Senior Pictures Archives - Laura Mares Photography | Award winning Pittsburgh Family + Newborn Photographer

High School Senior Interview

Post author:Laura
Post published:January 20, 2022
Post category:Senior Pictures
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Early last fall I met Molly for her senior photo session at one of my favorite rural locations. As we were parking I noticed the magical sunset for our golden hour shoot and couldn't wait for our session to begin! It's been a joy to watch Molly mature into such a beautiful and intellectual young lady. She's super creative and a real natural in front of the camera. Thinking back over the last few years, I realize we've had a total of five sessions and she literally nailed every single one! Best wishes in all you do, Molly, your future looks as bright as that magical sunset from your senior session! What do you enjoy about living in the Pittsburgh area? I like how connected Pittsburgh is; very rarely have I ever felt limited by my location. It's definitely something I've taken for granted growing up here! In your opinion, where…

How can I Look my Best at my Senior Photo Shoot?

Post author:Laura
Post published:January 14, 2022
Post category:Senior Pictures
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How can I look my best at my Senior Photo Shoot? Check out these 5 Great Questions to ask yourself! As you begin to plan for you Senior Portrait session, I know one main concern you may have is how to look your best and fall in love with your photos! I recommend putting in the time and effort before your photo shoot to make sure you look your best the day of the senior photo session. From hair to makeup, outfits to poses, I’ve put together this blog to help you feel confident and prepared before your session. Here are some checklist questions to ask yourself before your epic senior session! Location: Dual Devils Garage 1. What’s my style? Do you love getting dressed up? Do you prefer natural shots? Or do you love flowers and all things pretty? Are you more grunge? Do you love your pet? Or do…

High School Senior and Family Interview

Post author:Laura
Post published:January 11, 2022
Post category:Family Senior Pictures
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South Park Mary and I first met while we were sitting on the field watching our kids play on the same T ball team. Quickly I began to look forward to spending our afternoon afternoons together because of her warm personality and welcoming smiles. Soon I learned that she was an actress and her family recently moved to Pittsburgh. I have enjoyed running into Mary over the years at anything from walks in the neighborhood to Odyssey of the Mind competitions. Her family is full of unique and creative individuals that were a joy to photograph! Be sure to view to the bottom to see how we ended our session! What do you enjoy about living in the Pittsburgh area? We enjoy the museums, the hills, the schools and most of all —the people in Pittsburgh! Write 3 adjectives that describe your family. Our family is friendly, creative, and outdoorsy. What…

5 Reasons Senior Photos are Important

Post author:Laura
Post published:July 9, 2021
Post category:Senior Pictures

5 Reasons Senior Photos are Important As you near the time for senior pictures, it’s important to note the importance of having professional senior portraits. After years of hard work, you’re finally ready to complete this chapter of your life before you begin to prepare for the next. No matter what that looks like, it’s important to bring a sense of closure to this portion of your life. Graduation, senior prom, and senior pictures are all a part of that celebration! Below I’ve included five reasons why senior pictures are important. 1. Celebrate this Time in Your Life Through extracurriculars, grades, and friendships you’ve put in the work. Now is the time to celebrate all that you’ve accomplished as a successful, unique, and strong individual! Through the highs and the lows, you’ve persevered through the experience of high school and are now ready to embrace the future. 2. Reward Yourself Senior…

Including Your Pet During a Senior Session

Post author:Laura
Post published:June 25, 2021
Post category:Senior Pictures

Including Your Pet During a Senior Session As you near the next chapter of your life, it’s natural for you to want to include your close furry friend who was with you through it all! A proud pet owner, I remember including my own cat, Calico, in my senior pictures. When she passed away, I loved having those portraits of us together as a way to commemorate the years we spent together. As you plan how to include your dog/cat/alpaca in the best way possible, it’s important to follow these tips! Animals can be hectic, but no need to worry as I’ve worked with countless animals and incorporated them in senior portraits. 1. Give your photographer a head’s up! Before the session, make sure to inform your photographer that you plan to invite your pet to your session so they aren’t taken off guard. When you fill out the proposal, tell…

Tips for the Best College Graduation Photo Session

Post author:Laura
Post published:June 18, 2021
Post category:Senior Pictures

Tips for the Best College Graduation Photo Session Let’s normalize college grad sessions! I love photographing the excitement and joy that comes from receiving one’s college diploma. As you plan out your next steps, let me capture this exciting moment in an authentic way that captures your emotion! Check out this recent interview with Delilah, who is planning on pursuing her passion of writing. I’ve included some tips and ideas for your upcoming graduation photo session as you plan what location, outfit, and style is best for you! 1. Take pictures with and without your cap and gown Make sure to grab some pictures with your school colors and graduation outfit in order to memorialize this special milestone you’ve accomplished! It’s also fun to grab some pictures in more casual outfits that make you feel confident. 2. Bring along family members or your significant other I definitely recommend bringing along the…

Personality Quiz to Find the Best Senior Photo Location

Post author:Laura
Post published:June 4, 2021
Post category:Senior Pictures

Personality Quiz to find the best place for your senior photo session Who is your biggest inspiration? a. Joanna Gaines, I love her unique sense of style and admire her success. b. Audrey Hepburn, I absolutely love her fashion sense and philanthropic work. c. Lou Gehrig, I’m inspired by the “Iron Horse.” Sara strolling Hartwood Acres Rachel in a vintage red truck How would your BFF describe you? a. Creative! I’m always working on a new pet project b. A daredevil! I love going on adventures and trying new things! c. Hardworking and self-motivated! I’m always putting in the effort. What’s your favorite hangout spot? a. Going out on a picnic with friends and gathering flowers for a bouquet. b. Trying out a new restaurant in the city. c. Going out for burgers! Gwen posing on an iconic Pittsburgh bridge Kaili lounging at Color Park Do you have any fears about…

Senior Location Series: Lawrenceville

Post author:Laura
Post published:May 25, 2021
Post category:Senior Pictures

Senior Location Series: Lawrenceville This location is a new spot that I’ve fallen in love with! Lawrenceville is full of artistic spaces that are both unique and beautiful. It’s great for those who love the urban feel but are looking for a location that makes you stand out from the crowd. Another plus of this location is that there is so much variation within such a short distance. As you take on the task of determining which location is best for your Senior session, I hope this series helps you! Feel free to check out other blog posts that detail locations that my clients love. (link links) Now I’ll go into a little more detail about all of the unique spots that you can choose within the Lawrenceville area! The Foundry Alex Simakas is the founder of the Foundry on 41st Street. Where the street once met a dead-end near the…

Senior Interview

Post author:Laura
Post published:May 25, 2021
Post category:Senior Pictures

Meet Delilah! She recently graduated from Pitt and is an aspiring writer! I love that she reached out to me about a college grad session, because I feel that too often we forget about the importance of documenting college graduation. I absolutely loved working with Delilah as she has such a fun, bubbly personality and a contagious zest for life! Below you can find my interview with her. What do you enjoy about living in the Pittsburgh area? I love the variety that the city brings. If I want to have a night out in the city or just lose myself in nature, I can do both with no problem. In your opinion, where is the best place to eat in Pittsburgh and what do you order there? My favorite place to eat in Pittsburgh by far is the Shady Grove. My partner and I go there all the time to…

Who to Invite to Your Senior Photo Session

Post author:Laura
Post published:April 21, 2021
Post category:Senior Pictures

Who to Invite to Your Senior Photo Session Choosing who to invite to your session photo session is an important choice! This blog post helps you decide who to invite, as well as some potential posing ideas. Surprise your biggest fan and invite your mom to take pictures with you! I always recommend bringing a parent to help during the session. They are so helpful with holding accessories and making seniors laugh! However, you might want to invite your mom or dad to be in some pictures with you! As a mom, I always cherish taking pictures with my children. So, I know that I would love if any of my children included me for a couple pictures during their senior photo sessions! I first got this idea when one of my clients, Bella, invited her mom along during the session and they even got some adorable pictures together. See photo posted…