The “Mother of Exiles”, she once welcomed the world’s tired and poor.
Today, she stands for those fighting to keep the promise alive.
We the People... have done this before.
We the People... have done this before.
The Civil Rights Movement (1950s–1960s)
The Women’s Rights Movement (1848–Present)
The LGBTQ+ Rights Movement (1960s–Present)
Each time, ordinary people stood up and reshaped history.
Today, as Project 2025 quietly advances — with nearly half of its agenda already in motion — we face another moment that demands courage, unity, and vigilance.
We the People... must do it again.
Beautiful/Decay
Sometimes, the best view isn’t from behind the camera
A few firsts for me.
I was asked to officiate a wedding. (Thank you to Marissa and Dante Panucci.)
My daughter was asked to be the photographer. (So proud — she absolutely killed it.)
As both an officiant and a photographer, I experienced something rare — the chance to capture a moment I’d never been able to see before: the view from the officiant’s perspective.
Standing there, watching two people exchange vows, I saw what I’ve spent years photographing from the other side. It was humbling, emotional, and unexpectedly beautiful.
Panucci Wedding 10.4.25
How to Take Great Social Justice Photos
In today’s world, photography holds more weight than ever. Nearly everyone with a smartphone has the ability to document injustice—but few have the skill and vision to create images that spark dialogue, inspire action, and ignite change.
If you’re looking to improve your **social justice photography in Pittsburgh—or wherever you live—**these guidelines will help you raise awareness, tell authentic stories, and share impactful visuals across media platforms.
1. Understand Your Role as a Photographer
When creating social justice photos, you’re more than a photographer. You’re also a journalist, documentarian, and educator. Your images should:
Raise awareness of social issues.
Inspire community action.
Document events with integrity and honesty.
2. Keep Images Non-Partisan
Avoid visuals with overt partisan messaging. Strong social justice photography is about the human story, not political branding.
3. Highlight Diversity & Inclusion
Social movements are built on community. Be intentional about showing:
People of different backgrounds and cultures.
Portraits that reflect the diversity of your city (for example, Pittsburgh’s Hill District, Market Square, or Oakland).
Crowds that represent unity and collective action.
4. Show the Story of the City
Backgrounds matter. Use Pittsburgh’s bridges, murals, or recognizable landmarks to anchor your photos in place and give them local resonance.
5. Capture Emotion and Action
The most compelling images show:
Faces filled with raw emotion.
Moments of movement—marches, raised hands, chants, and solidarity.
6. Balance Portraits and Crowd Shots
A single strong wide shot can convey the scale of a protest better than 10 similar angles.
Individual portraits remind viewers that these are real people fighting for human rights.
7. Think About Publishing Platforms
Your images may appear on:
Social media (Instagram, X/Twitter, TikTok).
Local newspapers like the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette or TribLIVE.
Issue advocacy websites and blogs.
Shoot in ways that make your photos easy to share quickly with minimal editing.
8. Don’t Shy Away from Difficult Images
The truth can be hard to look at—but it’s necessary. Photos that are emotionally triggering often spark the most important conversations.
9. Edit Less, Deliver Faster
In social justice photography, speed matters. Capture your images well enough that they need minimal editing—so you can publish and share them while the issue is still breaking.
10. Show the Full Story
Document the good, the bad, and the ugly. Real change comes from showing every side of the struggle.
Final Tip
If you need to explain your photo, delete it. Strong images speak for themselves.
By following these practices, you’ll create social justice photography that resonates locally in Pittsburgh—and universally across the globe.
Top Questions People Ask About Hiring a Photographer in Pittsburgh (With Answers)
Top Questions People Ask About Hiring a Photographer in Pittsburgh
When people look for a photographer or videographer in Pittsburgh, they often have the same questions—about cost, style, locations, and what makes one professional different from another. I’ve put together answers to a few of the most common ones to help you feel confident when planning your next photo or video project.
1. How much does a professional photographer or videographer cost in Pittsburgh?
This is usually the first question people ask. The truth is, pricing depends on what you need—whether it’s a simple headshot, a full-day event shoot, or a cinematic branding video.
In Pittsburgh, professional photographers typically charge anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a short session to several thousand for larger projects that involve multiple locations, assistants, and post-production work.
My approach is to customize pricing based on your goals. If you need clean, professional headshots, that’s one type of investment. If you’re building a personal brand or producing a marketing video, I’ll design a package that fits the scope and delivers lasting value.
2. What makes you different from other photographers in Pittsburgh?
There are plenty of talented photographers here, but what sets me apart is my focus on storytelling. I don’t just capture images—I create work that reflects personality, energy, and authenticity.
My background in both photography and video allows me to craft narratives, not just snapshots. Whether it’s a brand shoot, a street portrait, or a documentary-style video, my goal is to help people see themselves in a new way and to communicate something meaningful to their audience.
3. Where are the best places in Pittsburgh for photo or video shoots?
Pittsburgh is a city with incredible variety for photographers. Some favorites include:
The Strip District — colorful murals and urban grit.
Mount Washington — iconic skyline views, especially at sunset.
Lawrenceville — a mix of historic architecture and modern backdrops.
The North Shore — bridges, riverfront paths, and stadium energy.
Choosing the right location depends on the mood you want to capture. A professional headshot might call for clean, neutral backgrounds, while a lifestyle session could shine against the murals and textures of the city. I often scout locations ahead of time so that every session feels fresh and intentional.
4. What should I wear to a professional photo or video session?
The best outfit is the one that feels like you. That said, solid colors usually photograph better than busy patterns, and layers add texture without distraction. Think about your brand or the impression you want to make: bold and creative, or polished and professional?
I always share guidance before a shoot, and if you’re torn between options, bringing a couple of outfit choices is a good idea. The goal is to feel confident, because when you feel good, it shows in the photos.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a photographer is about more than cost or convenience—it’s about finding someone who understands how to tell your story. Whether you’re looking for portraits, branding, or creative video, the right collaboration will give you results that last far beyond the session itself.
If you’re in Pittsburgh and want to talk about a project, let’s connect.
Street Portraits and the Helios Lens
I like to walk around Pittsburgh a lot. Most of the time I carry my camera with me. More often than not I walk at dusk when thinking about finding, creating, or truthfully stumbling onto an image to capture. This past weekend I walked midday in the humidity of this summer. This year, this city has been muggy, steamy, and simply nearly unbreathable. Yet I walk and complain.
Currently, I’m into creating/finding portraits. Side projects are what I built my career on. Way back when this career of photography came into my life, I started as a portrait photographer. Thirty-plus years later, the itch is back. Hence, I never do the same side project twice, so I will be blending taking a walk with street portraiture.
Helios lens — why do I love it? I am going to be solely using this old, slightly broken piece of glass to capture this body of work. There is something unique, vintage, and dare I say cinematic about using this lens. Yes, it’s a pain. It’s not sharp, slow to focus, and overall I just do not trust it. Yet this lens is my mistress. I just keep coming back.
Weather forecast for the last week of August in Pittsburgh. Low to mid 70’s, with a chance of less complaining.
#PittsburghPhotographer
#StreetPhotographyPittsburgh
#PGHPhotography
#OnlyInPittsburgh
CINEMATIC STYLE PORTRAITS
Your portrait should tell your story.
It’s not just about perfect lighting—it’s about the presence you bring to the frame. At John Craig Media, I help you feel confident, authentic, and effortlessly powerful in front of the camera. From sleek studio sessions to cinematic on-location shoots, I create modern portraits that capture both style and substance—right here in Pittsburgh.
#PittsburghPhotographer #HeadshotPhotography #ProfessionalPortrait #BusinessPortrait #PersonalBranding #BrandPhotography #PortraitPhotographer
How to Look Powerful and Natural in Your Portrait Session — From a Pittsburgh Photographer
Whether you're updating your professional image or capturing your personal style, a great portrait is about more than just lighting — it's about presence. At John Craig Media, I help clients feel confident, authentic, and effortlessly powerful in front of the camera. Based in Pittsburgh, I specialize in modern portraits that blend cinematic style with natural expression, whether you're in-studio or on location.
John Craig Media is a Pittsburgh-based photography studio specializing in professional portraits, headshots, and branded visual content. I work with individuals, creatives, and business
#PittsburghPhotographer #PortraitsInPittsburgh #PittsburghCreative #PittsburghHeadshots #StudioPhotographyPittsburgh
Food Photography
Here is something a little bit different from me.
Watch “Destination: Bloomfield” - WQED and Natalie Bencivenga
Im am very proud to have been a contributing cameraman on this project.
NEW from WQED and Natalie Bencivenga — Visit the heart of Pittsburgh’s Little Italy, Bloomfield, a neighborhood where historic charm meets modern energy. Natalie explores the vibrant community, featuring the enduring businesses that have shaded its legacy as well as new ventures continuing the traditions and adding a fresh perspective.
Café Momentum Marketing Film
🎬 I am very proud of the work that I get to do at Fifth Influence. I am thrilled to share our latest marketing film for Café Momentum Pittsburgh!
It has been a privilege to capture and showcase their powerful mission of empowering justice-involved youth, ages 15-19, with essential life skills, education, and employment opportunities. We’re deeply grateful for their trust in us to tell their story and help advance their important development efforts.
✨ Are you inspired by Café Momentum’s work? Join us in making a difference! Visit Café Momentum, click on "Donate," select "Pittsburgh," and contribute to this incredible cause.
Together, we can help these young individuals thrive! 💙
We won FIVE Campaigns & Elections Reed Awards
So this happened! Fifth Influence took home 5 Reed awards. I just had my Taylor Swift moment. Missing in this photo is our lead designer of all things magical that push our creative over the top is Billy Jo Molinari. Thank you to Grant Regan Tanya Posavatz Sean Sliben & our divine leader George Potts…
Campaigns and Elections #politicaladvertising #politicalcampaign #democrat #Democrats #advertising #digitaladvertising American Advertising Federation Pittsburgh
DeWitt Walton For Allegheny County Council
Very proud to have the opportunity to work on this campaign! Fifth Influence
#politicaladvertising #politics #politicalcampaigns #digitaladvertising #digitalagency #pennsylvania #washingtondc
Bethlehem Haven
Excited to be part of the Fifth Influence team & having the opportunity to help create this grant video for Bethlehem Haven
Pittsburgh 6.16.23 Taylor Swift Concert
Here is something I have never done before. Spent the evening making friends with a bunch of Swiftie Dads on Mt Washington Overlook: taking photos, face timing & live streams with their daughters.
Joanna Doven for County Council At-large in Allegheny County
Very proud to have the opportunity to work on this campaign! Fifth Influence
#politicaladvertising #politics #politicalcampaigns #digitaladvertising #digitalagency #pennsylvania #washingtondc
Beautiful/Decay
Beautiful/Decay - side project.
CREATORS, MAKERS & MISFITS
Jack Hunt a.k.a Johnny Angel is the heartbeat and the backbeat to this city of Pittsburgh. Iconic Motown session drummer to frontman vocalist of Johnny Angel and the Halos since 1972. From behind his drum kit he gave us funky R&B grooves to swooning vocals from the Blue-Eyed Northern Soul era as the lead singer of the Halos.
Today at the ripe age of 70 you can find him on the North Shore of Pittsburgh, Manchester neighborhood. Where he is the curator and owner of Johnny Angel’s Ginchy (Cool) museum
If you are serious about music and you love Pittsburgh then this is for you.