Jeremy G: Historic Harmony Senior Photos

Jeremy was my first guy senior post-COVID, and we had the best time walking around Harmony for his senior photos! BUT, we did forget to get a photo of him with his mask on to commemorate a very interesting senior year!

Jeremy is a senior at Seneca Valley who hopes to be an animator, and who loves all things dinosaurs and fossils! He even wore some subtle dinosaur-themed garb for his photos, which ended up being the perfect color & style for all of Harmony’s colorful backdrops!

Jeremy, congratulations on your senior year. You are going to do amazing things! So thankful to have been able to take these photos for you!!

Maddie M: Hartwood Acres Senior Photos

Back at one of my favorite spots in this blog for Maddie's senior session - Hartwood Acres! Maddie is a Mars High School senior who loves Mexican food, is a cheerleader, and who has the best sense of style! Maddie, we had so much fun hanging out with you - congratulations on your last year of school!! 🎉

Jordan & Robbie: Fellows Riverside Gardens Engagement Photos

Robbie and Jordan first met in 7th grade, when he proclaimed his "undying love" for Jordan in front of the entire class. After that, Jordan put Robbie in the friend-zone until 10th grade, when they finally started dating. This past Thanksgiving, Robbie asked Jordan to marry him in Venice, Italy, where they met up while were both studying abroad in Europe 💛

What's equally impressive about these two, along with their fairytale story, is their immense love for each other, and the joy they both radiate, inside and out. Love can be challenging, but they make it look easy, and that sort of love is the kind that comes from a different source outside of themselves.

Every couple who books with me gets a little questionnaire, so I can get to know the two of them and their relationship a little better before working together. There was one answer on Jordan and Robbie’s questionnaire that jumped right off my screen: Jordan’s biggest dream is to have a God-centered marriage, and to raise kids that love the Lord. I so admire you both, Jordan and Robbie, for so intentionally focusing on how your lives and your relationship will impact your legacy, and how your choices and actions will reverberate throughout eternity. I couldn’t be more excited and honored to be photographing your beautiful wedding day! 💛

7 Crucial Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Senior Photographer

Looking for a senior photographer? One size does not fit all when it comes to senior photos – senior photography and photographers vary vastly in style, approach, and experience, among many other things, including packages and availability. So, how are you supposed to figure out the best senior photographer for you with so many options to choose from?!

Below, I’ve compiled a list of seven questions to ask a potential senior photographer before committing. In addition to these questions, don’t forget to check out their website and social media pages, as well as their reviews, before signing on the dotted line!

 1.     How would you describe your style?

Did you know that there are three general, popular styles of photography? These styles can be broken down into: moody, natural, and light and airy (for a great article explaining and showcasing the differences, click here!) Moody editing showcases deep tones and contrast, giving the work a modern look. Light and airy editing lightens shadows, reduces contrast, and showcases soft color palettes beautifully. Natural editing showcases classic, true-to-life colors and contrast. Knowing which style you prefer and what photographers in your area offer that style is a crucial first step in narrowing down potential candidates for the job!

2.     How would you describe your approach?

Beyond the actual photos, the experience your photographer provides before, during, and after a session can vary vastly from photographer to photographer, because personalities vary from photographer to photographer. It can be challenging to get an idea of someone’s personality if you haven’t met them before, but a great way to get some insight into a photographer’s personality is to: (1) schedule a call with them to chat, (2) check out their website, and (3) check out their social media. Many photographers used social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook as their brand “voice,” designed to give potential clients a feel for what they can expect from them in real life!

3.     How long have you been photographing seniors for?

Experience can be a key player when it comes to a senior photography investment, and should be weighed along with a photographer’s portfolio. I would never ever suggest to not hire a photographer just because they haven’t been in the field for a certain number of years – there are some incredibly talented photographers who hit the ground running with awesome work! And, likewise, there are some photographers who have been photographing seniors for years who simply have the experience without the greatest portfolio work. My advice: find someone who has a great portfolio (i.e., ask to see a full gallery from one of their sessions instead of just the highlights from a few different sessions!), and weigh it against their experience.

4.     What is your availability?

Are you looking to have your photos taken during a certain time of the year? Do you need to have your yearbook photo in by a certain date? Believe it or not, senior session timeslots can fill up fast, and many photographers only offer a certain number of timeslots per season. From personal experience – I am typically fully booked for the fall (all the way through November) by the beginning of September. If you have a photographer in mind, make sure you contact them early to reserve your spot!

5.     What packages do you offer, and what is included?

Much like style and approach, the packages senior photographers offer can vary widely from photographer to photographer. Before you start looking at senior packages, ask yourself: what do I really want to use these images for? Are you looking for physical print products to hang in your home? Do you want digital files to share on social media or to make your own announcements? Knowing your intentions for your photos will help you decide what senior photographer offers the best product for you!

Some senior photographers will offer only packages that include prints with no digitals. Some senior photographers will offer packages that only include digital images, with no prints. Some will offer packages that include both! The bottom line: make sure you know what you’re paying for before you sign a contract!

6.     Do I receive digital copies of my photos? 

I know, I know, I kind of talked about this one above, but it’s so important that I feel the need to mention it again: if you want to end up with the digital files from your session, make sure to ask if they are included in your package. Because we live in a digital age, I love including digital files with my senior packages. Plus… I was a senior once. My mom printed images to hang in her home, but what I really wanted were the digital files!

7.     How long does it take to receive my full gallery of images?

If you are receiving a gallery of images from your senior photographer, make sure you ask how long it will take to edit and process your images! Why is this important? If your senior session is scheduled for October 25th and your yearbook photo is due on October 26th, there’s a very good chance you won’t have your full gallery of images to choose from! Asking your photographer for a general timeframe of when you should expect to receive your images is a great way to make sure you don’t end up without a photo in your senior yearbook!

The key: know what you want before talking to you potential senior photographers. Hiring someone who is the right fit for you and who can provide the experience and end product you are looking for is worth the time!

 And if you are in the Pittsburgh area and in need of senior photos, feel free to reach out using the contact tab above – I’d love to chat!

PS - if you want to learn a little bit more about me and see a bit more of my personality and approach, check out my Instagram!