Serious Art. Entirely unserious environment.
Fine art portrait studio + Pennsylvania elopement photographer
FOR REGULAR PEOPLE WHO LOVE UNCOMMON THINGS
Truly artistic portraiture, without the pretense. Film-inspired edits, soulful black and whites, and editorial lighting with rich shadows, all in a laid back experience that leaves you with happy memories of the whole process. Honest portraiture that’s authentic and entirely you, without ever feeling stiff or forced, in a space where you can bring your whole, real self. Whether your family is traditional, alternative, goth, or some other flavor of wonderfully weird, you deserve museum quality history on your walls. I aim for true colors, visually and metaphorically, in everything from newborn portraits in our Brownsville, PA studio to intimate elopements.
The experience matters just as much as the finished portraits you’ll hang on your wall. I take a non-invasive approach to portraits and elopements alike, and support the energy that you bring, whether that’s Wuthering Heights romance or intense goofball mode. Twenty years of experience means that I know when to step in to make magic, and when to step back and let it happen. You’ll get enough direction and guidance to get deeply honest portraits, but still feel like yourselves. Introverts are welcome here.
HIGH ART, LOW KEY
There is a charm and to a stack of prints tied up with a ribbon that a USB full of files just doesn’t have. I don’t require you to get printed work with your portraits or elopement, but I do encourage you to. Your heirloom album is a time machine that takes you right back to the day you became a family – looking at it feels like a memory unfolding. Let the photos of people you love live somewhere other than your hard drive. Film-inspired edits give you all the nostalgia of film without the expense and unpredictability of the real thing (although I do offer a few real film add-ons, for fun!)
LOVE LETTERS TO FUTURE YOU
welcome to the studio
We’re under just a bit of construction right now, thank you for your patience!
“Caroline has such a wonderful personality, and she makes you feel so very comfortable. You hardly even realized you’re being photographed!”
— Kimberly
“Caroline was amazing! So patient and attentive. Our little guy did not want to cooperate, but from the pictures you would never know! She helped calm him during the session, as well as captured the most beautiful candid photos while we were holding him.”
— Elizabeth
meet caroline
photographer, author, secret third thing
At every elopement or portrait session, people tell me that I’m doing a great job. And I used to think that was so strange, because they hadn’t even seen the photos yet! But your experience of being photographed is important, too.
Getting beautiful photos of the people you love shouldn’t be a hassle. I’ll not only give you wall-worthy art, I’ll make it easy for you. Hiring an artist with experience who will guide you through it means you’ll have a great day and amazing photos that make you feel something.
I’m body positive, queer affirming, and environmentally conscious. Non-traditional is totally my wheelhouse. Embrace the weird.
Does this lady know what she’s doing?
Some moments only happen once, and you understandably want some reassurance that I’m not going to skip town with your check, or send a few blurry photos that don’t look anything like my portfolio. You deserve someone who shows up prepared, feels reliable, and delivers work that looks just like the photographs that made you reach out in the first place, and that’s exactly what you’ll get from me.
With twenty years as a professional photographer – and a Master of Fine Arts degree – I’ve worked with all kinds of people in every kind of light, and not much fazes me. I’ve photographed intimate mountaintop elopements, tiny newborns in the studio, and even circus weddings with fire breathers in dark concert venues. I bring a calm, experienced presence to your day, and if the unexpected happens, I’m ready. My backup gear has backup gear.
I may not take myself seriously, but I take what I do very seriously. Finding the magic in photos that put you and your people first. I’ve spoken at conferences around the world, but my home and studio are in West Brownsville, Pennsylvania. Full galleries are available to view, just ask. I really value transparency, and I’m an open book. AMA.
Here are a few of the places that have published my work and invited me to speak:
Elopement? Microwedding?
What are we even doing, technically? Well… who the hell cares?
I’m not the word police. These are the kind of gatherings I specialize in, whether it’s just the two of you, ten of your nearest and dearest, or fifty of your somewhat less near but still dear friends and family. Here, elopements and micro weddings are listed together. I have entirely transparent pricing listed for each, in fact you can get a real time quote from the price-o-matic calculator.
There’s no one right way to get married, no script you have to follow. Legally, Pennsylvania only requires a marriage license and two witnesses. It doesn’t say anything about whether or not you can have stilt-walkers at your reception, or say your vows in an old bank vault. Every other detail can be whatever you want it to be.
That sounds great, now what?
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FILL OUT THE INQUIRY FORM BELOW
Then your email lands in my inbox, and I am stoked! Don’t worry about having all the details worked out already, I’m happy to help. Take me to that form!
We’ll see if we’re a good fit for each other. I’ll also answer all your questions, while you tell me what you want from your wedding photography.
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THEN, WE DO OUR VIBE CHECK
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LAST, WE MAKE IT OFFICIAL!
You’re in, I send you a link to pay your deposit and sign a contract, then you are very officially booked!
WILL YOU MAKE ME GET ON A CALL?
No, I am not the boss of you. I do recommend an actual call or meeting, because relationships are important in photography, and you will end up with better photos if you hire someone you trust and like. I am the only vendor who will be up in your business all day. Our call can be a lot of things – I can help you with planning questions, we can talk about what your hopes are for the day and for your photos – but it’s also a vibe check. Sometimes it really is easier to talk.
But. Introverts are welcome here, so if a call or in-person meeting is feeling overwhelming to you, we can email or text.
5-star reviews from real people, just like you
Having Caroline as our photographer was probably one of the best decisions I've made for our wedding. Her photography style is exactly what I was looking for, candid, natural yet beautiful and classic. She was relaxed yet professional and somehow managed to be everywhere in the wedding and capturing many precious moments. We have received countless compliments on how beautiful our pictures turned out to be. Overall, an absolute delight to work with! I can't recommend her enough.
Nhung + Jason
Caroline is so awesome, very relaxed and wants to know all about you and your someone. We really wanted someone who captured more candid and less posed moments. The photos were beautiful and my partner and I are so excited to get them printed and put up in our home. We really feel we got great value for the cost.
Rachel + a different Jason
The pictures are beautiful! Caroline understood our aesthetic and was friendly and easy to work with. We couldn't be happier with the results. We highly recommend Caroline.
Jeanine + Mark
Our venue was more challenging to shoot because it involved indoor low-lighting. Caroline was a great photographer to work with. Her professionalism throughout the planning stages, during photo shoots, and on the big day itself was outstanding! Her organization was top-notch, and the photos looked great. Caroline captured not only the big moments—the walk down the aisle, the kiss, etc.—but the small, heartfelt moments, too.
Keith + Brittany
Are you adding me to your short list? Fill out the form if you’d like me to be in touch, or you can schedule a call with me right the hell now! Fortune favors the brave, I hear.
If you came here first and are just inquiring to get pricing information, you don’t have to! I have ALL of my pricing for microweddings and elopements and newborn portraits right here on this website. It won’t be able to answer all of your questions (that’s what I’m here for) but it will certainly get you in the ballpark.
Want a direct line? Email me at hello@carolinemoorephotography.com, text or call 724-880-0519
Frequently Asked Questions
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I specialize in tiny weddings (and tiny people, my other specialty is newborn portraits!) It’s what I spend most of my time doing. I generally consider less than 50 guests to be a microwedding, but if you’re having between 50 and 100 and REALLY feel like we’d be a good fit, get in touch.
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That isn’t a question, but I’m here to help. Get in touch, and tell me what kind of vibe you want, if you’re city folks or forest types, and I’ll recommend some spots for you.
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I have photographed weddings all over the United States, but I do mostly work in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland. Each info & pricing page has a pricing calculator on it, where you can select the location closest to wherever you’re getting married, and it will give you the travel cost. If your location isn’t listed there, I’m happy to put together a custom quote for you.
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This is a big question for folks eloping outside, because Pennsylvania does not make planning outdoor events easy. You’ve gotta decide how much you’re ready to roll with. I have pro gear that can take a little drizzle, so I’ll be right there with you, shooting Notebook-esque portraits in the rain, if you’re up for it. If not, those clear umbrellas are clutch.
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Introverts are welcome here! I work with plenty of people who legit hate having their photo taken, and I’ve gotten very good at making it a comfortable experience. It’s your job to enjoy your wedding day, making sure you look amazing in the photos is my job. While I am more than happy to spend a lot of time getting a variety of portraits of the two of you, if what you want is “quick and painless” then that’s what we’ll do. Your photos are about you, not about my portfolio.
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Thanks to the Quakers, you can have a self-uniting ceremony in PA. You have to apply for a marriage license (do this at any county Register of Wills), wait 3 days, and have it signed by two witnesses (hi, I’m one!) Let the county clerk know when you get your license that you need a self-uniting one, and it’s valid for 60 days anywhere in the state.
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Yes, oh my God, please bring your pet. I get along just great with animals, and I’m not allergic to any. I have photographed both an engagement session and a wedding with a cat, so it can be done.
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You don’t have to elope on top of a mountain. Elopements aren’t just for thru hikers and vanlifers, you can stay in a real hotel, hit scenic overlooks, and elope in the city if you want to. It’s your wedding. I love the forest, but if you’re an indoor cat, a courthouse elopement gets you just as married.
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I am not. Some elopement photographers offer combination services, and that’s something you definitely want to look at when you compare pricing. I’ll gladly give you all of my favorite vendors, and all the knowledge that I have as a person who has been involved in lots of weddings, but I am not truly a planner. Just a lady who likes to help.
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If you scroll up, there’s a handy quiz that will answer exactly that question! We also cover your timeline whenever we do our call or email before you book, so get in touch and I’d be happy to help you figure that out.
“We love, love, love the pictures! Thank you for capturing who we are as a couple and family, we honestly can’t thank you enough!”
— Jeanine
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![Table with floral centerpieces in glass bottles at a formal event or restaurant.]()
So you're planning an elopement or microwedding?
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![A bride and groom kissing under a sheer veil outdoors, with green foliage in the background.]()
Does your wedding need a mission statement?
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![A bride and groom smiling and embracing outdoors in the rain, with yellow flowers and trees in the background.]()
What if it rains on our wedding day? A Pittsburgh tradition
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![A couple standing close by a river, touching foreheads with eyes closed in a loving embrace, surrounded by green trees.]()
Should I get an engagement session?
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![A couple embracing outdoors, smiling and looking at each other.]()
Planning your engagement session
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![Two women in black leather jackets standing close with foreheads touching, smiling against a brick wall.]()
When should I book my elopement photographer?
