Sunshine, stunning scenery, and a senior bursting with infectious happiness – that’s the recipe for a beautiful portrait session, and that’s exactly what I got when I met Lyla for her senior photoshoot! Our journey took us on a delightful exploration of Pittsburgh’s North Shore, from the iconic Roberto Clemente Bridge overlooking the Allegheny River and downtown to the vibrant, blooming Mellon Park.
As soon as we met, I couldn’t help but be struck by her resemblance to the radiant Sophie from Mamma Mia! Her smile is just as bright, and her energy was as refreshing as a summer breeze. We knew right away that these portraits were going to capture not just her beauty, but the joy and excitement that defines this pivotal time in her life.
Get ready to join us on a photographic adventure as we explore the hidden gems and stunning backdrops of Pittsburgh!
![senior portrait of basketball player in Pittsburgh](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-12-1024x683.jpg)
![senior portrait of basketball player in Pittsburgh](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-10-683x1024.jpg)
![senior girl in Pittsburgh](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-11-1-683x1024.jpg)
What do you like about Pittsburgh?
I like that Pittsburgh has a good mix of city and suburban, and I like that it has a strong artistic scene.
In your opinion, What is the best restaurant in Pittsburgh?
I like Girasol, Italian restaurant. I mix up what I order there because it is all good.
![senior portrait of basketball player in Pittsburgh](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-8-684x1024.jpg)
![senior portrait of basketball player in Pittsburgh](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-6-1024x683.jpg)
![senior portrait of basketball player in Pittsburgh](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-4-1024x683.jpg)
What’s on your bucket list of things to do or see?
I really want to go to every continent and I really want to see Asia and Africa.
Tell us two truths and a lie.
I’m vegetarian, I like crime stories, and I work at a coffee shop.
![senior photos of basket ball player in Pittsburgh](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-14-683x1024.jpg)
![senior portrait of basketball player in Pittsburgh](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-13-683x1024.jpg)
(I do not like crime stories! That’s a lie!)
![senior portrait of basketball player in Pittsburgh](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-2-1024x683.jpg)
What was your vision/style for your senior photos?
I wanted my photos to be happy and really look like me. I wanted really good lighting. I also wanted two separate locations: a city backdrop and a flowery location. I chose the North Side/bridges for urban city look, and I chose Mellon park for spring flowers.
![senior portrait on Roberto Clemente bridge in Pittsburgh](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-35-683x1024.jpg)
![senior portrait on Roberto Clemente bridge in Pittsburgh](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-683x1024.jpg)
What high school do you attend?
I attend Ligonier High School. I play basketball and run cross country.
![portrait of senior in flower garden at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-15-683x1024.jpg)
![portrait of senior in flower garden at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-22-683x1024.jpg)
What are you looking forward to doing after high school?
Being done with classes!
![portrait of senior in flower garden at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-18-1024x683.jpg)
What is your dream once you finish high school?
I am attending Illinois Institute of Technology to major in Biomedical engineering.
![portrait of senior in flower garden at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-31-683x1024.jpg)
![portrait of senior in flower garden at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-34-683x1024.jpg)
Did you incorporate any activities in your senior photos?
I took my basketball.
![portrait of senior in flower garden at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-21-1024x683.jpg)
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to Future seniors for their senior photos?
Pick outfits that match the vibe where you are getting them taken.
![portrait of senior in flower garden at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-20-683x1024.jpg)
![portrait of senior in flower garden at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-19-683x1024.jpg)
What is your favorite photo from your senior portrait session?
From the flower shoot, the one where I am looking back and the sun is shining behind me – the close up.
![portrait of senior in Mellon Park at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-23-683x1024.jpg)
![portrait of senior in Mellon Park at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-24-683x1024.jpg)
![senior girl picture at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-25-1-683x1024.jpg)
![portrait of senior in Mellon Park at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-26-683x1024.jpg)
What was your favorite thing about Your overall experience?
Laura is great, she is a super photographer, she made me feel comfortable, and got the shots I wanted with lots of options.
![portrait of senior in flower garden at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-33-683x1024.jpg)
![senior girl picture in colorful garden at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-32-1-683x1024.jpg)
How did you chose Laura Mares Photography?
I googled senior photography in Pittsburgh, and Laura was my favorite!
![portrait of senior in Mellon Park at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-29-1024x683.jpg)
![portrait of senior in Mellon Park at sunset](https://lauramares.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/laura-mares-photography-pittsburgh-senior-photographer-lyla-28-1024x683.jpg)
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