Pittsburgh Boudoir Photography that empowers YOU to love yourself!

September 1, 2015

Celebrating an Arrival

Maternity boudoir photos Pittsburgh provided by Pics By Chicks Photography, Pittsburgh’s premier boudoir photographer. Maternity boudoir allows women the chance to celebrate their upcoming arrival with amazing and radiant photos. Their natural beauty shines thru in amazing images that they will cherish for life. More information – including pricing – on our boudoir photo services can be found by clicking here.

Well, well, well. Welcome to a fabulous blog post with some maternity boudoir photos! What a joy for me to photograph this beautiful woman as she celebrates a new arrival in her (and her finance’s) life. There is so much good stuff from her maternity boudoir photo shoot that I’m breaking her session up into 2-3 different blog posts – it’s THAT good! And, isn’t she spectacular for letting me share photos?!?!

When we talked about putting some of the photos on my blog [something I never request of clients, nor pressure them into when THEY bring it up], she was completely comfortable with it as long as they weren’t too risqué. She also mentioned that she doesn’t think many people know about maternity boudoir and so, “if your blog will help spread the word, we are good with it.” She’s awesome. She ended her email to me with, “[her fiancé] said he is proud of me and I should be proud of the pictures your took, which I am! So, SHARE AWAY GIRLFRIEND!” <3 Awesome she is, indeed.

Your pregnancy is something to be celebrated!!! I love that my client wanted to show off her body – she loves being pregnant! And, these images reflect the appreciation she has for her changing body! I know that maternity boudoir may not be for everyone but it’s certainly something I love to photograph! When I talk about my boudoir photography with my family (my brother in law in particular), they sometimes don’t “get it” but when I tell my BIL that I’m shooting a maternity boudoir, he wants to help! Isn’t that a common response from men, “Do you need an assistant for your photo shoot?” haha. But, honestly, a lot of men I’ve spoken to love their wife/fiance/significant other’s pregnancy and think it should be captured in this amazing way! How cool is that? Men are actually saying that it would be great for their partner to have these photos taken! <3

Take the leap ladies, stretch your boundaries and get maternity boudoir photos pittsburgh done – you won’t regret it!

I’ll leave the risqué photos for her fiancé’s enjoyment but please enjoy some classy, elegant and totally fabulous maternity boudoir photos.

Sometimes with maternity boudoir I like to keep it very simple so that we show off the elegance of the mom and the belly. We started this section of her shoot (after some lingerie photos – you’ll see those in another blog post next week) with some sheer fabric that I have. No distractions. Just a beautiful pregnant woman.

Maternity boudoir photos Pittsburgh maternity boudoir photographer pittsburgh

Oh boy, do I LOVE the next photo! 🙂

After some photos with the sheer fabric, I pulled out my beautiful stretch lace and awesomeness ensued!

Pics By Chicks Photography offers maternity boudoir photos Pittsburgh. For details on packages and pricing, please click here.

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Hair & makeup by Shannon at Shade Makeup Artistry.

Please note: All boudoir images shared on my website are done so with permission from my clients.

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August 31, 2015

6 Months In – What I’ve Learned

Another personal post here….

If you follow me, you know that in February I finally said adios to corporate America so that I could put my full focus on my photography. I walked away from the comfort of a well paying job for the uncertainty of being a business owner. My photography business was exploding too fast that I couldn’t stay – two full-time jobs was too much to handle for two years (sometimes I wonder how I did it for so long). I decided to take the leap and I haven’t looked back!

[Note – in my original plan, I was to be quitting my job this month but I was 6 months ahead of schedule]

I’ve been a full-time photographer for 6 months now. It’s been so rewarding and fulfilling. Working with my clients has lifted me up to levels I never thought I’d be. My clients have been so fantastic and wonderful and I could gush about them for days!

As many wonderful days that I’ve had, there are some rough days, but those are far from the norm. Here’s what I’ve learned 6 months into my full time photography journey.

1) It’s hard. But the good far outweighs the bad.

I’m sure you can imagine how hard and difficult it is being a business owner. And, being a business of 1 is a lot of work. There are some many little things that go into running a business that they all take time and my focus. But, on those hard days I just remember that I’m living out my passion every single day! Now, that’s pretty awesome.

2) Busy is good. But downtime is important.

I love being busy. Having tons of photo shoots, editing gorgeous photos, writing blog posts…busy busy busy. But, I’ve learned that while being busy and making money is great, taking time for yourself is just as important. I need time to recharge my batteries so that I can be the best photographer I can for my clients. Whether that means taking a weekend trip with Mr. Chick or just taking two days off to lay on the couch! haha. It’s very important to take some time away to refocus and recharge.

3) Focus. Drive. Determination.

Three words that have been defining my progression over the last 6 months. I’m committed to this journey. I’ve been working on a lot of personal development that are helping with these three traits – one being reading 52 books this year. I’m a little behind but with focus, drive and determination I’ll complete my goal!

4) It’s all on me. Forces me into action.

Guess what? I have no steady paycheck. If I want to make money, I have to work. This forces you into action. There are things that I’ve wanted to do to market my business, particularly my boudoir photography, and I’m now forced to do it. If I want more clients, I have to take the steps to do that. My ideas are killer. Time to put the plan in motion.

5) My husband rocks.

I need to include Mr. Chick in this list too. He’s been such a support to me as I pursue my passion and not a day goes by that I don’t recognize that I couldn’t do this without him. He has his own job outside photography, even though he has a degree from the Art Institute in photography. While this whole photography thing was his initial idea, he really was instrumental in bringing my passion to light. I’m forever grateful for that or I’d probably still be working my corporate job. Oh, and he carries our health insurance too so that’s pretty major! 🙂

6) I am worthy of this dream.

This is my dream job. My passion in life is fulfilled in my photography. I think sometimes I struggled with self doubt and constantly thinking, “am I good enough?” But, you know what I’ve come to realize – I am worthy of this dream. And, I’m so unbelievably humbled and blessed to do what I love. Most importantly, I define what success is for me, not what sometimes tells me it should be. This is the problem with Corporate America – someone else is dictating what you do and how well you do it. NOW, I get to say what success is to me and I love that. And, if you were wondering whether I’ve defined what success looks like, well, yes I have but you’ll have to wait for another blog post on that! We all fall short but this job is worth the struggle, heartache, setbacks, and fear. I am worth it. This dream is worth it.

I’m ready for the next 6 months, the next year, the next 5 years, heck even the next 10 years! There is no looking back. I’m focused. I’m driven. And I’m determined to make this happen.

I love my job! And, I recognize how lucky I am to be able to say that!

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August 31, 2015

What to Wear Boudoir – Splurge {Pittsburgh Boudoir Photographer}

Here are a list of specific items I love it you want to splurge on your outfits for your boudoir session. Boudoir photography is not expensive & I completely respect budgetary concerns. These items are for those who have some extra money to spend and what some killer pieces. The items included here are all over $100!

Dita Von Teese Collection – her items are very unique. This is an outfit that I have admired for a while and I just love everything about this look. This was found on Bare Necessities. The garter belt was the first ting that caught my eye and when I saw the entire outfit – simply perfection! The entire outfit is priced at $168 (Bra, panties and garter belt sold seprately)

L’Agent by Agent Provocateur – This brand is typically very expensive but the L’Agent line is affordable. I was drawn to the color of this piece and I love all the lines in the slip. This was available at Nordstrom for $140.

I love everything about the Hips and Curves website – their selection is so great! This is another outfit I’ve been dreaming of for a while. I love the bustier and skirt look going on here. This would be a killer outfit for anyone but especially for those curvy girls. The full style of this outfit (bustier, petticoat, panties & stockings) is approximately $145.

Queen of Diamonds – This is a beautiful chemise that was found on Saks Fifth Avenue. I love the soft color of this piece as well as the lace details at the top and bottom. This item is $155.

Guess what? There are designer pieces at Victoria’s Secret! I love their designer collection for all the lovely details and softness in the items! This silk chiffon ruffle babydoll is so beautiful – I love the ruffler on the straps and the softness of the chiffon! This item is priced at $198.

More information on my boudoir services – including pricing – for those in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas can be found here.

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August 24, 2015

Pittsburgh Boudoir Photography – Confidence. Elegance. Passion.

Pittsburgh Boudoir Photography offered by Pics By Chicks Photography, Pittsburgh’s premier boudoir photographer. I provide women with an amazing experience and sum up my boudoir photography with three simple words – confidence, elegance and passion. For information – including pricing – on our boudoir services, please click here. All information on what’s included and cost can be found on this section of the website.

My clients touch my life in amazing ways, and each one is so very special to me. My clients come back to me repeatedly for photo shoots and their emails always start off as, “Maura, I don’t know if you remember me….” Let me assure all my clients that I remember you. Each and every one of you. My clients mean the world to me and I would do anything for them. For my boudoir clients, it’s such an amazing experience to share with them and I feel like a bond has been created. So many clients become my friends and I love that my photography brings us together!

Enjoy a few photos from a bridal boudoir photo shoot that I just loved. Her husband was blown away by her photos and wanted to share some on Facebook but she wouldn’t allow it! I ladore that the recipient of these photos want to show them off – I love hearing how proud they are of the photos. Because I know I’m proud of them as well!

Love the carefree and relaxed feel of this photo!

And I leave you with a few black and white photos from her shoot. The next photo is my favorite from her session!

Pittsburgh Boudoir Photography is my passion, my sweet spot, and I’m ready to share this experience with you! The highlight of my life is working with all the amazing women in the pittsburgh and surrounding areas. For details on my boudoir package and pricing, please click here.

For more photography goodness, please follow us on social media:

Facebook, @Pics By Chicks Photography

Instagram, @picsbychicksphotography

Pinterest, @Pics By Chicks

Please note: All boudoir images shared on my website are done so with permission from my clients.

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August 20, 2015

Luke loves Emilee

Wedding Photography Pittsburgh services provided by Maura & Tony Chick, Pics By Chicks Photography. A dedicated husband and wife team who celebrate the love of couples in the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas! For more information on our wedding photography services, including pricing, please click here.

Emilee and Luke’s wedding blog post is here and I’m excited to share these photos with you. What a lovely and special day these two high school sweethearts shared in July. I was honored to be a part of their day!

Just look at this beauty of a dress. It was so perfect for Emilee!

This is always one of my favorites from the wedding day.

“You may hold my hand for a while, but you hold my heart forever.”

Well, it was hot on their wedding. And when I mean hot, I mean hotter than hot! So, we opted to stay in the church a little longer to get some extra photos before braving the heat.

Our next stop was Rochester High School where these sweethearts went to school. This photo was something Emilee wanted to do.

Hot. Yes, hot. We didn’t last too long at this location … everyone was complaining about the heat – it’s hard sitting directly into the sun!Photos at the school were very important to Emilee so I spent some time with her and Luke after the photos on the bleachers.

Trying to get them into this formation was ridiculously hard. I don’t think I’ve seen a bigger bridal party!The girls, obviously, were easier!

Time for their portraits. Well, and if you haven’t guessed it yet – it was hot. haha. they only lasted 15 minutes for their session!

Favors were terrible towels called The Johnson Towel!
The photo below was in their blog preview post but I love it so much that I’m including it again. One of my favorite photos … EVER! Some details from their day! Have I mentioned that I loved the back of Emilee’s dress! I took so many photos of it.

Thank you Emilee and Luke for letting us share in your very special day! We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

More information – including pricing – for wedding photography pittsburgh services can be found by clicking here.

Facebook, @Pics By Chicks Photography

Instagram, @picsbychicksphotography

Pinterest, @Pics By Chicks

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers | Beaver County Wedding Photographer | Gibsonia Wedding Photographer |Wexford Wedding Photographer

Show Hide 35 comments

Sheri Pizzella (MOB) - I’m in awe! The photos are gorgeous! They captured not only so many fun & memorable moments but also the emotions we felt throughout the day. Thank you so much for helping us to have memories to last a lifetime!ReplyCancel
Steph Kyrargyros - Beautiful pics you 2!! Don’t think I know a more perfect fit then you guys!! Love ya!ReplyCancel
Judy Johnson - These are beautiful pictures that will remind us all of what a beautiful day it was and we will continue to hang on to the memories for years to come. You can see the love in your eyes. You two make a lovely couple. Love ya!ReplyCancel
Liza Richards Martin - Absolutely breathtaking.ReplyCancel
serena brandt - Beautiful wedding. I love your dress!!!!ReplyCancel
Jazmine Scurlock - Em I love these pics! So cute! I really like the black and white of you and your dad walking down the aisle! You def need to frame that for him for Father’s Day! I’m so happy you chose me to be a part of your day! BFF’s foreverrrrr! Love ya!ReplyCancel
Erica - The pictures are beautiful! I loved the towel idea!!ReplyCancel
Christi Harmon - No words could express how much beauty and love you shared w us that day…. Those photos are stunning. I love you both….. FAM!!!!ReplyCancel
Melissa Carter - Wow!!! Don’t even know if there are words to describe how beautiful your photos are!! They are awesome I loved them all & am so glad I got to see them. It looked like a amazing day!! God Bless your marriage!!☺️ReplyCancel
Zack Richards - Awesome pics! You guys look great!ReplyCancel
Patty Meeder - Absolutely stunning!ReplyCancel
Shelly Rutkowski - These are all so amazing!!!! I have so many favs and can’t wait to see them printed! I will remember and cherish this day forever and feel blessed to be apart of it! #LukelovesEmileeReplyCancel
Double X - Pictures definitely captured the moments. Have a wonderful life together!ReplyCancel
Rebecca Snyder - I am so happy for you both! The photos are beautiful and show your true love for one another simply by looking at them.ReplyCancel
Sue Jamery - Wow – beautiful pictures of a beautiful couple! It was a lovely day and the wedding mass and the reception were perfect. We had a great time! May God bless you with much love, health and happiness – today and everyday!!!! Thanks for asking us to be Eucharistic ministers for your wonderful wedding – we were honored! 🙂 Love, Sue Jamery & Lori KettererReplyCancel
Valerie Dunn - These pictures are absolutely gorgeous. Sherri I just know you are just in awe looking at your daughter and her perfect day with the perfect man! I’m just speechless. They did a fantastic job.ReplyCancel
Rick Daman - Good stuff! Love the Rochy pics! Great wedding, great day and great couple!

Love ya Lil D!!!ReplyCancel
Kathi daman - Most beautiful colorful pictures!!!! What great memories from a most spectacular fun wedding EVER!ReplyCancel
Andrew Kyrargyros - Awesome pictures! Lookin at them now is making me feel the heat all over again haha. Glad to be a part of the big day!ReplyCancel
Natilee lavalle - BeautifulReplyCancel
Hailee - Best wedding ever! These pictures are beautiful!ReplyCancel
Tracy - I wish both of you the best of luck in life and in love. Your pictures were beautiful and you both look like you enjoyed your self also !ReplyCancel
Brian Verrico - Nice pics!!! The one on the baseball field was my favorite!!ReplyCancel
Dana - BeautifulReplyCancel
Nicole Susich - The pics are absolutely amazing!! It was a beautiful wedding with wonderful people!!!ReplyCancel
Tonya Onuska - I love all of these photos, I can’t pick my favorite. The wedding day was just perfect, your entrance into the reception was one of a kind. Best of luck to you both!ReplyCancel
Emilee - Maura,
Thank you so much for the amazing pictures! It was a day we will never forget!ReplyCancel
Ashley Johnson - Beautiful couple and beautiful pictures love you guys so happy I was part of your special day!!ReplyCancel
Ashley Johnson - Beautiful pics beautiful couple love you two!! So happy to be part of your special day!!ReplyCancel
Nicole Tomasko - Beautiful photos and great choice of locations!!!ReplyCancel
Donna Holmes - It has been an honor to watch the two of you grow into the loving adults u have become. Thank you for including me in your celebration. These pics are beautiful as both of youReplyCancel
Antoinette Lombardo - Omg these are stunning!! Bride and groom look amazing and it was such an amazing event to be a part of!! <3ReplyCancel
Luke - Thank you so much Maura! The pictures turned out great! I would recommend anyone to you!ReplyCancel
Nanny - Emilee and Luke, You two are the most beautiful couple and are as nice as you are beautiful. The pictures are gorgeous. So glad me and Pap could share in your special day.XOXOReplyCancel
Debbie O'Connor - Your wedding was absolutely wonderful. The pictures are so beautiful just like the two of you. Thank you for letting me share in your special day. You look so happy together. Enjoy your new life together.ReplyCancel

« Older posts Newer posts »

Celebrating an Arrival

6 Months In – What I’ve Learned

6) I am worthy of this dream.

I love my job! And, I recognize how lucky I am to be able to say that!

What to Wear Boudoir – Splurge {Pittsburgh Boudoir Photographer}

Pittsburgh Boudoir Photography – Confidence. Elegance. Passion.

Luke loves Emilee

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