Happy Out Photography

We found Katie and the HOP team on the Knot. Their website immediately peaked my interest because of their photography style. I sent Katie a little bit about us and she responded quickly with a personalized video message, making her company stand out from the beginning! Katie kept our engagement and wedding sessions streamlined while still making it feel individualized and capturing stunning photos. If you are looking for someone with experience who will provide you with great, professional, quality photos look no further!

From the very beginning, working with Katie and her team was wonderful and she did nothing but help make us feel comfortable through the whole entire process. Katie even traveled all the way out to Deep Creek to take our engagement photos, and worked wonders with getting great photos of our dog as well! Katie was always a burst of energy, and her bubbly personality really helped to set the scene for our photos. It was also extremely helpful that she had other phtographers with her on her team, as well as the videographer. Before our wedding day, Katie made sure that we had everything mentioned we would want to have pictures of on our special day. There was a lot of details we wanted to be included, but Katie and her team captured every single one that we had dreamed about. Our favorite part of the whole process was how Katie showed us the finished products of our photos and videos. She had a reveal party at our apartment with the photos and videos, along with special treats! This was very special and intimate as she got to share everything with us in person and also any prints or albums she offers. The photos and videos were everything and more we were expecting them to be...breathtaking, gorgeous, and so beautiful! We must watch our highlight video a couple times a day, and our family is also blown away with how beautiful the photos turned out. Katie not only was a wonderful photographer, but a person as well - she always felt like a close friend we were hanging out with! Our photos were one of the most important parts of our day, and Katie and her team outdid themselves. We would recommend to anyone who is looking for something affordable, along with great accomodating people to work with.

Katie and her team were a dream to work with. She made me feel confident that looking back on photos and our videos, that we would be able to remember the day just as it went and she delivered! We cannot be more happy!

Just got our pictures and they're perfect! Katie and her team really delivered! We had two photographers, so they caught every single moment--seriously, I cannot get over how absolutely every last detail was captured! Both Katie and her assistant Kayla were so easy to work with and made the day so much fun. We'll definitely be using Happy Out again!

We found Katie and her team on The Knot after searching weeks for a photography/videography team. We talked to many vendors, but none really understood our relationship/vision quite like Katie. On our first conference call, she made us feel so comfortable and ran through every detail with us. We chose her photography and videography package and also added a ceremony and speech taping. We worked with the Owner, Katie, the entire time and did not meet the second photographer or videographer until the morning of the wedding which was fine. Katie filled them in on everything and I felt like everyone was all on the same page. Our engagement session took place in September 2019 in front of the Phipps Conservatory. She let us do 3 outfit changes and even stayed a little longer after the sun went down to capture a quick photo shoot that was an ode to our love of movies. The engagement pictures came back quickly and were wonderful! She walked us through a lot of poses but also let us just do our own thing. My wedding fell into the “Covid-19” category so we had to postpone our June wedding until August. Our wedding day went on without any issues. Katie and her team went to my house first to capture my husband and his groomsmen then they came to our location to capture me and my bridesmaids. Since there were two photographers, I assumed that they were each going to come to each location, but that wasn’t the case. We weren’t rushed for time so it didn’t matter, but I just thought it was strange they stayed together instead of separating to capture more moments. Katie and her team captured the ceremony so well. The pictures were absolutely fabulous and truly captured the moments and the emotions behind them. The video was a standard camera that didn’t move so sometimes it was difficult to see what was happening. I would have liked to see more of the guests reactions. We were told that there would also be drone footage used, but there was no drone used throughout the day. After the ceremony, we stayed on location for bridal party shots and intimate couple shots. Katie walked us through everything and it was done in the hour that we needed it completed by. At the reception, again the events were photographed very well, but once the events stopped and the party began to take place, I’ll be honest I was a little disappointed in what was captured. I had asked Katie to take pictures of every table while we were making our rounds, but neither of the photographers followed us. Then during the reception, I wish that I would have asked Katie to capture more pictures of us with the guests. There were plenty of candid pictures of guests talking in groups, but no posed pictures of guests looking at the camera. I don’t really have any professional photos of me and guests other than my bridal party and family. One of my biggest disappointments after looking through pictures was that there is no picture of me and my mother on my wedding day. I have lots with my dad, but none with just my mom or just my parents. My husband had extra time with the photographers in the morning so he has a lot of family shots, but unfortunately, I don’t. DO NOT GET ME WRONG - my wedding pictures are AMAZING and Katie did a fabulous job. We received numerous compliments on her work. I just feel like if you use her, you need to make an exact list of who and what you want pictures of or it will not be captured. I recommend Katie’s services to any upcoming brides!!!

This is an honest review and I did share my thoughts with Katie (the main photographer) herself. She never answered me.. I met Katie at a bridal show in Pittsburgh, I loved her energy and personality. She told me everything I wanted to hear as a bride to make me feel like I won't have to worry about a thing. Our engagement shoot came up, we decided to have it done at McConnells Mill Park. Katie was AN HOUR AND A HALF late. I asked if we could reschedule since we lost so much time and I didn't want the sun to go down. Katie said, "we'll be fine!" So we went on with the shoot. It was useless... half the photos were taken in the dark. Wedding day... SHE WAS LATE FOR THE WEDDING by about 30 minutes. The ceremony started late because of this and we had less dancing time during our reception. Vendors should be EARLY if anything. Katie gave us a window of 4-6 weeks until we would get our wedding photos. 6 weeks went by and no photos. I had to message her and almost pressure her to get it done. We were the first wedding she did this year and there should be no excuse for the photos to be late. Every time "something came up," and "things have been crazy," always an excuse.. which a bride doesn't want to hear excuses, we rely on vendors to be punctual and professional which Katie was NOT. Honestly, the wedding photos came out great. But I feel like any wedding photographer could have done just as good of a job. I would NOT recommend this photographer, ever.

My husband and I worked with Katie from just a normal shoot before we were even engaged to our wedding day. He’s a tough one because he doesn’t like pictures but we both enjoyed every second of the shoots. She made everything so smooth from scheduling the pictures to actually taking them and not to mention they were absolutely gorgeous! I recommend Happy Out every time I see someone looking!

Katie is awesome! She is extremely sweet and makes you feel super comfortable from the moment you meet her. She always puts the needs of the bride and groom first and the quality of her work is one of the best around. I highly recommend her!

Katie was incredible!!! I was a bridesmaid in a shoot she did for a good friends wedding. She was timely, had incredible discernment for location & organization of the bridal party, and she kept us all laughing!! So thankful for such a wonderful, easy going day! Also—the photos were amazing!!!

Katie and her team is the best thing out there and we couldn't be more grateful we had them on our side!! We had many changes due to COVID and Katie stuck it out through it all. She photographed our "legal" wedding day out of the goodness of her heart and I love that we can cherish that day forever, all because of her. She's kind, friendly, patient, and so knowledgeable. If you're still looking for a photographer, please look no further because she's the best!! 12/10!!!!

I was a bridesmaid in my dear cousin Joanna Swartz’s wedding in September; Joanna married Luke Blattenberger, and Happy Out Photography photographed the special day. I cannot day enough positive things about their professionalism and their creativity, led by Katie Kelly. The sneak peak of Joanna and Luke’s big day were absolutely stunning. Katie and her team had such unique ideas and were so much fun to work with during the entire day. She was extremely organized and gave great direction for our massive group. I highly recommend this team to anyone who is looking for high quality, beautiful pictures of your big day!

When thinking of your "dream wedding day," you want it to be something that sparkles and emulates a your favorite fairytale. Katie captures the magic between two people. She captures moments that speak to you on a level that you do not soon forget. Her photography is art and we were so very pleased with the outcome of our day. Katie and her team were more than professional and such a delight to work with. Fun, light hearted but also giving enough direction to look natural in the photos. The details that she covered during our initial meeting were so helpful and put us at ease with our decision. Thank you again for making our day sparkle. *

If you need a wedding photographer, look no further! Katie was amazing! From my engagement pictures to our wedding photos. Our family and friends were completely shocked on the quality of our photos, they said they looked like they came from a magazine. You will have your wedding photos forever and will always look back on them and I am so glad we went with Happy Out Photography because I know I will have a huge smile on my face every time I see my photos for years to come!

Katie is very professional but also very fun! Our wedding pictures and video turned out awesome. We have gotten so many compliments. She always has the best ideas. My husband doesn’t always like to take pictures but Katie made the whole experience from the first meeting to engagement photos to bridal session to wedding so enjoyable! So glad we choose her to capture this special time in our lives.

Katie and her team were absolutely wonderful! I couldn’t imagine going with another photographer! From our very first meeting I felt comfortable and it was never awkward. I LOVE everyone of our photos - she really captured us! I highly recommend Happy Out Photography!!

Katie and the whole Happy Out time did such an amazing job at my July 12, 2019 wedding. Katie took the time to meet with me before hand to go over every little detail of my day and what was important to me to be photographed. Any time I had questions or concerns I could email her, or even text her and she would respond promptly. She helped with many aspects of my planning and has become a friend. My pictures are timeless and beautiful. They help bring back the emotions of the day so perfectly. If you choose Happy Out Photography I guarantee you won’t regret it! One of the best decisions of my whole planning process!

I can’t say enough about Katie and her team. They are absolutely amazing and such a fun group to work with. It was a super crazy day and they kept up with patience and enthusiasm! Rain put a damper on our plans for a first look but Katie was able to work with the weather and give us an incredible moment. Katie has the ability to capture beauty in ways you didn’t think were possible and make it a memorable experience. We never felt rushed or over posed. Everything felt organic, comfortable. Our whole wedding party had a great time with this talented team and we’re sure it shows! So we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being able to work with us on the most amazing day of our lives!

I used Happy Out Photography for my May 2018 wedding and out of all my vendors, they were my favorite. I had the package with 2 photographers and both were very accommodating and honored all my requests. In one of my first meetings with Katie, I mentioned that I wanted a group photo with all my wedding guests at the reception. I completely forgot I even requested this picture until she broke out a ladder in the middle of my reception and had the DJ announce for the entire wedding to get on the dance floor. I now have the most perfect picture of everybody at my wedding. I had multiple meetings with Katie to make sure the day went smoothly. She was very organized and helped me plan the little details I would’ve never thought of. It was like having a wedding coordinator and photographer all in one. Katie and Nikki work well together and get a ton of pictures without wasting time. All of my pictures are beautiful. She keeps her work natural. Between my engagement shoot and wedding I probably have at least 1,000 pictures and I have full access of them to share, print or do whatever. All of my pictures are accessible from an app on my phone. She was also able to give my family and friends access to the app as well so they can view the pictures at any time as well. I am highly satisfied and would suggest Happy Out Photography to anybody in a heartbeat!

I am not one to get excited about getting my picture taken, but she makes it so easy. We have only had an engagement session thus far but she made sure to go through thr poses and in detail abiut what makes a great photo. She is very flexible and not afraid to explain what she wants for that perfect picture. Her photography style is just clean and beautiful and as much as I hate pictures I'm excited to see how the wedding pictures come out!

If you are planning your wedding and looking for an INCREDIBLE photographer who is fun, attentive to detail and bonus, reasonably priced, PLEASE look no further. Katie and Nickie are the dream team. From the engagement session to the "reveal party", everything about my experience with Happy Out Photography was perfect. Our engagement session took place at Mingo Creek Park and during this time Katie made sure to really get to know our personalities, decide which poses worked for both of us in preparation for our wedding day and even went above and beyond by staying past the scheduled time slot. We were blown away with the beauty of her work when we received our images! Katie, my husband and I met before the wedding to discuss all the details including a timeline, any concerns and of course the pictures we wanted most throughout our wedding day. Katie was very detail oriented throughout this meeting and even reminded us about a few important details we passed over (she is very wedding planner-esque in the most fantastic way). After this meeting, I felt a sense of calm because I knew Katie and Nikkie would help the day run smoothly. Our wedding day finally arrived and I was so busy getting ready, I forgot Katie and Nickie were even coming to the hotel to take the "getting ready" pictures (the morning of was a little crazy to say the least). It's hard to describe, but when they arrived they brought such a positive energy into the room and a sense of peace . One of my biggest concerns during the course of our wedding day was not having enough time between the ceremony and reception for pictures. Due to time constraints, we only had 45 minutes to accomplish it all. I was really worried about getting all of the pictures we wanted and also getting enough content in the short amount of time we allotted. Katie assured me I had nothing to worry about. Well, I can honestly say, we got every single photo we wanted during this time and MORE with staying right on schedule. Katie and Nickie made the whole day run smoothly while getting the most incredible images from start to finish. One of the things Katie does for each of her couples is hold a "reveal party". Instead of just sending the images over the computer, Katie brings over treats for everyone (yum!), albums and sample wall art then uses her computer to project the images onto the television for everyone to view. This provides a perfect way for all family members to see purchasing options and even gives you ideas for your own home, at home. Also, Katie mentioned at one of our meetings she does this because she truly looks forward to seeing the reactions of everyone as the images are revealed for the first time. I can assure you, you will not find anyone more passionate about their work and most importantly your happiness! If you are looking for Pittsburgh's best dynamic duo, please consider Happy Out Photography for your wedding. You will not be disappointed.

Katie and Nicki These two were simply amazing. If you want a photographer who listens and bends over backwards to get the perfect shot then hire these two. Our engagement session was really important to us, my Husband and I wanted to relive our love story and Katie ran around to all our favorite spots with us, no questions asked. They made us feel so comfortable, nothing forced, no hold up with the timing and honestly they made us laugh and really celebrated with us. They checked in to make sure we were all good with everything and even checked in with our families as well which was extremely thoughtful. If you like real photos - no crazy edits and just authentic capturing of photos, these two have nailed it. Would recommend million times over, fairly priced too!

Katie photographed my best friend’s wedding, in which I was a bridesmaid. Let me start of by saying that she really listens to what it is the bride and groom are looking for in their photos and the overall experience. My friend was all about living in the moment of the day and enjoying the time with her loved ones. Katie was very respectful of this- after the ceremony, Katie did her thing with photos of the bride, groom, family, bridal party, etc. and we were on to the party- the reception! This was just as the bride had requested and was of greatest significance to her. Throughout the day, getting ready, Katie was present, taking photos, offering her guidance when asked, but she was never overbearing or overwhelming to the bride or any of the girls getting ready. In the end, the photos turned out to be breath taking. I always say my best friend could have graced the cover of “The Knot.” They’re some of my favorite photos to look back at. I can relive the happiness of that day through any given photo taken by Katie. I know my friend and I are thrilled that she ultimately used Happy Out Photography for her wedding- and engagement photos! Without a doubt, I will be using them for my wedding (and engagement) when my Prince Charming comes around!

We had an amazing experience working with Katie! She is extremely kind and very talented. The day of our wedding, Katie and Nicole were very organized and efficient. We absolutely love the way our wedding photos turned out and couldn’t be happier that we went with Happy OutPhotography!

We had the best experience with Happy Out Photography. Katie was excellent to work with. She was kind and very organized. She is extremely talented! Our pictures turned out wonderful. She made us feel very special on our wedding day. After the wedding, she met with us to go over our pictures. She put together the most beautiful video that allowed us to relive the wonderful memories of our wedding day. My husband and I highly recommend Happy Out Photography.

I was a bridesmaid in a recent wedding with Happy Out Photography. The team was fabulous! She made not only the bride/groom but the entire group comfortable, laugh, and posed us perfectly. She didn’t seem rushed or stressed and knew what she wanted/how she wanted it, so we were able to get a lot of great shots in a short time. Can’t wait to see the finished product!

Katie is the kindest, most enthusiastic photographer you'll find. She really pays attention to what you want but also helps guide with her experience and knowledge so that your imagination can come to life in the best version possible. Definitely recommend! We have not had our wedding yet but our engagement session with Katie was amazing.

Katie is awesome to work with! I love how she takes the time to meet with her couples prior to their wedding so she can get a better feel for what you're looking for. She really takes the time to listen and to make you feel comfortable with everything. I cannot thank her enough for being so wonderful!!!

Katie and her team were the BEST! We just had our wedding this past weekend and I am still getting compliments with how fast, proficient and professional Katie was. We had her and her team for 12 hours and it was awesome! They showed up at the salon and stayed until everyone was hitting the dance floor at the reception. We got soooo many wonderful pictures that I cant wait to see! Katie did our engagement photos last year and we loved those so much we know our wedding pictures will be outstanding. Katie is so sweet and always puts her clients first. She made myself, husband, our parents and bridal party top priority all day and was so sweet to our guests. Take a look at her Facebook and Instagram pages and you will see how talented she is! I would recommend Katie to anyone who is looking for a wedding photographer, you will not be disappointed! Thank you to the entire Happy Out Photography team! –Megan & Wyatt

We chose the 10 hour package with two photographers for our wedding. Katie and Nicole are so personable and will make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. They are also hilarious and will have you laughing the whole time. They truly know what they’re doing and it’s reflected in their pictures. My husband and I love candid pictures and Katie and Nicole managed to get so many that we will treasure forever. I would highly recommend Happy Out Photography to anyone looking for a wedding photographer or any special occasion!

We are so happy with our photos! My husband hates having his picture taken, but Katie made everything so much fun and comfortable that he thoroughly enjoyed posing for all the pictures!

Katie took a lot of time to make sure my fiance and I were comfortable in front of the camera during our engagement pictures. She created a fun and relaxing enviornment. She even ended the session with getting into the lake with us to create some epic photos. We will have that story to tell forever. Thank you for spending so much time with us and giving us such a great memory.

Katie was so nice and organized when we first met her. She was the only photographer we considered! At the engagement session, my now-husband who hates photos actually enjoyed himself, so we knew we were in good hands. We used one of the photos to make our save the date. The morning of our wedding, as I was getting my hair done, the thing most brides fear happened. Katie called to tell me she was sick! I knew her back up, Nikki, would be there, but I hadn't met Nikki, and I didn't know if she'd be able to find a backup for us, since we had been hoping for 2 photographers. They DID find us a new backup, and Nikki and Tricia were so nice and took the best photos of our perfect day! We had such a great time with them! Katie edited the photos, and we just cannot get over how beautiful they are. We just love reliving the day over and over looking at the photos, and we love remembering how nice everyone associated with HOP is and how well they took care of us even in an emergency situation! Truly a great investment!

We couldn't be happier with our choice of Happy Out Photography for our wedding. Their energy and passion for what they do was apparent from the moment we first met them, and they truly went the extra mile to make everything perfect for us. My now-husband and I live out of town, and Katie and Nikki went out of their way to work through the schedule constraints that generated. They even arranged a trip to our place in Michigan to take our engagement photos! The Reveal Party, when they unveil the wedding photos to you and your family and friends, was a really fun addition and helped keep the wedding joy in the air for that much longer. The photos were absolutely beautiful and working with them was a joy from start to finish.

Katie was such a great photographer and although she isn't the most well known photographer in the Pittsburgh area, you should have no hesitation hiring her to photograph for your wedding. Our package allowed us to have a free engagement session where Katie taught us the posing that helped the wedding day photography go so much faster. She takes gorgeous pictures and on the big day, she was there for ten hours to photograph my bridal party and I. She even came with a second shooter (Dawn) who was great and had props that I hadn't even thought of! I'm anticipating getting my photos back in a month during the reveal party that she throws for her clients. Such a great person to meet and work with!

Katie was such a pleasure to work with and we could not be happier with all of our pictures!! We live out of town and she was extremely accommodating with our crazy schedules. She went above and beyond. The reveal party after the wedding was a really special touch and such a fun way to relive the day and view all the pictures with our family. I would definitely recommend Happy Out to everyone! Katie and Nikki were so easy going, it was like they were part of the bridal party. And did I mention the pictures were AMAZING!!!

Katie did a fantastic job with our engagement photos and save the dates. We made it through the rain and our photos are phenomenal. We can't wait for her to photograph our wedding next year.

My husband and I cannot say enough about how amazing both Katie and Nikki were for us! We had problems with our limo and these two were right on it ready to load up their personal vehicles to get the groomsmen to the service! Of course, we're also in love with all of the sneak peeks we have seen so far and our engagement pictures are amazing! Highly recommend!

Happy Out are great photographers. My husband and I were so impressed with the quality of their work both for the engagement pictures and for the wedding pictures. They did an outstanding job!! We loved the little party for previewing the wedding pictures, never heard of that before. Would definitely recommend.

We have only had our engagement photos done so far but Katie made the whole process so easy! I was worried going into it that my fiancé would just be a grump the whole time because a photo session isn't really his thing. But thanks to Katie, he had a great time! She made us feel very comfortable and was very creative. It was definitely a positive experience. I can't wait for the wedding pictures!

If I told were possible, I'd give more than 5 stars! Words cannot express how amazing these photographers are! They are the best at what they do and I couldn't have been more lucky to have them photograph my engagement/wedding. They're so down to earth and creative that not only are you getting amazing workers, but pretty awesome friends! My now husband and I had the best time with them and were able to just be ourselves around them. Incredible company run by the most amazing people!!

I want bring this review to the attention of every groom-to-be that hates pictures. I get it. Most of us would rather experience a root canal than a 120 minute photo session. Thankfully, Katie made our engagement session easy and fun. She lets you and your fiancée be yourselves and has the unique ability to disappear while taking her photos. You won’t even notice she is there. This approach also left us with some amazing shots. I recommend her wholeheartedly. You might even wind up having a good time!

So Happy Out is absolutely amazing! They are not only great photographers but great people! Katie quickly became a friend and everyone is just amazing! They will not let you down!

Happy Out Photography is amazing! So far, we have only done our engagement session & we can't wait to work with Katie & Nikki for our wedding. Katie did everything she could to make us feel comfortable during our engagement session, even though we knew we were going to feel a little awkward at first. My fiance and I had a great time and would recommend HOP to anyone! From the passionate work, professional pictures, and the great prices, Happy Out Photography was a great choice. Thanks Katie, and I can't wait to work with you on our big day!

Can't say enough good things!! The whole process was so easy and convenient. Katie took care of everything and there was never a problem. I was so amazed at the amount of pictures she took, but most impressive was the perfect quality of them. Every detail of the wedding was documented and it made for a wonderful night. She was professional at all times and was accommodating to any aspect needed. Definitely recommend her for any photo needs!!

Katie has been amazing! She is the most caring, thoughtful photographer and so so so easy to work with. We cannot say enough kind words about her and her business! We had an amazing first session for our engagement pictures, which turned out stunning! My now husband and I were so awkward at first for the camera but everything was so easy and she made us feel so comfortable. Our wedding day was absolutely amazing. If you have the pleasure to work with Katie, you will know just how hard she works. She captured everything and all the priceless moments. The pictures were candid and goregous. I honestly cannot rave enough. Afterward, our pictures came back so quickly! I was thrilled! She had a viewing party to display all of the pictures with our family and friends which was so wonderful to see those pictures for the very first time. Everything....from taking the photos, the editing, getting them back in a timely manner, and ordering/delivering, was amazing. Happy Out Photography did an amazing job and we love them. Katie is a kind soul and works so very hard. We appreciate everything they have done and we recommend them to all future bride/grooms, families or whatever event you want covered!!