Pittsburgh Boudoir Photography that empowers YOU to love yourself!

June 16, 2015

Tom & Christie’s Wedding at The Gathering Place

Everything is top notch at this venue – and being a Gathering Place Wedding Photographer the photo opportunities are endless! I’m not lying when I say that this is one of THE BEST venues in the Pittsburgh area. I have been honored to shoot a few weddings at this location and find it to be one of the best in the Pittsburgh area.

Tom & Christie’s wedding day was nothing short of perfect. We enjoyed every moment of their day and are so excited to share these photos with you. The weather was sunny and warm but well worth it!

Here are just some photos from their wedding. Please enjoy.

For more information on The Gathering Place Wedding Photographer services, click here.

Love the woodwork in the lodge and this makes for a perfect dress shot. Isn’t the flower girl the cutest?! She’s already dreaming of her wedding.

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This is Christie on the balcony of The Gathering Place. Such beautiful scenery and makes a perfect photo opportunity. I had Christie stay on the balcony while I went out front and shot her from above. I love that little sun flare coming in on the top photo!

Christie Blacony

Not a first look but certainly a first touch! I’ve done this before at the Gathering Place – this door is perfect for a first touch – you just have to allot for enough time in your wedding day to do this. Tom was over at the ceremony site so he had to run back to the lodge in order to take this photo. Just a little sweaty but very much worth it!

What a gorgeous bride!

Christie Portraits

These two melt my heart! <3 Another reason to love The Gathering Place – the reception site is beautiful. All the woodwork and string lights – it’s perfect for some quick photos. I’m lucky as a Gathering Place wedding photographer to have some amazing places for bridal photos. The pavilion is stunning.

Let’s get real – do you see how they look at each other?!? What love & affection in their eyes!

One of my favorites! Love those lights in the background!

These girls! So much fun to spend the day with them. And, Tom’s sisters – I’ve never met nicer women. As soon as I arrived, Jen and Ann welcomed me like I was family. They immediately asked what they could help ME with (what!?!?), and quickly assisted in getting all the girls shoes together for a photo. They have personalities that just felt like you’ve known them forever. Have you ever met people like that? It was so nice to be a part of their life for a brief moment and can’t wait to see them again.

Matching beer cozies for the new Mr. and Mrs.!

Yes, we have just a little bit of fun with our couples! I always give them some time to be goofy if they want to be! Don’t they just make you laugh. Being a Gathering Place Wedding Photographer is not business all the time – we do HAVE FUN!

I adore how they make each other laugh.

She loves him! <3

First dance. Love the emotion in first dance photos, and the way these two melted into each other was just perfect!

Photographing our couples having fun with each other on the dance floor is a highlight of the evening! Nothing better than sharing the night with your new spouse!

Grandparents – they are special people. I asked Tom to go over to his Grandmother for a photo. I took the photo and then just stepped back and let them talk, but I didn’t stop taking photos. I got some photos of grandma that I hope this family cherishes forever. She even had a cigar! WHAT?!? She’s the coolest grandma ever!

I always include some reception photos in the blog post – man, does everyone have FUN!

Some detail photos from their day!

And finally – the last photo of the night. These two were enjoying a cigar together and I asked them to walk down to the beach to get a photo with the lodge in the background.

Tom & Christie – thanks for letting us be a part of your wedding day! From beginning to end, it was absolutely perfect and we were HONORED to be a part of it. Wishing you both much love and happiness in your married life!

For more information on wedding photography for services for those in the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, click here.

To follow Pics By Chicks Photography on Facebook, click here.

Venue: The Gathering Place.

Hair & makeup: Shannon at Shade Makeup Artistry.

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

Show Hide 32 comments

Mijung vuadens - Beautiful pictures!! So happy for you two!!ReplyCancel
Jen - These are BEAUTIFUL, Maura!!! Not hard to make Tom & Christie look good, but love the moments you captured. Was such a pleasure meeting you — let’s do it again soon 😉ReplyCancel
Andrea LaPaglia - omg you guyyyssssss. You are beautiful!ReplyCancel
Tom - Thank you guys so much, the photos are beautiful!!!ReplyCancel
Keegan - These pictures guys…had to sit down for a minute. Are you models? Just wondering. Beautiful pictures, beautiful day and beautiful people. Great job Maura!ReplyCancel
Opperquirk - These are stunning!!! What a perfect day! Love yall!ReplyCancel
David Winland - FantasticReplyCancel
Jean - What a beautiful day! Congrats.ReplyCancel
Kevin - Lookin dapper as hell man! Great stuff. Congrats Christie, you got a winner!!ReplyCancel
Doug - Beautiful pictures!!ReplyCancel
Tim - Great pics and a fun time.ReplyCancel
Rachael - Beautiful pictures!ReplyCancel
Jes Lauricia - Great pictures! Beautiful wedding! Congratulations! 🙂ReplyCancel
Brooke and Donnie - So perfect… We are very happy for you, Congrats!ReplyCancel
Eric Hajduk - Clean!!!ReplyCancel
Bri - Love the photos! You all look stunning! Thank goodness Bobby made a photo too..ReplyCancel
Jan - You captured their love for each other, their humor and their utter joy on their wedding day. Proud Mama to Tom and now Christie. Thank you Maura.
And thank you for the shout out to my Jen and Ann!ReplyCancel
Jen G. - A stunning bride and a dapper groom. These pictures captured such beauty!ReplyCancel
Matt - Amazing fun wow gorg blast new bro sissy fun gorgReplyCancel
Gracie - awesome photos awesome wedding.ReplyCancel
Jessica - You did a fantastic job but must have been easy for you with having such a beautiful couple to photograph:) your the bomb photographerReplyCancel
Em - love them all!ReplyCancel
Karen - Beautiful photos of a beautiful day!ReplyCancel
Chaz - You guys look awesome! Fun time with family and friendsReplyCancel
Ek - OMG!! You two look amazing!! Gorgeous pictures!! What a beautiful day! xoxoReplyCancel
Jutty - OMG! Yinz two’s prettier den a case a Iron City and a Primanti samich!!ReplyCancel
Randy - Great pics! Congrats u two, had a great time!ReplyCancel
Kelli - Wow gorgeous pics of a gorgeous bride and groom! Love you guys!!ReplyCancel
Justina - Love these pics! You two look perfect! Such a beautiful wedding!ReplyCancel
leah alexander - beautiful pics love the bride n groom!!!! #love!!!!!!! #wedding!!!!! #great!!!!!ReplyCancel
Katie - Such beautiful pictures! Congrats Christie and Tom!ReplyCancel
Sara Short - Love the pictures! They capture this amazing, beautiful couple and their love for each other. They are the picture of true love ♡ReplyCancel

June 15, 2015

Boudoir – Perfection in White

I am a very humble and honored Pittsburgh boudoir photographer when a client returns for multiple boudoir photo shoots. Yes, it is possible for have more than one boudoir session. The one regret this beautiful woman had after her first session was that she didn’t bring a white outfit for her photo shoot. So, in an effort to give her what she didn’t get the first time, I purchased this outfit for my boudoir collection – and she was the first to wear it.

This item is from Victoria’s Secret I Do Collection. I have photographed this lingerie item before but couldn’t share those photos on my blog – they were for her fiancé’s eyes only! 🙂 I was so excited to be able to find the outfit on Ebay (because they don’t sell it in stores anymore) and was even more excited to be able to have a client allow me share these photos.

As a Pittsburgh boudoir photographer, I think it’s important to have some items in your collection to offer to clients in styling for their photo shoot. Some clients may be unsure what to purchase for their session or they may even be thinking too much inside the box – you can incorporate awesome modest pieces into your photo shoot with awesome results. That’s why my boudoir outfit collection is a great mix of lingerie, sweaters, sheer shirts and tank tops.

Enjoy some photos from her session – more coming soon. And, continue reading to see what she had to say to me about her photo shoot! <3 Love getting feedback from my clients!

I <3 my chandelier!

Finally, a collage of some of the detail photos from the white outfit.

Here is what she had to say after seeing her photos:

Maura!!!! I’m absolutely speechless after looking at my photos!!!! I don’t know how you do it but you certainly have a talent like no other!!! I’m in love with these photos!!!!! Not only do I LOVE my photos, I love you and everything that you have done for me!!! You have once again boosted my self-esteem and self-confidence and made me feel so radiantly beautiful and I think it shows in these pictures! No only that but you are a genuinely sweet person who I feel like I’ve known my entire life, I feel like I’ve gained a new friend through my sessions with you!! You certainly have a way of making each and every experience a memorable one!!! Thank you again for being you!!!!

For more information on my boudoir photography services, click here.

To follow us on Facebook, click here.

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June 11, 2015

Size Does Not Matter – It Just Doesn’t

I talk often on my blog about the impact that a plus size boudoir photo shoot has on my clients. Today, I would like to focus on the impact it has on me Pittsburgh plus size boudoir photographer. Before I get into this blog post, you can follow the links below to learn more about my boudoir photo shoots for those in Eastern OH and Western PA:

~Boudoir Photo Shoot Package & Pricing

~ Boudoir Photo Shoot Planning Help

~View Photos from Boudoir Photo Shoots

~Begin the booking process by completing a questionnaire

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This absolutely beautiful woman came to me at a time I needed it most. It’s funny how things happen like that but I know she was put in my life at the exact right moment. Before we even started taking photos, we just sat down and talked … and cried. We were both brought to tears as we shared more about ourselves.

The truth is … I used to be terribly overweight, and it held me back from being the person I was and doing the things I loved. Even now, after having lost quite a bit of weight, I still see that big girl staring at me in the mirror. I hate her. I hate that she held me back for all those years. Let me repeat, I hate that I held myself back! The reality is that all women are beautiful – ALL WOMEN. Regardless of size, height, weight, hair – you know, all those factors that others may consider beautiful. And, what I find most beautiful is confidence. Yup, confidence is beautiful and super sexy!

My life has been so enriched by all the wonderful women I’ve had the HONOR of working with. As I boost their confidence, my own confidence grows. As I show them how to love what they have, I find myself loving what I have – flaws and all. All of my clients open themselves up to me, and I take that very seriously. I take pride in them walking out the door with renewed confidence, more energy, and a new found love for everything they have. After every shoot, I always say to Tony, “I HAVE to do this!” “This” meaning plus size boudoir photography and just boudoir photography in general- there is no other option for me. This is what I’ve been called to do. When people ask what I do for a living, my response is, “I provide women with an empowering experience thru the medium of photography by giving them an over the top experience during a styled plus size boudoir photo shoot or any photo shoot for that matter.” I’m not just a boudoir photographer – there is so much more to what I offer all these beautiful women! God has called me to this amazing job – He’s given me this passion, talent, understanding and relational abilities to see in women what He sees in them.

Your pants size should not hold you back from doing anything!

This stunning woman is a reminder that nothing should hold you back. She embraced what she had and jumped full steam ahead into a plus size boudoir photo shoot to prove to others and herself that she is beautiful. She believes she is beautiful. And, I agree! 🙂 I wish I had had her guts years ago – I applaud her with a standing ovation for doing this photo shoot!

Read the below post to hear what she had to say about her photo shoot! She has the best personality, has been so encouraging and uplifting to me and I am forever grateful to her for that! She gives me credit for doing amazing things for her but it’s her who has touched my life and business. SHE is why I do this job! 🙂

After seeing one preview photo, I received some feedback:

I can’t stop going back to look at this proof! I am so glad that I left all of my inhibitions at the door and allowed you to guide me through this amazing experience. There were so many personal touches throughout this boudoir session that made me feel SO special. And knowing that you are a one person operation makes me appreciate it all the more. I know you are up late editing photos, making gift bags, preparing snacks and transforming your beautiful home into the perfect studio.

She also said:

You filled me up today. I feel so wonderful deep down in my soul. Please rest your weary head (feet, back and legs!!) on your pillow tonight KNOWING and believing that you spent the day doing what God intended you to do – using every ounce of your talent and passion to make other people in this world realize their beauty. That is something truly special. You are a remarkable woman and I am privileged and honored to be your newest client.

And finally, after her husband saw the photos, I received this. I can’t even being to tell you how the tears fell from my eyes while reading this:

We had a wonderful anniversary. But it had nothing to do with the pictures, gifts or special dinner. It was the time we spent together, reflecting on the changes in our marriage over the last 6 years. I am not that girl that I was when I got married. I am now a woman. A sexy and confident woman with curves and realness. I am a mother. So my eyes are weary and my stretch marks are still visible. I am beautiful. Pretty is one thing, but BEAUTIFUL is another. One of my favorite authors wrote “Beautiful is not about the appearance of your outsides- beautiful is about what you’re made of. Beautiful women are women who spend time discovering what they love – what sings to them –what their idea of beauty on this Earth is. Then they make time each day to fill themselves up with that beauty. They know themselves well enough to know what they love, and they love themselves enough to fill up with a little of their particular kind of beauty each day.” I am beautiful. BEAUTIFUL! There! I said it! But the best thing is, I BELIEVE it! My guts and my soul are beautiful and I don’t want to ever again feel embarrassed or ashamed of my skin suit. It has carried me to this present day. So I am proud of it and I will treat it and speak to it kindly. We celebrated the present on our anniversary. We sat and enjoyed ME being present. I wasn’t wishing that I looked any other way than as I am. I was fully comfortable and confident in my own skin. Maura, you have played such a HUGE role in getting me to this point. Stepping in front of a camera was difficult at times. But, I decided to say – “Ready or not, here I COME!”. So there may have been professional makeup and some photo editing to get me looking my best on the day of my boudoir photo shoot. But the transformation that you did to my heart and mind is something that I will confidently carry with me forever. I took a bunch of kids to Pittsburgh yesterday. Instead of my typical tomboyish thrown together tshirt and capris, I spent the time dressing and accessorizing. It was a hot, long day and we walked (AND walked AND walked) – but I came into the house last night and my husband said to me “you look beautiful today – like REALLY beautiful”. I was hot, tattered, exhausted, makeup worn off, hair all sweaty and wind blown…..and yet, still beautiful. I am sure of it. So instead of saying oh gosh, no I’m not, I am a sweaty MESS – I said “Thank you”. I spent the day doing the things I love with the people I love and that is beautiful.

So, here is another thank you. Because one didn’t seem to be enough. You are so special, talented, appreciated and loved. And the impact that this boudoir shoot has had on my life is far and wide, and seemingly, yet to be revealed.

WHEN I SAY “MY JOB IS THE BEST”

Believe that is….because it is.

My job is the best, most rewarding job out there and I shouldn’t be doing anything else!

More information on my plus size boudoir services for those in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas can be found here.

To see photos from other boudoir sessions, click HERE.

To follow Pics By Chicks Photography on Facebook, click here.

Note: All images shared with permission.

Hair & Makeup by Elyse Davis!

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June 8, 2015

Randi & Jonathan – The Great Hall Wedding

It was a beautiful day yesterday for this Pittsburgh wedding photographer! The weather was perfect … and so were Randi and Jonathan. Prior to the reception at The Great Hall in Pittsubrgh, we had some time to take photos around Ambridge and Sewickley. What a perfect day!

These boys. What an awesome group of men who made me laugh the entire night! This is one of many takes from a photo THEY requested. Yes they asked to do this and it took a little bit of coordination, but it does make me laugh. It totally represented who they are and the fun we had. Seriously, you can’t help but laugh at this photo and as a Pittsburgh wedding photographer I love being able to laugh during our weddings with the bridal party. It makes it so much more fun for everyone! 🙂

These two are simply perfection, and, in all honesty, are every photographer’s dream. We had about an hour for their portrait session, which I was overjoyed about. I typically have about 20-30 minutes to do the bridal party and the couple photos so it was real nice to be able to take my time with them and take a bunch of photos. I wish every couple planned for this much time between the ceremony and reception!

This willow tree was the perfect backdrop for some of their photos and I just couldn’t get enough. These two are so in love and it certainly shows in the photos! More to come from their wedding when all the photos have been edited but just a few photos for now! Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Sacco for letting us share in your prefect wedding day!

For more information on our wedding services, click here.

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June 8, 2015

Boudoir Session Preparation Tips – Night Before & Day of Your Shoot

Boudoir photo shoot planning tips here from Pittsburgh Boudoir Photographer, Maura Chick of Pics By Chicks Photography. Here are some preparation tips for you boudoir photo shoot! For details on my boudoir package (including pricing), please click here. If you wanted to see other boudoir photo shoot planning tips, please click here. Every two weeks I post a boudoir photo shoot tip that can help you in planning your dream session! Finally, to see a collection of my boudoir photos, please click here.

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The biggest question I’m asked by clients is about tips for preparing for boudoir photo shoot. This blog post is all about tips and tricks in preparing for your session including things to do the night before and day of your shoot.

Let’s start with five tips for the night before.

1) Drink a good amount of water the day before your session. This is mostly to help with your energy level. Being dehydrated can seriously impact your energy and make you feel tired. The one thing you can’t be for your photo shoot is tired! There’s also some debate that water will help hydrate your skin and remove toxins. We photographers love moisturized and hydrated skin!

2) Avoid alcohol the night before!

3) Avoid salty foods for a few days to limit swelling.

4) Pack! Avoid the stress of running around the morning of your shoot – have everything packed and ready to go the night before. Then if you remember something in the morning, you can quickly added to your bag!

5) Get a good night’s sleep. You may be nervous about your session (perfectly normal), which could interfere with your sleep but try hard to be well rested. I always say that getting glamours isn’t easy! You’ll be moving around for your entire photo shoot and energy is a must!

And now three tips for the day of your session.

1) Eat breakfast! Again, it’s all about energy and eating a good meal a few hours before your session is a good idea. You don’t want to get hungry in the middle of your session. Just make sure you don’t eat an overly heavy meal – remember, you’ll be prancing around in lingerie! 🙂

2) Wear clear deodorant. Another tip that may be obvious but it’s real important to note for clients that deodorant should be clear. White deodorant can sometimes leave marks on your outfits when changing into them.

3) Wear loose clothes to your photo shoot! Ah, yes, don’t wear tight clothing that’s going to leave marks on your body. Think about socks in particular. If they are tight, they are going to leave a line on your legs that will be seen in the photos. Not all photographers edit those kind of marks out of photos so please be cautious in what you wear. Also, wear a zip up or button-down shirt so that your hair and makeup aren’t affected when it’s time to change into your sexy clothes.

Those are just a few of my tips that I share with my clients. Anything tips you’d share for preparing for boudoir photo shoot? Leave your comments below.