Traveling has a beautiful way of teaching you things you can’t learn anywhere else. Long before I officially launched Laura Mares Photography, my world was shaped by wanderlust. From childhood road trips across American National Parks to studying photography at the Burren College of Art in Ireland, exploring new places fundamentally shifted how I see people, connection, and light.
Recently, while traveling through Portugal and Spain with my daughter, I found myself reflecting on how deeply my time on the road informs my work as a Pittsburgh lifestyle photographer. Travel forces you to abandon rigid expectations, embrace the unfamiliar, and look for beauty in the completely unscripted.
Whether I am navigating a bustling European market or photographing a family right here in Pennsylvania, these five core lessons from my travels guide how I capture your family’s unique story.
1. Embracing Serendipity Over Perfection
When you travel, things rarely go exactly according to plan. Flights get delayed, weather changes instantly, and you quickly learn that the most magical moments are often the ones you never anticipated.
While studying in Ireland, a wise local shared a secret with me: life is all about recognizing serendipity—the extraordinary joy found in everyday moments.
I bring this exact philosophy to my family photo sessions. A great family portrait isn’t about forced poses or stiff perfection. The most powerful portraits happen when parents let go of control and allow their children to simply be themselves—whether that means being carefree, tender, or beautifully shy. The unscripted moments are always where the real story lives.
2. Listening with Your Heart
Before devoting myself to photography full-time, I worked as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. That experience, paired with navigating foreign countries where I didn’t speak the native tongue, taught me an invaluable lesson: you don’t need a shared language to truly understand someone. You just need to watch, listen, and pay attention to human emotion.
During a lifestyle photo session, I rely heavily on non-verbal cues. I observe how a toddler seeks comfort by grabbing their mother’s hand, or the split-second exchange of a private joke between partners. By quietly observing these dynamics rather than strictly directing them, I am able to capture the authentic warmth and connection that defines your unique family.
3. Feeling Natural Within Your Environment
During my travels, I developed a deep appreciation for architectural masterworks, particularly Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic design principles. He famously believed that buildings are at their most beautiful when they blend seamlessly with and belong to their natural surroundings.
This concept completely transformed how I compose my images. Instead of forcing a family into an awkward, artificial setup, I look at how everyone fits naturally into their environment. Whether we are shooting in a sprawling public park, exploring iconic landmarks, or capturing cozy moments inside your own home, my goal is to frame your family in a way that feels organic, relaxed, and visually harmonious.
4. Embracing the Unexpected
Travel teaches you to think on your feet. You cannot control the details, like the harsh midday sun beating down on a crowded market or the sudden shadows across a city street. You simply have to learn how to work with the light you are given to evoke raw emotion.
In my family photography work, I treat light as an active character in the frame. I recommend scheduling outdoor sessions around golden hour—the sweet window of time just before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and naturally flattering. However, my travel background means that if unexpected clouds roll into our Pittsburgh location, I know exactly how to pivot to keep your final images looking vibrant, artistic, and full of life.
5. Packing Light and Staying Patient
When you are exploring a new city on foot, carrying bulky, heavy gear can slow you down and disconnect you from the environment. Traveling light keeps you agile, observant, and ready to react to fleeting moments.
My approach to your family session is intentionally streamlined: just me, my camera, and a couple of versatile lenses. Because I am not bogged down by massive setups or distracting gear, I can move fluidly alongside your kids, run through the grass, and stay entirely present. Most importantly, travel builds deep patience. Just like waiting out a storm for the perfect shot on a mountain peak, I gladly take my time during sessions to let your family’s true personality warm up and unfold naturally.
Ready to document your story?
Your family’s everyday life is a journey entirely worth preserving. If you are ready to skip the rigid poses and capture heartfelt memories that read like art, I would love to plan a session that reflects your unique story!
