David’s senior portraits at Highland Park

David and I met up at Highland Park in Pittsburgh for a fun senior portrait session on a Monday afternoon this fall. David was so much fun to work with and the weather held out so it was a great afternoon.

Portrait at entrance of Highland Park

Sitting on the bench

With only a little coaching, David was able to take some basic poses I suggested and really own them. He’s a cool guy, and I wanted that to come through his portraits.

Above the resevoir

Close-up

We took about two hours walking around the park, stopping here and there for some photos. I like being able to chat while we’re going from one location to the next to get a better sense for what makes the subject tick. It’s much more fun and laid back that way. And I think it really helps to bring out the personality of the subject. Plus, I love talking with high school seniors because they have so much ahead of them in life and you can just see the potential in them.

Full-length portrait

In the woods

Under the bridge

When I’m editing the photos, I might be looking at as many as 200 from the senior portrait session. There are so many because I take several shots in just one pose to get just the right expression. I edit the final images down to a collection of 30 or more images. It’s amazing how many different looks you can get in just one location.

On-location senior portrait

Samantha and Chris’ Engagement Session

Samantha and Chris are getting married in July at Betsy’s Barn in Portersville, Pa.  It’s a great venue that’s really close to McConnells Mill, which is where we started our engagement session.  We met early in the early morning on a Friday at the end of October and the foliage there was beautiful.  You’ll see that the leaves were falling as they sat for a photo in front of the mill.  We had so much fun with this setting.

Fall engagement session

I had a great time with this couple.  They didn’t mind trekking through the woods and around the boulders there to get the perfect shot!  Thanks Samantha and Chris for a great session.  Looking forward to your wedding!

Tara & Chad’s Wedding at Twin Lakes Park in Greensburg, Pa.

Here’s a slide show from Tara and Chad’s Halloween wedding at Twin Lakes in Greensburg.  More to come on Tara and Chad ~

Renee and Orland’s wedding at St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Mt. Troy Ballroom

Renee and Orland were married on a rainy October day, but they didn’t let the rain get in the way.  This sweet couple had a fabulous day and it was fun to be a part of it.  They even ventured out into the rain for some fun portraits with umbrellas:

Kissing at Riverview Park

Portrayl of The Singing Butler by Jack Vettriano

Ok, so we weren’t on a windy beach, but the umbrellas inspired us to mimic the Jack Vettriano painting, The Singing Butler.

Dress reflection in the mirror

Renee’s dress had nice lines that emphasized her gorgeous figure.  I like that you can really see these lines through the window light in her parent’s living room.

Mom is applying make-up

Renee’s mom is applying eye liner.

Walking down the aisle

I love the sweet expression on Renee’s face as she’s walking down the aisle with her dad.

Place cards

Ok, I had trouble choosing which photos to include on this blog.  For a better sense of the entire day, check out their slide show.  I included the above photo of the place cards because they are so nicely done!  One of Renee’s friends handmade them.  They really bring her colors and the fall theme together.

Patty Cake wedding cake

Their wedding cake was made by Patty Cake Bakery in Bloomfield, Pa.  I have been told by several unrelated sources that Patty Cake makes the best wedding cake around—and it was very good.

Engagement and wedding rings

This photo of the engagement and wedding rings was Tifany Griffith’s idea.  She served as my second shooter for the day and her creativity and friendly personality made her so much fun to work with.

Bridal dance

The Mt. Troy Ballroom was dark, as most ballrooms are, but the Christmas lights and colored spotlights made for an interesting background for this photo of their first dance.

Groom and best man entertain

Orland and his twin brother were so much fun to watch on the dance floor.  I think they missed their calling as entertainers.

Bride and groom

Aren’t they cute?  Congratulations Renee and Orland!  Blessings to you and your marriage!

Danielle and Chris are in the P-G’s Celebrations Section

A few months back, I shared a link to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette regarding their Celebrations section where brides and grooms can share news about their weddings and anniversaries.

Danielle and Chris who were married in August sent their info to the paper and their wedding was published yesterday.

Click here to see their photo and Q&A interview on the P-G’s Web site.  I love how they met at an afternoon concert in Pittsburgh’s Market Square.  How cool is that?  Plus, their song is Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls, which is one of my favorites!  I like the Q&A format because you really get to learn more about the couple that way.  Cheers to Danielle and Chris!