Altoona Wedding Photographer - Penn State Engagement Session

I have known and been good friends with Gretchen for a long, long time.  When I met Jeremy, I knew instantly that he was perfect for her.  He quietly sat while she talked away loudly, as is her earmark.  The great thing about a couple like this is that I know right away they are up for anything.  I casually mentioned to Gretchen that I thought it would be great to get some images of her in another of her trademarks, her dirndl.  We had some great fun with that before heading deep into the local woods for a short walk and more pictures.  Jeremy and Gretchen had a blast laughing at their humble photographers hatred toward cobwebs and jagger bushes. (Jagger being a local term)

We then took a short drive to the Penn State Altoona Campus and ended their engagement session there.  The campus is fantastic as it provides nearly endless opportunities for getting creative.  There are beautiful trees, many large windows, and open skies.  Jeremy and Gretchen didn't disappoint as I'm not sure which of us spent more time laughing.  Thank you so much for allowing me this opportunity Gretchen and Jeremy!  For more information on Altoona wedding or engagement pictures, see Reighard Photography.

Maryland Wedding Photographer - Ellicott City Engagement

When this adorable couple mentioned they wanted engagement pictures done in Ellicott City, MD, I became super excited.  Ellicott City is a very picturesque little town full of historic buildings, antique shops and a fantastic little coffee shop called Bean Hollow.  All of this is overshadowed though by how amazingly in love these two are.  Any time I, as a photographer, (and this one is for your friends, Will) has to say "Ok, but don't smile for this one", I know I am going to come away with some amazing photographs.  We all had an amazing time and I, for one, cannot wait to see these two dressed up and smiling for their entire wedding day!  If you are shopping for a wedding or engagement photographer in the Washington DC, Maryland or Northern Virginia areas, head on over to my web address for more info - Reighard Photography

The Importance of Printing

    Have you had the pleasure of viewing pictures from your parents wedding day or smiled at that nostalgic feeling you got while viewing just one image from your grandparent's wedding?  The way we perceive and appreciate photography has changed drastically with the advent of digital imagery.  In my opinion, it isn't a good change and here is why.

    One of the things I stress to couples when discussing wedding photography is the importance of printed imagery.  Sure, I agree, it seems nice to receive a ton of pictures from your wedding day.  After all, the more the merrier, right?  Lets take this scenario.  Your wedding photographer gives you 30 pictures from your 2 minute long Father and Daughter dance.  They are all nice, high quality images.  However, there is one that is perfect.  Dad's eyes are about to be overwhelmed with emotion.  One can see every loving memory of his little girl flashing through his mind.  The bride, with her lips pressed tightly together, has already been overcome by her feelings, evidenced by the thin dried tear stains criss crossing her cheeks.  This is THE image that encompasses all of the feelings and emotion contained within that short song.  Now, toss it into the middle of 29 other pictures.  It no longer becomes as emotional.  It becomes easy to gloss over as "a good one".  You spend 10-15 seconds looking at all of them instead of a few minutes reliving your feelings through that one perfect image.  Quantity starts to dilute the quality! 

Do I only give you one picture from each of your wedding moments?  Of course not.  However, I certainly don't give you each and every single one.  All of this is reflected in my wedding package.  Every wedding couple receives a custom wedding album.  I specifically design the album with an emphasis on telling the complete story of the wedding day through a variety of images and page layouts.  Besides, the CD in the frame really doesnt have the same effect.  Here are a few "moments" that tell a lifetime's worth of stories.

Maryland Wedding Photography - Wedding Details

I was never a little girl.  Well, except that one time when a giant Cicada Killer Wasp tried to eat me, but I digress.  As a wedding photographer, I get to talk to bride's families a lot and a phrase I often hear is "She has been dreaming of this day ever since she was a little girl".  Well, I certainly can't imagine what extravagant details these little girls thought up at such a young age, but I can see how they come to fruition as an adult.  Wedding details are one of my favorite parts of being a wedding photographer.  These details are where the couple's personalities get to shine through.  Sometimes the details even tell a unique story about the couple like with the luggage tag favors pictured below.  That couple was moving out of the country the very day after their wedding!  That is one heck of a story.

Is your wedding day going to be a fairytale with whimsical and airy details or are you more of a classic black tie affair couple?  Either way, I would love to be given the chance to document your details through photography so you can retell your story over and over.  Remember, Reighard Photography services the entire Washington DC area as well as the Altoona, PA area.  Visit my website, www.ReighardPhotography.com, for more details and booking information.