pennsylvania elopement photographer
Fall in love,
not in line
Film inspired small wedding and portrait photography, for oddballs and introverts.
of all the gin joints in all the world, why would you walk into mine?
(or, what makes me different from every other photographer?)
Whether you’re here for elopements or newborn portraits, you’ll get the same experience working with Caroline.
Introverts are welcome here. Maybe you don’t consider yourselves to be “photo people,” but neither did the other lovely people on my website. I take a non-invasive approach to portraits, and support the energy that you bring, whether that’s Wuthering Heights romance or intense goofball mode. You’ll get enough direction and guidance to get those cinematic portraits you want, but still feel like you. Twenty years of experience means that I know when to step in to make magic, and when to step back and let it happen.
INTROVERT-FRIENDLY POSING
Soulful black and whites with lo-fi grain, joyful candids. True colors – both visually and metaphorically. A documentary approach with cinematic, film-inspired results. That’s my style. I love an analog look, but the real thing can be expensive and sometimes unpredictable. To get that charm and nostalgia, I use my beloved Fujifilm x100F which mimics a film look, along with the usual top-tier gear and digital edits based on Portra film. I go for moody tones with happy vibes. All that said, if you’re looking for real, actual film, it’s something I’m working on adding in this year, starting with some fun instant film prints that you can take home with you that day. (Fun fact, the first wedding I ever photographed in 2007 was done entirely on film!)
FILM VIBES FOR DIGITAL PRICES
There is a charm to a stack of prints tied up with a ribbon that a USB full of files just doesn’t have. Just like a little distortion makes a record sound better, that imperfection and nostalgia in a physical print adds to the feeling you get when you look at them. Your heirloom album is a time machine that takes you right back to the day you became a family, with genuine, unscripted moments full of emotion. Because even weirdos (complimentary) want beautiful photos that feel like a memory unfolding. Let the photos of people you love live somewhere other than your hard drive.
LOVE LETTERS TO FUTURE YOU
“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
Elopement? Microwedding? Wedding?
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, and if you’re having 50 guests or less, that’s where you want to look. For more guests, you’ll want to look at weddings. I have entirely transparent pricing listed for each.
There’s no one right way to get married, no script you have to follow. Legally, Pennsylvania only requires a marriage license and the two of you. 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.
meet caroline
At every wedding, at least one guest will come up and 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:
We don’t do “supposed to” here. We do intention over tradition, non-invasive documentary experience, and we always think of a third thing when we’re listing stuff.
This is your wedding, and you should enjoy the hell out of it. It’s the day that the two of you become a family, so build it around the things that you value and the details that bring you joy. Embrace the non-traditional, the weird, the things that make your heart sing even if nobody else gets it. I’m here for it, too.
You’re in the right place if…
You totally don’t care about what a wedding is supposed to be, and are just gonna get married however the hell you want to.
You’d rather capture spontaneous, honest, imperfect moments than fashion magazine style.
You want a relaxed day where you can slow down and actually get to experience your wedding.
You believe that anything can be an adventure if you look at it in the right light.
You’re excited to share your day with the people (and sometimes dogs) you love most, because a family can be whatever you make it.
You want someone who really gets you and your vision, because I can’t wait to hear about it.
I love the great outdoors, and I’m super at home figuring out oddball locations. I’ve photographed weddings in state parks and bank vaults, in backyards and bars. I will crack jokes while I help you move a table, give you space when you need it, and turn your memories into art that embraces your whole self.
Think your ideas might be too weird? I’ve photographed GWAR, you can not scare me.
Let’s have some damn fun.
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.
Want a direct line? Email me at hello@carolinemoorephotography.com, text or call 724-880-0519
How much time do I need for my wedding photography?
Nearly every wedding photographer in existence has collections to choose from, and they all list a certain number of hours. But how are you supposed to know how many hours you’ll need your wedding photographer? I usually help you to find that out by talking through your plans, your timeline, what you want from your photography and from your wedding day, and it’s a very personalized process. But in the meantime, you can take this fun little quiz and it will give you a ballpark idea. Get yourself a pen and paper, we’re doing this old school.
“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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So you're planning an elopement or microwedding?
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Does your wedding need a mission statement?
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What if it rains on our wedding day? A Pittsburgh tradition
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Should I get an engagement session?
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Planning your engagement session
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When should I book my elopement photographer?
