Wedding Planning Tips + Tricks: Perfecting an Imperfect Process

Special treat for you all today! I have Antoinette & Lauren from A & L Events here sharing their expertise in wedding planning. I’ll let them take it away!

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Wedding Planning Tips + Tricks: Perfecting an Imperfect Process - The 5 C’s

Hey there, friends!

We’re glad you’re here on the talented Kathryn Hyslop Photography’s blog. We love our dear Katie, so when she asked us to contribute a feature, we of course told her to count us in!

Allow us to introduce ourselves. Our names are Antoinette Yelenic and Lauren Virgin. First and foremost, we are (and have been) best friends, who happened to take a chance on what was initially thought to be a wild dream to become wedding + event planners and designers. Well, turns out we’re making that wild dream into a wonderful reality. We are the co-owners and principle planners of A & L Events, a Pittsburgh based wedding + event planning and design boutique. If you are interested in learning more about us, feel welcome to give us some internet love here: www.aandlevents.com.

Ok, ok. Enough about us, right? You’re reading this to gain insight on a subject the majority of people seem to dread. DUN DUN DUN -- wedding planning! Really, it’s not so scary and we’re here to share our tips & tricks on how to streamline and perfect this seemingly daunting process. Without further adieu..

1. COUPLE UP

You’re engaged, congratulations! Brides, this doesn’t mean that you take full reigns and hit the ground running. We say this in the sweetest way possible: remember your hubby-to-be too. While some grooms say they’re fine with their lady taking charge of the process, we say that it should be a team effort. Always consolidate with your partner about what they desire from their big day.  Yes, sometimes this means compromise, but hello you’re on your way to the altar, a life of compromise is ahead so you might as well learn to master the craft while you’re ahead! In all seriousness though, we really believe the basis of an enjoyable wedding planning process is teaming up with your love and remembering this day is solely about the both of you and the lifetime vows you commit to one another. At the end of the day, no one is going to critique your choice of linen or bouquet style (this means a lot coming from the mouths -or, fingers - of planners), and by the end of your wedding day, you may not care too much about it either because guess what? You just won big - you married the love of your life!

2. CURATE

Once you committed on C numero uno, it’s time to get those brains working. During this phase, it is imperative to lay out exactly what you want and envision for your wedding day. And better yet, sometimes, it’s extremely helpful to lay out exactly what you do NOT want. Start by asking yourself these questions:

• What feeling do we want to project with our wedding day?

• What aspects of our personality do we want to evoke through our wedding day?

• Is there a theme or aesthetic we want to encompass?

• What are the top 3 aspects we care about most?

• What are the top 3 aspects we care about least?

• In what ways do we want to accommodate and take care of our guests?

• What is the budget we plan to stick to? (Pro tip: whatever you budget, add a $10k buffer to allow for unforeseen costs)

• How do we best allocate that budget to maximize the most from areas we want to spend more on?

• Do we plan on DIY planning or partnering with a professional?

Once you have a solid ground basis on how you’d answer the questions above, you can begin to move forward and be better able to approach the next step.

3. COLLECT + COMPARE

Just when you thought your college research skills were done and over with! This is a crucial step to the planning process. In a nutshell, gather all necessary information possible. No biggie right? This is the phase when couples seek the expertise + assistance from a planning pro. We often see couples get intimidated by all the different vendors, venues, caterers, rentals and endless event options offered in today’s market. One of our main roles as your wedding planner is to research, receive and review the information you’re inquisitive about or interested in booking for your big day. The key: collect as much material as possible, and then compare. We recommend doing this for your ‘high profile vendors’ - which in our opinion are your venue, caterer, photographer and floral designer. If you nail those four vendors, then the chances you’ll have a magical wedding with beautiful images to forever reminisce on our high.

One more thing to touch on when you compare vendor information, do not just compare the price. While this is hard for most people (even us at times), we truly believe you get what you pay for. So, take into account more than just the cost  - consider the quality of work, the provided staffing, the package inclusions, the services, etc. Are you in the midst of this now and looking for professional involvement? Check out our services here: http://www.aandlevents.com/services-1.

4. COORDINATE + COMMUNICATE

At this point, you either brought in a pro planning team or have decided to venture on solo - and if you’ve decided to venture on solo, you may start to consider a wedding coordinator, but don’t wait too long! This is where wedding planning gets a bad rap. But, with the proper organization it can become somewhat invigorating. Or are we the only weirdos that think so?

Firstly, we suggest that you create different email threads for each of your booked vendors. In example: Smith + Jones Wedding | Floral Designer or Smith + Jones Wedding | Catering. This way, when you are conducting correspondence, you can keep all communication streamlined and in one place. In addition to this method, we recommend using the same thread subject to create a spreadsheet or notebook with all directly related information such as; contracts, contacts, order details, invoices, payment schedules, timelines, etc. This way, it can be easily found and referenced when working out the specifics of coordination.

Speaking of timeline, it is helpful to get an understanding of the day’s flow - time stamps won’t be 100% finalized until a week or so prior to the wedding, but don’t let that make you nervous - this is actually quite normal. All in all, communication is key. Whether it is our job as your planner or your job as self-employed planner, keep all vendors in the loop and update them when necessary, occasional check-ins are always good too to keep lines open. A successful wedding coordination does not happen without successful communication.

5. CAPTURE

You can see the end-zone. You’re almost there. Now it’s time to let all of that hard work come together to create what you’ve been tirelessly putting your efforts towards. So, here’s what we say to this: Capture the moment, capture the feeling. Start living in the moment. Remember the road that led you here. Savor the delicious fact that you get to do life with the one you love. A final check in with all vendors to ensure there are all set for your big day is recommended about one week from your wedding. Make sure your appointed day-of contact is named (whether your planner or VIP guest that you trust and are comfortable with giving this responsibility) and their information is given to all vendors.

A pro piece of advice: don’t let the title of this feature fool you. Nothing is perfect. But it can be if you remember that. Does that make sense? Say it in your head one more time. When you allow yourself to realize that perfection does not exist, suddenly the pressure of perfection fades away and what you see is perfect (regardless if a boutonniere is out of place or if a table is missing a piece of flatware - if you hire a planner, these small issues will most likely not happen (JUST SAYIN’). Now, take a breath and let the celebration begin.

Wedding planning doesn’t sound so bad huh? These 5 C’s are keys to success and they can be yours too! (Of course, they can be even more successful with a little help...hint hint!) Now go enjoy the process and your big day! Cheers!

With Love,

A & L
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Antoinette Yelenic & Lauren Virgin
www.aandlevents.com
Instagram: @aandlevents
Facebook: A & L Events

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Ready to talk wedding photos?

7 Things Your Wedding Photographer Wishes You Knew

Below are a few things wedding photographers wish their clients knew about wedding photography. Read these 7 tips before booking yours so you know exactly what to expect.

Hire a photographer whose photography style you like

Wedding photographers can have a variety of different shooting styles such as photojournalism/documentary, traditional, and fine art (or be a mix of a few), as well as different editing styles (light & airy, bold & vibrant, dark & moody, etc). It’s important to understand the differences between all the styles and which one you and your future spouse like the best. Be sure to do your research  and know what style calls to you before booking a photographer. That way  you don’t end up with someone whose style doesn’t work for you.

It’s important to establish a relationship with your wedding photographer

Get to know your wedding photographer! After all, they’re going to be snapping photos of you two on the most important day of your life. They’ll want to get to know you as a couple, from how you interact with each other, your cute quirks, and the way you show affection towards one another. Understanding these things about a couple prior to the wedding day helps the photographer capture the little moments that make your big day so special. I personally like to meet a few times before the wedding so that we have that opportunity (consultation, engagements, timeline meetings, etc).

Engagement sessions are important

You have a trial run for your hair and makeup and you try on your dress a number of times before wearing it on the big day, so why wouldn’t you do a practice run with your photographer? Engagement sessions allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera and allows your photographer to get used to photographing you both. When you see the images it will give you an idea of what your wedding day pictures will look like. Still not convinced? Here are a few reasons you should have an engagement session.

Your photographer doesn’t need a shot list

It might seem like a helpful idea to give your wedding photographer a list of all the moments you want captured, but it actually ends up stifling the photographer’s creativity. On the big day things are moving quickly and trying to organize everyone for photos is stressful enough without having to worry about a checklist. You can actually miss out on the candid moments when you’re too busy double-checking the shot list.; and candid photos end up being some of the best! Photographers are experienced professionals and they’ve shot enough weddings to know what kinds of images couples want. Have a general chat before the wedding day about any moments you definitely want pictures of, especially things we may not know about, but providing a detailed list isn’t necessary.

Chat about the wedding day timeline

The wedding day timeline is largely based off the photography timeline. Your wedding photographer (or planner if you have one!) is likely an expert in creating these and can be a helpful resource for this part of your planning. They know exactly how long family, wedding party and couples portraits take and can help plan out the day accordingly. The bigger your family and the bigger the wedding party, the longer pictures are going to take, so keep that in mind when you’re planning out your day.

Good pictures can’t be rushed

Go into your day understanding that good wedding photos take time and patience. While you may be eager to join your guests during cocktail hour, you don’t want your anxiousness coming across in photos, so just enjoy the time you have with your new spouse! Consider doing a first look if you’d rather get all your photos taken beforehand. If that’s not for you, other concessions can be made, like sneaking out during sunset for a mini portrait session.Your photographer wants to give you the highest quality images, which doesn’t happen at the drop of a hat.

Trust your photographer

At the end of the day, your photographer is a professional so trust them! If they tell you to pose or move a certain way, listen to them. It may feel weird or you may think the picture is going to come out strangely, but wedding photographers know what they’re doing. Trust them to do their job as best they can so you can have gorgeous photos that will last a lifetime.

Have some more questions? Let's chat

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Proposal Tips From a Professional Photographer

proposal tips from a professional photographer

Proposing is one of the most exhilarating and nerve-wracking things a person will ever do. All the planning and scheming leading up to this moment may have caused you overlook a few important things (understandably!). Here are a few tips on how to create the best proposal ever!

Have a concrete plan

For such a big moment, “winging it” is probably not the way to go. Don’t just have a general idea of where you’ll propose ex) the public park. Pick a specific location like, the statue by the duck pond in the public park. Not only will this help keep you from getting flustered, it will make it easier for your photographer to capture the moment! They can be hidden in the area and know that’s where you’ll be popping the question. You should also have a general plan for the day, or if you’re not planning on seeing her before you propose, make sure you have a friend in on it so they can keep her occupied. Set a time in your head when all this will be going down. Not only is this crucial in capturing the moment on camera, it will keep your nerves at bay to know you’re sticking to your schedule.

Consider Going Solo (and celebrate after)

Proposing in front of all her family and friends is totally fine, but keep in mind it will be easier for your photographer to do their job with less people around. It is easier to get different angles of the proposal without worrying about Aunt Mary blocking the reaction. If you do choose to have people around, warn them in advance (if you can) that a photographer will be there and they should be aware of that. If you’re surprising the whole crowd, try to organize people in a way that separates you two from all the people so everyone can focus on the moment. If you want people there, you can always have an intimate moment while you propose and then meet up with friends and family after to celebrate (another event I am happy to capture).

Work your photographer into the scene

If you’re proposing downtown or in a restaurant, hide your photographer in plain sight! I can be a tourist strolling down the same sidewalk as you or a fellow diner wherever you’re eating. Working me into the natural scenery makes things easier and allows for a smoother transition when you begin your proposal. Depending on where you’re proposing I could just be a non-assuming citizen taking pictures of my surroundings. We can sort out the exact details once we begin working together.

Pick a place with good lighting

Proposing midday with no shade in sight  is probably not the wisest choice for capturing a proposal on camera (think lots of shadows and squinting into the sun). Scope out the area beforehand if it’s an indoor location and try to figure out where the best lighting is (I can help). If it’s outside, try pick a time when the lighting creates a natural romantic backdrop; sunset or sunrise are always perfect times. Again, these are things I am happy to help you with. The better the lighting, the better the images. Briefing me on these things can also help prepare me so I know which equipment to bring along.

Prepare a speech

Preparing a speech will not only help you keep your cool and give you a starting point for the proposal, but it will clue your photographer in that the proposal is about to happen! They can get into their ready position and begin snapping pics as you start talking. Take a deep breath before you begin speaking and try your best to say what you have planned out. A lot of people say they totally forget what they’ve said during this moment, but that’s OK! As long as you attempt a speech on some kind I can get my camera ready!

Bonus tip: If you plan on getting down on one knee - kneel for longer than you think

Your mind will freeze and it feels like you’re proposing longer than you are! Make sure you hang out on that knee for at least a few seconds so that the moment can be captured perfectly. The prepared speech can help with this!

Ask your photographer for tips

I’ve shot many proposals, so I am happy to offer any planning advice I can. From places to propose in the area to times of day that work the best, I am happy to lend my expertise. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me before you have concrete plans, we can work together! Contact me today for more helpful advice.

Planning a holiday proposal? Let's chat

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Other Moments Your Wedding Photographer Can Capture (Besides the Wedding)

other moments your wedding photographer can capture (besides the wedding)

The Proposal

These days it’s pretty common for couples to hire a wedding photographer to capture the big moment. It takes away the stress of wondering if the pictures will come out well and you can use them for your save-the-dates or as a way to share the engagement news with loved ones. The bottom line is, you won’t regret hiring a professional photographer to capture this moment, but you may regret NOT hiring one. Read this article for more reasons to hire a proposal photographer.

Engagement Session

Not only are these great images to use for your wedding decor (ie. your guestbook, framed pictures, etc), but it’s a great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day and get to know the photographer. You try on your dress and do a hair trial before your wedding right? So why wouldn’t you do the same with a photographer? It helps me get to know you as a couple before the wedding as well so I can understand how you interact and give you pointers to make you feel comfortable. Check out a few other reasons to have an engagement session here.

Bridal portraits

Deciding to take photos of you in your wedding dress prior to the ceremony is a good idea for a number of reasons. First of all, it can act as a test run for getting into your gown, your hair and makeup trial and seeing how long the whole process will take. Secondly, getting these images out of the way before the big day will allow for a smoother timeline the day of the wedding. Finally, you’ll have these gorgeous pictures to cherish for years to come. Trust us, your spouse will love them!

Bachelorette Party:

A night out on the town with your closest friends? Bring along your photographer for part of the night to get those great Instagrammable moments, without having to spend the evening looking at your phone! It’s one way to make sure you’ll remember the evening. Check clips from a recent party here.

Bridal Shower:

Your bridal shower gets your near and dear family and friends all in one place to celebrate your upcoming wedding. Why not capture the moments that make it special? Your shower is an important part of the wedding process, and it should get some attention too! Want to see a recent shower I photographed? One was just featured over at Ultimate Bridesmaid.

Rehearsal Dinner

I’d love to photograph your rehearsal dinner! This is a special gathering since it’s the last time you’ll all be together before getting hitched. Since there are often speeches and sentimental moments, it’s nice to have those memories captured as well. You’ll be glad you have pictures with your closest friends and family at a gathering other than your wedding day.

Day-after Session

Capture more relaxed pictures of your newly wedded bliss by having a day-after session. Maybe we travel back to your venue and have an extended portrait shoot and capture all the images you want. Maybe we travel somewhere new and adventurous to get shots you couldn’t dream of capturing on the actual wedding day, because it would take too long, or be too difficult to get too. Either way, since the wedding is over, you’ll be more relaxed and at ease, with no timeline to stick too.

Anniversary

Whether it’s your 1-year anniversary or 10-year, let’s reenact your engagement session! Or we can travel back to your wedding site and snap pictures there. It’ll be a romantic way to capture your love for one another on such a special day.

Want photos of events beyond your wedding? Let’s chat.

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6 Reasons to Hire a Proposal Photographer

6 reasons to hire a proposal photographer

As we start getting into the holiday season, many people start planning proposals! It is a perfect time of year, with lots of friends and family around to celebrate the season, and the two of you. If you’re in the middle of planning, maybe you’ve thought about hiring a pro to capture the big moment. It’s becoming more and more popular these days! Personally (although I may be a little biased) I think you should definitely spring for a pro-photographer. There are so many of reasons to get photos of this happy event; my six favorite are below:

It Goes by Fast

People who have proposed often say that their mind went completely blank once they dropped to a knee because of how nerve-wracking the moment was for them! They can’t remember how their S.O. reacted, looked, or responded because of the excitement of the moment. Looking at the images will allow you to be transported back into that moment and  the feelings of the event will come rushing back to you. You also won’t have to worry about making sure to find a passerby to take this important picture! You can spend the moments leading up to the proposal thinking about what you’ll say instead of chasing someone down to take your picture.

To capture your reactions

When you’re on the receiving end of a gorgeous engagement ring, you’re likely to make some pretty incredible faces. Whether it’s the biggest grin of all time, or a shocked face complete with wide eyes, you can’t beat being able to capture raw emotion on camera. Your immediate reaction, the follow-up embrace and kiss, and general mood after you’ve got the ring on can create for some epic photos. Your new fiance won’t be saying “you should have seen your face” because the images will speak a thousand words.

To share with loved ones

This is a great idea, especially if the proposal is a more intimate one. It might just be the two of you, or your closest friends and family. These images allow you to share the moment with all of your loved ones who weren’t there for the occasion. Social media has also become a big part of getting engaged, and these shareable images will be perfect for your Instagram or Facebook announcement!

To use for the wedding

What a better way to get people excited for your wedding by putting your romantic and candid proposal picture on your save-the-date. Since it captures the pure joy of you as a couple, it’s a great way to set the excited and happy tone of your wedding day. Plus, those who don’t know the proposal story or who haven’t seen any pictures yet will enjoy having a printed copy of their own. You can also frame a couple of the images and place them by the guest book or even use the images as centerpieces. Depending on what you’re doing with your decor there’s usually a few spots throughout your venue when you can share pictures of the two of you.

To savor an incredible memory

You don’t think twice about getting your wedding professionally photographed, so why would you second-guess getting a proposal photographer? You want the moment you say “I do” to be caught on camera, and you should have the proposal moment professionally captured as well. You’ll be so happy you did later on in life when you’re asked about your proposal story and you can show them right there, how happy that day was for you!

We’re professionals (and yes, we can help plan!)

I highly recommend hiring a professional instead of asking friend to photograph the moment. Professional photographers can anticipate movements, maneuver crowds, and know how to get the job done no matter the weather or lighting.  Plus, most photographers have been in this situation before. We can give you tips and tricks for the perfect spot to stop, the best time of day for beautiful lighting, and even how to hide us away so your S.O. doesn't notice us till you're already on one knee. It should take a little bit of stress out, knowing you have a pro in your corner.

Are you planning a holiday proposal? Give me a call and let's chat!

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10 Things to Ask a Potential Wedding Photographer

10 Things to Ask a Potential Wedding Photographer

Finding the right vendor for you can be tough, especially the right photographer. After all, they’re capturing the most important day of your life! It’s crucial to ask the right questions so you have all the information you need before making a decision. Here’s a few things I think you should ask before making things official.

1. What’s your photography style?

There are various kinds of wedding photography out there. Styles such as photojournalism/documentary, traditional, and fine art are all common among wedding photographers (or some combination, like me). It’s OK if you don’t know the difference, just ask your potential photographer to describe their work to get an idea of their photography style. It helps to see if you are a good fit!

2. Do you have a team?

Depending on the size of the company, a photographer may have a few other employees that shoot weddings, therefore the person you’re speaking with may not be your day-of photographer. If the person works solo, like me, then they’ll be the one capturing your big day, potentially with the help of a second shooter to make sure every moment is documented.

3. How long have you been photographing weddings?

You’ll want to get a sense of how long your wedding photographer has been in the business and what their workload is like. Understanding their experience can help you make an informed decision.

4. Can I see examples of your work?

This is an important one! Be sure to ask for recent examples so you can get a sense of their photography style. This will be very helpful for deciding if they are the right photographer for you. You’ll want to see more than their best work, so make sure to check out a full wedding album.

5. What is your favorite part of photographing weddings?

This question gives you an idea of what your photographer is drawn to, and what their favorite part of the day is. Their answer will give you a little insight into who they are as an artist, and what aspects of the day they focus on.

6. Have you worked with my planner before?

If they say yes, your wedding planner is a good person to ask for a third party review of the photographer. You can get outside input of the photographer’s style and work ethic. Your planner and photographer will work like a team, making sure you stick to your wedding day timeline.

7. What does your package include?

You’ll want to find out what exactly is included in a wedding day package. You’ll want to ask if it includes an engagement session, photographer for pre- and post-wedding events, and editing and retouching your images in post-production. You should also take this opportunity to figure out if the package is at all customizable, so you can add or subtract things based on your needs.

8. What is the backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding?

If your photographer is unable to shoot your wedding last minute due to an illness or emergency, you should know what the plan will be. Understanding this well in advance will prevent any future stress if something does happen. Always good to have a plan in place!

9. How do you manage the timeline?

You want your photographer to have good time management skills so you don’t miss any part of the wedding and stick to your wedding day timeline. For photography, good light is key, so asking about sneaking out for sunset. Your photographer will love you for it, and you’ll get amazing images! Ask if they’d like to be included when developing the timeline so that everyone is on the same page.  

10. Can I see a contract?

Before putting pen to paper, ask to see their contact. Read it over carefully and come back with any last minute questions. After those are answered you can make it official!

If you’re curious, you are always welcome to give me a call and ask questions!

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5 Reasons Why Every Couple Should Do an Engagement Shoot

5 Reasons Why Every Couple Should Do an Engagement Shoot

After the question is popped and celebrations have been had, the next thing you should think about is getting your engagement photos taken! Engagement photos have so many benefits - check out a few of them below.

It helps your photographer get to you know you

Your wedding photographer is going to be capturing one of the most exciting days of your life, so I believe it is important to get to know them beforehand. Think about it; you’re going to have a hair and makeup trial, you’re going to try on your wedding attire, and have a rehearsal for the ceremony - so why wouldn’t you do a test run with your photographer too? Having time to hang out together before your wedding gives me a sense of who you two are as a couple and the kind of chemistry you have. I’ll be able to pick out your personality quirks, how you flirt with each other, and be able to showcase that through the images

You’ll have professional photos to use pre-wedding

Try to get your engagement photos scheduled earlier rather than later so you can put them to good use throughout your engagement! You can include the shots on your wedding website for all of your guests to enjoy. You can also incorporate the shots on your save-the-date cards or in your guest book for your wedding day (Which I can create for you! Give me a call to see how). It’ll make things a lot easier than having to dig through years’ worth of pictures, trying to figure out which ones to use.

Reconnect with each other and capture this special part of your life

As you have probably figured out, wedding planning can be stressful. Trying to organize an event with hundreds of guests is definitely not a relaxing experience. This is supposed to be a magical time in your life! Your engagement period should be full of romance and reconnecting with one another. Allow me to help! We can have an afternoon of fun doing whatever it is you like to do as a couple. You’ll be able to look back at these images years from now and remember what a lovely afternoon you had together at the park or strolling down town. Plus, it’s an excuse to get all dolled up and take some gorgeous pictures with your significant other!

Practice for the big day

Chances are you haven’t had a professional photographer follow you around for hours snapping pictures of you doing everyday things. So it’s totally natural to feel a little nervous or uncomfortable. Let’s try to get those nerves and feelings of discomfort out of your system before your wedding day. You don’t want any awkward shots of you and your significant other on the big day, so  take this time to practice a few poses and get relaxed in front of the camera! Once you see how great you both look in professional shots, you’ll be even more excited for the big day. You’ll also be used to my direction and feel much more comfortable when we’re shooting on your wedding day (and under a time crunch!).

Documenting your relationship

Use this as an opportunity to express yourselves as a couple. We can shoot at your favorite hiking spot, at the café where you had your first date, or any other meaningful location. Use this as an opportunity to show who you are as a couple and let me capture your connection. I want to be able to highlight your personalities through my pictures, so feel free to include anything that reflects who you two are. Have a picnic, play with your dog, or cook breakfast at home. No matter what, I’ll be there to capture it all.

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5 Senior Portrait Poses

5 Senior Portrait Poses

Take it from me, when the time finally comes for your senior portraits, you don’t want to get stuck feeling stiff and unnatural. Your senior session should be a fun experience! Below are a few posing options to put a creative spin on this exciting shoot.

Traditional

In every senior portrait session, it’s important to get a headshot looking at the camera. It’s a must-take photo for parents and family, as it’s the most mature and professional-looking one. It’s also a great idea to have when you’re applying to internships or colleges. Having a professional headshot is a must for everyone starting their career, so it works out well that you’ll have a great photo for your LinkedIn page and beyond!

Model

Let’s put your modeling skills to the test during your senior portrait session! These expressions can be a bit more serious and will be great images for your parents and family members to display in their home (and, of course, on Instagram)! This is a great opportunity to play with black and white imagery, or even get your hair and makeup done beforehand to complement the overall more serious tone of the shot.

Work with the weather

If there’s one thing you don’t have control over on the day of your senior portrait session, it’s the weather. So why not embrace whatever it brings your way? If it’s a bit windy, we can use it as a natural way to give your hair some movement. If there are leaves on the ground we can incorporate them into some of your poses. If it’s raining, perhaps we can grab an umbrella as a prop and take some Singing in the Rain style shots. The options are endless!

Candid

There’s something about candid images that people are simply drawn too. The trick is not being afraid to laugh at yourself (or me - I do some strange things to get the shot!). Another option is to bring along a friend to watch from the sidelines! It will help relax your nerves and help you feel a bit more comfortable in front of the camera. This will also help me get shots of you laughing, smiling and enjoying time with your friend.

Incorporate the scenery

Depending on where we take the shots will affect the kinds of poses you do. If we take photos in a field with wide open spaces I can take shots of you holding flowers, sitting under a tree or incorporating nature some other way. If you’re in the city we can snap pics of you against a graffiti wall or standing near a statue or in a city park. We’ll let the setting guide us!

Want to learn more about my Pittsburgh Senior Portrait experience? Click the link to read more, or just give me a call!

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