There are few things sweeter than the love of a sweet family and the beauty of unexpected plans. You might remember this family from Brielle's first birthday shoot last year. We came back together a couple of weeks ago to celebrate Brielle's second birthday, and to get some family photos. Brielle had just woken up from a nap upon arriving to the shoot and needed a little coaxing by her big brother and some splashing in the fountain to get her sweet smile back. It's always so much fun taking your photos - we love you guys!
There are so many things I love about this session. Beautiful family, beautiful light, gorgeous location - all the works! You might remember the youngest daughter of the Carlson clan, Callie, and her senior session a few years ago. The whole family came together one last time before their girls headed off to new beginnings and summer adventures. Here's to the future and to new beginnings for this sweet family!
Jenna Hidinger Photography is a Zelienople photographer who specializes in weddings, senior portraits, & family portraits.
We live in a #selfienation where #phonepics reign supreme. Sure, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter might be okay for posting the occasional selfie, but what about professional websites, like LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is for connecting with professionals, and if you’re trying to land a job, a selfie as your profile pic just won’t cut it. Because LinkedIn is often times an employer’s first impression of a potential job candidate, it’s important to have a well composed, well lit, professional photo to help you stand out above the sea of poorly lit, blurry headshots. This is especially important for upper level college students who are trying to land an internship or job - I would argue that a college "senior session" is potentially more important than the classic high school "senior session." While high school senior photos are mainly for Mom, Dad, and Grandma to hang around their house, a college "senior session" gives you a photo to use to promote yourself and jumpstart your career.
So how do you go about getting a great LinkedIn headshot that will help you get hired? Here are some of my top tips:
1. Pick a Good Photographer (Who You Like)
Pick someone who is current, who will know how to represent you in the best light. A good photographer will know how to pull the best out of you for a great photo. It’s also important to hire someone you like. Yes, it might seem like a strange requirement, but getting your photo taken is a very personal thing, and the more you like your photographer, the easier it will be for you to be yourself in front of his/her camera.
2. Know Your Photographer’s Work
Make sure you are familiar with your photographer’s work. If they’re a natural light photographer but you want a classic studio-lit headshot, you might be disappointed with your results. Make sure you’ve talked with your photographer about the kind of work they not only can produce, but also about what kind of work they enjoy producing. This will give you an idea of where their creative strengths lie. In addition, be sure to look up their website or ask for samples of work similar to what you’re looking for. It’s important to fully trust whomever you hire to take your headshot.
3. Dress for the Part
Once you’ve picked your photographer and are familiar with the work they produce, it’s time to pick an outfit. Whatever your industry is, make sure you dress the part. If you’re trying to land a job in accounting, dress in professional attire. If you’re a part of a more creative industry (blogging, photography, design, etc.) dress professional, but bring your own personal style to the table as well.
Even though it’s important to look professional, it’s almost equally important for whatever outfit you pick to be comfortable. If you’re uncomfortable in what you’re wearing, it’s likely to show in your photos (through your facial features and/or your body language).
4. Relax!
This part might feel counterintuitive, especially since so many people hate being in front of the camera. It will be much easier for your photographer to capture a natural-looking portrait of you if you’re calm, cool, and collected. If it helps, listen to some of your favorite music on the way to the shoot to get yourself pumped up, or plan something fun with a group of friends directly after so you have something else to focus on (rather than the camera).
Follow these four tips, and you’re sure to have a LinkedIn headshot that stands out from the #selfie crowd!
Jenna Hidinger Photography specializes in weddings, senior portraits, family portraits, and is based in Zelienople, PA.
There are so many things I could write about this sweet couple. Their wedding day was beautiful, relaxed, and full of joy from the very beginning, surrounded by friends and family. We were running ahead of schedule for the majority of the day (which almost never happens on a wedding day), so we were able to take some really beautiful, stylized photographs for these two! We are so thankful to have been able to capture this gorgeous day - congratulations, Jen & Larry!
Vendors:
Ceremony: Ingomar United Methodist Church
Reception: Twelve Oaks Mansion
Flower: Saphire & Lace
DJ: DJ Zimmie from Modern Event Solutions
Photography: Jenna Hidinger Photography
It's good to be back in the swing of things with Lauren's Hartwood Acres mansion senior photography session! This pretty lady is a part of the class of 2016 and is graduating in less than a month. It's never too late to have some senior photos taken! I had so much fun taking your photos, Lauren - best of luck at Kent in the fall!
Maryann and Kevin's spring wedding was nothing short of gorgeous! On top of Italian food, an Italian cookie table (bigger than your average Pittsburgh cookie table), and the beautiful pink blossoms in bloom at Hartwood Acres, this this wedding was a ton of fun to photograph from start to finish! Thanks for having us, Maryann and Kevin, we were honored to be a part of your day!
In case you missed it, here's Kevin & Maryann's backyard engagement session from 2015!
Vendors:
DJ/MC: DJ Rockin Steve
Videographer: Videos by Kip (Kip Peters)
Ceremony: St. Raphael Church
Reception: Comfort Inn & Suites RIDC Park
Photography: Jenna Hidinger Photography
You might recall the one weekend in April where it snowed - it just so happened to be on Aimee + Brandon's wedding day! However, Aimee loves the snow (a true Canadian native) and was excited about the weather, and even braved the cold to take a couple of photos outside! We started out the day at the Pittsburgh Marriott North, where Aimee spent the morning getting ready, and then traveled to Shakespeare's (in Ellwood City) for the ceremony and reception. The two exchanged heartfelt vows, then danced the night away and headed off to Hawaii! We're so happy for you two, Aimee & Brandon!
Vendors:
Bride Getting Ready: Pittsburgh Marriott North
Ceremony/Reception: Shakespeare's Restaurant & Pub
DJ: Magic Moments DJ Service (Scott Miser)
Florist: Posies by Patti
Cake: Carol's Cakes
Chair Covers: Pittsburgh Wedding Rentals
Decorations/Centerpieces: Decor Maxx (Canada)
Hair: Cathy Kuczma
Videography: Dorosh Documentaries
Photography: Jenna Hidinger Photography
These two self-proclaimed foodies opted to have their engagement session somewhere near and dear to their heart - Fisher's Bar & Grill in Zelienople, PA (who opened their doors just for us on a day they weren't even open - you guys are awesome!). After a couple of beers and lots of laughs & stories, we picked up Duncan (their pup) headed out to an old barn built in the 1800's and then over to Zelienople Community Park. I am so excited to share this story - their love shines through every single photo!
Breakfast for dinner. A tie from her late grandfather wrapped around her bouquet. A gorgeous (and warm) March day. Chrissy & Chris' spring wedding was incredibly beautiful! You might remember this couple from their Riverview Park engagement session a few months ago (hint: they brought a sword as a prop). Their wedding reception took place at the Mayernik Center in Avonworth Park where they were surrounded by friends & family. Enjoy a few of our favorites from the day!
We had so much fun photographing this fellow Walt Disney World loving couple’s wedding! Kim and John’s Pittsburgh wedding started off at Northgate Church where the couple shared their first look and a moment together before the day officially began. After, we headed to the columns at the Mellon Institute and Cathedral of Learning in Oakland for some gorgeous bridal party and couple photos, and then returned to the church for the ceremony (where, I admit, I teared up while a friend of the couple read a poem written to Kim by John, written for their first Valentine’s together). We even snuck the newlyweds out for a couple of night portraits before sending them off with a sparkler exit! Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Huwe! We hope you had a ton of fun in Disney!
Vendors:
Photography: Jenna Hidinger Photography
Florist: McCandless Floral
Hair & Makeup: Pretty Hair Salon
Catering: Remo's Catering
Decor: Patty Peters (Mother of the Bride)
Ceremony Venue: Northgate Church
Reception Venue: The Great Hall
Honeymooning in: Walt Disney World!









