Ana S: The Strip District Pittsburgh Senior Photos

Ana's senior session marks my coldest session EVER in my Pittsburgh senior photography career.

The morning of Ana's senior session, I woke up, immediately pulled out my phone, and looked at the temperature. One degree. That's right folks, one degree Fahrenheit! By the time we reached our location in the Strip District, the temperature had risen to a balmy 6 degrees. But man, were we ready! We started off Ana's session at 21st Street Coffee & Tea, then moved outdoors, taking periodic breaks to warm up. I have to be honest, I'm SUPER impressed with Ana. She never complained about the cold - not once - and still managed to look amazing in these photos! With all of the textures and backdrops available in the Strip, we were able to get some urban-city photos to commemorate Ana's love of the city, and specifically the Strip District, a part of Pittsburgh she's been visiting for all of her life! And of course, we ended the shoot at Pennsylvania Macaroni Co., a place I had never visited before Ana's session, but now love! Congratulations on your last year of school, Ana!

Andrew T: Harmony Senior Photographer

It's hard to believe Andrew is now a senior - I babysit him and his brother when I was in high school! Congratulations on your last year of school, Andrew! Also - take note of his killer style (see Darth Vadar patterned shirt below!)

Lauren P: Hartwood Acres Senior Photographer

We had the most beautiful day for Lauren's senior photos! Congratulations on your last year of school, Lauren!

Jessi S: Hartwood Acres Mansion Senior Photographer

Jessi is such a sweetheart! We took her senior photos literally days before she had her last first day of high school - ever - at one of my favorite places - Hartwood Acres Mansion! Congratulations on your senior year, Jessi!

Sara + Kevin: Pittsburgh Proposal Photographer

I think there's a rule that when one of your best friends gets engaged, your allowed to overshare. Especially if you're the one who photographed the proposal!

Anyways, one of my best friends got engaged to her best friend nearly a WEEK ago! My, how time flies quickly. I remember the night Kevin messaged me a couple of months ago to tell me he wanted to propose to Sara - I started screaming and jumping up and down (true story), while Nick tried to calm me down to ask what was going on. I'll never forget it.. and neither will our neighbors! ;) 

Kevin proposed on the day of their two year anniversary. He took Sara through a replica of their first date - dinner at Bocktown and then for a walk around a mountainous area behind the Robinson shops. Little did Sara know, Kevin had gathered some of their closest friends and family, who were hiding around a corner, ready to surprise her after he popped the question! Sara, being a photographer herself (it's always such an honor to take photographs for a photographer!), was gracious enough to let me take a couple of minutes to get some portraits of them with the beautiful surrounding scenery, and then we were all off to Industry Public House for some out-of-this-world appetizers and a full out celebration. It was beautiful, and I couldn't be happier for these two as they start planning the rest of their lives together! Below are some of my favorite moments from the evening! We love you both!

Also - Sara is an amazing fashion photographer! Check out some of her work here.

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!

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.