One GIANT Tip for Spending More Time with Loved Ones on Your Wedding Day

You might’ve read the title of this post and been a little confused (especially if you haven’t experienced a wedding day as a bride or groom first hand): isn’t it a given that you’ll spend the whole wedding day with your friends and family?

Well… yes and no.

Of course, you’ll be spending your wedding day with your family and friends in the same vicinity as you, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be actually spending time with them. And to be honest, sometimes wedding photography takes up a significant portion of a wedding day. And it’s challenging, because as a wedding photographer, I want to get the BEST images possible for my couples – and of course, getting the BEST images possible takes a little bit of time, between bridal party photos, family photos, and photos of the happy couple.

But what if I told you there was one magic way to spend more time with your family and friends on your big day? ONE thing that you can add into your day that will give you that time that you so desperately want?

That “thing” is a first look.

WAIT. Don’t go. Don’t click out of this post yet! A first look can evoke a lot of different emotions in a lot of different people. But before I go into why a first look might be the best thing you could do on your wedding day, let me explain what a first look is:

A first look is where the bride and groom have a private moment together before the ceremony. Yes, you read that correctly. The bride and groom will see each other before the ceremony even starts, but the beautiful thing is – they will get to have that moment together. They can talk together, laugh together, hug each other, kiss, and cry with just the two of them present.

I understand that a first look isn’t for everyone. Heck, my husband and I didn’t even do a first look at our wedding! But a few weekends ago, Nick and I photographed another wedding with a first look, and on our way home, he looked at me and said “I kind of wish we would’ve done a first look. Those two got to spend so much more time with their family and friends and shared in that moment together. I wish I would’ve been able to tell you how beautiful you looked and hugged you when you came down the aisle!”

Bingo! Though Nick and I decided to opt out of a first look for our wedding, looking back on our day – we realized that it might’ve actually been a better decision for us. We took our wedding photos right after our ceremony during cocktail hour (which is a normal time for photos!), so we didn’t get to spend that time with family and friends who had traveled so far to celebrate with us.

BUT – if we had done a first look before our ceremony, before all of the guests had arrived – we could’ve been a part of cocktail hour and would’ve had much more time to talk to our loved ones.

So the moral of the story is: if you want to spend more time with your guests, a first look might be the best option for you. We’ve heard time and time again how much more relaxed and at ease our couples have felt after having a first look on their wedding day, which is the most important thing.

Have a question about a first look? Feel free to email me at jhidingerphotography@gmail.com with any questions!

Tess & Phil: The Anchor Inn, Maryland Wedding Photography

This wedding was a special one for this Pittsburgh wedding photographer for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, it was our first out-of-state wedding. Secondly, it was for our good friends, Tess and Phil (check out their engagement photos here!). And thirdly, this wedding literally had the most redheads I have EVER seen at a wedding (and if you know me, you know I love redheads!! And in case you don't know me, I love them because I married one!)

Phil interned at the church Nick (who's a middle school youth director) works for, and Tess, after moving to the area last year, started attending the Bible study I'm a part of last summer. We have gotten to know these two VERY well, and along with that, we've gotten to know their hearts and intentions around their marriage and their wedding day. There's something so special about a wedding day focused on what truly matters, and what will last long after the dress is put away and the flowers dry up: a lifelong love and commitment.

I started out the wedding day with Tess and her bridesmaids, who were getting ready at Tess's parents house with a beautiful rustic barn (perfect for a dress shot!) and a sunlit boat dock out back! One of my absolute favorite parts about photographing Tess & Phil's wedding in Maryland were all of the docks and the close proximity of everything to the water. It was so calming throughout the day!

After getting ready, we drove over to the ceremony and reception venue, The Anchor Inn, which sits right on the bay. From there, Tess and Phil had an emotional, intimate first look, then jumped straight into portraits with the two of them, then adding in their awesome bridal party! The ceremony took place on a dock looking over the bay (someone pinch me!) with Tess & Phil surrounded by their closest friends and family. Their ceremony was full of love, laughter, and a bullhorn (you'll see what I mean!), and later, the two shared their first dance, laughed until they cried during toasts, and shared the night celebrating with their friends and family.

To Tess & Phil - it was truly and honor to be a part of your day. You'll never know how much it meant to us that we were able to document your love! We love you guys so much!

And without further ado - take a look at Tess and Phil's wedding day!

6 Unexpected Milestones to Hire a Photographer For

Much of the work I do revolves around engagements, weddings, high school senior photos, and family photos (for holiday cards). All of these milestones are great reasons to have photos taken – but there are a few other milestones in addition to those mentioned previously that I would highly recommend hiring a photographer for:

1. Wedding Anniversary

Why: This one I can relate to the most because it’s the one Nick and I try to do every single year! Having photos taken for your wedding anniversary (whether it’s every year, every other year, or every five years!) lets you update the photos you’ll be leaving your children, grandchildren, and those who care about you someday as your legacy. Do you want the only beautiful photos you leave those who love you to be from your wedding day (when your kids didn’t even know you)? A wedding anniversary is the perfect occasion to splurge and update your photo collection!

2. Buying Your First Home

Why: Buying a home is a HUGE accomplishment, no matter who you are. Having photos taken of you and your spouse, or you and your family inside your first home is a wonderful way to commemorate all of the hard work that went into your purchase!

3. Birthday (for you or your child!)

Why: What better excuse for a photo shoot than a birthday?! One of my longest standing clients has birthday photos taken every year for her daughter’s birthday. She does an amazing job of pulling together unique props and outfits to make the photos special and different every single year – plus, she gets to see how her daughter has grown from the year before!

4. Pregnancy

Why: Pregnancy is a huge milestone in any relationship, and maternity photos are the perfect way for Mom-to-be to remember such a precious time in her life. Plus, it’s a great excuse for an expectant mother to pamper herself – nails, hair, makeup, a new dress, the whole nine yards!

5. Before/after a big move

Why: Consider this: you’ve grown up in one city for your entire life – you’ve gone to school there, fell in love there, said “I do” there – and now, you’re moving to a new place you’ve never been before, leaving your history behind you. Moving is the perfect excuse to commemorate the city you love in photos to remember your roots!

6. Graduating College

Why: When I was attending Robert Morris University, every senior was required to have a LinkedIn account, and we were all strongly encouraged to have a “professional looking” photo to represent us to potential employers. And a professional photo does just that – it gives a potential employer the best impression of who you are! (Read more in my article “Why You Should Have a Killer LinkedIn Headshot”)

Are there any other milestones you would add to the list?

What is the Best Time of Day for Photos?

Recently, I had a sweet mom of a senior ask why I limit my session timeframes to the morning and the evening – right after the sun rises, or before it sets. I love this question, because I can see how it might seem counter intuitive to schedule a session during the not-so-bright times of the day – but there is a great reason for doing so!

When taking photos outside, the sun is the main light source. When the sun is rising and setting, it’s at it’s lowest point in the sky (hang with me here!). In the middle of the day, the sun is at it’s highest in the sky – typically, right overhead, which is known as the toughest time to take photos. But why?

When the sun is right overhead, the light is very harsh. The light often creates big, shadowy circles under the eyes (which is very unflattering) and is harder to control because it’s just so bright! But in the morning and evening – the sun is lower, and the light is softer, which makes it easier to control the light and eliminates the dark shadowy circles that will often appear under the eyes in bright light! In addition to being lower and easier to manage, the light typically has a warmer temperature to it, which flatters the skin!

However – there is an exception to this rule. On a cloudy day, the sun is still the main light source, but the clouds act as a diffuser, diffusing the light to make it soft, manageable, and more flattering to facial features.

So what it comes down to is this: scheduling my sessions in the morning and late afternoon/evening makes it easier to manage my main light source (the sun) and flatters my clients (no dark circles and warmer light).

Boehm Family: Hartwood Acres Family Photography

You've been waiting for it, and here it is! The third installment of Brielle's birthday pictures (year three) is finally hitting the blog! If you missed Brielle's first birthday or second birthday pictures, you should definitely go check them out because this mama has come up with the most beautiful props for three years of birthday pictures in a row! Though this sweet family moved to Ohio after our last session together, we were able to plan a session for a weekend they were already going to be in town for to keep the tradition going! And if birthday pictures weren't enough to be excited about, we snapped a few maternity photos for Lillia, who's pregnant with her third child (a boy!)!!

You all are always a blessing to photograph! Thank you for the continued memories and fun!

Sam + Anthony: Moraine State Park Engagement Photos

I met up with these two on one of the most beautiful days in all of May at Moraine State Park! Anthony is a golfer, Sam is a Disney lover (which of course I love!), and they both have a mutual love for Wendy's (which I think is where they went to eat after our session!). These two laughed through their entire session and were absolute pros in front of the camera (though they kept trying to reassure me they were not!). I love seeing couples have a fun time during their engagement session - and I think you can tell from these photos that these two certainly did!

Congratulations on your engagement, Sam and Anthony! We can't wait for the wedding!

Pittsburgh Area Location Ideas for Senior Guys

When it comes to guy senior portraits, where is the best place to start looking for a location? Today I'm sharing 6 of my favorite Pittsburgh based locations for guy senior portraits, what I love about each, and sample galleries from each location! Without further ado, here are my top 6:

1. Hartwood Acres Mansion

Why: Hartwood Acres Mansion has TONS of locations within a very short walking distance. The mansion itself has endless possibilities for photo opps, and is surrounded by forest, making it a great spot to get the best of both worlds!

Best Time of Year: One of my favorite parts about shooting at Hartwood is that it looks good almost all year round! In the summer, you will get the benefit of the natural greenery surrounding the mansion, but when shooting in the wintertime only in front of the mansion, you can barely notice what time of year it is!

Sample Sessions from Hartwood:

• Jack H (Summer)

• Jacob C (Summer)

2. Historic Harmony

Why: I have a love for Historic Harmony because of its diversity - it has a HUGE variety of historic buildings with bright colored brick, doors, and windows, and even has a coffee shop (Wunderbar) right in town! There are also some options for more natural scenery that can easily be mixed in!

Best Time of Year: Historic Harmony is beautiful all year round! Of course, for more greenery, it’s best to schedule during the spring, summer, and fall months. It has a nearby field that is great year ‘round, too!

Sample Sessions from Historic Harmony:

• Ty T. (Fall)

• Sam M. (Summer)

3. The North Shore

Why: The North Shore is always a great spot for guy senior portraits! Within just a few blocks of PNC Park, the North Shore is chalked full of different types of architecture and textured backgrounds. Typically, for guy senior portraits, I like to recommend a mix of architecture and nature - architecture symbolizes strength and stability, which are the perfect qualities to showcase during senior portraits.

Best Time of Year: I love this location because it looks good year round! While in the spring, summer, and fall months I like to find little nooks and crannies of the North Shore with some greenery to incorporate, the North Shore looks just as great during the winter - because architecture looks good year round!

Sample Sessions from the North Shore:

• Quentin H (Summer)

4. McConnell’s Mill

Why: The more I shoot at McConnell’s Mill, the more I love it! There are so many different elements to work with – some within walking distance, and some within a short driving distance. In the central part of McConnell’s, there is the wood mill, river, waterfalls, rocks, and roads. Within a short driving distance, there is a field and “Cleland Rock,” which has become a personal favorite of mine for it’s West Virginia-like views!

Best Time of Year: I’ve taken photos at McConnell’s during every season and can honestly say that I love photographing clients there year ‘round! However, I do find it to be especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing.

Sample Sessions from McConnell's Mill:

• Ryan W (Summer)

• Mason H (Early Winter)

5. Moraine State Park

Why: You guessed it – there’s a great amount of variety at Moraine, especially if you are looking for more “natural” elements in your photos! At the South Shore boat launch, there are docks, fields, bridges, and forest within a very short walking distance.

Best Time of Year: Moraine is beautiful in the spring summer, and fall months (but fall is my favorite time!)

Sample Sessions from Moraine State Park:

• Clay T. (Early Fall)

• Aurelie G. (Spring)

• Sarah F. (Fall)

6. The Strip District

Why: The Strip District has TONS of unique urban elements. It would have to be my top pick if you love urban style, mixed with Pittsburgh, mixed with lots of variety!

Best Time of Year: It looks great year round, even in the wintertime!

Sample Sessions from the Strip District:

• Rylan (Summer) *Note: the locations in the first photos with spray painted walls have been demolished. Sadly!

Elisabeth + Nazari: Downtown Pittsburgh Anniversary Photographer

Every once in a while, various wedding professionals in the Pittsburgh area hold get togethers for other vendors in the industry. The first industry even I ever went to took place at the Renaissance Pittsburgh and was hosted by local wedding blog Lace & Loyalty. Upon arriving, we (me, my husband, and friend Sara) were introduced to a couple who had THE best ice-breaker story about the husband, Nazari, and his middle name (which is Megatron, BTW - talk about an epic story!). We quickly connected with these two and learned that they were the videographers (and photographers) behind Dorosh Documentaries (which you should go check out RIGHT NOW because their work is AMAZING!).

Now - there is one thing you need to know about these two, and I can't over exaggerate this: they are the kindest, most humble and genuine people you will probably ever meet. Their love for each other and desire for growth, encouragement, and authenticity in their life, their marriage, and work is so prevalent in everything they do. And because of the amazing people they are and the amazing work they do, I was so honored when they asked me to take 6 year anniversary portraits for them!

You might've heard the famous saying "the shoemaker's children go barefoot" - well, the videographer/photographer husband-wife team go without photos of themselves! During their session, Elisabeth told me that they hadn't had a professional photo session in nearly 6 years (since their wedding day!!) - which I can totally relate to! It's so easy to think "I'll wait until I have kids to have photos taken," or "I'll wait until my kids grow up to schedule a photo session." Heck no. Your future kids deserve beautiful photos of their parents - in love! They deserve to see the way you interacted, the way you looked at each other, the way you were goofy and silly with each other. And your future grandkids? They want to see those photos, too, because deep down, we all want to know where we came from and whose legacy we are continuing.

To Nazari and Elisabeth - I hope these photos are a reminder of your love. I hope they encourage you and remind you of all of the ways that Christ has so richly blessed your love, marriage, and faithfulness to him. You guys are inspiring!

Pittsburgh Area Location Ideas for Girl Senior Portraits

If you’ve been following my blog for any extended length of time, you might’ve realized how much I LOVE incorporating the personalities of the people I photograph into my photos, including finding the perfect, unique location that represents who that person is. However, I realize that many times, it can be tough to find a completely unique location for every single person I photograph (that would be crazy!). Because of that, I wanted to share a couple of my favorite locations to photograph senior girls and what I love about each of them:

1. Hartwood Acres Mansion

Why: One of my favorite features about Hartwood is its diversity. It includes a variety of different elements within a short walking distance, including a garden, woods, gate, and a stone mansion with archways, doorways, and lots of character. There is a lot to work with in this location, and is a great spot to choose if you’re interested in having a mix of nature and classic architecture.

Best Time of Year: Year round! However, if you’re interested in using the garden, it’s best to schedule between the spring and fall.

Sample Sessions from Hartwood Acres:

• Shawna W. (Spring)

• Jessi S. (Summer)

• Jannelle G. (Fall)

2. The Strip District

Why: The Strip District has so many unique locations for photos! It truly captures that gritty, downtown Pittsburgh aesthetic. Brightly colored steps, painted brick walls, and one of the most gorgeous rooftop city views steal the show.

Best Time of Year: Really, all year round! Since the backgrounds are mostly comprised of architecture, this location holds up even through the colder months.

Sample Sessions from the Strip District:

• Trudy B. (Summer)

• Sophie W. (Fall)

3. Mellon Park

Why: Mellon has stone elements reminiscent of Hartwood, but on a much smaller scale. It has more of a focus on nature.

Best Time of Year: Spring, summer, and fall are my favorite seasons to take photos at Mellon Park.

Sample Sessions from Mellon Park:

• Anna E. (Summer)

4. Downtown Pittsburgh

Why: Downtown Pittsburgh has so many beautiful architectural elements that are perfect for "chic" seniors who love the city atmosphere! With tons of locations within just a short walking distance, downtown Pittsburgh has so much to offer!

Best Time of Year: One of my favorite parts about shooting in downtown Pittsburgh is that it looks good almost all year round! In the summer, you will get the benefit of the natural greenery in some of the small park areas (Mellon Green, Mellon Square), but when shooting in the wintertime, you can barely notice what season it is!

5. Historic Harmony

Why: Much like the other locations mentioned previously, I have a love for Historic Harmony because of its diversity (and because it’s a short distance from my house! ;) ). It has a variety of historic buildings with bright colored brick, doors, and windows, and even has a coffee shop (Wunderbar) right in town!

Best Time of Year: Historic Harmony is beautiful all year round! Of course, for more greenery, it’s best to schedule during the spring, summer, and fall months.

Sample Sessions from Historic Harmony:

• Rachel C. (Summer)

• Sam M. (Summer)

• Adri D. (Summer)

• Sydney T. (Fall)

• Morgan A. (Winter)

6. McConnell’s Mill

Why: The more I shoot at McConnell’s Mill, the more I love it! There are so many different elements to work with – some within walking distance, and some within a short driving distance. In the central part of McConnell’s, there is the wood mill, river, waterfalls, rocks, and roads. Within a short driving distance, there is a field and “Cleland Rock,” which has become a personal favorite of mine for it’s West Virginia-like views!

Best Time of Year: I’ve taken photos at McConnell’s during every season and can honestly say that I love photographing clients there year ‘round! However, I do find it to be especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing.

Sample Sessions from McConnell's Mill:

• Lauren N. (Late Summer/Early Fall)

• Joey D. (Fall)

• Lyndsay & Justin (Winter)

7. Succop Nature Park

Why: You guessed it – there’s a great amount of variety at Succop, especially if you are looking for more a mix of natural elements, mixed with a bit of architecture in your photos! Within walking distance, you can find a pond, field, and willow tree, along with a beautiful mansion-esque building to provide lots of different opportunities for lots of variety!

Best Time of Year: Moraine is beautiful in the spring summer, and fall months (but summer is my favorite time!)

Sample Sessions from Succop Nature Park:

• Sarah S. (Late Summer)

• Sophie H. (Late Summer)

8. Oakland

Why: Oakland has SO MANY beautiful locations within walking distance! There is a lot of historic architecture, as well as some natural scenery nearby, making it a great mix of different elements!

Best Time of Year: Oakland is beautiful year round, and can be a “year round” photo spot because of its plethora or architecture. However, it is especially beautiful in Spring & Summer when the flowers and trees are blooming! But it’s a great option in the winter months when there isn’t as much nature, too.

Sample Sessions from Oakland:

• Mimi (Summer)

9. Moraine State Park

Why: Moraine State Park is one of my favorite parks around Pittsburgh! It has lots of beautiful locations, including docks, woods, trails, fields, and a lake. If you’re a nature lover, this is definitely a great spot to consider!

Best Time of Year: This location is best Spring, Summer, and Fall, but still looks beautiful with the water/snow in colder months!

Sample Sessions from Moraine State Park:

• Olivia (Fall)

Garland Family: Hartwood Acres Family Photographer

You might remember this sweet family from their Cranberry Township park session last year! Their kiddos, Nate and Evie, are getting bigger and even more adorable as the years go on (how could these two get any cuter?!). We had a great time exploring Hartwood Acres Mansion and breaking out the bubble machine for some extra fun time!