Spring Phipp's Conservatory Proposal

There's nothing quite like a Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Broderie Room proposal!

This one took place on a very special weekend for these two, who came into Pittsburgh from out of state for the Pittsburgh Marathon!

JD planned this beautiful proposal from afar on 1) the weekend his now-fiance was running the Pittsburgh marathon, and 2) on the weekend of her birthday! Talk about having a lot to celebrate!!

JD and Isabel have been dating for almost 6 years. And let me tell you, they are the sweetest! So easy to talk to, and so much fun. We had a blast on a beautiful, sunny Pittsburgh morning at Phipps! and oh my goodness, I still can't get over how beautiful the Broderie Room looked with the bright florals. And that Isabel wore a shirt that complimented it so well, without even knowing!

Congratulations on your engagement, you two!

Zach D: McConnell's Mill Senior Photos

Zach is graduating this spring from Seneca Valley! He plans to study Economics post high school, and is currently learning Russian!

We had the best evening at McConnell's Mill for his photos - not too warm, and the most beautiful light!

I've had the privilege of photographing all three kids from this sweet family during their senior year... (see Garrett here, and Madie here!) and we always have so much fun together! I'm sad that this is the last senior, but so grateful to this family for trusting me with so many memories over the years!

Zach - congratulations on your senior year!

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