Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer | Engagement Session | Katie and Brian

Tuesday afternoon I had the pleasure of spending some time with Katie and Brian shooting their get-to-know engagement session around Pittsburgh. It was a dark and gray day and the the light was failing fast, but we were able to hit several locations and pull off a bunch of very cool images. Katie suggested rail road tracks so we headed off to the strip district and my favorite unused spur line. Because they got engaged at the Point they requested some shots there, too. It was really quite dark by the time we got there, but that really worked in our favor and the photos have a beautiful richness thanks to the "magic hour" light... or lack of light as the case was yesterday evening.

Thanks guys for a great night! I hope you enjoyed dinner at Bella Sera Urban Trattoria, too. Can't wait to photograph your wedding in January!








Without super fast glass and an amazing high ISO this shot lit only by the Christmas tree at The Point would have been impossible!
Tech notes: Canon 5d MK2 and 50 f/1.2

Monday, November 16, 2009

Pittsburgh Photographer | CD Cover Session | Rachel Vere

Sunday afternoon I had the pleasure to collaborate with Rachel Vere on cover and inside photos for her latest upcoming CD release. We talked about a few different ideas, the type of music she writes (alternative-folk-rock) and just some general get-to-know questions. We were very fortunate, just as were started shooting the sky opened and the sun started to shine. It didn't last long, but we got our shots. Thanks RD and all the best for continued success!










Monday, November 09, 2009

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer | Day After Session | Chanelle and Chris

We spent Sunday with Chanelle and Chris doing a "Day After" session.

They were married one month ago today (happy anniversary!!) but because of timing, weather and lack of light we weren't able to make very many casual portraits on their wedding day so a Day After session was a perfect solution. And oh, what a beautiful day we had in Pittsburgh, too!! We started in the Strip and ended downtown a few hours later. It was a great collaboration with everyone suggesting locations.

Thanks guys, it was so much fun spending the day with you and thank you again for a great dinner, it was delicious! We'll see you again soon!!











Youza is that GREEN! Love it!!


Love my tilt shift lenses!






Those 1.2 lenses make for creamy and dreamy images

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Bella Sera Wedding Photography | Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer | Melissa and Jeff

October 14th was my last wedding of the "season" and I could not have had more fun than with Melissa and Jeff. Their beautiful wedding took place at St. Benedict the Abbot Catholic Church in McMurray. Before the ceremony everything was going fine, Melissa was cool and calm, then Jeff's poem arrived and her tears started. Luckily she regained her composure pretty quickly and the ceremony began soon thereafter.

After the family formals at the church we went out for a few relaxed portraits of the wedding party at a local park. The day was quite chilly but the girls were real troopers, goosebumps not withstanding. The fall colors were in glorious splendor and we capitalized on it for awesome backgrounds. Melissa had a lovely cathedral veil that caught the wind a few times making for some excellent photo opportunities.

Their reception was held at Bella Sera in Canonsburg. At the start of the reception a slide show proceeded Melissa and Jeff's introduction. Looking around the room I noticed a lot of damp eyes as the images of the couple traced the major moments in their life.

Nick Borelli and his crew at Bella Sera did their usual outstanding job of pulling together all the details, including a wonderful late night "Pittsburgh" snack of sandwiches modeled after that famous Pittsburgh place that stacks fries and slaw on the meat, smelts and other hometown goodies.

But the dancing was the thing for the evening and the tunes just kept coming thanks to the excellent DJs, Max Phillips and Dreena Buckholt of Maximum Entertainment.

On a personal note, this was my last wedding working with Nick at Bella Sera as he and his wife are moving to Cleveland. So I must say, my friend, it's been a pleasure and an honor working with you these past three years. May you continue to succeed where ever the road takes you and Sarah. I will see you soon.

And Melissa and Jeff, thank you again for allowing me into your most special day. I will be talking with you very soon!

Below are a few of my favorites from the day...
































Sunday, November 01, 2009

Rosario's Wedding Photography | Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer | Nancy and Brian

On Saturday October 17th I had the honor to photograph the wedding of Nancy and Brian at the historic Old Saint Lukes Church in Carnegie, followed by their reception at the beautiful Rosario's Banquet Center, also in Carnegie.

While Nancy was cool and collected early in the day, as the time approached her nerves started to show, just a bit. The ceremony, especially their vows, was very emotional. It was hard for me at times to keep shooting because even my eyes were tearing up.
By the time we went out for some special photos the nerves from earlier turned into pure joy. The weather was a bit on the misty side but Nancy and Brian were troopers and braved the elements. The result was a set of stunning photos filled with love.

It was the first time I had the opportunity to photograph at Rosario's. What a grand hall! The staff was exceptional and reception was delightful. Mark Zini of DJZini kept the party going with a great play list. Mark is one of Pittsburgh's best wedding music professionals.

Nancy and Brian, thank you for putting your trust in me to capture the moments of your day. It was a great honor and pleasure. I'll be talking with you very soon!

Here are a few favorites from their day...














Their first dance


Their first dance, close up


Mother / son dance


Father / daughter dance