Blog | Page 4 of 16 | Pittsburgh Photographer

Why In Home Lifestyle Photography?

Post author:Laura
Post published:June 5, 2020
Post category:Lifestyle Photography Session Tips

Why in home lifestyle photography? Lifestyle photography is a beautiful way to celebrate the unique seasons of your family, like the birth of your newborn, your baby turning one, or your family cooking pizza together. I love in home lifestyle sessions! Staying in your own home for your newborn (or family) session is natural, authentic and comfortable. Isn't there something extra special about having your family photographed in your own space and truly capturing your daily life? In home lifestyle sessions mean you don't need to pack up or go anywhere This is especially beneficial when you’ve just brought home a new baby because odds are, you’re exhausted and the idea of packing up the van to have photos taken feels overwhelming. Another bonus is that children generally feel safe and comfortable in their own home. In home newborn and family sessions capture your life In home sessions are great for…

10 Posing Tips for the Best Senior Portraits | Pittsburgh Senior Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:May 29, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures Session Tips

10 Posing Tips for the Best Senior Portraits | Pittsburgh Senior Photographer I love being a Senior Photographer and part of that comes from the joy I find in inspiring senior girls as I capture their raw and authentic beauty inside and out. Be sure to check out my other blog posts on what to wear, and ideas for beautiful locations around Pittsburgh. In an effort to get seniors enthused and ready for their upcoming sessions, I'm excited to share this list of the 10 best tried and true posing tips! I captured these beautiful high school senior girls in their prom dresses during this month'sFlourish Academy Camera Club. Camera Club is open to all photographers in Pittsburgh. 1. Movement This is probably one of the most important tips. I love this posing style because it adds an extra dimension to portraits and makes them appear more life-like. Swaying back and…

Senior Location Series: Urban Pittsburgh

Post author:Laura
Post published:May 22, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures Session Tips

Senior Photo Location Series: Urban Pittsburgh The next spotlight location for this series is Urban Pittsburgh! It’s the perfect place for seniors who search for an unconventional, creative spot that will make their celebratory images stand out. An urban setting is something I’d recommend for individuals who have a quirky, individualistic personality, and who love pictures that pop. I have photographed seniors in a wide variety of locations around Pittsburgh which is what I’ll be describing in depth during this blog post. 1. North Shore + Golden Bridges The North shore is a perfect, iconic spot in the heart of Pittsburgh. I recommend it for those who are proud of their Pittsburgh background and either plan to stay in the area, or want a little piece of home as they depart on their college journey. The soft yellows of the bridges and the blue azure sky are such a simplistic and…

Jewelry + Fashion Tips to Look Your Best at Your Next Photo Shoot

Post author:Laura
Post published:May 15, 2020
Post category:Session Tips

Are you overwhelmed about deciding what to wear to your upcoming photoshoot? As a Pittsburgh lifestyle photographer, I enjoy planning my own family's outfits for photoshoots but I realize that this can cause stress for others! I was recently at a Premier Designs Jewelry open house where my friend, Natalie Shiff, gave great tips on what to wear and how to wear it! Natalie is a mama of five, lives in Mt. Lebanon and likes to help women elevate their look. I asked if she'd share tips for the blog. Natalie agreed and said, Laura, "It all begins with a simple 1,2,3!" I hope you find Natalie's tips helpful while you are planning what to wear to your next portrait session and if you are looking to update your jewelry please find Natalie's contact info below. :) Begin with a simple 1-2-3! 1. Start with Staples Classic tops, tanks, solid dress, neutral colors Great colors for tops: white, ivory, blush, gray, tan,…

Newborn Lifestyle Session Interview – Pittsburgh Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:May 8, 2020
Post category:Lifestyle Photography Newborn

Just like plants require sunlight and water, dreams take some TLC, too! (Fun fact: while I may not have a green thumb, that doesn’t stop me from filling our home with plants!) I have learned what it takes to keep my dreams alive from this little beauty’s mom! After years of praying and waiting, her wildest dream came true this year when she became a mother! What about you? How long have you been waiting on your dream? How did you and your spouse meet? Aaron and I lived in the same apartment building and met when I had accidentally made a huge pot of green curry and invited all the neighbors to help me eat it! Describe how your life changed once you brought home your newborn baby. Everything changed instantly. You can't really describe something so all encompassing. But for every negative there are a thousand positives. Embrace the…

5 Tips from a Pittsburgh Newborn Lifestyle Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:May 1, 2020
Post category:Lifestyle Photography Newborn Session Tips

5 Tips from a Pittsburgh Newborn Lifestyle Photographer It truly is a blessing to be able to document the early, precious first days of a newborn's life as home. Today I'd like to share some of my tried-and-true strategies for a successful newborn lifestyle session. 1. Play Relaxed Music I was raised by two musicians and my brother is a musician too! When I was growing up our family life revolved around music performances. To this day I appreciate music. I believe it’s always helpful to play calming music to set the atmosphere and make my clients feel comfortable. A couple of my favorite Amazon Prime playlists are coffee shop jazz, acoustic chill and relaxing classical cello. Some of my favorite artists to listen to during family photo shoots are Jason Mraz, Lemmon & Maisy, Simon and Garfunkel, Lucio Battisti and classical music and folk pop in general. It’s interesting to…

Why Choose Laura Mares Photography to Capture Your Senior Photos

Post author:Laura
Post published:April 24, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures

Why Choose Laura Mares Photography to Capture Your Senior Photos 1. A Personalized Experience My daughter was recently speaking with a friend, a senior at Mt. Lebanon High School, who had his senior pictures taken last fall. He described the experience as "quite robotic" as his session was exactly 30 minutes long, with a line of seniors scheduled before and after him, filtering through the senior portrait studio. He mentioned he felt a little disappointed. After 12 years of schooling that lead to a much anticipated senior year, I can understand the discontentment upon receiving cookie-cutter images. That's why I recognize that senior photos, alongside senior rec, prom, etc, are a major milestone in a young adult's life. That is why I aim to create unique images for every senior I photograph. I grow genuine relationships because I remember the excitement of this moment in a high school senior's life. It…

Senior Session Series: Mellon Park

Post author:Laura
Post published:April 14, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures Session Tips

Five Reasons to Choose Mellon Park for Your Senior Portrait Session Choosing a location, for such a moment as special as your end of high school photo shoot, can sometimes feel daunting. If that's the case for you, I’ve decided to craft this series featuring some of my favorite locations for senior photo sessions to better aid you (or your senior) in the decision making process. 1. Unique Pittsburgh Location Mellon Park is a beautiful and historic walled garden that is full of European charm, lush greens, seasonal blooms, unique wrought iron gates and even a cobblestone lane. Mellon Park is a park in Pittsburgh that not many think of when deciding where to have their senior photos taken. It will be sure to stand out among many of your friend’s photos and is a wonderful way to document your unique journey through high school. I love that Mellon Park looks…

Our Quarantine Lifestyle in the South Hills of Pittsburgh

Post author:Laura
Post published:April 10, 2020
Post category:Family

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GiXmOCfiTU Making the Most of our Family Time at Home Through technology we can now bring the world into our home to explore with our family. I've been joking with my husband that our home has turned into a one room schoolhouse! We have a high schooler, middle schooler and kindergartener. It is not uncommon to quickly transition from a conversation about politics to comics. Although it can be crazy in our home at times, it provides our family with a unique perspective of "home schooling" with such a span of ages in our children! National Geographic K-12 Learning National Geographic states, "Schools are closed. Learning is open." Your children can choose lessons based on subjects or grade level. My kids have been checking out the storytelling and photography section. Bringing the Zoo to You The Pittsburgh Zoo is able to bring the zoo home to you. Check out the Penguin…

Senior Session Series: Rustic Location

Post author:Laura
Post published:April 3, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures

Five Reasons to Choose a Rustic Setting for Your Senior Portrait Session Choosing the location for your end of high school photo shoot is a daunting task. This is why I pride myself on my ability to photograph sessions at nearly any location requested. So, I’ve decided to take the time to create a series of some of my favorite locations and reasons for each such as rustic, urban, gardens, etc. 1. Neutral Backdrop For students who are apprehensive over the possibility of choosing trendy locations that may not age well, the timeless farmhouse look is a location fitting for any senior with any set of interests. I often view woodland scenes as moldable clay, perfect for any session. I’ve had a wide array of clients, ranging from high school couples, senior girls in flowy dresses, and school dance photo shoots. This all goes to say that one of my favorite…