Philadelphia Wedding Photojournalism by JPG Photography

New website launched

Joe — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:51:10 +0000

WELCOME TO THE NEW JPG PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG AT PHILADELPHIAPHOTOJOURNALISM.COM

PLEASE EXPLORE AND ENJOY WHAT THE BEST OF PHOTOJOURNALISM IN PHILADELPHIA LOOKS AND FEELS LIKE!

BEST,
JOE G
JPG PHOTOGRAPHY

Philadelphia Wedding Photographer JPG Photography earns 7 awards for wedding images by ISPWP

Joe — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:48:01 +0000

New Jersey Wedding Photography

New Jersey Wedding Photography

New Jersey Wedding Photography

Virginia Wedding Photography

WOW! I was totally blown away this week to learn that I had placed 7 images in the exclusive ISPWP international image competition. The International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers held its quarterly contest for images from 2009, and this Philadelphia Wedding Photographer and Photojournalist placed two images in the humor category, along with family love. I also had images place in emotional impact, kids being kids and bride and groom portrait. I’m honored that such a distinctive group would think so highly of my work.

What is the ISPWP?

The International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers is an organization of the best wedding photographers in the world. It was created by professional photographers to raise the standards of the wedding photography profession.

We are a resource for wedding clients who know they want to hire the best and the brightest for their wedding. We provide assurance and peace of mind that they are hiring the most respected, most ethical, most professional and most talented wedding photographers in the industry.

It’s no secret there are many online directories of wedding photographers. Some of them have hundreds, even thousands of photographers. That SOUNDS great because there are so many to choose from! But most of these directories have little or no criteria for membership, they are simply link farms that oftentimes include photographers with zero experience and unknown backgrounds.

When you hire an ISPWP member, you can be sure they have passed a rigorous application process and are recognized by their peers to be at the top of their field.

THANKS SO MUCH!

Best,

Joe G

JPG Photography

Pennsylvania Wedding Photography

Virginia Wedding Photography

Pennsylvania Wedding Photography

Ann & Anthony’s fall wedding classic at Commonwealth Manor in Horsham, PA

Joe — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:40:05 +0000

Commonwealth Manor, Horsham, Pa.

This Philadelphia wedding photographer first got to know Ann and Anthony at their engagement shoot in Philly where we hung out on the Moshulu at the Delaware River waterfront, sharing mixed drinks and laughs. These two have already been through a lot together, and I knew their wedding day would be one of meaning and emotion.

Both the ceremony and reception were held at the Commonwealth Manor in Horsham, PA. Ann got ready in the bridal suite of the 18th century fieldstone farmhouse with her mom and sister. Then, we set up a private meeting space for Anthony to see her for the first time. My second photographer climbed up to the top of the veranda overlooking the golf course, and I ducked behind some trees so as not to interrupt the moment.

Couples often ask us if it is better to see each other beforehand or not. In Ann and Anthony’s case, I can tell you that the moment was just a special, if not more so, than it would have been had it taken place in the ceremony. When Anthony first saw Ann walking down the garden path in her Bridaltown Couture gown with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers from the Rhoads Garden, the tears began to flow. I was so glad that these two had some time together, free from the stresses of the wedding day, free to just enjoy each other’s company.

At the reception, guests left handwritten messages for the couple on a wishing tree. My favorite one, scrawled in a child’s handwriting, read “happy wedding. love, kylie.”

Ann and Anthony returned their own gesture of affection to their guests through their wedding favors — the most delicious chocolate covered pretzel sticks! The pretzels came in a pair — one with chocolate molded like Anthony’s Men’s Wearhouse tux and one with white chocolate molded after Ann’s dress.

Clearly, this is a couple who is loved, and who loves in return. Whether they were dancing to DJ-ing styles of the East Coast Event Group or sharing a laugh over a glass of wine, Ann and Anthony adored every minute.

Ann and Anthony, thank you for inviting us to share in your celebration. May you continue to embrace life and carpe diem.

Commonwealth Manor, Horsham, Pa.

Commonwealth Manor, Horsham, Pa. by Rob

The entire event is viewable online at Pictage: www.pictage.com/729097

Classic Fall Wedding for Melissa & Matt at Maryland’s Grey Rock Mansion

Joe — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:21:34 +0000

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.,

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.,

October served up many picture perfect days for this Philadelphia wedding photographer, and Matt and Melissa’s wedding was no exception. The folks at Grey Rock Mansion in Pikesville, MD did an exquisite job hosting the ceremony and reception. JPG Photography absolutely loved their team, including Simply Elegant Catering and Artistic Desserts, both of whom provided the delectable food. From the start, we used every inch of this Maryland venue. Before the ceremony, we set up a special moment for Melissa and Matt to see each other for the first time at the mansion’s entrance. Hey, if your reception place is a mansion with a classic red door and white pillars, we’re going to use it!

From there, we walked over to some of the grounds, wedding party in tow in tuxes from Men’s Wearhouse and dresses from B2. It was the quintessential fall day — a little rain earlier, but a magnificent sun peaking through the clouds. The flowers from Flowers and Fancies looked amazing against a blue sky backdrop. Melissa and Matt enjoyed a little baseball and then one of JPG Photography’s favorites — a leaf fight!

Needless to say, everyone was jazzed for the wedding. Beginning with the ketubah signing, Melissa and Matt really made this day their own. The background of the ketubah featured one of their favorite places to hike together. Their Jewish ceremony contained traditional elements of sharing the cups and breaking the glass, but also personal readings from close family and friends.

We snapped a few great sunset shots with the happy couple and then proceeded to a killer reception, powered by Anthony Simpson at Mydeejay.com. There was laughter, dancing, and many-a-chair raising. In fact, one of my favorite shots of this couple is one of the last frames I took of the evening, when Matt and Melissa posed for the camera like Snoop Dogg and showed me some attitude.

These two have personality, and this Philadelphia wedding photographer had a blast capturing their intimate moments, as well as their fun ones. Melissa and Matt, may you have many happy years together!

Best Wishes,

JPG Photography, Philadelphia, PA

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.,

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD., by Ashley

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD., by Marno

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.,

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD., by Marno

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.,

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.

Grey Rock Mansion

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.,

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD., by Marno

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD., by Ashley

Grey Rock Mansion, Pikesville, MD.

The full event is available at Pictage: www.pictage.com/728375

Kate & Brian say ‘I do’ on Delmarva at Heritage Shores in Delaware

Joe — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 06:48:10 +0000

Heritage Shores Golf Club

Besides having the honor of capturing Kate and Brian’s big day, this Philadelphia wedding photographer had a little extra pressure to get it right — my former newspaper boss was in attendance, and part of the family!

You see, before moving to Philadelphia, Rebecca and I resided in Salisbury, MD, which, like Bridgeville, DE, is part of the Delmarva peninsula. (For those non-Delmarva people, it stands for DELaware, MARyland, and VirginiA.) While there, I worked for The Daily Times in Salisbury, where my Managing Editor, was Erick Sahler, Kate’s brother.

But I didn’t have to fear Erick’s scrutiny (much). In fact, at the reception, he was boogying down like the best of them. Of course it helped that his beautiful sister planned an absolutely wonderful wedding day.

Kate’s dress from Candelight Bridal was elegant, and her junior bridesmaid and flower girl looked lovely too. The bridesmaids’ dresses from David’s Bridal were a deep chocolate brown with blue sash accent, providing nice contrast.

Of course, Brian and the guys came through as well, sporting their sweet tuxes from Men’s Warehouse.

Kate walked down the aisle to guitar music by Richard Barry, across a white carpet with “Kate & Brian” scrolled in chic cursive lettering. She held onto her dad with one hand and carried an exquisite bouquet from Posy Palace in the other. You couldn’t take that smile off her face when she saw her man!

Afterward, guests joined us for formal shots in Heritage Shores Club, the venue where both the ceremony and reception were held. What I love about this ceremony and reception venue is that despite the fact that it was raining cats and dogs, there were so many beautiful spaces to discover indoors that the couple didn’t even seem to miss the country club’s golf grounds. Instead, we staked out pool tables, spiral staircases and brightly colored sofas for a few intimate shots of the happy couple.

At the reception, guests had a great time dancing to Next Generation DJ. Peninsula Printing provided the table cards, which added to the elegance of the evening even more. And towards the end of the night, I was able to borrow Kate’s incredible custom wedding band from Kuhn’s Jewelers and snag a couple of tight photos with my macro lens.

Kate and Brian, may you continue to find light and love in each other’s eyes, no matter the weather. You’re always welcome in Philly anytime!

Best,

Joe G, JPG Photography

Heritage Shores Golf Club, Bridgeville, Delaware

Heritage Shores Golf Club, Bridgeville, Delaware by Marno

Heritage Shores Golf Club, Bridgeville, Delaware

The full event is available at Pictage: www.pictage.com/728954

Web site Down but E-mail is back

Joe — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:28:40 +0000

My Web site is down, but fortunately e-mail is back. Folks could see an OLD JPG Photography when going to the Web site. BUT, a new site should be posted shortly with proper portfolios.

E-mail is back! Yay! Please resume e-mailing jpg@jpgphotography.com

Thanks everyone for your patience!

Best,

Joe G

JPG Photography Web site, JPGPhotography.com and E-MAIL are down

Joe — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:36:49 +0000

I’m so sorry, but my Web site, www.jpgphotography.com, and e-mail could be down as much as three days. I’ve been told there was a server problem in Toronto, and forgive my language, but some idiot routed my hosting information incorrectly. And to repopulate everything will take several days.

Fortunately, www.philadelphiaphotojournalism.com is up and running.

But should you wish to contact me, please e-mail me at this, my personal e-mail address, jgidjunis@gmail.com, or call me at 888-JPG-FOTO.

I thank everyone for their patience as this is sorted out.
Best,
Joe G

Kimmy & Doug wed in style in Towson and Hunt Valley, Maryland

Joe — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:56:25 +0000

Hunt Valley, Maryland

Church of the Immaculate Conception, Towson, Md.,

Hunt Valley, Maryland

Getting Ready

Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn

In October, this Philadelphia wedding photographer got to photograph TWO brides and two grooms in one night.

No, it wasn’t a double wedding. It was, however, Kimmy and Doug’s big day in Towson, MD, and their good friends Karen and Rick, whom I, as a Philadelphia wedding photojournalist photographed almost a year to the date prior to Kimmy and Doug’s wedding, were in attendance. (For you faithful followers of the JPG blog, Karen and Rick had the awesome pig roast that we’re still raving about!)

And just like Karen and Rick, Kim and Doug really made their wedding day their own. With the ultimate DIY creativity, Kimmy made her own bouquet with flowers from Trader Joe’s. The centerpieces at their reception were these awesome funky gourds from Poor Boys. And the happy couple selected their favorite songs on their iPod and hired their friend Scott from Gotta Dance Entertainment – DJ Services to mix up the tunes.

Kim got ready in her home in Towson in a gorgeous attic-like room with light slanting through the window. Some of my favorite getting ready shots are of Kim putting on her dress from J Crew with her mom. (In case you haven’t noticed, natural light rocks!)

With fall weddings, it is always difficult to predict the weather, but this Philadelphia wedding photojournalist tires to make any setting idyllic. For Kim and Doug, this was a snap. While it was a bit chilly outside, you can’t tell from the pictures. The happy couple climbed on bright purple playground equipment under blue skies and sunbeams.

Kim and Doug’s ceremony was held at The Immaculate Conception Church in Towson, Maryland, which is definitely up there in terms of beautiful Roman Catholic Church’s I’ve attended. With high, arched ceilings and warm indoor light, the ceremony shots came out flawlessly. I love all the quiet moments between Kimmy and Doug — a look here, a half smile, a head on a shoulder, and hand held.

They ended the night with an autumn-themed reception at the Marriott Hunt Valley, where dancing, eating, and drinking quickly commenced. Overall, I think both brides and grooms had a blast. I know we did.

Kimmy and Doug, we wish you a lifetime of happiness. Thanks for inviting JPG to be part of your day.

Her dogs were eyeing me up!

More intrigue from the doggies.

The J Crew Wedding Dress

Lots of final prep!

I loved this second floor space

Outside the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Towson, Md., MD.,

Church of the Immaculate Conception, Towson, Md.,

Hunt Valley, Maryland

Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn

The Cake at the Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn

Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn;

Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn

Karen and Rick looking fabulous at the Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn

Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn

Kimmy's sister considered going in closer...yeah, I said it!

Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn

The full event is online at Pictage: www.pictage.com/728947

Philadelphia Wedding Photographer JPG Photography takes 1st Place in Photojournalism Contest with Naked Bikers Moment

Joe — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:49:17 +0000

Philadelphia Wedding Photographer

News Announcement: Philadelphia Wedding Photojournalist wins top Humor category prize with Naked Bikers moment

PHILADELPHIA – DEC. 30, 2009 – Philadelphia Wedding Photographer, Joseph Gidjunis, President and founder of JPG Photography, today announced winning a major award with the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), an International, membership-based organization representing professional photographers skilled in the documentation of weddings and events in a candid, unobtrusive style. As a WPJA member, Gidjunis’ name ranks with some of the most talented wedding photojournalists in the world as judged by their technical, creative and visual aptitude.

WPJA members are held to strict membership standards regarding image quality and content, technical and creative technique, Web site and marketing professionalism, business ethics and communication.

Gidjunis earned first place for humor in WPJA’s most recent contest. He has earned six previous awards, too.

“I love looking for what’s unique and funny all around us. Being recognize for what you love is truly an honor,” Gidjunis said.

In addition, this latest humor award places Gidjunis in the top position in all of Pennsylvania. Last year, Gidjunis placed on the top 100 wedding photojournalists in the world for YEAR and can be found on the Top WPJA Photographers page at the following web address: http://www.WPJA.com/top100.

Joseph Gidjunis, 27, started JPG Photography in 2005 after seeing moments in weddings he felt were being missed, or sacrificed for boring portrait after boring portrait. Ls than five years later, Gidjunis, along his wife, Rebecca, and three part-time staff, form the JPG Photography team.

Despite tough economic times in 2009, Gidjunis said he is fortunate because the business has expanded and 2010 sales are already double what they were this time last year.

A 2004 graduate of The George Washington University, Gidjunis lives in the East Falls section of Philadelphia with his wife of four years, Rebecca, and their two rambunctious dogs, Gus and Trudy. Gidjunis also serves as a reporter and photojournalist for the Courier-Post newspaper in South Jersey and an adjunct faculty of journalism at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pa.

Rebecca Gidjunis also serves as full-time lecturer in the English Department at Eastern University. She recently won the Keystone Chapbook Prize for poetry, and her winning manuscript is scheduled for publication by Seven Kitchens Press.

###

Thank you Kim and Nate! Thank you Naked Bikers!

Best,

Joe G

Philadelphia Wedding Photographer Photographs Punk Rock Models at Photog Shootout

Joe — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:39:44 +0000

Philly Photog Shootout at Philadelphia's City Hall

Philly Photog Shootout at Philadelphia’s City Hall;

Philly Photog Shootout at Philadelphia's City Hall;

If you happened to be near Philadelphia’s downtown, essentially right at City Hall, you may have noticed many more paparazzi than normal at the center of the City of Brotherly Love. Despite the frigid weather, Rob N of his Delaware-based Humbled Eyes Photography organized a Philly Photog Shootout. He had help in finding some great punk rock models, with killer tattoos, from Allebach Photography, and some team leaders including friends of mine, Cindy Guessford, Mark Gardner and Jeff Dietz. Rob N calls the shootouts a way to connect photographers with different strengths, abilities and talents to learn from each other, to network and make new friends.

Rob N has taken this thing across the United States, even though he started it all right out in Philly. “We are a part of the global Photog Shootout network. We are planning on spreading all over the world, so no matter where you travel to, you will know what your fellow photographers are doing! This will be your one stop to find workshops, photographer GTGs and other photography related events,” he writes.

Wanting to give my Philadelphia-area JPG Photography team (more on them in 2010) more experience, I brought most of them to the shootout. It was fantastic, and all of us came away with some killer images, both posed and photojournalistic. Then we had some laughs at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Here are a few more of my favorites:

Philly Photog Shootout at Philadelphia's City Hall;

And a special thanks to one model in particular, Leslie Gilbert, who is one of the best photographers in Pennsylvania! She came out to model for her competition. That’s selfless!