PicSure Photography by Rick Szymanski.

Kara & Robert

2011-06-24T12:00:00.001-04:00

For my second wedding this June, I again visited Phipps for the ceremony. It was another spectacular day weather-wise, and the couple couldn't have been more excited about their special day. I met Kara and her bridesmaids at the salon to capture those shots. Then we stopped by her room at the fantastic Renaissance Hotel downtown to grab her wedding dress and things. They had a trolley pick both wedding parties up from the hotel and take everyone to Phipps where Kara got ready for the ceremony. This happened to be the weekend the Furries were in town, but alas, we weren't able to find any fully dressed Manimals to get some pictures with. That would have been a riot. The ceremony was beautiful, and afterward we had the opportunity to visit a few atrium rooms at Phipps for pictures. We took the trolley over to the West End Overlook for pictures, and then headed to the Clemente Bridge to board the boat along the Allegheny. Their reception was on one of the Gateway Clipper's larger boats, so we got to view the city from all three rivers. What a wedding! Below are photos by yours truly and my co-photographer Dan Buczynski.

Tour of Pirates Ballpark

2011-06-21T15:06:00.002-04:00

I recently purchased a 10-game package for the Pittsburgh Pirates 2011 season. Brian F. in Ticket Sales was kind enough to give me a quick private tour of the ballpark. I didn't take many photos, but these are my favorites of the ones I did. Enjoy!

Mallory & Cory

2011-06-11T12:00:00.010-04:00

Having been a frequent visitor to Phipps Conservatory for many years, I have always wanted to shoot a wedding there. This June, I had the amazing opportunity to shoot two weddings in their outdoor garden! Mallory and Cory were the first couple to tie the knot there, and are such a great couple. I feel so privileged to have captured their wedding day. They chose a non-traditional schedule where we shot most of their location portraits before the ceremony. In doing so, we were able to still maintain the excitement of the "first sight" by setting up behind the hotel in the garden. Below are a few pics by myself and my co-photographer Dan Buczynski.

Exhibiting June - August 2011

2011-06-03T19:07:00.005-04:00

Look Up, Pittsburgh! A Study of the Steel City's Architecture As Captured from the Streets Below Come check it out! View the entire collection online.

Sasha & Brian

2011-04-16T12:00:00.051-04:00

This April was one of the rainiest months that I can remember, ever. It seemed the skies were just not willing to stop letting loose. But on this day, Mother Nature was in a cooperative mood. Scattered showers were in the forecast (typical). And the morning saw a downpour that must have dropped an inch or more. As I was shooting away at the salon with Sasha and her bridesmaids, I had a feeling the afternoon's weather would break. Sure enough, it did. As soon as we left the hotel, the rain stopped and the sun came out... briefly, but it was definitely there. Enough so that it helped dry out the patio at the Atrium where we'd be shooting portraits before the ceremony there. There was a light rain during the ceremony inside, but again, as soon as we needed to be outside to take advantage of their beautiful landscaped gardens, the clouds dissipated and we got some really great shots in.

Sasha and Brian were great. Brian was the ultimate prankster. Right before the ceremony, he switched the solid gold wedding band Sasha had brought with the elaborate diamond ring that matched her engagement ring, completely taking her by surprise. Such a great moment to capture her reaction!

Maria & Jeremiah in Pittsburgh Magazine

2011-02-15T18:28:00.016-05:00

One of my couples from 2010 was chosen for the latest Weddings issue of Pittsburgh Magazine! An amazing honor for such a beautiful couple. You can read about their wedding here. You can see more photos from their wedding on my Galleries page.

New Photo Book in 2011!

2011-02-14T07:01:00.004-05:00

New for 2011, I am offering the latest book style featuring classic lay-flat pages with bold, elegant color glossy printing and beautiful keepsake box. This book is now being offered with the Platinum wedding photo package, and can also be added separately to any other package. Please ask for more information.

Favorites of 2010

2011-02-13T12:24:00.009-05:00

Here are a few of my favorite shots from 2010. Keep checking back as I'll keep adding more!

New Ad

2011-02-13T11:25:00.002-05:00

Winter 2011

2011-02-12T12:53:00.007-05:00

We had a little bit of snow here lately and I wanted to get out and enjoy it. Took my camera of course, and grabbed a few shots.

Compendium: A Collection of Photographs 2005-2010

2010-09-01T09:24:00.000-04:00

I just finished my first book of fine art photography. The images in Compendium were captured over the last half decade during various trips and photo walks. The first chapter, "Pittsburgh," presents my unique style involving uncoventional shots of the city's architecture, which I believe capture the character of my home town. "Travels" features images from my trips to New York City, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, and other northeastern destinations. The book closes with some of my favorite photos from several trips to Washington D.C. Copies of the book are available for purchase through Blurb.com.

Last Season at the Igloo

2010-02-13T13:33:00.000-05:00

This is the final season of the Pittsburgh Penguins calling Mellon Arena home. (Hell, I still call it "the Civic Arena.") I just had to get one memorable shot of the Igloo before they tear it down. Enjoy!

Good Brother Earl "Fiction"

2009-11-23T19:14:00.000-05:00

I've been honored with the opportunity to design local rock band Good Brother Earl's new album, Fiction. GBE has been one of my favorite Pittsburgh bands for years... and I'm very excited to contribute my photography, creativity and ideas to their latest project. Don't miss their CD Release Party on December 12, at Club Diesel!! http://www.goodbrotherearl.com/ All photos by Rick Szymanski.

2010 Ad Campaign

2009-10-15T12:15:00.000-04:00

I don't do much advertising. Most of my business comes from referrals and word-of-mouth from very appreciative clients. Since I'm a big fan of WQED, I figured I'd support them in some way. The following ad will be in the 2010 weddings issue of Pittsburgh Magazine, available early next year. I'm really excited about it!

Trophies

2009-10-08T20:44:00.000-04:00

The NFL's Vince Lombardi trophy and NHL's Stanley Cup were showcased side-by-side at the City County Building downtown. I snapped the following pics right before they packed them up. Enjoy!!

2009 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

2009-07-23T10:36:00.000-04:00

Cars cars cars!! Schenley Park played host to this year's PVGP event. Growing up, the Lamborghini and Ferrari were my dream cars... so you know the "Italian Cars" section was the first place I was looking for. Along the way, I actually started to enjoy the elegant styling of the older cars. I've become quite a fan of the 50's and 60's Corvettes. Anyway, here's a few pics from the event. There's more images here. Enjoy!

City of Champions!!

2009-06-29T20:42:00.000-04:00

Below are photos of the Penguins' Stanley Cup Champions parade held downtown Pittsburgh. What an experience! I was glad to see the turnout reached that of the beloved Steelers' parade in February. Have we now become a "drinking town with a football... AND hockey problem?" Enjoy.

Pittsburgh Police Honor

2009-04-12T09:30:00.000-04:00

A sad day in Pittsburgh. The three fallen police officers from the Stanton Heights standoff were honored downtown at the City-County Building on Thursday. As the flag-draped caskets were carried to the funeral cars, thousands of citizens paid their respects. I was between classes and was able to snap a few images.

Amber & Tim

2009-03-16T18:04:00.001-04:00

I had the privilege of photographing the wedding of two very special people, Amber and Tim. We stopped by North Park on the way to the reception for some fun (and romantic!) shots. What a blast! Here are a few of the images from their special day.

Welcome to Six-Burgh!!

2009-02-03T23:53:00.000-05:00

I attended the Steelers Super Bowl XLIII Parade and snapped a few shots from the barrier on Boulevard of the Allies. Sure, it was cold. But sharing in the jubilation of a sixth Lombardi trophy with 350,000 friends made it all worth it. Here are a few of my favorite images. Enjoy!

Best of 2008 | Landscapes

2009-01-25T22:35:00.000-05:00

I've had the great fortune to travel to many beautiful locations throughout the year. Here are a few of my favorite shots from my trips.

Best of 2008 | Wedding Images

2009-01-15T21:15:00.000-05:00

Alas, another year has passed. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to capture so many beautiful couples on their wedding days. I so enjoy sharing in the beauty and joy of the day with every new bride and groom that I forget I'm actually working. Needless to say, 2008 was a very special year for me. I snapped over 40,000 photos... here are a few of my favorites.

Welcome to my blog!

2008-12-29T14:19:00.000-05:00

My new blog site - picsurephoto.blogspot.com - is my opportunity to showcase my work, and for friends and clients to get to know me, my style, and learn more about my photography. Please check back soon!