.  If it’s the photography that means the most to you, then contact your preferred photographer first. If you are more concerned about the location, then that is the best place to start.  Of course the further in advance you plan, the better the chances of securing both preferences.  This process is much like piecing together a puzzle and there is no right way to go about it.  Take comfort in knowing that you can weigh all of the aspects involved and make your decision based on the factors that matter most to you. 

The availability of your photographer, ceremony and reception location are primary concerns.  Factors involved in these decisions are your bridal party, guest list and budget.  Disc jockeys or other entertainment may also be a primary concern.  The dress, flowers, invitations, etc. may be the most enjoyable decisions you’ll make regarding your wedding, however these are secondary concerns.  Again, this can be overwhelming if you think about all of the decisions at once, so I suggest focusing on the primary concerns first.  Wedding planners can be very helpful in this case—not to mention their role of ensuring all the details are attended to on the day of your wedding.

Once you determine if the photographer you’re interested in hiring is available, it is generally a good idea for you and your fiancé to meet with the photographer.  This allows you the opportunity to get a feel for the photographer’s personality.  Even though you’re not paying for their personality, it plays a major role in the tone of your day.  An overbearing personality can be particularly upsetting on this often-emotional day.  In addition to getting to know this person, you can ask about their packages and contract, view samples of their work and discuss the schedule for your wedding day, particularly the timing and location for formal portraits and the post-ceremony photo shoot. 

Most photographers require a retainer fee or down payment to reserve your date.  And a contract is essential for all parties involved to document the agreement of services, products and fees.  A liability clause is often included in wedding photography contracts and should detail the terms of responsibility in the case of an emergency (casualty, illness, act of terrorism).  Should an emergency arise, make sure the clause details are satisfactory.  For instance, does the clause ensure an alternate photographer with the same skill level?

If you’re having trouble making a decision, an engagement session is a low-risk way to determine if a photographer is right for you. Plus, family members love receiving photos of their newly engaged relatives.  On-location engagement sessions offer a creative alternative to the standard poses in a studio.

After signing a contract, you can expect your photographer to be in touch again at about one or two weeks prior to your wedding to go over the schedule of the day and any other new details that were not discussed during your introductory meeting.  Some photographers do this by phone while others prefer to meet in person.  Either way, this can be helpful in relieving any concerns you may have about your photography prior to your wedding day.