Historic Harmony Family Photos

'Tis the season for family photos!

I loved photographing this family of three (almost four!) in celebration of this season that's coming down the pike for them! They chose one of my favorite spots... Historic Harmony! And it was all decorated for Christmas, which made it all the more fun!

Congratulations to this sweet family on their soon-to-be extra addition!

Hartwood Acres Mansion Family Photos

I had the pleasure of photographing this sweet couple a few years ago when their first child was on the way at this very same location - and I had the pleasure of photographing them again as their second child is on the way! ❤️

Marie & Stanley are the type of people you meet and instantly love to be around. Besides being parents, they are also phenomenal wedding photographers, which is actually how we met! It is always such a joy to catch up with them and to see their sweet family grow.

Marie & Stanley - thank you both for the immense joy of being a part of this season! We are so thankful to know you guys!

When Should I Have Maternity Photos Taken?

If you’ve stumbled upon this blog post looking for the optimum time to have maternity photos taken - you’re most likely expecting! So first, I’d love to say a HUGE congratulations to you! ❤️

Maternity photos are a type of photo session I’ve taken on throughout the years on occasion. As a wedding photographer, some of my couples have inquired a years (or months) after their wedding date to ask me to photograph the next season of their lives… which I am always SO honored by!

Maternity photos are special for a variety of reasons. As I’m writing this blog post, I’m currently 4.5 months postpartum, and I still love to look back at our maternity photos (I had a specific vision in mind for ours, so I handed my non-photographer sister-in-law our camera and she snapped some amazing photos for us - check them out here!) Our photos remind me of that sweet (and let’s be honest, sometimes quite overwhelming) season before having a newborn, when we were preparing for our little one. The photos remind me of the anticipation, the time we had with my sister-in-law, our baby shower (which took place a few days later)… all of the above! It was such a special, once in a lifetime time. And after going through that season myself, I have a renewed love for documenting it for others!

So, we should probably get to the point of this blog post… when is the best time to have maternity photos taken?

The answer might vary from couple to couple, and definitely will vary based on any complications a mom might have in her pregnancy. For a healthy pregnancy without any known complications, I’ve found 32 weeks to be a “sweet spot” (usually the 7-8 month mark is a good way to go!).

I had my own maternity photos taken around 32.5 weeks, and boy am I glad we didn’t wait even a week longer than that. By the 33 week mark, I was waddling around and really started to feel miserable! And at 32.5 weeks, I feel like I had enough of a belly (without feeling “too big”) to be in that “cute” pregnancy stage… which is exactly what I was hoping for!

If you have known pregnancy complications that could result in an early birth, it might be a good idea to schedule your photos sooner… just in case!

How I Navigated Pregnancy as a Wedding Photographer

2022 was a unique year for me as a wedding photographer and business owner, because I was pregnant for the first time, ever! There were lots of unknowns and some learning curves, but thankfully, I was able to make it through photographing 12 wedding days (and many portrait sessions!) while pregnant. Granted, that may not be as many as other photographers, but it still was enough to make me a little nervous going into wedding season!

Looking back on this season, I would love to share some tips and thoughts as I look back over the past several months that were helpful for me while navigating wedding season while pregnant.

First, I’d love to share some general things I implemented that ended up being helpful throughout my season!

1.     I let my wedding couples know I was pregnant before I announced it publicly.

Sharing about your pregnancy is a very personal thing. I went back and forth on whether or not to share the good news with my couples individually once I was in my second trimester, but looking back, I am SO glad I did. Sharing the news with my couples allowed us to be on the same page and left space for open communication. I didn’t want to announce my pregnancy on social media, then have them wonder how the pregnancy could affect their wedding day. For me, it was important to answer the major questions up front (the biggest being if anything with the pregnancy, like my due date, could affect their day), and then to keep the door open to discuss any questions or concerns they might have. Wedding photography is an investment, and I wanted them to be confident that I would still be able to fulfill my obligations to them just the same!

Another perk of letting my couples know I was pregnant was not having to explain certain things on a wedding day. For example – I had more frequent bathroom trips, which never interrupted the flow of the day, but my couples were understanding when I needed to take a quick detour to the restroom. All of my couples were incredibly kind about letting me sit down to eat dinner during the reception, and there were a few times during longer receptions where I sat down while taking photos of the dance floor action. I never felt like I needed to explain why I was making those choices to my couples, which helped me feel better about photographing their day while pregnant!

2.     I had a strong & consistent assistant/second shooter come with me to every wedding.

My husband photographed about 60-70% of my weddings with me prior to me becoming pregnant, so after we found out I was pregnant, we talked about him committing to helping me with all of my weddings for the 2022 photo season. Thankfully, I had already decided that I was going to take a few less in 2022, so even with his full time job, he was able to help me with all of the weddings I had scheduled. This did a couple of things for me: it helped me know, without a doubt, that I had someone I could rely on to help me with anything and everything. All of the other second photographers I have ever hired to help me with a wedding have been fantastic – wonderful shooters who are incredibly helpful – but there’s something about having your spouse there to help you in any situation that feels different. Nick was able to carry lots of our gear, knew how to set up our lighting for receptions, and knows how to support me emotionally on a wedding day (it’s so fun, but can be stressful at times!), so for me, it was huge to have him there consistently throughout my full wedding season, and took some tasks I was used to doing off of my plate.

If I felt the need, I was also open to bringing along someone towards the end of the wedding season (when I was way more pregnant!) to help and be with me for the entire wedding day (since Nick and I are sometimes doing separate things). But we actually ended up feeling like we were able to work through the last few weddings just the two of us! (For reference, my last wedding was at 32 weeks pregnant – thankfully!).

3.      I ended my season early and took less weddings overall.

This may be a controversial one, and something that will be different from person to person depending on financial situations and prior obligations (weddings can sometimes be scheduled SO far in advance, it can be hard to plan so far ahead!). But for me, when I found out I was pregnant, I stopped taking any additional weddings for that current season. 14 was my number for the year, and I was happy with that at the time – and looking back, I am still happy that I decided to limit what I took, even if it meant a decrease in income. I’m also a senior, family, and portrait photographer, so I decided to supplement my income with more of those types of sessions (which were not nearly as hard on my pregnant body as a wedding day!).

In addition to taking less weddings, I ended my shooting season mid-November (typically I shoot through until mid-December) with my due date being mid-January. I wanted to have a month to finish up editing and administrative tasks before Christmas and New Year’s, with a bit of built in rest towards the end of my pregnancy. I am SO thankful I did decide to do that – after my last wedding in mid-November, my body was ready for a break!

4.     The day after each wedding, I gave my body time to rest.

Most photographers try to rest the day after a wedding anyways, but this was even MORE important to me to try to stick to while pregnant!

We are a part of a church plant that meets on Sundays, so we always have a 4-5 hour standing commitment on Sunday mornings/early afternoons that often involve setting up for service, serving, and tearing down. That commitment is extremely important to us, so even during wedding season, we don’t want to miss. However – I made sure that on the weekends I had weddings, I was able to sit in the service, not serve during it. And boy did my body, mind, and emotions need that time to recoup! Then, after our commitment, we would go home and crash and just relax. That was the best way for me to be able to still have that commitment and serve in a smaller capacity during this season!

I’d also love to share a few items that helped me get through those long wedding days.

 1.     Nutrient dense snacks with high protein

Our bodies need lots of nutrients to properly function on long days, but especially while pregnant. While I was pregnant, I learned that my body will always give my growing baby the nutrients it needs first, then I get what’s left. After I learned this, I started noticing how much what I ate affected how I felt, especially on wedding days when I was on my feet directing people for 10+ hours. I started intentionally trying to bring higher protein, nutrient dense snacks with me (nuts, cheese, vegetables, chicken chips, protein bars, etc.) on those long days and felt SO MUCH BETTER as I went throughout the day, and the day after.

2.     Drinks with extra electrolytes

Obviously, it’s important to drink lots of water when you’re pregnant – especially when you’re pregnant and on your feet! But early on in my wedding season, I started noticing that water wasn’t cutting it. I wasn’t able to drink enough on wedding days without constantly having to use the restroom, so I started drinking no sugar added propel on wedding days. I was able to drink a “normal” amount of beverage, stay a bit more hydrated, and, consequently, have a somewhat easier time recovering the following day.

3.     Belly support band

I ended up not using one of these until after my last wedding while pregnant, but boy was it LIFE CHANGING! That baby gets so heavy in your pelvis in your 8th and 9th months of pregnancy, and can cause all sorts of aches and pains. A belly support band would have been a must for me if I had any weddings or sessions past the 32 week mark. I highly recommend this one from Amazon!

4.     Supportive shoes

Such a simple thing that can make such a difference – make sure you have supportive shoes! Or, if you are really feeling the pain in your feet, bring a pair of tennis shoes to switch into at the reception. If you’re obviously pregnant, I don’t think anyone would fault you for it!

5.     Warm foot bath

One of the best gifts my husband got me (before I was pregnant!) was a portable foot bath. This was truly my saving grace after long wedding days while pregnant – I came home and soaked them every single time, and it helped reduce the extra swelling in my feet.

If you are a wedding photographer who is pregnant and will be working through wedding season, please be sure to talk to your doctor to make sure you both are on the same page. All of the tips and items listed here are recommendations from my personal experience, and while they might not be directly applicable to your situation, I do hope they help give you some confidence that you CAN do it!

Jenna & Nick's Christmas Maternity Photos in Harmony!

Who does a photographer call when they need photos taken?!

We have so many amazing photographers in the Pittsburgh area - so many of whom I would trust with taking photos for my family! But for this particular occasion, I opted to set my camera up and hand it it off to my sister-in-law to take a few quick photos of Nick and I to commemorate this season of ours!

I knew I wanted some photos around one of my favorite little towns - Historic Harmony - while it was all dressed up for Christmas! The Christmas season is one of our favorites, and it just so happens that I was at the 33 week mark when these were taken, which worked out perfectly! Before this, I didn’t have too much of a bump, so I was glad that we waited until my 8th month before taking these!

I was SO EXCITED to find the dress I had been envisioning for these photos at Madewell. Green is one of my favorite colors to wear, and such a lovely color for Christmas photos!

We had planned the day of our shoot a short while in advance, and sadly, it looked like it was going to be a complete wash out! But we decided to go for it anyways, and even though we had bouts of rain and lots of wind (hence my crazy hair in some of the photos 😂) we made it happen! And I’m so glad we did. I am so excited about how these turned out!

This was also a really great reminder of how my client(s) think and feel leading up to the day of their session(s). Getting your photo taken takes some vulnerability! Even as someone who photographs people for a living, I found myself getting a little nervous about how I would decide what to wear, what the weather would be like, and how the photos would end up turning out (and how I would look in those final photos - there’s a reason I enjoy being behind the camera!). But I was also reminded of how important, precious, and fleeting these seasons are that we choose to have photographed. The moment I saw these photos, they had already become so precious to me - even when I see my windy hair and remember the bouts of rain! It makes them even more memorable for us ❤️

Again, a HUGE thank you to my sister-in-law Alisha, who was willing to press the shutter button for us!

Also, if you’re someone who’s in need of some maternity photos, I would LOVE to take them for you! Please feel free to click here to get in contact, and click here to learn more about the maternity photography package that I offer!

Historic Harmony Family & Maternity Photos

Oh how I adore this family! I've photographed Amanda & Chris for quite a few milestones - engagement, elopement, and when they were expecting their first child - and this Spring, I had the pleasure of photographing them once again, along with their sweet girl Kennedy, as they grow their family! It is such a treat to get to work with the same families as they grow!

And you may not be able to tell from these photos (because they hide it so well!!) but it was lightly raining for the majority of their session! And they pushed through it SO well, and we still got some lovely images for them to remember this season. I am so thankful!

We took these photos in one of my favorite locations, Historic Harmony! There are so many lovely backdrops within a short walking distance that can be used while taking portraits here.

Amanda & Chris, congratulations on the growth of your family! ❤️

Brittany & Jason: Historic Harmony Maternity Photos

I had the BEST time hanging out a few weeks ago with these two in one of my favorite spots... Historic Harmony!

I photographed Brittany & Jason's elopement in downtown Pittsburgh nearly four years ago... and now, they are starting their next adventure with a new babe, and I was so honored that they asked me to document this new season! Also, I just adore maternity sessions. They are always such a blast - especially with couples I've photographed before!

Brittany & Jason, you are going to be incredible parents! Congratulations on your lil bundle of joy!!

JHP Maternity Photo Highlights 2020

2020 was a year full of maternity photos - and I’m not mad about it!!! In fact, it was an absolute joy to photograph so many growing families - more than I ever have in past years!

Many of the couples I had the privilege to photograph were past wedding clients, which made me so happy! And all of the others became fast friends. It’s always such an incredible honor to be a part of new, exciting seasons of life.

To each and every couple who allowed me to be a part of this growing season: thank you. You are a blessing, and I pray that your family is filled with joy!

If you are interested in booking a maternity session, feel free to use the “Pricing” tab above to view packages, and the “Contact” tab to reach out and say hello! Or, feel free to email me directly at jhidingerphotography@gmail.com

What to Wear for Maternity Photos

Pregnancy – a milestone filled with joy and excitement, and a milestone often worthy of remembering with professional photos!

 When it comes to having maternity photos taken, choosing what to wear can feel like an overwhelming task – but really, when you break it down, it becomes quite simple! There are no hard and fast “rules” when it comes to choosing what to wear (don’t be afraid to mix in your own personal style!), but there are a few tips I’d love to share with those who might be wondering where to start! In this blog post, we’ll discuss three simple tips for figuring out what to wear for maternity photos:

First, find something that accentuates your bump!

Maxi Dresses: Maxi dresses are personally my favorite when it comes to maternity sessions! They are typically tighter up top, then become looser around the belly, and go all the way down to the ground. They are SO flattering (elongating the body), and make it easy to accentuate the bump! The flowy fabric can easily be held under the belly to create that classic “bump” look. Maxi’s are typically pretty comfortable for mom, too, and are still breathable in the summer months.

Form fitting dress or shirt: If you feel comfortable with it, consider a more form-fitting dress or shirt! With a maxi dress, you’ll have to hold underneath and around your belly to get the “bump” look, but a form fitting dress or shirt means that you won’t have to have your hand on your belly the whole time!

A looser garment… but belt it! If you like the look of a looser garment, consider adding a belt (or tied fabric) above the belly to give additional shape! This can easily be done with a loose top or a dress without a structured waist.

Second, make sure you choose something comfortable.

Don’t forget to keep your outfit comfortable! Opt for comfortable shoes and clothing fabrics that aren’t too hard to move around in. If you’d like to wear heels, consider bringing a pair of comfortable shoes to change in to for walking from location to location!

If you’re having maternity photos taken in the warmer/summer months, consider choosing a dress with a “lighter,” more breathable fabric.

Third, consider choosing a solid color, and/or something with a textured material.

This is a tip that applies mostly to mom! We want the bump to be the main focus of your images, and while patterns can be beautiful in photos, if they are too busy, they can distract (or minimize!) your bump! Solid colors will ensure that the viewer’s eye is drawn straight to your little bundle of joy without distraction. If you’d like to add visual interest to your overall images, though, consider having your husband/partner wear a patterned shirt that compliments your outfit.

Textures are a great way to add visual interest with a solid colored shirt or dress! Textures include things such as: lace, knit, or embroidery. They add interest without being too busy or overtaking the photo!

What about dad and/or other family members?

I recommend starting with mom’s outfit, then building upon everyone else’s from there. The goal is to choose outfits that “go” together, without being completely matchy-matchy.

Aim for each person to have a “dominant” color, then tie the outfits together visually by using other people’s dominant colors as accents. For example, if mom is wearing a blush colored maxi dress, nude flats, and gold earrings, dad could wear khaki pants, a light blue button down, a navy overcoat, and add in a blush pocket square, to visually tie the two of you together – even one small accessory (in this example, the pocket square) will tie you both together visually!

You could also make the visual connection by choosing a solid colored maxi dress for mom, then find a patterned shirt for dad with that same color in the pattern.

If you enjoyed this blog post, you also might enjoy…

Christmas Tree Farm Maternity Photos

We had one of the most beautiful December days for this maternity/family session. I didn’t even wear a coat… which is crazy for mid-December in Pittsburgh!

This family is welcoming their second child into the family in just a few short months, and wanted some maternity photos at a local location to celebrate! We had so much fun taking these sunlit shots. Congratulations to you three on your expanding family!