Colorful Pittsburgh Couple’s Session with Vintage Flair + an Atomic Adventure

There’s something magical about photographing people in their element, especially when their element is this vibey. This creative couple’s session with The Als took place last summer in Pittsburgh, and it was bursting with personality from start to finish.

couple with vintage styler sits on steps by their red house near some greenery.
couple with vintage style pose in their front yard in the greenery and next to a red wall in pittsburgh

We started at their home, which feels like a time capsule of mid-century cool. The Als are true artists; one is a hairstylist and the other a musician, and their personal style totally reflects that blend of boldness and care.

couple with vintage style snuggle up on the front porch of their mid century home in pittsburgh pa
couple with vintage style is frames by green landscaping and leaves as they sit on the step outside of their red mcm home

Outside their house, we cozied up under a tree canopy on a vintage quilt for some soft, golden-hour portraits. These two absolutely glow when they’re together, and the warm summer light only added to the magic. From there, we hung out on the front porch before taking a little field trip to a true Pittsburgh curiosity: the Atom Smasher.

couple with vintage style cuddles on an antique blanket in their front yard and look into each others eyes. The sun is glowing through the leaves
couple with vintage style lean on black and white striped poles and look at each other. they are in an overgrown urban area in pittsburgh

If you’re not familiar, the Atom Smasher is a rusted, graffiti-covered hunk of science history. Built in 1937, it was once part of the Westinghouse research facility and was one of the first of its kind in the U.S. These days, it’s an urban relic and the perfect gritty contrast to the cozy-home vibes we started with.

couple cuddles in front of the atom smasher and golden rod during golden hour in pittsburgh

But honestly? The highlight of the day might’ve been the Als basement bar. A total retro dream, complete with neon signs, wood paneling, and major cocktail lounge energy. My favorite photos from the session came from down there. I really loved using dramatic lighting to give a cinematic feel to the lived-in-love of the space.

couple in vintage clothing hang out in their basement bar. the lighting is moody and the room is wood paneled. vintage vibes all around

This session was the perfect mix of soft and grungy, playful and grounded… just like the Als themselves! If you're looking for couple’s portraits that reflect your personality and space (and maybe want to make a pit stop at a decommissioned science monument?), I’m all in!

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