Maddie & Joey: Shady Elms Farm Wedding Photos

Where to begin with these two?! I have had the immense pleasure of being a part of so many special weddings this year, and this one is no exception!

I met Maddie when she was in middle school - we were in a musical together! I was Miss Hannigan, and she was one of my little orphans. I took photos at her 16th birthday party, then her senior photos when she graduated. To be a part of her wedding day was such a beautiful "full circle" moment.

But even better than any of that is the beautiful, kind, sweet relationship that Maddie & Joey have. Their love for each other, their friends & family, and for the Lord emanated throughout their entire day.

Congratulations on your marriage and on your wedding day, Maddie & Joey! I am so, so, SO very thankful that you let me be a part of it.

Enjoy some of my favorite highlights from their wedding day below!

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Vendors: Shady Elms Farm, Bethel Bakery, Steven Vance Entertainment, Fringe Beauty Lounge, BHLDN, Birdy Grey, Film Shockers

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?

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!

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!

Aimee + Brandon: Shakespeare's Restaurant & Pub Wedding 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