Newborn

10 ways to “Self Care” after having a Newborn

10 ways to “Self Care” after having a Newborn

10 Ways to “Self Care” after having a Newborn  As a mom of three I’ve had my fair share of stressful experiences as a mother of a newborn! So, I’ve decided to make a list of my favorite tips that I wish someone would have shared with me during the first months, and even years, after having a newborn. I have to say that as a newborn photographer it’s more than just the pictures... I love having meaningful conversations with my clients and getting to know them as people. That’s why I wanted to open up to new moms and share some advice I’ve gathered over the years.  1. Go Outside!  When you are starting to become overwhelmed by everything in the home, try a change of scenery, go outside and breathe. I loved taking walks with my newborns in their stroller. A calm nature walk or intense run was always…

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Newborn Lifestyle Session Interview – Pittsburgh Photographer

Newborn Lifestyle Session Interview – Pittsburgh Photographer

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…

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5 Tips from a Pittsburgh Newborn Lifestyle Photographer

5 Tips from a Pittsburgh Newborn Lifestyle Photographer

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…

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Laura Mares Photography Awarded Best Newborn Photographer in Pittsburgh

Laura Mares Photography Awarded Best Newborn Photographer in Pittsburgh

It's an honor to share that Expertise has included me on the 2020 list of the best 21 newborn photographers in Pittsburgh, PA. Many thanks to Expertise for including Laura Mares Photography on their list in an artistic city with so such talent! Photographing newborns is one of my favorite types of sessions because capturing the first few moments in the early weeks of a newborn’s life is incredibly emotional and rewarding. I am excited to meet many more new bundles of joy this year! I have been offering my services as a photographer in the Pittsburgh area since 2001 and specializing in newborns since 2015 after having my third child. You can chose between two types of newborn sessions: a posed newborn session occurs in my relaxing Mt. Lebanon home studio or we can meet in the comfort of your own home for an in-home lifestyle session. I am committed to making…

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5 Tips for an Amazing Newborn Lifestyle Photo Shoot

5 Tips for an Amazing Newborn Lifestyle Photo Shoot

5 Tips for an Amazing Newborn Lifestyle Photo Shoot If I’m being honest, one of my favorite moments to capture as a photographer is those first few weeks of a newborn’s life spent with their new families. There is something so emotional, pure and new that I can’t help reminiscing of my own little ones when they were that age. I am always thankful for the opportunity to document the first little precious moments of your family and home.  1. Search for a Space with Light in Your Home This could be any room with access to natural light in your home. This can be the master bedroom, nursery, living room, etc. Typically the best time of day to photograph in one's home is at 10:00 a.m. We'll turn off the lights and use only the natural sunlight to fill your room. Additionally, don’t stress about cleaning up the entire house... well…

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Newborn Lifestyle Session Spotlight – Pittsburgh Photographer

Newborn Lifestyle Session Spotlight – Pittsburgh Photographer

How did you and your spouse meet? We met in Philadelphia during the last year of both our graduate trainings. We met at a dinner for a mutual friend. Describe how your life changed once you brought home your newborn baby. Our baby was in the NICU for 21 days so when we brought him home we were nervous and excited at the same time. We had been through a lot of stressors prior to his birth and we were so thrilled to have him home. In the beginning we just wanted to make sure that he was safe, healthy and growing. Describe your newborn baby. Siddharth was calm, peaceful and would barely cry when he was newborn. Describe a typical day in your life as a new mother with a newborn baby. Diaper change, feed, sleep repeat... that was our life when he was a newborn.  We had a lot…

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Incorporating Older Children in a Newborn Lifestyle Session – Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer

Incorporating Older Children in a Newborn Lifestyle Session – Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer

Bringing a baby home is a big adjustment for everyone, especially for the older siblings. Sometimes it's a positive adjustment and sometimes it's not. After years of being a newborn and family photographer, I have seen it all! My goal is to make your older child feel special at the photoshoot. I spend time getting to know them and do my best to consider their feelings on becoming a big sister or brother.  I've noticed that children enjoy the attention and the time to love and examine the their new baby. Safety First Although we may appreciate how precious and fragile newborns are, even the well intentioned toddler may not be up up to the task of holding a newborn! Therefore, I typically get photos of the newborn baby and older siblings by placing the baby safely on a bed and inviting the other children to sit next to him or her, or by…

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Newborn Lifestyle Spotlight – Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer

Newborn Lifestyle Spotlight – Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer

Meet Thomas and Kaitlynn, an interesting couple, who recently welcomed a adorable newborn girl into their lovely family. After spending time with these new parents while photographing them in their beautifully decorated home full of antique maps from their world travels one feels welcomed and connected with the family. I can only imagine how their home will evolve soon to include newborn and family portraits to the walls of their Pittsburgh home.

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