Creating Memories: A Look at Walt Disney from a Cranberry Photographer

"That's the real trouble with the world, too many people grow up." - Walt Disney

For those of you who don't know me very well, I'm a huge Disney fan - not just of the cartoon movies, the theme parks (check out the photo to the right of my husband and I on one of our favorite Disney rides on our honeymoon this past August!), or the magic (though all of that is great too) - but of the man himself, Walt Disney. I admire his optimism, willingness to be flexible and think of the impossible in the midst of uncertainty, along with his desire to improve the lives of his family, his friends, and his world. In Walt's day, theme parks were dirty, unsafe, and not very entertaining for parents carting their children from one ride to the next. One day while he was sitting on a bench inside one of those filthy amusement parks, he began dreaming of a place where children and parents alike could enjoy a day of fun together in a clean, safe environment. A super amusement park, if you will - something that had never been done before in his time. Sure enough, his vision quickly caught fire with the opening of his first theme park, "Walt Disney Land" in California, and later with "Walt Disney World" in Florida.

We believe that family photos can, and should be fun. 

Gone are the days of dressing your family in white polos and khakis, driving to the nearest studio and holding awkward positions under studio lights, while your kids fidget and cry for it to be over. Family photos are an experience, and much like Disney with his theme parks, we want to create a safe place where your family can create memories. After all, we're not just in the business of capturing memories - we're in the business of creating them. Whether it's tickling your kids while they squirm in your arms, going for a walk, blowing bubbles or splashing around in a fountain - we're in pursuit of fun. And I'm sure that those we've photographed will agree - the unposed, unexpected, not-so-perfect photos that are full of emotion and life are just as, if not more precious than the perfectly posed ones. 

Brandon L: North Shore Pittsburgh Senior Photographer

Brandon, a 2016 Seneca Valley graduate and true Pittsburgher, had his senior session around the North Shore. We walked around outside of PNC Park and snapped some shots with some of his baseball gear. Congratulations on graduating, Brandon!

Garland Family: Cranberry Township Family Photographer

I was honored to spend a beautiful Saturday morning with this adorable family at Cranberry Township Community Park a few weeks back. These fun family photos included a bubble machine, matching mother-daughter flower crowns, and lots of laughs! Here are a couple of my favorites from their session!

Alaina + Alan: Phipp's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Wedding Photographer

Alaina & Alan's secret garden inspired wedding took place at the perfect venue for a garden themed wedding - Phipp's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens in Oakland, PA. These glamorous garden nuptials began with a little bit of rain (let's be honest - a bit of a torrential downpour!) but the skies parted and the sun came out (literally) as Alaina & Alan had their first kiss as husband and wife. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful couple, bridal party, & family to spend the day with! 

Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Phipp's Conservatory

Officiant: Reverend Thomas Bellhy of New Hope Church

Guest Accommodations: Hampton Inn University/Medical Center

Bridal Party Getting Ready Venue: Hilton Garden Inn University Place

Florist: Sisty Wasler

DJ: Brooks Roy of ProStream Productions

Cake: Bethel Bakery

Gown: Bridal Beginnings

Makeup/Hair: Bari Medgaus, GQ Stylist

Photography: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Boehm Family: Mellon Park Family Photographer

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!

Carlson Family: Hartwood Acres Family Photographer

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.

Why You Should Have a Killer LinkedIn Headshot (And How to Get One)

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.

Jennifer + Larry: Twelve Oaks Mansion Wedding Photographer

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

Lauren J: Hartwood Acres Senior Photographer

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 + Kevin: Hartwood Acres Wedding Photographer

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