WHIRL Photographers Look Back on 10 Years of Picture Perfection
Through the lenses of our photographers, we’ve seen it all over the past decade. From Pittsburgh Steelers to singers to the savviest of events, our behind-the-scenes masterminds capture all there is to see in this city that we love. With 10 years of memories whirling through our minds, we turn the spotlight on some of our favorite photogs and ask them about their favorite moments from behind — and even two in front of — the camera.
Duane Rieder
In September 2007, we exclusively profiled Steeler Safety Troy Polamalu and photographed him at Duane Rieder’s studio. We learned a lot about the then-recipient of a brand new football contract, and more recently, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and his mountain-moving faith.
“Photographing Troy Polamalu was definitely my favorite because I got some one-on-one time with Troy during the shoot and got to have a glass of wine with him and [his wife] Theodora. The shoot was great, especially the shot of him holding the orchids. We were walking down to the wine cellar and spotted them, and we said we had to get that one shot really quick. It ended up being one of my favorite shots I’ve ever done.” — Rieder Photography, 3339 Penn Ave., Strip District. 412.621.1268.
riederphotography.com.
Adam Milliron
For the October/November 2011 issue of Edible Allegheny Magazine, WHIRL Publishing’s title aimed at promoting local food and farms, we warmed up during the brisk fall season with soups and stews. Photographer Adam Milliron took advantage of the perfect setting in Bob Sendall’s kitchen at All in Good Taste productions to turn up the heat on the shoot.
“My favorite shoot was at Bob Sendall’s kitchen for the fall stews spread, which we shot for the October/November issue of Edible Allegheny Magazine. His kitchen lent itself very easily to the shoot. I was able to pull fresh ingredients form his garden and use items from his kitchen that really added to the shots. The final two shots I styled were my favorites. They were of all of the ingredients together that were in the stew. We also used Bob’s assistant’s chef jacket as a tool to help with lighting, which was fun, too. It came out exactly the way I wanted due to the kitchen being so photogenic and his kitchenware all looked rustic and authentic. Everything just fell into place for a stunning final image.” — Adam Milliron Photography, 412.516.6146. adammilliron.com.
Michael Sahaida
Our March 2006 issue brought together the five co-chairs of The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s annual Spring Hat Luncheon, one of Pittsburgh’s most fashion-savvy events. Former Executive Editor Leslie Hoffman, Art Director MacKenzie Hoops, and Photographer Michael Sahaida set up a spring garden inside his studio, and invited the five “Mad Hatters” for tea.
“The collaboration of the WHIRL creative team and myself is always a welcome challenge. To have a great idea come to fruition in the magazine is the goal we all try to reach. When asked to create a ‘Garden Party’ in January in Pittsburgh, the wheels started turning! How do we get an outdoor feel to an indoor shot? How do we make sure we represent each person individually as well as advertisers and the charity organization? So the WHIRL team, headed up by then-Executive Editor Leslie Hoffman and Art Director MacKenzie Hoops, went to work organizing flowers, linens, plants, wardrobe, hats, and all the other needed items. When the truck (and a few car loads) showed up at the studio, I knew we had all we needed. Just how do we put it all together? After several trips up the freight elevator we had all the stuff in the studio and we went to work setting up the ‘party.’ With our dedicated crew we put together the set and were ready to light it. Once I was happy with the lighting we were ready to photograph the ‘party.’ The guests arrived and were dressed and styled, then photographed. We changed props and tables, added more here and there as needed. Later, as we edited the images, we knew we had attained the goal we set out to achieve: a great garden party in January in Pittsburgh!” — Michael Sahaida Photographer, 412.855.6574. michaelsahaida.com.
Cayla Zahoran
For our September 2011 issue, we had the chance to go inside the home of our cover guy, Steelers linebacker and all-around tough guy James Harrison. Photographer Adam Milliron led the shoot, but newly hired staff photographer Cayla Zahoran stayed busy, taking behind the scenes shots — and eventually became a part of Harrison’s home gym equipment.
“My favorite WHRIL memory is when James Harrison curled me like a dumbbell. I mean, come on, I can brag about being lifted by a Steeler! I had just started with WHIRL, so I was shooting behind the scenes shots and watching Adam to get a feel for it. Art Director MacKenzie Hoops said that James needed to get ‘pumped up’ for the shirtless shots we were about to take, so he pointed to me and said, ‘You — come here.’ I thought he was kidding, but he wasn’t! I love the face he made, like he was struggling to lift me, but I know he really wasn’t.”
— Cayla Zahoran Photography, caylazahoran.com.
Megan Wylie Ruffing
Less than a day after the Steelers were awarded their sixth Super Bowl championship ring, we got inside the life and home of the always smiling Steeler receiver Hines Ward, and learned why President Obama calls him, “the happiest man in football.”
“My most treasured photo memory at WHIRL was our Hines Ward shoot at his own loft. We only had a short amount of notice and then very little time to meet him, get set up, and get the shots! I was incredibly nervous — as I usually am before any photo shoot — regardless of the person. The pressure was definitely on! Once we were in and my lights were set up and ready for the first shots, I felt at ease and excited to be making the images I was making. Hines even asked us our opinion on the outfit he would wear. I was so honored to have the opportunity to be in Hines’ home, photograph him one-on-one, and then to have that photo on the cover of our magazine. A couple of weeks ago, I happened upon Hines’ Facebook fan page and saw that my image was his main profile picture. I was even more thrilled to read some of the hundreds of comments about the photo and Hines. Being able to do the photo shoots with my good friends at WHIRL was what made the experiences so great. Getting to work beside our Art Director, MacKenzie Hoops made all of the photo shoots memorable. I definitely could not have done anything without her.” — Wylie Images, 724.554.6935. wylieimages.com.
Mike Mancini
In the summer of 2006, our beloved city was blessed with hosting the MLB All-Star Game, and the newly built PNC Park welcomed a crowd of almost 40,000 people. Mike Mancini was behind the lens, and up close and personal with tons of celebs, athletes, and Pirates legends.
“The MLB All-Star Game in 2006 was awesome for different reasons. Seeing Alyssa Milano just chillin’ during batting practice, getting a close up of ‘Big Papi’ Ortiz, Ryan Howard, who won the Home Run Derby, and Pirate all-timer, Bobby Bonilla. It was just cool to see the spectacle: the Clemente Bridge decked out with a giant red carpet to welcome the parade of All-Stars who were driven up in giant SUVs, being on the field for a part of batting practice, and of course, picking the brains of Sports Illustrated photographers in their command center by the locker rooms.”
— Mancini Creative Group, 138 44th St., Lawrenceville. 412.449.9050. mikemancini.com.
Rachel Stadelmeier
The Summer Safari at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is always one of our favorite events of the year. It’s truly a hoot, traipsing around the entire zoo, and happening upon a new party at every turn. We love seeing all of the faces and places our event photographers capture, and we really love those unexpected moments that give us a look at what takes place behind the scenes at the big events. This photograph, from the 2009 Summer Safari, really goes behind the scenes, capturing photographer Rachel Stadelmeier on camera!
“After covering events for the magazine for more than two years, it’s so hard for me to pick my favorite WHIRL moment, but the one that always stands out is when I got an unexpected kiss from a tall handsome fellow at the Summer Safari. This charmer was about 18 feet tall and bent down to kiss my head. I’ve always loved giraffes, but this cemented it!” — Rachel Stadelmeier Photography, rachelstadelmeier.com.
Mark Pluchinsky
We knew that photographer Mark Pluchinsky had been well-trained in his role as assistant to renowned Pittsburgh photographer, Harry Giglio. As one of WHIRL’s first photographers, Pluchinsky quickly showed us how to pose people at events to make them look their best. His forte was making every person feel special, so that they eased up just before the click. They were also flirting with the handsome 37-year-old with the long blonde hair, blue eyes, and sexy vibe. The night of the 2002 Children’s Hospital Gala, hosted by Jamie Lee Curtis at PNC Park, was a dreary one, but Mark shot some of the best images of his life, and we were in high spirits. We joked about his romantic notion of walking in the rain across the bridge to meet his beloved wife, Rebecca. It was our last night working together. Within weeks, Pluchinsky died from stage 4 cancer, diagnosed in the middle of that very night. Fred Rogers gave the eulogy at Mark’s funeral, and then, within months, Rogers himself died from cancer. But Mark has never left our hearts, and his spirit is part of our legacy.
Harry Giglio
In July 2004, we sat down with actor Jeff Goldblum, as he returned to the city to star in the Pittsburgh CLO’s production of The Music Man. He talked about growing up in Pittsburgh, acting, and even his pursuit of music.
“My best moments shooting for WHIRL were numerous, but my all-time favorite was Jeff Goldblum. His pro presence was world class. It was a big production, a ton of people, and all the while we had a video crew recording the still shoot. Cool guy, very Mr. Rodgers-like. Still, the one thing that I can see as clearly as it was yesterday is the great positive presence [Editor in Chief] Christine Tumpson brought to the shoot, and as I got to know her, I found that she brings that to any situation. The whole room goes up a level just from her presence. No wonder the magazine thrived so long and will continue to. It’s made by two fine and most-classy people. Congratulations WHIRL!”
— Harry Giglio Photography, 412.481.4142. harrygiglio.com.
