Looking for a unique and memorable senior session? You’ve come to the right place!
My name is Don and I’ve been a professional photographer for over 25 years. My assistant, Rielyn, and I have a goal to create a senior experience for you that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
We understand that many of you have never had a professional photography session. There is nothing to worry about! We will guide you from the very beginning and make sure you are comfortable with everything we do.
Our team will create images that are unique to you. You know? The kind that makes your friends want pictures like yours!
This is your senor year. Make a statement! Together let’s create something that will blow people away!
Rielyn
Our Story…
Don
I’m sure you have heard the expression, ‘if you love your job, you will never work a day in your life.” I have been a professional photographer photographing High School seniors for over 25 years and I can honestly say, I have never worked a day in my life. I feel so fortunate to be a part of a profession where people are always celebrating and happy and for me to be able to preserve one of the most special days of their lives. That is what I love most about my job.
It all started 25 years ago, when I decided that I wanted to be a professional photographer, but I had no idea how to get started.
The photographer who photographed my brother’s wedding told me about an organization called Triangle Professional Photographers Association. It was made up of photographers from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. This was great information for me, and I quickly joined the organization. It was at Triangle that I got the first Big Break of my photographic career. I had the good fortune to meet a man by the name of Sam Pelaia. Sam was the director of the Triangle organization. I found out later that Sam was somewhat of a legend in Beaver County. He was also a Certified Master Craftsman which is the highest level attainable in professional photography and very rare to achieve. I was very impressed and more than a little bit in awe of him. It was like meeting a Jedi Knight.
Sam took me under his wing, and I drove 2 hours a day to his studio to learn my craft. After 2 years working as Sam’s assistant, I was ready to leave the nest and start my own business. I bought a building located in Lincoln Place and remodeled it into my dream studio, photographing High School Seniors, weddings, family portraits, children and even pets. I am also proud to say that thanks in part to Sam’s teaching, I have also acquired the title of Certified Master Craftsman.
Life was good but it was about to get better. About 2 years later I got another big break when I met the girl that would be my future wife. She grew up in Beaver County and had her high school senior pictures taken by legendary Sam Palaia. Four years later we were married, and Sam was my best man. I have since relocated my studio to my home in Pleasant Hills where we have a beautiful outdoor studio.
Time for another big break. About a year ago I went into a restaurant to get a burger. I was greeted by a very friendly and personable young girl by the name of Rielyn. She reminded me of my own daughter, and it didn’t take long to see that she was something special. While I was talking with her, I was happy to find out she had an interest in photography.
Just as Sam had taken me under his wing many years ago, I have now taken Rielyn under mine. She is a fast learner and very talented and assists me on my photography assignments. A high school senior herself, she is invaluable in helping me create senior sessions for others. She is very attentive to our clients and gives them the best possible service.
Rielyn and I are very excited about the upcoming senior session and looking forward to meeting all of you to create memories for you that will last a lifetime.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have about our services. I can be reached at:
412-849-0083 – call or text
