Pittsburgh Bridal Showcase - Wedding Professional Bridal Show

Pittsburgh Bridal Showcase

by dr Frank 

A special thanks to Erika and Sal from the Pittsburgh Bridal Showcase & PittsburghWedding & Event Vendor Network for hosting a tremendous event.  I had a Wedding Photography booth (not that I was going to have a singing booth at the show since my singing is not very good :D)  at the Pittsburgh Bridal Showcase on March 18, 2012 which was held at the David LawrenceConvention Center in Pittsburgh, PA.  The event was well organized, the attendance was amazing, and the weather perfect (although I don’t think they had anything to do with the weather) :D .  There were a large number of vendors for guests to visit and plenty of space in the aisles to avoid ‘traffic jams’ and delays.  The convention center’s help was great and assisted me when I arrived to the loading dock to unload my display onto carts and took it to my booth location. 

My booth was next to OttoProduction and I had the honor of being entertained by the company and hospitality of Jeanie and Frank (up-lighting and music professionals).  As always they did a tremendous job in up-lighting both our booths and provided a very distinct look which enabled guests from the show to see our booths from the opposite side of the convention center’s floor. In addition, Frank has a few tips on pages 58 & 59 in the Wedding Pocket guide on lighting and up-lighting your wedding reception.

I had the distinct honor of talking to many visitors and other vendors. My hope is that every couple is able to find the vendors who will assist them in making their special day beyond amazing.  There is no doubt in my mind that attending a Bridal Show is overwhelming and confusing to the families and friends who accompanied the ladies as they talked to countless vendors from all categories and looked at a mind numbing number of brochures, fliers, and other advertisements handed to them at the show.

The preparation for the wedding day can be overwhelming and at times presents itself as a very daunting task.  As always, my suggestion is to ensure that you hire experienced wedding professions and that you can work with each vendor then relax, and enjoy the experience.  For more tips on having an amazing wedding day, please read through the Wedding Pocket Guide written my multiple wedding professionals including a few tips by me on pages 46 & 47. 

Member - 

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) 

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers

Bridal Portraits - Using Props - Pittsburgh Wedding Photography

Bridal Portraits Parasol Umbrella

Utilizing Props for your Wedding Portraits

Nearly every bride has some sort of prop with them during their wedding day.  Obviously, one prop is their flowers, another could be a family Bible, or some other sentimental item. To create a unique look to this series of images, I added a parasol umbrella.  


Another option is for all of the ladies in the Bridal party to have a parasol.  Since there are hundreds of variations, the Bride can have one color and the rest of the bridal party another color. The flower girl can have one similar to the other ladies or one unique to her.  These would make nice gifts and will add a very nice look to the portraits. 


The parasol comes in many different colors and designs. I did a quick search and found hundreds of options.  From low cost paper to very creatively designed waterproof umbrellas.  There is no doubt I will search for a few more unique parasols to use during 2012.  The look is so elegant that their use as a prop is limited only by imagination.  A parasol could be used during a family portrait session to a high school senior portrait session.  


Maybe a few flowers on the handle for the bride or something unique added to the flower girl's parasol.  Experiment and have fun.  It is your day to enjoy and cherish forever.  Add something unique to your portraits. 


_________________________
The uplighting on the beautiful staircase is made possible by Otto Productions.

The image was taken at The Fez Banquet Center in Hopewell Twp,PA which is the home of an upcoming Bridal Show.

Visit our booth at the upcoming Bridal Show to book your wedding photography. 
________________________________


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

The Glow - Pittsburgh Wedding Photography - The Fez Banquet Center

The Glow

The Fez Banquet Center - Hopewell Twp, PA

Bringing in the New Year with a portrait displaying one of my favorite portrait techniques.  The glow which accents the bride's beauty. 


The uplighting which helps frame the bride within the beautiful staircase is made possible by Otto Productions.


The image was taken at The Fez Banquet Center in Hopewell Twp,PA which is the home of an upcoming Bridal Show.


Visit our booth at the upcoming Bridal Show to book your wedding photography. 



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

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.

Visit dr Frank's portfolio site for more fun, exciting, and colorful photographs of weddings in and around Pittsburgh, PA 

Specializing in Wedding and Portrait Photography

Beaver County, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.

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.

Visit dr Frank's portfolio site for more fun, exciting, and colorful photographs of weddings in and around Pittsburgh, PA 

Specializing in Wedding and Portrait Photography

Beaver County, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.

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.

Vendor Profile - DJ Otto Productions - Pittsburgh Weddings Seneca Valley Prom 2011

Recently I photographed the Seneca Valley Prom and the lighting and entertainment was by Otto Productions.  As always, Frank and his team did an tremendous job providing amazing lights and entertainment.  Not only were there great lights and music but he provided glow sticks, balloons, and beach balls.  In the show below, you will see a combination of video and stills that illustrate only a fraction of the fun the youth had on their 2011 Senior Prom.

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.

Visit dr Frank's portfolio site for more fun, exciting, and colorful photographs of weddings in and around Pittsburgh, PA 

Specializing in Wedding and Portrait Photography

Beaver County, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.

Wedding Engagement Session - Stephanie & Steve - Buttermilk Falls - Beaver County Photographer

Stephanie and Steve
Wedding Engagement Session
Buttermilk Falls ~ Beaver County, PA
Northwest of Pittsburgh, PA

If you follow this blog you will notice a familiar setting.  Buttermilk Falls
I try to take photographs at this location in all four seasons since the look is similar but not the same.  In the winter, the falls are a large frozen mass.  In the spring, the water is flowing fast and furious with a tremendous roar making normal speech a challenge to be heard.  The amazing part about photographing in the spring over any other time of the year is the size of the falls and the look that can be created.

I love to look at images with a water falls that has the soft creamy look.  This effect is easily obtained by slowing down the shutter to 1/15 second or slower.  However, the challenge is when there are people in the photo and standing on slick mud on a hillside without a tri-pod.  I asked the couple to stand as still as possible and I crouched low and braced my arms on my body.  This enabled me to hand hold this shot at 1/15 second which created the dreamy look.

Buttermilk Falls Portraits

Wedding Engagement Buttermilk Falls

After spending at least thirty minutes around the falls, we decided it was time to go to the spot above the falls which presents a beautiful view of the falls and surrounding area.

Steve brought his Harley and I couldn't pass up grabbing a few shots of it when the sun was nearly gone.

Harley Davidson Beaver Falls

Silhouette with Parasol  

High School Senior Portraits and Weddings by dr Frank

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

Visit dr Frank's portfolio site for more fun, exciting, and colorful photographs of weddings in and around Pittsburgh, PA 

Specializing in Wedding and Portrait Photography

Beaver County, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.

Mayernik - Pittsburgh Wedding Receptions

What a beautiful reception hall!  As the night was winding down, I grabbed a few images of the beautiful Mayernik Reception Hall.  The lights glowed beautifully in the night and there was a very faint light coming from a cloud covered moon. Both views were taken with the Nikon D300s and the Tamron 17-50 utilizing five bracketed stops to create the image.  The second image was completed utilizing Nik Silver efex pro 2 and Nik HDR efex pro.

Personally, I like the look of the black and white version but that is because I like the soft tones created in the black and white.

Either way, I had a great time creating and designing the images.  This is an another example of a beautiful place within an hour drive from my house.

A few tips:  Typically, I have a tripod in my vehicle at all times.  I have a day backpack that I carry one camera body, a few memory cards, 17-50, 35mm, and 70-300vr.  I recommend carrying your camera with you at all times.  Carrying a tripod might not work depending on what else you have in your vehicle.

These images were taken at the end of the night after a wedding.  The wedding was at Victory Family Church and the reception was at the Mayernik.

ISO 200
f/ 5.0

Mayernik - Pittsburgh Wedding Receptions

Pittsburgh Wedding Receptions

I learned HDR Photography from Trey Ratcliff, and you can too! 
Check out his new course here: 
Click here to view more details

High School Senior Portraits and Weddings by dr Frank

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

Visit dr Frank's portfolio site for more fun, exciting, and colorful photographs of weddings in and around Pittsburgh, PA 

Specializing in Wedding and Portrait Photography

Beaver County, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.

Victory Family Church - HDR - Pittsburgh Wedding Photography

Victory Family Church

When I arrived at the church an hour before taking this image, I knew that unless something changed, the sky would make an amazing backdrop for an image of the church.  In my mind, I knew that I wanted a black and white HDR image.  The wind was so strong that I didn't risk letting go of the tripod since there is no doubt that the would would blow it over.  Personally, I really like when the sky is very dramatic but many times it brings with it either rain or strong winds.  Earlier in the week, the beautiful sky brought rain. Today, the beautiful sky came with powerful winds.  

Nikon D300s

Nikon 35 mm f/1.8

ISO 200

5 bracketed shots

Nik HDR Efex Pro

Nik Silver Efex 2

I mentioned this thought in the past but it bears repeating.  Take a different path to work, look around your neighborhood and surrounding communities.  Keep looking for new and unique images to photograph and while you are photographing the community, you are documenting it for future generations.

Cranberry Township, Wedding Photography

Butler County wedding photographers

I learned HDR Photography from Trey Ratcliff, and you can too! 
Check out his new course here: 
Click here to view more details

High School Senior Portraits and Weddings by dr Frank

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

Visit dr Frank's portfolio site for more fun, exciting, and colorful photographs of weddings in and around Pittsburgh, PA 

Specializing in Wedding and Portrait Photography

Beaver County, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.

Orlando Florida - Travel Photography - Wedding Details

Omni Hotel Lobby

Orlando Florida - Travel Photography - Wedding Details


Another busy but fun week traveling and photographing while traveling.  Last week I was in Orlando, Florida and had time to capture some fun shots.  The first image is from the lobby of the Omni Resort in Orlando, Florida.  Typically, when I arrive to a venue I grab my camera and start to walk around looking for unique items that I believe would make great backdrops or interesting stand alone images.  Immediately when I saw this section of the hotel, I knew I wanted to grab shots of this beautiful art and design.  Not only would this make a beautiful backdrop for portraits but it would make an amazing two page spread background for the wedding album.  Although I new I wanted to capture these shots, I didn't shoot these images until very early the next morning.  When I was walking around, the hotel was very crowded (near lunch time) and I didn't want to interrupt the other hotel guests or interfere with the lunch crowd.  I have a habit of waking up very early and walking around looking for unique images and these types of shots are easier to capture early in the AM.  

Wedding Album Two Page Spread

Both images were shot on a monopod (I wasn't carrying my tripod) to avoid camera shake since I shot multiple images to create an HDR image.  I modified the white balance on each image to create a different look and feel.


Both images were shot with the Nikon D300 and Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens.  I use the Induro AM25 Monopod because I like that when collapsed it is approximately 16 in. not counting the ball head.  This makes it a very portable mono pod and fits easily in a carry on bag or on top of my main camera bag.   I used Nik's HDR Efex Pro plug in for Lightroom to create the composite image.  (Keep in mind that if you travel with a monopod or travel tripod, expect your bag(s) to be searched.  Allow extra time for security checks, delays, etc.. Your mileage may differ. :-D )


The final image is a close up of this amazing art work but is not an HDR image.  I used the monopod to steady the shot.

Wedding Photography Background

Although these images are in the lobby of the beautiful Omni Resort in Orlando, Florida.  Many hotels have beautiful lobbies and other areas that make amazing portrait backgrounds.  Take the time to walk around the lobby of the venue and look for unique angles or combine a unique angle with amazing lights and create your own scene.


One final note about lighting.  This art work is amazing by itself.  However, its beauty is enhance by creative lights that were above and to the sides of the art. I am positive that without the creative lighting, this art piece would not have made such an impact on me.


There is no doubt in my mind that many folks will walk by this beautiful artwork but will never notice it.  As a photographer, it is critical to notice detail, lighting, and more important, possibilities.  Be creative, have fun, and enjoy the beauty of life!

Posted by dr frank at 11:38 AM 0 comments  Links to this post

Pittsburgh Wedding Photography - Capturing details

Pittsburgh Wedding Photography

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

Details, details, and more details are in every wedding.  Every wedding has very interesting details.  

The ladies were laughing and enjoying their quiet time together.  Music was playing in the background from their iPod.  In between laughing and story telling, I asked the bride if she had something Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

  Immediately, they began to gather up the items.  I wanted a unique way of presenting the items and asked for a shiny platter.  The bride's mom had one and my creative juices started.  Utilizing  multiple lights I was able to create interesting shadows which created the details that I like in these type of shots.

This photo displays a little of each item.  The perfume was borrowed and the necklace was used.  However, it was all unique to the bride when combined together. 

As a photographer, capturing details is critical for many reasons.  The bride might have dreamed and planned of this day since a little girl.  Hours and hours of detailed planning goes into the wedding day and I do everything possible to capture the details. 

These detail shots are great for the album but they are also very nice for large prints to remind the couple of their steps taken in preparing for their special day.

I envision this image framed in silver on metallic paper with black matting.  

Nikon D300 - Processed in Lightroom and NIK HDR efex pro.

Lindsay - Mike Wedding - St Paul's Cathedral Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers

Lindsay Mike Wedding Show from Frank Kendralla on Vimeo.

Lindsay and Mike were married at St. Paul's Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA.  The video is a highlight of their special day.

Pittsburgh Cathedral Wedding Portraits

St. Paul's Cathedral Wedding Portraits

Pittsburgh Bridal Party Portraits

High School Senior Portraits and Weddings by dr Frank

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

Visit dr Frank's portfolio site for more fun, exciting, and colorful photographs of weddings in and around Pittsburgh, PA 

In your backyard - Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer

This Civil War Era home in Beaver, PA is a favorite site for portrait photography.  Beaver is located north west of Pittsburgh, PA and is the county seat of Beaver, PA.  I visit this site often and marvel at the simplicity, yet elegance of this home.  I can imagine other homes like it in the area with kids playing outside while others went about their daily duties and chores.


I use this site for high school senior portraits since there are many different opportunities for lighting and effects.  


This shot was done around 0800 after a moderate snow fall.  I wanted to capture the lines and elegance of the scene.  Post processing was done as an HDR image via Lightroom, HDR efex pro, and color efex pro. .  I shot 5 bracketed shots with the main image being around f/8.0 and 1/60 second.  ISO 200 - shot on a Nikon D300s with the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 lens.
I used a tridpod for support.


There are many tremendous photo opportunities in our neighborhoods and those around us.  We only need to get out and find them.  I suggest taking different routes to and from work, school, shopping, church, etc.  


Keep your camera with you and you will be amazed at the many different photo opportunities.

Beaver Civil War Home

Book dr Frank to photograph your wedding in and around Pittsburgh, PA.
www.kendrallaphotography.com
www.kendralla.com

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers - Wedding Portraits - Bridal Shower Part 2

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers - Wedding Portraits - Bridal Shower Part 2

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer - Bridal Shower

This is another image that I shot at Alyssa's wedding shower in Cranberry Township, PA.  As I stated in part 1, there are many opportunities to take great portraits at a bridal shower.  These types of portraits can be used in the wedding guest book that is filled with pictures and other great information about the couple.  For this image, Alyssa was standing on the steps that led to the porch.  The light behind her was very harsh and bright.  She was standing in the shade from the porch roof which caused a beautiful soft light to flow around her face.  Exposing for her face caused the background to blow out and go completely white.  Instead of a background filled with cars, parking lot, and a walkway, we were given a beautiful white background.

We offer a customized wedding guest book for all couples who select to have an engagement shoot within their wedding photography package.   Typically, the wedding guest book is an 8x8 hardback book with one of their engagement pictures on the cover.  We design the guest book to be a story book of the couple as well as a picture book for the guest.  On the left hand pages, a beautiful photo of the couple or a portrait of either the bride or groom is included.  Under the image is usually something about the couple.  Questions such as 'where did you meet' or what is your favorite song is included for the guest to review and discuss.

The right hand page throughout the wedding guest book is left blank for the guest to sign and write notes to the couple.  Unlike a typical guest book that is bought at the local stationary or wedding store, a guest book by Kendralla Photography is custom designed and created for each couple. 

The guest book is created using a hinged page design which causes the book to lay flat on the table.  This will help avoid the pages from flopping over when wedding guests are signing the book.

Alissa and Tim were married in November.  Their wedding ceremony was at Victory Family Church with the reception at Shadow Lakes Country Club in Aliquippa, PA (near Hopewell Twp, PA).


Gear used: Nikon D300, Nikon 85mm 

Book dr Frank to photograph your wedding.  We service Pittsburgh and surrounding areas including Beaver, Butler, Allegheny County, Ohio, and West Virginia. 

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers

Pittsburgh Weddings and portraits by dr Frank @
www.KendrallaPhotography.com
Please visit my portfolio site:
www.kendralla.com
Contact me @
www.kendrallaphotography.com