Introducing Spring Photo Mini Sessions 2019!

Spring is almost upon us - which means so are spring mini sessions! This year, JHP spring mini sessions will be held in one of my favorite colorful locations: Historic Harmony!

Historic Harmony is a revitalized German town that dates back to the early 1800’s. Over the course of history, this town has had many ups and downs, but now is the perfect spot to explore with multiple bakeries, a coffee & crepe shop, restaurants, a museum, antique stores, and more!

WHY HARMONY?

I chose this spot specifically for a couple of reasons. First - I live in the neighboring town, Zelienople, and can walk to Harmony (best thing ever!). I’m a big fan of historic, colorful buildings and have a strong affinity for small town life. It has a special place in my heart! Second - I’m slightly obsessed with the bright colors for photos! Blues, reds, whites, yellows, and greens all line the streets, making it a beautiful place for photos with tons of variety!

WHO IS THIS FOR?

These sessions are perfect for…

• Families (Perfect for those with young ones who don’t have a long attention span, and for families who have a senior leaving for college in the fall!)

• Seniors

• Couples (Engagement, anniversary, or just for fun!)

• Updated headshots (Read: Why you should have a killer LinkedIn headshot)

• Just the siblings (Mother’s day is coming up!)

• Just the grandkids (Again - mother’s day is coming up!)

• And pretty much anything else you can think of!

*Mini sessions make the perfect gift, too! If you’re interested in gifting a mini session to someone, feel free to email me directly at jhidingerphotography@gmail.com

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• 20 minutes of on location photography around Harmony

• 5 to 10 high resolution, digital files delivered via an online gallery

• A print release, allowing you to print your photos wherever you would like!

HOW MUCH?

Each time slot is priced at $250, plus 6% sales tax. This includes the time of the session, the post-production work, your online gallery, and your high resolution files!

Spring mini sessions are only offered once or twice a year, so now is the time to take advantage of these smaller sessions! If you are interested in booking, follow the link below to claim your spot! 💛 OR, if you would be interested in a full family, senior or couple session, use the “Contact” tab above to reach out for more pricing and information!

Connor K: North Hills Family Photographer

One of the hugely rewarding parts about being a wedding photographer is seeing families grow from two to three! Maryann and Kevin (whose wedding I photographed just last year - see it here!) welcomed baby Connor into the world just a short while ago - and I was so honored when they asked me to take his newborn photos! This little guy already has the sweetest disposition and is so very loved!

Sarah + Mike: Hartwood Acres Engagement Photos

It was SO hot and humid the morning we photographed Sarah and Mike's engagement session. I've only ever had my camera and lenses fog up from cold weather (read about our coldest shoot ever, in 5 degree weather here!), never from hot humid weather - but that day, the moment I pulled my equipment out to shoot - my gear immediately fogged up! We fought the humidity the entire session, and Sarah and Mike were such incredible troopers! They had no problem getting close (even in the heat) and were total pros in front of the camera. I love when couples aren't afraid to get close and even improvise - and these two did both things so well!

Check out a few favorites from their Hartwood Acres engagement session below!

Can I be a Wedding Photographer if I'm an Introvert?

When I was in middle school, I didn’t have many friends. It’s not because I didn’t want to have any friends – I was just painfully shy. I could barely look people in the eye, let alone hold a conversation with them, no matter what age of whoever I was “holding” a conversation with.

Because I have natural tendencies towards introversion, I used to limit myself – a LOT. I told myself I couldn’t be a leader, and that I could never EVER do things where the attention was solely on me. I specifically remember telling myself that there was no way I could EVER own a business, because who would want to work with an introvert? People LOVE extroverts and their big personalities – why would someone choose to work with me if they could work with them?

But that’s the funny thing about life. Sometimes what we perceive as a weakness can actually be a strength. Towards the end of my high school years, I started challenging myself to simply just love on people – THAT is something I could do, regardless of the personality type I had. I realized that my introverted-ness couldn’t be an excuse for not having any friends, or not getting where I wanted to be in life – so I started simply finding ways to love on and listen to the people around me.

In wedding photography, there’s a bit of a bent towards people who are extroverted. Introverts see them as having the upperhand (or so I’ve seen with some of my introverted friendtographers), but I wanted to share three tips for introverts who might be struggling with being an introverted wedding photograph. I am by no means an expert in this, but if what I share can help someone else, I’m all for it. So here are my top tips:

1.  Ask a LOT of questions – good ones.

Upon first meeting me, some people mistake me for an extrovert. Sometimes, my introverted tendencies are disguised by my love for asking questions. It’s SO easy to keep a conversation going, even if small talk isn’t your “thing,” by asking questions. But the catch is – they have to be genuine, and they have to require more than“yes” or “no” response. And at a wedding, there are so many friends and family members of the couple coming together that there is always a plethora of good questions to ask!

2.  Be an excellent listener.

When you ask a question, make sure to listen to the response. This may sound quite obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people forget to listen to the answer to the question they just asked, simply because they’re trying to think of the next question or how they’re going to respond. Asking a follow up question or clarifying a point from what the other person said is a great way to keep the conversation going and make sure you’re listening!

3.  Don’t hold back on dishing out compliments – but make sure they’re genuine.

This is one of my favorite strategies for making people feel comfortable when I’m taking their photo. Compliment the CRAP out of them! I love having the opportunity to encourage people, and, believe it or not, being in front of the camera can sometimes make even the most confident folks clam up a little bit. By genuinely complimenting whoever’s in front of your camera, you will automatically boost their self-esteem. But again – make sure your compliments are genuine, because we all know what it’s like to receive a compliment that isn’t really genuine! Keep it real by pointing out something specific, like: “I love the pattern on your dress!” or “your hair color looks perfect against this backdrop!” or “the way you just naturally tucked your hair behind your ear was perfect! Would you mind doing that again?” Anything that can build the confidence of the person in front of your camera is a great way to go!

4. Take the time you need to recharge.

Introverts tend to recharge their batteries (or refill their bucket) by having alone time, so make sure you get the alone time you need after a wedding or portrait session! This might mean unwinding by watching a movie, Netflix series, reading a book, or taking a nap. I personally love to come home and edit a few sneak peeks while I watch a show (usually the Goldbergs or How I Met Your Mother!).

If you’re an introvert chasing a dream, limiting yourself like I was – I challenge you to try putting each of these three tips into action to see if they make a difference for you! And as always, share any tips you might have in the comments below – you never know who needs to know what you have to say!

To Bring or to not Bring Your Camera?

Did you know that there is such a thing as a "photo-taking impairment effect?" I recently read some research by Linda Henkle, a psychology professor at Fairfield University, suggesting that taking photos of something can actually impair you from remembering said event - which, as a wedding photographer, really surprised me.

But then, at my next wedding, I paid attention to guests and family members at the wedding and recognized so many people who were essentially living through their camera phones - recording a toast, but watching it through their phone. Ready to take a photo of the first kiss, and watching it through their phone instead of being present and active in the moment they were in. Ever since then, watching a mother of the bride, bridesmaid, grandfather, friend, or whoever else watching a wedding day unfold through their phone has made me rethink the importance of my job. I realized then that as a wedding photographer, I get to help other people actually LIVE in the moment, and STILL get to remember it later - which is such a beautiful way to serve people!

“Are you more concerned with taking photos, or are you spending your time making memories and being present in whatever you’re doing?”

And of course, this applies to more than just wedding photography. Parents - having photos of your kids is so important, but being there for them and engaged in whatever they're doing, encouraging them along the way, is even MORE important. Kids will remember how present you were... or how distracted you were by your phone.

The same goes for anyone, really - on vacation, are you more concerned with taking photos to remember the trip, or are you spending the majority of your time actually making memories and being present in whatever you're doing?

I recently found myself photographing a beeeeeautiful destination wedding on Mackinac Island in Michigan, and while I was SO excited to take photos of my beautiful couple in such a stunning location, I found myself hesitant to bring my camera with me on my off-day. Typically, if I'm in a new place for the first time, I LOVE to document what I see so I can remember and share it. But my husband said an off -the-cuff comment as we were getting ready to head into town that made me rethink my packing list for the day: "I just want to be present with you today." WHOA. Right then and there, I was reminded of all of the moments I've missed because I was too busy hiding behind my camera. So, hesitantly, I pulled my camera out of my bag and left it sitting on a chair in our hotel room. And let me tell you - that day spent fully present with my husband was one of the BEST gifts I could've given to our marriage. We laughed, we walked, and we soaked in that time together, being fully present with each other and with our surroundings.

I'm no expert (I mean, I'm still a photographer to my core!), but I want to challenge you to do the same.

If you're a guest, friend, bridesmaid, groomsman, or family member at a wedding, my suggestion is to allow yourself to enjoy it - fully - without a phone in hand. Wherever you go, even if you bring your camera or your phone or whatever you use to document our life, be sure to take the time to actually live those moments. Be a part of those memories. Laugh, cry, shout, clap, and take the time to take it all in ❤️

6 Unexpected Milestones to Hire a Photographer For

Much of the work I do revolves around engagements, weddings, high school senior photos, and family photos (for holiday cards). All of these milestones are great reasons to have photos taken – but there are a few other milestones in addition to those mentioned previously that I would highly recommend hiring a photographer for:

1. Wedding Anniversary

Why: This one I can relate to the most because it’s the one Nick and I try to do every single year! Having photos taken for your wedding anniversary (whether it’s every year, every other year, or every five years!) lets you update the photos you’ll be leaving your children, grandchildren, and those who care about you someday as your legacy. Do you want the only beautiful photos you leave those who love you to be from your wedding day (when your kids didn’t even know you)? A wedding anniversary is the perfect occasion to splurge and update your photo collection!

2. Buying Your First Home

Why: Buying a home is a HUGE accomplishment, no matter who you are. Having photos taken of you and your spouse, or you and your family inside your first home is a wonderful way to commemorate all of the hard work that went into your purchase!

3. Birthday (for you or your child!)

Why: What better excuse for a photo shoot than a birthday?! One of my longest standing clients has birthday photos taken every year for her daughter’s birthday. She does an amazing job of pulling together unique props and outfits to make the photos special and different every single year – plus, she gets to see how her daughter has grown from the year before!

4. Pregnancy

Why: Pregnancy is a huge milestone in any relationship, and maternity photos are the perfect way for Mom-to-be to remember such a precious time in her life. Plus, it’s a great excuse for an expectant mother to pamper herself – nails, hair, makeup, a new dress, the whole nine yards!

5. Before/after a big move

Why: Consider this: you’ve grown up in one city for your entire life – you’ve gone to school there, fell in love there, said “I do” there – and now, you’re moving to a new place you’ve never been before, leaving your history behind you. Moving is the perfect excuse to commemorate the city you love in photos to remember your roots!

6. Graduating College

Why: When I was attending Robert Morris University, every senior was required to have a LinkedIn account, and we were all strongly encouraged to have a “professional looking” photo to represent us to potential employers. And a professional photo does just that – it gives a potential employer the best impression of who you are! (Read more in my article “Why You Should Have a Killer LinkedIn Headshot”)

Are there any other milestones you would add to the list?

What is the Best Time of Day for Photos?

Recently, I had a sweet mom of a senior ask why I limit my session timeframes to the morning and the evening – right after the sun rises, or before it sets. I love this question, because I can see how it might seem counter intuitive to schedule a session during the not-so-bright times of the day – but there is a great reason for doing so!

When taking photos outside, the sun is the main light source. When the sun is rising and setting, it’s at it’s lowest point in the sky (hang with me here!). In the middle of the day, the sun is at it’s highest in the sky – typically, right overhead, which is known as the toughest time to take photos. But why?

When the sun is right overhead, the light is very harsh. The light often creates big, shadowy circles under the eyes (which is very unflattering) and is harder to control because it’s just so bright! But in the morning and evening – the sun is lower, and the light is softer, which makes it easier to control the light and eliminates the dark shadowy circles that will often appear under the eyes in bright light! In addition to being lower and easier to manage, the light typically has a warmer temperature to it, which flatters the skin!

However – there is an exception to this rule. On a cloudy day, the sun is still the main light source, but the clouds act as a diffuser, diffusing the light to make it soft, manageable, and more flattering to facial features.

So what it comes down to is this: scheduling my sessions in the morning and late afternoon/evening makes it easier to manage my main light source (the sun) and flatters my clients (no dark circles and warmer light).

Kyyashko Family: Cranberry Township Family Photographer

I have so much love for this sweet family and the fun we have during their annual family session! These four (plus their pup, Milo!) are always up for throwing, kicking, and even laying in leaves - and always with so much enthusiasm and joy! I've said it so many times before, but my favorite part of any session is seeing the people in front of my camera having fun and enjoying themselves. And this family does it so well!

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!

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.