Nina L: Moraine State Park Senior Photos

Meet Nina - a senior graduating from North Allegheny with the class of 2024! 🎉

Nina was a treat to photograph at the end of April at Moraine State Park on one of the most beautiful spring evenings!

When we had chatted before her session, she requested 1) a field, and 2) sunlight in the background of her photos. Sometimes those two things can be tough to find in Pittsburgh in April (especially the sunlight 😉)... but we were able to make both of those requests happen (truly by God's provision!).

Besides a field and sun, we found some lovely pink blossoms. And of course, we had to use the area near the water. We had a gorgeous golden hour that really made those photos pop!

Isn't she just so stunning?! She made my job so easy!

I also want to give a big thank you and shout out to Dani, who was my assistant/reflector holder for this session. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Spring Hartwood Acres Engagement Family Photos

Oh my oh my! I am so excited to be sharing these photos of this sweet family of three from our session on a beautiful spring evening at the one and only Hartwood Acres Mansion!

We had the pleasure of meeting Elizabeth & Robert a little less than a year ago when they moved to Pittsburgh from Virginia. They were looking for a new church community to be a part of, and started coming to ours! Elizabeth was pregnant at the time with little Abel, and now here he is... just under two months old!

It has been a joy and a privilege to get to know (and photograph) these three!

Amber & Ryan: Surprise Zelienople Proposal

Boy do I have a good one to share with you today! ☺️

Ryan contacted me several weeks ago and shared with me that he would be proposing to his long time girlfriend in Zelienople. As a photographer who literally lives IN Zelienople… I was absolutely stoked to get to document this moment!

Ryan shared with me that he planned to propose at his girlfriend (Amber) after a meal at her favorite restaurant, Kaufman Tavern (if you’ve never been there… it’s a must try! So delicious. The charred cauliflower appetizer is my absolute favorite!)

Together, we chose a location in Zelienople that would be photo-worthy for such an occasion. The day was set, the location was set, and everything seemed to be falling into place… except for a few surprises!

The first surprise (which won’t really be a surprise if you’re familiar with the weather here in Pittsburgh) was the weather. All week leading up to the proposal, there was a strong chance of rain (and storms) for the majority of the day. The day of the proposal, however, it was only overcast, no rain. Woo hoo!

The second surprise came from me. After cleaning out our attic the day before the proposal, I slipped down our steps and rolled my foot. Nothing was broken, but I couldn’t walk on it and couldn’t put a shoe on it (definitely a problem if you’re photographing a proposal…) There was no WAY I was going to cancel, so I did a lot of praying, and the next day, I was able to at least put some weight on my foot. I still couldn’t fit a shoe on it, however… so yes - I photographed this entire proposal with only one shoe on, hobbling around. The ground was cold and wet, but that’s nothing that a pair of fuzzy socks and a heating pad couldn’t fix after the fact!

God bless my husband, Nick, who came with me and was my human crutch.

But back to Amber and Ryan! Ryan popped the question to Amber, she said yes, and then her best friend (who had been in hiding across the street in the Walgreen’s parking lot!) came over with some very on-theme “Bride-to-be” and “Maid-of-honor” bedazzled sunglasses! We took some photos at the gazebo, then headed back to Kaufman Tavern to take some photos out front… since it is a special part of their story now!

Amber & Ryan, thank you so much for letting me be a part of such a special moment for you two! Congratulations on your engagement!

The Easiest Outfit Choice for Senior Pictures: The Little White Dress!

Deciding what to wear for senior pictures is no easy task, and sometimes it can be even tougher when us photographers recommend all kinds of different tips & tricks - try a pattern, but make sure it’s not too small! Wear a bright color, but make sure it’s not too fluorescent. Wear something you feel comfortable in, but make sure it’s also flattering!

While I do think all of those tips are important, I also think that sometimes it’s important to just have a few solid recommendations that anyone can follow. Enter: the white dress!

The “little white dress” (short white dress with short sleeves) has been trending in senior photos in recent years, and for good reason! There are so many reasons why a little white dress is a great choice for senior pictures.

IT PHOTOGRAPHS SO WELL

A white dress photographs beautifully, and white dresses come in all different styles, making them a flattering choice that helps the subject stand out from the background without being too in your face! The little white dress works with a variety of different backdrops (natural, urban, floral, historic, etc.) making it a great choice regardless of the location or background you choose for your photos!

IT’S CLASSIC & TIMELESS

White dresses are also classic & timeless. They may decrease or increase in popularity, but for the most part, they are a staple in many women’s wardrobes across generations.

…YET ALSO TRENDY

Right now, white dresses are so in for senior photos! So you have the added bonus of choosing a trendy piece for your senior session, while at the same time, having something that is so classic. It’s a win-win!

ALTERNATIVE IDEAS

Though the short white dress is what’s currently in, if you’re unsure if you want to go too trendy, try adding a twist to your white dress choice by:

• Choosing a longer length instead of a shorter one

• Choosing a dress with sleeves over something short sleeve

• Adding a different color shoe (other than neutral or white)

• Adding a different type of accessory

Below are a few of my seniors who have chosen the white dress option in recent years! Many of them purchased their dresses from Altar’d State or Francesca’s.

INTERESTED IN MORE SENIOR PHOTO CONTENT?

Check out the blog posts below!

What Colors Should I Wear for My Senior Pictures?

One of the most common questions I get when it comes to prepping for a photo session is: what color clothing should I wear for my photo session?

While there are some general rules of thumb to use – no fluorescent colors, consider a piece of clothing with a color that “pops,” etc. – I have always been a bit stumped by this question. I’ve found that while some colors work great on some people, those same colors can wash other people out, making them look sickly and/or pale in photos.

Enter: color analysis!

If you’ve never heard of color analysis (also referred to as personal color analysis, or seasonal color analysis), it essentially is a tool for determining your best colors based on your own features (skin, hair, eyes, etc.). Each person generally falls into one of four larger categories (winter, spring, autumn, or summer), which are then further broken down into more specific palettes (i.e., deep winter, cool winter, bright winter, light summer, soft autumn, warm spring, etc.). With each of these seasons (and sub seasons) comes a specific array of colors that help a person “pop” (for lack of a better word!).

You can imagine that when it comes to photos, everyone wants to “pop!” We all want to look our best when we are having professional photos taken. And while I could recommend a few specific colors for people to dress in for their photos, I think there is a lot more value in steering people towards the concept of color analysis, and discovering what their best colors are that will make them pop!

I can’t claim to be a professional color analyst (or even a mediocre one at best!) so I’ve compiled some resources below for those who are interested in discovering what their best colors are! As well as a few simple tips to use if you don’t want to go through the whole color analysis process.

First, below is a link to a great comprehensive video for finding your “season” and your best colors!

If you’re looking for a quick way to determine your best colors, here’s what I would suggest:

Find a wide variety of different colors of clothing/fabrics (they don’t have to be yours - go through the closets of your family members, find blankets/scraps of fabric), and sit in front of a mirror (make sure you don’t have any makeup on and that your hair is down). Simply hold up those fabrics right beneath your face, covering your chest and collar bone area. Pay close attention to what colors enhance your features, and what colors wash you out. It may not be completely obvious to you at first, especially if you don’t have lots of different colors in different shades.

If you are struggling to find a wide variety of different colors of fabrics, you can also head to a store and simply hold different colors of fabric up in front of the mirror. Pay close attention to what colors lift your features, and what colors wash you out… then be sure to take note and buy clothing that corresponds!

Obviously, this isn’t a true test for determining your best “season” and true color analysis, but I do hope it is helpful in finding the best colors to suit YOU for your photo session! I’ve also included some photos below of some seniors who I think knocked it out of the park with their color choices!

(PS - there are also some pretty great filters on TikTok that will give you lots of color samples to help you find what suits you best!)

Jay & Swetha: Phipp's Conservatory Surprise Proposal

It's hard to beat a Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens proposal... especially when it's at golden hour, the proposee drove in from DC to surprise his girlfriend, and their friends & family from out of town came in to be a part of the surprise, too!

If you couldn't tell already... this was an epic proposal!

Jay contacted me a few months ago to be a part of capturing this special moment for he and his now-fiancé, Swetha! Because he's currently residing in DC, he planned this entire surprise with the help of their friends & family from afar.

When I showed up to the Broderie Room this past Saturday, I had never seen it looking so good (and I've photographed quite a few Phipp's proposals)! Jay & his brother were scattering rose petals along the ground and placing framed photos and envelopes (each containing a poem, written by Jay), marking each year they had been together (four years this summer!).

Swetha's friends played the crucial role of guiding her to the room where Jay was waiting (and of bringing some press on nails for after the proposal to make sure her hands were ring ready). After she read each poem, Jay got down on one knee, and of course... the rest is history! She said yes, and after we took a few photos of the two of them together, their immediate families and friends surprised Swetha by walking through the door. It was such a sweet moment!

It was a joy to be a part of such a sweet moment for these two... congratulations to Jay & Swetha on your engagement!

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PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Interested in having me photograph your proposal? Feel free to reach out by clicking here, or email me directly at jhidingerphotography@gmail.com. I would love to work with you!

Pittsburgh Lifestyle Newborn Photos

Meet sweet Miss Eleanor!

I met Megan & Richard quite a few years ago, after they had gotten engaged to be married! I photographed their engagement session and their wedding day (in 2019), and I was super honored when they asked me if I would consider photographing their family as they transitioned to a family of three.

In the past, I've (frankly) turned away newborn sessions. If I'm being honest... it's because they scared me! Before having my own baby, I wasn't much of a "baby person" (as they say ). But after having my own and experiencing the newborn phase for myself... I softened to it. And I recognize that it is such a special, joyful, difficult, and emotionally charged time for families.

After Taylor Elizabeth Photography took our own in home newborn family photos in January of 2023 and recognized the gift those photos were to us, I found myself wanting to be able to do the same for other families.

So, truly - this family was a joy to photograph. They welcomed me into their home and we were able to capture some precious moments while Eleanor was still just a few weeks old!

Of course, the pups wanted to be involved in the photos… and of course we wanted to involve them! They are a part of the family, too ❤️

Besides the adorable onesie and adorable crib sheets, Megan & Richard included a special pillow that they had purchased on their honeymoon, specifically for the purpose of putting in their future child’s nursery. So of course… it had to be in a few photos ❤️

I hope to photograph more in home newborn sessions in 2024, so if you are in need of some, please reach out!

Thank you, Megan, Richard, and Eleanor, for letting me capture these snippets of life for you!

Introducing Pittsburgh Wedding Cookie Table Signs and so much more!

“Did you go to school for photography?”

It’s a common question that I get asked fairly often. If you’ve been reading the blog for a while, you might know that I went to Robert Morris University and graduated with two degrees, one in Graphic Design and one in Interaction Design (emphasis on web design), and I snuck in a minor in Photography just for fun. But if you’re new, this might be a surprise to you!

After completing my degrees, I worked in marketing for a start up and really enjoyed it. At the same time, I was building my photography business. Eventually, when I realized I was working 16-18 hour days between my two jobs, I recognized that a change was needed, and took the leap with Jenna Hidinger Photography in July of 2017. Ever since then, I’ve been a full time photographer!

But I always missed design, and I always had a dream of finding a way to incorporate it into my photography business (besides designing my own website and marketing materials ;) ). Because I had been working so hard on the photography side of my business, I never really got around to finding ways to incorporate design into it.

But this winter, that has changed!

FINALLY, I am excited to start offering select products for my clients, as well as resources for photographers in the “Shop” area of my website (I also have an Etsy shop with some additional materials that don’t fit into my photography brand - check it out here!)

Products for my photography clients currently include:

• Senior Photo Grad Announcements/Party Invites (customizable with Canva)

• Wedding Cookie Table Signage

Resources for other photographers currently include:

• Senior Photography Pricing Guide (Canva Template)

• Senior Photography Welcome Guide (Canva and/or InDesign Template)

• Senior Photography Guy Posing Guide (PDF)

And I have hopes of adding more to the store over the next year! All of these are delivered via digital download, which means the purchaser is able to take those files and print them wherever they would like… as many times as they would like! (But if you need help with printing, of course I’m here to help!)

I’m really excited to start offering these products, and I would love to hear - what else would you like to see in the Shop? Feel free to leave me a comment below to let me know!

But for now… check out the current offerings below! And be sure to give my Etsy shop a follow by clicking below!

PRODUCTS & DIGITAL DOWNLOADS

Blog Post Ideas for Senior Photographers

Is blogging dead in 2024?

While I consider myself a fairly consistent blogger (I blog about 60-70 times per year), I’ve wondered this myself as we enter the golden age of apps like TikTok, Threads, and YouTube. Does blogging have any value for a small business owner, and maybe more specifically for photographers, in 2024?

I might be biased, but I say a resounding YES! And I say this emphatic “yes” because of some simple (yet compelling) reasons:

• Content from my blog STILL drives TONS of traffic to my website (especially when I’m consistently sharing and keywording images from my sessions), which is great for my SEO rankings on Google. Google likes activity, and they reward websites with “good” activity with higher rankings (meaning that when someone searches for you, your website/blog post will pop up on or closer to that coveted first page of Google!)

• Blogging is an easy way for me to answer frequent questions that clients have for me, and in turn, allows me to serve my clients better. When they email me, I simply send them the blog post I’ve already written instead of typing out that answer again and again and again. Plus - answering your clients questions positions you as an expert in your field. Imagine someone Googling “where should I have my senior photos taken in (insert your town)?” and YOUR blog post pops up with some beautiful images from your favorite locations. Do you think that person is going to trust that you are an expert and that you know what you’re doing? Of course! And that puts them in a great position to want to invest in your services and experience. Score!

For me, those are two awesome reasons to continue blogging, even into 2024 and beyond. And I believe that anyone can “up” their rankings on Google by consistently posting to their blog, even beginning in 2024. It’s not too late to start!

One of the most difficult things about having a blog can be the age old question of “but what do I write?” As someone who has been blogging for 10+ years, trust me, I GET IT. I feel like I’ve written so so many blog posts throughout the years that I barely have any content left to write about. But then I get a question from a client or photograph a senior at a new location, and suddenly, I have an idea for content!

In this particular blog post, I’d love to share some ideas with you for blog posts that will actually help you rank on Google and that will help you serve your clients well. Because you need those inquiries… and you need to take care of those clients who have already trusted you with their memories and money!

Today, I’m going to share some blog post ideas specifically for Senior Photographers.

UNIQUE BLOG POST IDEAS FOR SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS:

1. Highlight the best images (could be 5, could be 25!) from every senior session you photograph in a separate blog post for each client. Yes, every single one. Chances are, you’re most likely editing some sneak peeks for your client, so go the extra mile and throw those sneak peeks in a blog post - but don’t forget to keyword those images (that’s the secret sauce!). This one is such good low hanging fruit, too, because these blog posts basically write themselves. Share the images, share some info about the senior (maybe where they go to school, what they plan on doing after college, what hobbies they are interested in) and wah-la! You have an easy, repeatable way to blog consistently throughout the year. (Click here to see a sample blog post!)

2. Highlight your favorite locations to take photos of seniors

   • This could be one blog posts with a long list of locations and sample images

   • This could also be individual blog posts highlighting your favorite images from each location

   • This could even be your favorite locations within different categories such as urban, nature, architectural, etc.

   • Click here to see a sample blog post from this category!

3. Share your favorite hair and/or makeup artists. Do you encourage your seniors to book hair and makeup artists for their session? Instead of typing up a list every time someone asked for a recommendation, what if you were able to simply send a link with some of your favorites? (Linking to each artists’ website, of course). This will make it SO easy for your clients to find the info they need!

4. Have a hair or makeup artists write a “guest blog post” for you with simple tips for how seniors can do their hair and makeup for their session (how to make their hair/makeup last longer in humidity, etc.)

5. Write about what seniors should wear for their photos. You could make one post for the ladies, and one for the guys. You could even break this into different seasons (i.e., what to wear for summer senior photos, what to wear for fall senior photos, etc.) (Click here to see a sample blog post from this category!)

6. Write about what seniors should NOT wear for their photos (again, one post for the ladies, one post for the guys).

7. Write about the best time of year to have senior photos taken. Wherever you live, there is probably a “peek” season for photos. Tell them why and write about it! Or, you can talk about when makes the most sense in terms of senior year/yearbook submission timing. (Sample post here!)

8. If there is a specific season you want to take photos in MORE, do a blog post featuring photos during that specific season, talking about why it’s so great (I live in Pittsburgh and have a blog post about why I love winter senior sessions!).

9. Write a letter to parents of seniors about what you want them to know going into their child’s senior session. This could be a great way to set parents up for success. One season, I had a few moms that were very unencouraging during their child’s senior session, which visibly deflated the senior and led to a difficult time getting happy emotions out of them. Talk about how parents can support their senior when it comes to their senior session!

10. Write about what props seniors can include during their photo session. If you’re a senior photographer, I have no doubt that someone has asked you to incorporate some sort of sport prop or instrument into their senior photos. Create a blog post with your best images and give some alternative ideas for props, too! (I love to encourage my clients to bring fresh flowers to their sessions!)

11. Write a blog post and feature some images from your own senior session (if you had one!). This can just be a fun way to let your senior into your life! People need to know you before they can trust you and buy from you… showcase your personality here! And if the photos were a super long time ago and aren’t your style anymore, talk about how senior photos have evolved into something so much better in modern times.

12. Do one big FAQ! Do parents and seniors ask you a lot of the same questions before, during, or after their senior photo session? Tackle all of those questions (or each one individually) on your blog! This will give you TONS of great content to refer your clients to when they have questions.

13. Write about your favorite senior photo trends. Do you have any current trends you love? Talk about why you love them on your blog!

14. Write about what senior photo trends you think are outdated. Is there a pose that is so 2015? What makes senior photos look outdated, to you? Talk about those things on your blog!

15. Write about the ways you go the extra mile for your senior clients. Do you have a changing tent you bring with you so your clients can change on location? Do you buy every senior their favorite Starbucks drink before their session? Do you have a gift you give them before or after their session? These small things will set you apart from the competition, and they should be celebrated! This could easily veer into bragging territory, so just be careful about how you frame it.

16. Make a video walking through how you edit your senior photos. Everybody loves a good behind the scenes! This will show your clients how you take the time to edit their images to perfection (Click here for a sample post!)

17. Write about the tools you use for your craft. What is a must-have for you when you photograph a senior session? For me, it’s my reflector… and I love talking about how big a difference it makes in my images!

18. Talk about the best time of day for a senior session. What is your favorite time of day to shoot, and why? Share it with your clients so they know when they can expect their session to be!

When you blog, don’t forget to think about what your perspective client might be Googling… in fact, that’s where you should start! What do they want to know? What is important to them? How can you serve them before you sell to them?

I hope this post was helpful, and happy blogging!

Interested in senior photography education?

Check out the resources below!

Pittsburgh Family Photos

I had such a great time photographing this family of eight!

Mom chose their new home to be the backdrop for their yearly family photos - a beautiful, personal, and meaningful spot! (Also perfect for a cold day - everyone was able to hop into the house to warm up, then come back outside!).

Because they have all been taking yearly photos for so long, they were all pros and made my job so easy.

Congrats to this sweet family on their new home!