#NoKings - Pittsburgh 2026

Keep speaking up. Keep contacting your representatives. Our rights matter—and they belong to all of us.

The Constitution protects core freedoms: speech, protest, press, due process, fair trials, and protection from unreasonable searches and cruel punishment. These rights apply broadly—not just to citizens, but to everyone under U.S. law.

Campaigns & Elections Reed Awards

So this happened!!! Last night at the Campaigns & Elections Reed Awards, We (Fifth Influence)were honored with three national awards.

What would John Lennon do?

Fall of Freedom is an urgent call to the arts community to unite in defiance of authoritarian forces sweeping the nation. Take part November 21–22.

1. Make loud, unmistakable art.
He’d write a song or stage a performance that cuts right to the heart of the moment—simple, memorable, and impossible to ignore.

2. Use peace as a provocation.
Lennon believed that “peace” was a radical act. He’d talk about love, human dignity, and freedom—not softly, but defiantly.

3. Stand with movements already fighting.
He aligned himself with activists, from anti-war organizers to artists challenging the establishment. He’d show up and amplify.

4. Refuse to be intimidated.
Authorities surveilled him, targeted him, tried to deport him—yet he kept going. He’d tell you to keep creating, even under pressure.

5. Make it playful, surreal, and disarming.
He’d bring imagination into the struggle—because imagination destabilizes control.

If you want to use this for your Fall of Freedom piece, I can help shape it into a quote-style graphic, a speech line, or a promo caption.

Six for Six: A Winning Night for Our Candidates

We at (Fifth Influence) went six for six last night with our local Democratic political candidate clients. Heather Schmidt Bresnahan, Julie Capone, Anthony Deluca, Jaime Hickton, and Dan Miller all winning judicial seats on the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas AND Jordan Botta winning Allegheny County Council District 13. It’s a good morning.

Thanks to all of them and their teams for their trust and collaboration.

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.

#NoKingsDay #DemocracyIsNotGuaranteed

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.

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