Viewing entries tagged
pittsburgh senior photos
Meet Ben!
Ben is a senior at Mars High School who plays basketball - his session in Historic Harmony was a great one! Great light, great location with lots of backdrops to work with - and lots of fun! I photographed his sister a few years ago in Harmony for her senior portraits, and it was so fun to be back working with such a great family!
Congrats on your senior year, Ben!
Meet Sophia!
She's a Chartier's Valley senior who hopes to study nursing post high school! She is a self-proclaimed people person, loves Chipotle (and all things sweet) and plays club volleyball Aside from all of the things she does, Sophia is just such a joy to be around!
Sophia, you are a gem! Congrats on your senior year and thank you for such a fun session!
We also happened to run into a friend of Sophia’s during her session, so of course, we had to get a few photos of them together!
Meet Jillian!
Jillian is a Chartier's Valley senior who plans to study Psychology post graduation! She's a lover of Italian food (specifically chicken parm) and of all things sweet... especially chocolate!
All of her (beautiful) outfits are from Altar'd State, and she brought a colorful bouquet of flowers with her to incorporate throughout her photos.. which I just love!
Congratulations on your upcoming senior year, Jillian! Thank you for letting us be a part of such a sweet time in your life.
And a huge thank you to my assistant (and friend) Dani for assisting and being the best outfit fixer! If you've had a senior session with me this year, you know how helpful and encouraging she is. Thanks for all your help, Dani!
Meet Ruby!
Ruby is a Baldwin High School senior who plans to go into the medical field post high school (following in her family's footsteps!). She loves Chick-fil-A, plays volleyball, and does she not have some of the most gorgeous hair you've ever seen?!
She brought three looks for her photos - a short white dress, a long patterned dress, and jeans and a t-shirt dressed up with heels! I love her choices, they are all so classic with modern elements. And they all went so well with the mansion and garden scenery!
Congrats on your senior year, Ruby!
Meet Vivian!
Vivian is a super sweet rising senior at Upper Saint Clair! She is a cheerleader who hopes to pursue teaching post high-school. We squeezed most of her session in last night before a torrential downpour - and we got rained out towards the very end! Thankfully, we were able to reschedule part 2 of her session the following week, when there was more sunshine! ❤️
Vivian, you are a gem! Thanks for braving the wind and the rain!
Derek is a senior at South Park High School who plays hockey, soccer, and plans to study business post high school! Last night was the perfect summer night for his senior photos - congratulations on your senior year, Derek!
Meet Gabby!
Gabby is a senior at Canon-Mcmillan who traveled all the way up to Hartwood Acres Mansion for her senior photos last night!
We were originally scheduled to take her photos a few days prior, but due to some unpredictable rain & storms that day, we postponed to later in the week. And honestly... I'm so glad we did! We ended up having the most beautiful spring day for her photos around the mansion - so many trees were in bloom!
There was also a little surprise that took place during Gabby's session, unbeknownst to her... scroll through to see what happened!
Congratulations on your senior year, Gabby!
Meet Jasmine!
Jasmine is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh who is graduating in just a few weeks! She is the first of her family to graduate with a degree, and one of the ways she wanted to celebrate was with senior photos. Which I absolutely love! High school senior photos are popular.. but collegiate senior photos have been growing in popularity over the years. Graduating college is such a huge accomplishment and can be such a worthwhile investment!
Jasmine is originally from out of state, so capturing the Pittsburgh skyline and bridges were musts. We started our session right near PNC Park! After we spent some time on the North Shore, we headed over to Pitt's campus in Oakland for some photos with the Panther Statue, in front of Heinz Chapel, and a few around the Cathedral of Learning.
We were hit with a wind and rain storm for the last part of her session, but she was willing to push through.. and I think you can barely tell!
Thanks for being willing to roll with the punches, Jasmine. You are a joy!
Senior photos have come a long way from the stiff poses and standard backdrops of the past. Today, they’re a vibrant, creative celebration of individuality and style. As a Pittsburgh senior photographer, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing these exciting changes firsthand. Here are some of the biggest trends we’ve seen in recent years:
Gone are the days when studio portraits were the norm. Now, seniors are stepping outside and embracing natural settings. From the lush greenery of Frick Park to the industrial charm of Pittsburgh’s Strip District, outdoor shoots provide dynamic and personalized backdrops that add life and depth to photos.
Today’s senior photos feel more like lifestyle shoots. The focus is on capturing authentic moments rather than overly posed portraits. Think laughing on a park bench, walking down a city street, or even grabbing a coffee at your favorite local cafe. These candid, real-life vibes create images that truly reflect your personality.
Seniors want their photos to tell their unique story, and photographers are getting creative to make it happen. Whether it’s incorporating hobbies, pets, or favorite outfits, personalization has become a cornerstone of modern senior photography. Love basketball? Let’s hit the court. Passionate about music? Bring your instrument along for the session.
Fashion has taken center stage in senior photo trends. Seniors are showcasing their personal style with bold outfits, statement pieces, and multiple wardrobe changes. From casual jeans and sneakers to elegant dresses or sharp suits, the options are endless. Coordinating colors and textures with the location is also a popular way to create cohesive and visually stunning shots.
Cities like Pittsburgh offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban grit, and seniors are taking advantage. Industrial backdrops, colorful murals, and cityscapes have become increasingly popular, adding an edgy and modern twist to traditional portraits.
The golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) has become a coveted time for senior shoots. The soft, warm light during this time creates a dreamy and flattering glow that enhances every photo. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make photos stand out.
Themed senior sessions have been gaining popularity as well. Whether it’s a vintage vibe, a boho aesthetic, or a nod to a favorite movie or book, themes help seniors express their passions in a fun and creative way.
Perhaps the biggest shift is the emphasis on storytelling. Senior photos are no longer just about how you look but about capturing who you are. From locations that hold personal significance to props that represent your journey, every detail is carefully curated to tell your unique story.
The evolution of senior photography is all about freedom, creativity, and individuality. If you’re ready to create a session that reflects who you are and celebrates your journey, let’s chat! Whether it’s a bold cityscape, a serene natural setting, or something entirely unique, I’m here to help bring your vision to life. Let’s make your senior photos unforgettable!
Reach out to me directly at jhidingerphotography@gmail.com to begin the conversation!
You know I love Hartwood... but there's something magical about Mellon Park & the Mellon Institute, too! And both spots were in their prime the night of Natalia’s session!
Natalia is a Chartiers Valley senior! Her first day of school was the day of her senior session - talk about a great way to kick off senior year!
Natalia came with 5 gorgeous outfits for her photos... each of them just as beautiful as the last! Her and her mom had a vision for her photos and I think we were able to bring it to life. Natalia also plays basketball and lacrosse!
Also... Mellon Park - wow! It has all of the gorgeous architecture that Hartwood has, but a little bit of extra "glowy" light... which I love! It's a great alternative to Hartwood if you're looking for something a little different.
Congratulations to Natalia on her senior year!
