What are your biggest moments worth? What would you pay to relive them?
When you invest in your wedding photography, what you’re really getting is a beautiful, fun filled experience that ends in a gallery overflowing with milestone moments, tears, and laughter with the people you love.
Freezing
Time
for you
You marriage is the important part
Both of you matter
Your wedding is not a photoshoot
What I do is an Honor
All Couples are welcome
Things I Believe
As if I need to make this any clearer: Weddings are my all time favorite. From hours of coverage, to engagement sessions, to second photographers, albums, and selfie booths, to holding your bouquet, grabbing you a stiff drink after family photos, and being the ‘leader of the vendor pack–a direct quote from a Dawn Derbyshire Photography couple!--I’m going to blow your mind at every step.
Approach
My
- Karlee and Dom
Booking Dawn as our wedding photographer was one of the best decisions we made during the wedding planning process. We were initially drawn to Dawn due to her solid reputation as a fun, inclusive, and professional photographer in the Pittsburgh area. What we quickly came to realize is that Dawn has the biggest heart and is so dedicated to her craft and clients. She makes shoots so easy and fun, like hanging out with a good friend you've known your whole life. From engagement photos to wedding day, Dawn made the entire process so stress-free and enjoyable. She truly goes above and beyond and even edits and sends a wedding preview on your wedding night to instantly view and share. Our entire album was done within a MONTH of the wedding and we were blown away by not only the quick turnaround, but how gorgeous each and every photo was. We highly recommend Dawn to anyone seeking a talented and professional photographer who goes the extra mile to deliver high quality services from shoot to print. We look forward to capturing more milestones with Dawn in the future!
"Dawn made the entire process so stress-free and enjoyable."
-Abbie and Kurt
I booked Dawn (in my head) 2 years before I was even engaged to be married. She was my first vendor email; "Dawn, I don't know where you will be taking our pictures yet, but I want you as my photographer." I wanted Dawn because when you look at the photos she takes they are timeless. The colors you see are the same colors you saw on the day with your own eyes. She is detailed and meticulous, and nothing is forgotten. She is trustworthy and an exceptional human. She will make your wedding party laugh and enjoy the day. And most importantly, she will look at you through her lens without discrimination. Without any hesitation, I will scream from the hilltops, book her as your photographer.
"Without any hesitation, I will scream from the hilltops, book her as your photographer."
-Ashley and Dayne
My husband and I literally booked Dawn as our photographer before we had our wedding venue- that is how much we love/loved her work! From the moment we saw her photographs, we knew that we wanted her to be there to capture the most important day of our lives. She is so talented and our photos are simply amazing! The way Dawn was able to capture our love and happiness on our wedding day is something that my husband and I will be forever grateful to her for. The photos are absolutely stunning to say the least. Dawn is also an absolutely amazing person- so genuine, warm, funny, and kind. Having people with you during very intimate moments like first looks, private vows, etc. is intimidating but Dawn made us and our bridal party feel so comfortable the entire time. Dawn also was able to keep everyone on track and was very fast paced when it came to getting bridal party and family portraits. The way she managed to keep everyone and everything organized during the photographs was truly amazing. My husband and I will be lifelong customers and cannot wait for Dawn to take portraits of our future children and important life events. Do yourself a favor and hire Dawn for all of your photography needs!
"My husband and I will be lifelong customers"
-Briana and Travis
I do not know where to even begin other than to encourage all brides or grooms to HIRE DAWN!!! She is a gem of a human and pours her heart and soul into photographing engagement shoots or weddings. Her talent and experience was obvious from the moment we met her. My now husband absolutely hates PDA and being photographed but was instantly comfortable with any kissing pose Dawn prompted us to do (which if you know Travis is the best compliment anyone could receive). She is so kind, flexible, and up for any adventure - like standing on a step ladder on her tip toes to snag a photo of us with all our guests or soaked in champagne to capture the perfect champagne popping shot! We hope to have other opportunities to work with Dawn in the future and cannot praise her enough for a positive wedding experience.
"She is a gem of a human"
-Victoria and Jake
There aren't enough words to explain just how amazing Dawn is! We were so lucky to have Dawn photograph our engagement photos and wedding day. Not only are Dawn's photos INCREDIBLE, she puts so much heart, soul, and passion into every session, especially the wedding day. Her fun and charismatic personality makes your nerves melt away and helps to perfectly bring out your own personalities in the photos! When we got our wedding gallery, we were honestly SPEECHLESS! We feel so blessed to have had Dawn as such a huge part of our journey to marriage, and feel even more blessed to call her a friend!
"She puts so much heart, soul, and passion into every session"
Starting at $350
While most of my clients book a boudoir sessions as a present to their partner, it is so much more than a gift to them. It's a gift to yourself. I want you to feel beautiful and empowered. I want you to wear what makes you feel sexy: Whether that’s a cute PJ set, oversized sweater, bare skin, or something in between. My sessions range from PG-13 to X rated, and the goal is for you to feel freakin’ AMAZING. I want you to see you in a new light, and embrace how drop dead gorgeous you are (and you Sexy goes way beyond Playboy, and I’m here to capture that.
"If you have ever thought you wanted to do a boudoir session with Dawn, DO IT! Not only does she make you feel so comfortable and confident while photographing, but her photos allowed me to see myself in a completely new light. These photos have given me more CONFIDENCE than I ever thought possible." - Katie B
Worried about what to wear? My pride and joy is a closet STOCKED with amazing pieces–over 100!--ranging from a size xs to 5 xl. I want every body to have something amazing to wear. I’m constantly sourcing new pieces in a wide range of sizes so all of my clients can feel like total smokeshows. Gifting the session as a present? I also offer sleek, discreetly delivered albums and fun 90s style viewfinders that make a perfect gift to open the morning of the wedding, for an anniversary, or just because
Boudoir
Starting at $6000
FIRST WE CHAT
Getting to know you (and you getting to know me!) is a BIG part of the process. I’ll give you the option to book via email, talk with me on the phone, or even have an in person meeting if yinz are local to Pittsburgh. Why? Because besides your fiance, I’m the person you spend the most time with on your wedding day. It’s important that you enjoy my company!
“Her photos are absolutely gorgeous, take a look at her website or Instagram and you already know that. What set her apart for us was her awesome personality.” - Kathryn and Tony
NEXT, WE MAKE IT OFFICIAL
The last thing I want you to feel? More wedding ~pressure.~ When it comes to booking, I hold your date for one week after we chat so you can think it over. If it’s a yes, I do a happy dance, and then the fun really begins!
“Not only is she insanely talented, but she is incredibly meticulous, extremely responsive and cares about every detail just as much as you do!” - Christine + Andrei
WANT AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION? YOU SHOULD!
To get comfy in front of my camera, I always love for my clients to invest in an engagement session before their big day. It's a great time to get some extra photos, and feel out what works and what doesn't. You get to see me at my weirdest, and I get to see how to photograph you two at your most authentic. It's not mandatory, but it results in your wedding photos being extra awesome, not gunna lie.
“She made us feel so comfortable during our engagement session, that by the time we took wedding photos, they felt seamless.” - Paige and John.
YOUR WEDDING DAY (!!!)
I start my car, blast my wedding day hype playlist, and arrive early. I’ll photograph your wedding day, and give you my whole heart through my camera.
“She was able to capture the genuine, candid moments of the day, the spirit of our relationship, and all of the little moments that elicit big emotions.” - Julia + Matt
POST-WEDDING
Midnight photos > midnight pizza. I’ll send you 100 sneak peek photos before your newlywed heads hit the pillow, a Dawn Derbyshire signature move. You can’t blame me for late thank you cards!
Then within 6-8 weeks, you’ll get your full wedding album delivered to your inbox. And they are yours, forever. So much of our relationship is based on trust and I am always honored to be the one to photograph the memories you will hand down for generations…and also post to your Instagram! Tag meeeee!
“My guests were shocked when she delivered a preview of our magical photos in 24 hours.” - Laura + Zach
Weddings
Starting at $800
Running a small business is hard enough. Trying to update your team photos, create great social media content, and putting a fresh face on your brand? That can be difficult! That's why I offer brand photography sessions for wedding-focused businesses. For over a decade, I've worked hand in hand with vendors creating dream days for couples. As I've built those relationships, I've gotten an in depth look at what those businesses stand for, how they serve their clients, and have seen the work they put in day in and day out. My branding sessions capture all of your talent as you rebrand and present yourself to future clients. They go far beyond a stiff headshot.
"For the first time, I am actually completely pleased with a branding shoot. In the past, I have always been a little bit disappointed because I never felt like the photos truly captured the essence of me or Burgh Brides and what it is we do. You did that! You understood the new brand and direction and you made it come to life in a way that blew me away. Thank you thank you thank you. You are a true artist, and an amazing friend." -Victoria
From thought out styled elements, to creating behind the scenes content, to fun gifs perfect for sharing in your newsletter, we’ll craft the perfect set of images for your brand. Let's get some Reels ready, your IG content on point, and those ICONIC behind the scenes photos ready to share with the world!
Branding
In spring of 2021, Sunlight Studio opened in West View, PA. I share it with another amazing photographer, and it is open to all clients (and their pets!) for sessions. It's perfect for boudoir, maternity, branding, and couples sessions, with flower walls, streamer walls, funky furniture and a homey feel. I have all in-person meetings here and am always happy to sit down, grab you some wine, and chat in this space. It's my home away from home and I love having clients here to enjoy the space with me (and to get cute, colorful photos of couples on the giant purple couch)!
Studio
The
