About

While I’m not technically “from” Pittsburgh, I’ve spent the majority of my life in Western Pennsylvania and since moving to Pittsburgh in 2007, it’s just felt like home. I made a couple of brief departures, once to Charlotte, NC and once to Memphis, TN, but I like a boomerang I just kept coming back. I do believe I’m here to stay, now! I mean, how could you not fall in love with this city…it’s culture…it’s incredibly strong and supportive community…it’s killer skyline?!?! I know I have.

I wanted to take a moment to share a little bit of me, with you! It can be overwhelming and even a little awkward to meet your photographer for the first time, right before a session and have to immediately feel at ease, natural and look completely comfortable with someone you didn’t know just an hour ago directing your actions and constantly snapping photos of your every move. And guess what…it can be a little uncomfortable for us too, if we don’t put in the effort to get to know one another! So, here are a few “fun facts” about me, to give you a little glimpse into my life, my personality and what you can expect when we finally meet!

Society seems to focus so much on the negative things going on in the world. It’s unfortunate that our culture makes it seem that the badness makes up the majority of what’s happening at any given moment. It’s overwhelming and oppressing. I try to combat this by being cognizant of when I’m allowing the media, or any negative messaging, to impact my overall mood and outlook and actively re-center my thoughts to recognize the MANY good people and good things that are happening in the world. I lead with this, not because I think I’m great at it, but because the only way to be successful with maintaining a positive attitude is to always keep that in the forefront of my thoughts. There are times…many times…that I fail. But I keep trying.
Now, because I do have some insight and self-awareness, next we’ll talk about my complete and utter inability to maintain any sort of positivity when I’m behind the wheel. Any attempts to re-center my thoughts, look at the bright side, and not let the most trivial things get to me go straight out the proverbial window, along with a few choice cuss words that go straight out the literal window. I simply have no patience for people who do not follow traffic laws and do not recognize that they are not the only people on the road. It’s something I should really work on, especially since I do a lot of driving.
Some people drink coffee to wake up…some people drink coffee as a means of socialization…I drink coffee because without it I am a grumpy, frustrated, inappropriate troll and no one deserves to be exposed to me in that state.
Provided I am properly caffeinated, which is pretty much guaranteed if I’ve left my home, you’ll get tons of smiles, inappropriately loud laughter and tons of sarcasm. I don’t mind being the butt of a joke. You may notice a lot of self-deprecating comments, but I assure you it’s all in jest. I’m completely comfortable and confident in who I am and that means I’m totally able to laugh at myself and I hope you feel free to laugh along with me!
We all know introverts need some alone time. Now, I think many people would argue my claims to introversion, but no one knows me as well as I do. Yes, I love to socialize. Yes, I seem pretty outgoing most of the time. But all of this is insanely draining and I recharge by spending time with myself. I have a fiery passion for live music and often times I choose to go to shows by myself. It’s such a raw and intense emotional experience and taking it all in, without the distraction of others, allows me to really feel the music. It refuels my soul in a way nothing else does. And my favorite “venue” for live music is someone’s house! Big, flashy productions can be great, but there is nothing quite like a house show and if you’ve never been, I suggest you find an opportunity in your area and give it a go!
When I need some quiet me time, you’ll likely find me strolling the shores of the Ohio, the Mon or the Allegheny River, camera and tripod in hand, soaking up this incredible city that I’m lucky enough to call home.
My original interest in photography was live music photography. It remains my focus for personal projects and will always have a special place in my heart. You can follow along on my live music photography journey by following my personal instagram (@sooper_whit) and/or following along at any of the Sound Rebel Magazine social accounts!
Short, sweet (literally) and to the point fun fact…I LOVE ICE CREAM!

This city has my heart and thus, this city is where I love to shoot photo sessions! There is so much opportunity to incorporate the architecture, murals, graffiti and rivers into your images to create a true piece of art that is uniquely yours. Of course, I’m flexible, but given the opportunity, I will always choose an urban backdrop for any photo session!

I hope this has helped you to get to know me a bit and I can’t wait to get to know you!

See you soon!

Whitney

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