Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer | Christina Montemurro bio picture
  • Hello! I’m Christina.

    Welcome! If you're looking for a wedding or portrait photographer in the Pittsburgh area, you're in the right place.

    Choosing a photographer is one of the most important decisions you'll make during your wedding planning. It's so important to find someone you can trust to capture the big and small moments of your wedding day, and someone who makes you feel comfortable at ease.

    I'm known for being laid back and relaxed, and respect that this is your day to celebrate and enjoy. My goal is to get you beautiful images efficiently and unobtrusively so that you have lots of time for fun.

    Please look through my galleries and scroll down for recent work, and then contact me to reserve your date!

Monthly Archives: March 2010

Cityscape and off camera flash?

Last week’s photography get-together inspired me to take advantage of our beautiful early spring weather and go out and shoot just for fun. So on Saturday morning, I ignored the paltry amount of sleep I’d gotten the night before and headed out at dawn to photograph Pittsburgh from the North Shore.

One of the best things about this time of day – plenty of parking! I snagged a prime spot and hauled my bag and tripod down to the Allegheny.

This was one of my first shots.

Pittsburgh and the Allegheny River at Dawn

Quite pretty, no? Natural light is beautiful. But I couldn’t resist the thought that a little off camera flash would improve this photo. Wouldn’t a little pop of light on the wooden pillars in the foreground create more depth and draw your eye in through the photo more? I suppose I know myself well, because even though I was heading out to shoot a cityscape, I’d still brought a flash and wireless transmitter & receiver. So, the result…

City of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny River at Dawn

It’s a subtle difference, but a significant one, I think.

There’s a little flash on the bench in the next photo as well.

Pittsburgh with off camera lighting

But all natural light in this image of the Roberto Clemente Bridge.

Pittsburgh's Roberto Clemente Bridge

Let no one say…

… that we don’t have fun taking pictures of happy brides and grooms.

I love this outtake!

Bride and groom at the West End Overlook, Pittsburgh

Why Pittsburgh is the best place to be a photographer… (reason #2)

It’s not just the cookies. I feel so fortunate to live in a city with a thriving community of photographers who believe that sharing information and helping each other learn makes us all stronger. Last night was proof of just how strong that community is!

Thanks so much to John and Elizabeth Craig for hosting a Shoot and Learn/Connect and Grow/… I think there was some other name… it escapes me now. We had a lot of spirited (but friendly!) discussion about the pros and cons of RAW and JPG, using third-party post-processing effect actions, capturing the moment, and John’s favorite shoes.

It was wonderful to talk to so many talented photographers, as well as meet those just starting out who are eager to learn. If you’re considering learning about photography, whether as a hobby or a career, I highly recommend that you attend one of these sessions. Some of the people in attendance: David Burke, Annie O’Neill, Randi Voss, Caryn Azure, Milla Chappell, Mary Schwarz, Leeann Marie, Elizabeth and Vincent Pugliese, Kimberly Reed, Alisa GarinBeth Kukucka, Ivona Dixon… and many more.

A few of us were talking about Annie O’Neill’s ShootQ Grant-Winning Portfolio. These are amazing, intense, moving images. If you haven’t already seen them, have a look.

If you were there and I didn’t get your name, please don’t hesitate to post a comment to say hi, send me an email (use contact form above) or find me on Facebook.

And a special thank you to those special few who offered me some much appreciated encouragement. You know who you are.

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