Sunday, December 4, 2011

Favorite Glowing Bridal Pose - Pittsburgh Wedding Photography - Angel Pose Part 2

Unique Bridal Portrait
Utilizing the beautiful frame and the bright sun streaming in through this open door, a beautiful glowing photo of this beautiful bride was created.  As I stated in the previous post, I always look for archways, doorways, anything that can be used to frame the bride.  In this case, I had the natural light shining in through this outside facing door.  The sun was very bright and it wrapped softly around the bride.  In some cases, I need to create the light facing the bride and in situations like this one, the sun provided more than enough light to create this back-lit look.  I utilized my standard light set-up with a strobe camera left and reflector camera right.


This door faced a parking lot but since the light was so harsh, the cars were washed out and this gives the appearance of opening the doors to heaven. 


This image was taken in Beaver County, PA - Beaver Falls


I have yet to find a venue or church that didn't have an interesting location to create this shot.  The light, framing, and pose is critical to tell a story that always brings comments and creates a discussion.





I will be at the upcoming Bridal Expo at the Fez in Hopewell Twp.  The show is scheduled as a one day bridal/wedding show for Sunday, January 8, 2012. For more information, click on this link


If you are getting married and have not selected a wedding photographer for your wedding, please stop by and visit my Wedding and Portrait booth at the Bridal Expo.




www.kendralla.com
www.kendrallaphotography.com
Photography by dr Frank

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Favorite Glowing Bridal Pose - Pittsburgh Wedding Photography - Angel Pose

One of my favorite Bridal Poses is this type of shot (Angel Pose).  I use many variations of this pose, utilizing different lighting techniques, and lighting combinations.  If the bride has a large veil, then I will have her hold the veil with her hands creating a distinctive look.  There are many different variations of this pose that I use depending on the setting or bride's gown.


My first goal is to find either a doorway, arch, or something similar to frame the bride.  In this case, I utilized the glowing archway by the professional decorating company A Rent and Event Company. The archway and window covers enabled me to create a very unique and stunning look.


My second shooter was standing to my right holding a strobe on a light pole, with it facing the front of the bride.


I used a second light, camera left, and a reflector camera right. 


When there is a doorway that leads outside or into a well lit area, then I will pose the bride in the doorway utilizing the outside light to create the glow on and around her.  If the wedding is outdoors or there is an archway that faces the sun, I will pose the bride in the archway, utilizing the natural light to create the glow.  


Before and during the wedding, I look for areas that would create a beautiful area accenting the brides beauty and character. 


Typically, I will use either a black & white look or a glowing color look in the album or print.  However, in this case, both the color and black & white image presents a very unique and creative look.




I plan to display one of these images at the upcoming Bridal Expo at the Fez in Hopewell Twp.  The show is scheduled as a one day bridal/wedding show for Sunday, January 8, 2012. For more information, click on this link


If you are getting married and have not selected a wedding photographer for your wedding, please stop by and visit my Wedding and Portrait booth at the Bridal Expo.


www.kendralla.com
www.kendrallaphotography.com
Photography by dr Frank

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

She looks like an angel! Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer

This image is from a recent wedding near Pittsburgh, PA.  We met at the bride's mom's home where the ladies had their hair and make-up done.  Laughter, giggling, tears, and lots of chatter go on during this 'getting ready time'.   I attempt to get as many images of the bride and the ladies as possible during this prep-time. When time and settings permit, my goal is to get a very unique and memorable shot.  In this case, the front of mom's home was in the shade which created a beautiful soft light.


I asked the bride to stand on the first step and the posing and lighting sequence began.  It always starts with 'smile' (knowing she is looking away from me).  It normally generates laughs from the bride and the other ladies standing around which eases some of the posing tension.


To keep the process moving, I used everyone available.  Behind and to the left of me, a bridesmaid held a gold reflector.  Inside the doorway (which is all black in the image) stood a bridesmaid directly in front of her.  To the side were other bridesmaids.  The bridesmaid who was directly in front of the bride held a flash which created the glow in her veil.  


I showed them the image on the back of the camera and they responded with; "She looks like an angel!".  

Glowing Bride - Pittsburgh Wedding Photography
Yes, she does!  Congrats Stephanie and Steve!  The wedding was beautiful!  (More images to follow.)


High School Senior Portraits and Weddings by dr Frank
Seneca Valley Portraits
Montour School District
Black Hawk School District Portraits

Contact dr Frank to photograph your wedding, portraits, or special event.

Specializing in Wedding and Portrait Photography
Beaver County, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.


Friday, September 16, 2011

Wings over Pittsburgh 2011 - Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer

This past weekend I had the pleasure of spending the day with my daughter, son in law and youngest grandson as we watched an amazing Air Show.  There were many amazing displays of power, speed, and agility.

In this image, the 'jet car' is streaking across the run way at a speed >300 mph - Flames shoot out and smoke fills the air as the driver gives the crowd a small sample of what the car can do.  Later the car races a jet  to determine who is faster.  A jet car or ?

Is this the real Lightning McQueen from Cars ? :-D


The weather proved to be perfect for watching and photographing an airshow.  It was not too hot and enough sun and clouds to add dimension to the shots.

Below is a show with some of the images as stills and video. The song is a recording I made of my daughter singing the next day at Champion Life Church on 9/11/11.






High School Senior Portraits and Weddings by dr Frank
Seneca Valley Portraits
Montour School District
Black Hawk School District Portraits

Contact dr Frank to photograph your wedding, portraits, or special event.

Specializing in Wedding and Portrait Photography
Beaver County, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Wedding Guest Albums - Pittsburgh Wedding Photography - Beaver County Wedding Photographer

Wedding Guest Albums


Imagine your guests walking into your wedding reception and noticing a beautiful album with pictures of your engagement photography session sitting on a table next to the seating cards.  Instead of a typical guest book with a few lines, your guests can flip through pages of images from your engagement session.  As they slowly look at your album, they notice blank pages opposite your images with a place for them to write a note to you, draw a picture, or sign their name.  Not only will they see your pictures but they will notice important and fun 'stuff' about you.  They might see your favorite poem or where you met.  Instead of a typical guest book, they might see a close up of your ring or a beautiful sunset shot of the two of you holding hands.  They might read about how he proposed and how she cried.


Each page is designed in a manner to express your love on paper in the best manner possible.  The front and back cover has an image of you on it that you can display on your for others to see.


Below is an image from the entrance of a recent wedding reception near Pittsburgh, PA.


Wedding Guest Book
The guests use a sharpie pen sitting next to the album and sign their name wishing you (the newly married couple) best wishes, love, and happiness.  Many years later you can pull this guest album off the shelf and look at what your guests wrote to you.  Maybe you have children and they want to see your wedding day and read about how you met.  It could be when you are blessed with grandchildren and you have them sitting on your lap and show them your wedding day.  Many different valuable memories are stored on these pages.  


Another tremendous use is for the young couple to write notes for their own keepsake from their wedding day or engagement.  The days of 'boring' plain guest albums are long gone.  Replace them with an album filled with your memories.


When you book dr frank (Kendralla Photography) for your wedding, and select a package with an engagement session, select a personalized guest book for your wedding reception.


Wedding Guest album

High School Senior Portraits and Weddings by dr Frank
Seneca Valley Portraits
Black Hawk School District Portraits

Contact dr Frank to photograph your wedding, portraits, or special event.

Specializing in Wedding and Portrait Photography
Beaver County, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Humor - smile - A merry heart! - Pittsburgh Wedding Photography

A Minnesota couple decided to vacation to Florida during the winter. They planned to stay at the very same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier. Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday. His wife would fly down the following day.

The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an e-mail to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her e-mail address, and without realizing his error, he sent the e-mail. 

Meanwhile.....somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. He was a minister of many years who was called home to glory following a sudden heart attack. The widow decided to check her e-mail, expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she fainted. 

The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read: 

To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Arrived
Date: 16 May 2003
I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send e-mails to your loved ones. I've just arrived and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your journey is not as uneventful as mine was.
P.S. Sure is hot down here!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

The Gathering Place - Darlington Lake - Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer - Uncorking A Cure for Cystic Fibrosis Wine Tasting Event

The Gathering Place - Darlington Lake - Uncorking A Cure for Cystic Fibrosis Wine Tasting Event
Gathering Place

I wanted to continue to show the beauty of this facility and discuss an upcoming event.  On Friday, August 26, 2011, The Gathering Place is hosting a Wine tasting benefit for Cystic Fibrosis.  The event is called "Uncorking A Cure for Cystic Fibrosis Wine Tasting Benefit".

7 pm - 10 pm - rain or shine - no refund

Event tickets are $25 -


If you are interested in obtaining a ticket, please contact The Gathering Place.  (Below is an excerpt from their Facebook post.)

UNCORKING A CURE!!! Tickets close to selling out! Please call or email for ticket purchase. 724.827.2833 gatheringplaceatdarlingtonlake​@yahoo.com

$25/ticket OR $100 for "Friends of Uncorking A Cure"= 2 tix/2 wine glases/name recognition in program. Friday, AUGUST 26, 7-10pm. Three PA wineries, beer tasting station, auctions, give-a-ways...ETC!!! Don't miss this wonderful fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis!!!!


Darlington Lake



We will be at this event displaying some of our wedding work and taking portraits along the lake for purchase.   In addition, if time permits, we will document some of the activities from the exciting day.  


Please stop by and visit us and you might win a prize or two too. :-D










The Gathering Place - Darlington Lake - Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer - Uncorking A Cure for Cystic Fibrosis Wine Tasting Event

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

The Gathering Place Early Morning Rest and Beauty - Darlington Lake

Darlington Lake - The Gathering Place

Finding beauty in or near your backyard.

I mentioned this thought in previous posts and will continue it again.  There is no doubt many of us photographers have beautiful places to photograph within minutes of our home or office.  This is one of those places. "The Gathering Place" sits along Darlington Lake in Darlington, PA.  It is minutes from my home and is a beautiful setting to sit and watch the birds and other animals enjoy the rising sun and mist burn off from the heat.

I took a few different shots and since the mist and fog was very thick created only wide angle shots.  Over the next few weeks, I plan to visit the location during different times of the day and capture the beauty of the facility which sits along this peaceful lake.

Both of these shots were shot as an HDR image using five bracketed stops with the Nikon D300, Tamron 17-50 @ f/8 ISO 200 on a tri pod.  I used Nik HDR Efex pro, Lightroom, and Photoshop CS 5 to polish the images.
HDR Efex ProHDR Efex Pro
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3

I believe with all my heart that many wonderful locations are not known because they are shadowed by very popular tourist sites or well known landmarks.   While I was photographing this scene, the birds were flying from their resting place within the grass along side the lake.  The grass was moderately high and fully covered with a heavy dew or remnants from yesterday's rain storm. 

I can imagine sitting on the porch of this beautiful facility drinking a warm cup of tea or other morning beverage listening to the chirping and singing sounds from all the birds.

As always - get out and enjoy the beauty of life.  Laugh, love, and live!
Misty Morning Reflections

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Wedding Album - Pittsburgh Wedding Photography The First Heirloom of this new family.

Wedding Albums - They are one item that I recommend to every couple.  Years after their wedding day they can show their children, grandchildren, and any one else who wants to laugh and cry with them as they remember their special day.

When I create an album, I create it in a story telling manner.  Maybe it is from reading comic books when I was a kid and like the storyboard format.  Maybe because I want to show details from the wedding.  I am not sure but this layout style is my favorite.  This album is in a 10x10 format and will be printed with a UV coating over the pictures to help preserve their memories.

A wedding album is the first heirloom of this new family.  If they are like many families, they will take pictures, cut out articles and begin to document their families life as it builds and unfolds.

Enjoy a quick stroll through the pages of this couple's first heirloom.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Danica & Nichlas - Pittsburgh Wedding Photography - Fusion Wedding Show

Danica and Nichlas were married on July 9th in the North Hills of Pittsburgh and their reception was held at the Crowne Plaza in Moon Twp., PA.  Their wedding show is a fusion show with a few clips of video from their wedding reception.






High School Senior Portraits and Weddings by dr Frank
Seneca Valley Portraits
Black Hawk School District Portraits

Contact dr Frank to photograph your wedding, portraits, or special event.

Specializing in Wedding and Portrait Photography
Beaver County, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Reflections of OUR Love - Danica and Nichlas - Pittsburgh Wedding Photography

Pittsburgh Wedding Photography



Danica and Nichlas were married on July 9, 2011 at the Memorial Park Presbyterian Church and their reception was at the Crowne Plaze in Moon twp, PA. 

This is one of two images that I shot in the area outside their reception.  One item that I always look for when finding a location for a reception portrait is a reflective surface.  I noticed this beautiful black piano when I was walking in the hallway early in the evening.  Immediately, I knew that I wanted a shot with the two love birds reflecting in the piano.

There are a few items within the image that caught my attention.
I liked the partial frame above their head from the curtains and the line below them from the piano.

The soft glow behind Danica immediately caught my attention as well as the reflection displayed in the surface.

The Crowne Plaze Hotel is located north west of Pittsburgh and close to the Pittsburgh International Airport.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Over the tracks - Beaver PA - Pittsburgh Wedding Photography

Beaver Pa
While finishing a portrait session in Beaver, PA near the museum, I noticed the clouds coming together in the far distant right.  The lines of the fence converged with the tree line to meet with the cloud lines all around the railroad bridge as it crossed over the river.

This was late evening and the sun was playing peek a boo with me.  Therefore, I decided to utilize an HDR technique and grab 5 exposures of the scene to create this image.  

A quick post today - As always - get out and enjoy the beauty of life around you.  There are hundreds of places I want to photograph in my neighborhood before winter that present an amazing look.  Take the time and find some in your area and make a great image!


Geeky items - Nikon D300, Tamron 17-50 f/8, 5 exposures, ISO 200


High School Senior Portraits and Weddings by dr Frank
Seneca Valley Portraits
Black Hawk School District Portraits

Contact dr Frank to photograph your wedding, portraits, or special event.

Specializing in Wedding and Portrait Photography
Beaver County, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Unbroken: A world War II Story of Survival, resilience, and redemption - Highly Recommended

This is one of those books that are very difficult to put down once you get past the size of the book. It is a big book and if you listen to it as an audio, a long book.  However, it is worth every second that you spend reading/listening to it.


First - The detail is graphic but not stomach turning.  However, keep in mind that this book outlines the horrific details that the POW's endured through during WWII.  
Second - There are a few bouts of foul language (but again, this book is about a terrible time in history). 


Last year I decided that I wanted to read more books on the life of historic people and when I saw this book listed as a highly recommended book on Amazon.com, I decided to give it a try.  Immediately, the book grabs the readers attention with the central figure fighting off sharks after a plane crash.  (During this plane crash, Louie Zamperini makes a promise that he later forgets but through the power of the Holy Spirit, is brought to remembrance, ultimately changing his life for the better.) After this quick introduction, the author sends the reader further back in time to build the foundation for the characters of the book.  


Details of the capture and the brutal details of prison camp are written in a way to engage the reader enabling the mind to paint pictures of what took place.  After the war and the prisoners return to their native home land, many cannot get rid of the nightmares that haunt them from war.  However, Louie Zamperini (the main character) runs into Evangelist Billy Graham during a crusade in California, changing Louie's life forever.


Many times during the book, I cried imagining the pain and suffering that the POW's endured.  However, the tears of sorrow are replaced with tears of joy as I continued learning how the power of the Holy Spirit changed Louie's life for the better.  In addition, the change impacted many troublesome youth as Louie poured his life into others.  As of today, Louie is still living (age 94) long after he was declared dead but the war media but never in the hearts and minds of his family.


I highly recommend this book.  However, keep in mind that this book is not a touchy, feel good type of book.  It is a mind and life changing book that will impact your life (for the better), challenging you to look at life in a different manner.

Beautiful White Church in Mississippi

Country Church Mississippi
While in Memphis, I had the opportunity to travel to a beautiful setting in Mississippi.  This church is located on the grounds of Bonne Terre and I immediately fell in love with the lines and how it looked against the beautiful evening sky.

I did not have my tri-pod with me or I would have captured this as an HDR image to pull in more details of the sky.  While on the property I captured Tippa and Jamey sitting on a bench near a beautiful lake basking in the sunset.

Couple on Bench Sunset
I have another image of a very unique looking duck that wanted to be in the image.  It had a face that appeared to have a mask on it.  I never saw a duck like this before but did not include it in this post.

This lake is opposite of another lake that would be great for sun rise images.  Obviously, this lake is west facing which created a beautiful warm glow on the water.  The opposite lake which sits behind the guest house is beautiful and calm.

Foggy Lake
In this photograph, I processed it in a manner how it might look with a morning fog over the beautiful reflections.  This lake is calm but had a small family of geese swimming through the center of it toward the trees that bordered the lake on the east side. 

On the grounds is a beautiful reception hall which looks toward the church.  The next image is from this vantage point. No doubt this is a near perfect setting for a wedding.  While we were walking around the grounds, I continued to think how nice it would be for something similar near Pittsburgh.  A nice country church with a simple but colorful stroll to the reception hall with nearly unlimited photo opportunities.

The final image is taken inside the reception hall.  It has multiple framed mirrors and this mirror had a base of marble like material sitting along the brick wall.  I could not pass up this fun shot.

I would love to photograph a wedding at this location!  Wait, I am, next spring.  :-D

Till next time, get out and enjoy the beauty of life and all that it offers to us!

Bonne Terre
Reflections of a bride to be

Friday, June 17, 2011

Logan - New Born Baby Photography - Beaver County

Logan, welcome to the world!

I had the honor to photograph Logan a few days after he was born.  I plan to add a few images along with this show in the next few days.  Please check back for more new born images.

Monday, June 13, 2011

HDR - Trey Ratcliff from Stuck In Customs just released a new Photography, HDR, And Post-Processing Course

The Chadwick - Wedding Receptions HDR Image
Trey Ratcliff from Stuck In Customs just released a new Photography, HDR, And Post-Processing Course that I know you'll like.  There's over 11 hours of training on everything from composition to post-processing.  If you want to learn HDR, I recommend checking out Trey's course here.

I learned how to do HDR Photography from Trey Ratcliff of StuckInCustoms.com, and I have good news!  Trey just released a new Photography, HDR, And Post-Processing Course that will teach you everything you need to know.  Check it out here.

Every morning like clockwork, I can't wait to check out the new photo posted over at StuckInCustoms.com.  I saw that Trey has released a new Photography, HDR, And Post-Processing Course.  Over 11 hours of learning from Trey?  


Both of these images were shot as HDR images and I utilized the skills that I learned from Trey.  


After a recent wedding reception at The Chadwick, I set-up my tri-pod in the nearly empty parking lot and took a few images.  Both images are a combination of 5 images with the aperture set to f/8.  


"Geeky info"
Nikon D300
Tamron 17-50
f/8
5 Images




Pittsburgh Wedding Photography HDR image









High School Senior Portraits and Weddings by dr Frank
Seneca Valley Portraits
Black Hawk School District Portraits

Contact dr Frank to photograph your wedding, portraits, or special event.

Specializing in Wedding and Portrait Photography
Beaver County, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Morning Mist - Buttermilk Falls High School Senior Portrait - Black Hawk High School

Morning Mist - Buttermilk Falls - High School Portrait
One of my favorite places to photograph portraits is Buttermilk Falls.  It is located very close to Beaver Falls and is one of the nicest places to photograph a water fall in the area (that I know).  However, the falls is not limited to fast moving water and beautiful trees and rocks.  At the top of the falls is a beautiful white church and off to the side and before the railroad tracks is this open field.  On this particular day the grass was very high and moved ever so gently in the morning breeze.  The sun was playing hide and seek behind the overcast skies but it created a beautiful glow on the grass and Lexi.  Lexi, a class of 2012 senior was wearing a very simple but nice summer dress on and it seemed to fit perfectly in this setting.  These are the type of images that I believe would make a beautiful large canvas print.  The soft colors and textures are enhanced by the subtle beauty of a canvas print.

Another option for this type of image is a greeting card and could be used for various themes.  Maybe a general thinking of you card or a get well card.  The simple but peaceful setting creates an almost endless list of possibilities.

Montour High Senior Portraits














High School Senior Portraits and Weddings by dr Frank
Seneca Valley Portraits
Black Hawk School District Portraits

Contact dr Frank to photograph your wedding, portraits, or special event.

Specializing in Wedding and Portrait Photography
Beaver County, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.