About

In the mid-2000s, I started out in photography by shooting local bands and musicians for a regional music publication. Many of the musicians I covered loved my work and commissioned me to shoot their promos and concerts. Then in 2007, I had the opportunity to photograph a wedding. The couple really liked my work and referred me to a friend, and that friend referred me to another friend, and before I knew it I had a summer booked with weddings. Soon after, I established my photography business in order to offer my creative eye and talents to the intense world of wedding photography. To date, I have documented more than 125 weddings and engagements. Over the years, I have expanded my services into product, fashion, architecture, and of course family portraiture. My work has been published in magazines, newspapers, and several national websites. I have also had the honor of seeing my fine art hang in galleries and museums.

F.A.Q.

How would you describe your photography style?
It’s a little bit of everything. As a wedding photographer, it has to be. While the photojournalistic approach captures those precious candid moments, having the knowledge of studio portraiture and lighting will produce those beautiful, timeless portraits you’ll cherish forever.

Are guests allowed to take pictures with their cameras?
Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to capture as many memorable moments as they can. However, I ask that during the formal shots and other important events (the vows, kiss, cake cutting, first dance, etc.) that guests respect my services and not get in the way. Other than that, they can shoot away!

Do we keep the digital image files?
Yes. Every couple receives discs containing the edited ‘proofs,’ as well as all the original high-resolution images from their wedding day. No watermarks. No printing restrictions. Print whenever you want, wherever you want.

How many photos do you usually take?
Anywhere from 800 to 1200, depending on the package. And you get everything.

How long before we receive our wedding package?
Four to six weeks after your wedding date. (Custom-designed wedding books take longer.)

Do you provide an online gallery to share with friends and family?
Yup. You’ll receive a link to your private gallery and you can share it with anybody. Your friends and family can view photos of your wedding day as a slideshow or individually, and even download and print their favorites right at their computer. After all, the pictures are paid for… I just make it easier for loved ones to get them.

Do you have backup equipment, just in case?
Absolutely. When you hire a professional to document your wedding day, you’ll never have to worry about losing important memories due to equipment failure.

How soon should we book?
As soon as you can. I typically book 12 to 18 months in advance, and shoot 10-20 weddings per year. Saturdays in May through October are the most popular, and they go fast. Please contact me about your date’s availability here.

Are you available outside of the Pittsburgh area?
Yes. Distances beyond 50 miles from Pittsburgh are subject to additional travel fees, and a hotel stay over 100 miles.

Do you travel for destination weddings?
Yes. Please contact me for a custom travel quote.

With every package, you provide a wedding album with 200 prints. Can we pick the photos?
Unfortunately, no. Think of it in terms of a traditional photographer’s proof book. I want you to have pictures right away so you can show them to family and friends. It takes a while for clients to look through all the photos on the discs, so in order to expedite the process, I print the very best photos and provide them with a complimentary wedding album. It’s basically a proof book they keep. They then have the opportunity to print more on their own afterward from the discs.

What about those ‘coffee table’ style books? Do you offer those as well?
Yes. I offer several unique book options. You can see them here.

Do you work digitally or with film?
I’m 100% digital. Film is very limiting… and expensive for both the photographer and the client. I also use Canon equipment.

Do you eat at the reception?
Yup. Since I’m with you all day, I’m on your schedule, and I get kinda hungry running around snapping all those shots. Please add me and my co-photographer to your list. We’ll have the lobster (just kidding).

You’re definitely our guy. What’s next?
First, I need to make sure I have your date available. Please e-mail or call me at the contact information below to inquire about your specific date. After that we’ll meet in person to introduce ourselves, go over my wedding packages in more detail, discuss your big day, etc. Then once I receive your signed contract and deposit, you’re booked! If your package includes engagement photos, we’ll schedule a date and location to shoot those. We will meet up again the week of your wedding to go over final details and address any last-minute requests.

Here’s my contact info:

Rick Szymanski
picsurephoto@yahoo.com
412.607.1449

I look forward to capturing your most special day!