CLIENT CASE STUDY

How I Helped A Choir Announce Their New Musical Director

 

Sheet music pages showing musical notation and lyrics spread open on a surface.

Why They Reached Out

In 2023, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh reached out looking for a photographer to document their annual retreat. Unlike other retreats, this year's was special as it would be the choir's first official rehearsal with their newly hired music director, Daniel Singer. 


What they needed the shoot to communicate:

  • A new era under Daniel’s leadership
  • The professionalism and warmth of the ensemble
  • The collaborative, community-centered feel of the retreat
Interior view of a church sanctuary with wooden pews and stained glass windows.

What They Needed

  • Action shots of the choir singing during rehearsal
  • A mix of candid and lightly staged moments
  • Images that would support promotional needs across web and social
  • Updated visuals to introduce Daniel in a way that felt aligned with their artistry and community

The Session

I documented the retreat with a mix of candid and guided moments, including:
  • Icebreakers and group activities
  • Rehearsal time in a dedicated practice space
  • Full-choir work inside a large, airy church
  • Individual and small-group moments featuring the new director
  • A polished, website-ready headshot of the director
Group of people sitting on brick steps during an outdoor gathering.
People gather in a bright church hall or community room for what appears to be a meeting or event.
A person in a white shirt gestures while speaking to a group in an indoor space.
People seated indoors reviewing documents in a bright room with windows.

 

A Standout Moment


During their practice the choir gathered into the church.  The choir members created a circle with the new director in the middle aisle. The result included  the image below, which they continue to use on the website.

 

A series of website screenshots showing professional profile pages with blue and white design elements.

How They Used The Photos

A group of students working together in a bright classroom with large windows and wooden furniture.
Professional headshot of a person in a white dress shirt against a blurred green outdoor background.
Large group photo of smiling supporters gathered outside a brick building, celebrating a fundraising milestone on social media.

The images were used immediately to refresh the choir’s digital presence, including:

  • Main website header
  • About page, including the director’s new headshot and a feature section introducing him
  • Social media announcements and updates

 

Take A Peek At More Photos From The Session

 

A group of people in striped shirts stand together in a bright hallway looking at papers and documents.
Several people in casual attire reading from papers while seated outdoors.
Man in pink shirt conducting or directing in a church hall with people seated in the background.
Sheet music pages showing musical notation and lyrics spread open on a surface.
People seated indoors reviewing documents in a bright room with windows.
A large group of people gathered in a bright indoor venue for a social event with tables and chairs.
Congregation members raising hands in worship during a church service in a bright sanctuary with wooden pews.
Two elderly men sit together at a table during a social gathering, engaged in conversation at an indoor event.
Audience members watching and smiling during an indoor event.
Man in pink shirt speaking passionately in a church setting, gesturing with hands raised.
Large choir group rehearsing with sheet music in a bright church with wooden pews.
Choir director conducting singers holding sheet music in a classic church interior.
A group of choir singers reading sheet music during a choral performance or rehearsal.
A choir director conducts singers in a bright church sanctuary during a choral rehearsal.
A joyful choir group singing together around a piano in a bright church hall setting.
Thoughtful man in white shirt resting head on hand while looking at laptop screen in a bright room.
Two people laughing and conversing indoors near a window, one wearing glasses and a denim jacket.
Man presenting to a seated audience in a bright conference room with large windows.
Two men outdoors, one holding clipboard wearing red cap, other in Keep Calm Play Dead shirt, at casual event.
Congregation members holding hymnals during a worship service.
Man in pink shirt holds potted plant outdoors, addressing a large crowd gathered on brick steps.
Young woman laughing at a conference event while seated at a table with a name tag.
Group of people sitting in church pews next to a piano during a musical performance or rehearsal.
People gathered in an elegant room with white paneled walls and wooden railings.
People raising their hands during a church service or religious gathering.
Man in white shirt gestures while presenting to an audience in a bright, sunlit room.
Women smiling and laughing at an indoor event, with a woman in a blue cardigan and glasses in focus.
A choir director leads a group of singers rehearsing in a bright church sanctuary with wooden pews.
Two students reading from binders during a rehearsal or academic exercise indoors.
People gather in a bright church hall or community room for what appears to be a meeting or event.
Smiling man in white shirt standing outdoors surrounded by lush green foliage in a garden setting.
A joyful choir group singing together around a piano in a bright church hall setting.
Women sing from sheet music binders during a choir performance in a sunlit church setting.

 

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