Senior Pictures Archives | Pittsburgh Newborn and Family Lifestyle Photographer

Senior Pictures Feature – Pittsburgh Senior Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:September 18, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures
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Two years ago I joined an L3 Leadership Mastermind for business owners in the South Hills. At my first meeting I met Krista, a friendly realtor with curly red hair. During the meeting the leader asked us to give a number from 1-10 to rate our week. I immediately decided my week was a 10. The group members informed me that it's not realistic to live at a 10. Krista turned to me and explained that she agreed but realized that although she also had a great week, some weeks could be even better, like if she were on vacation or if it was her birthday! I'm so glad Krista took the time to explain her thought process and teach me that a nine is a more realistic way to live from week to week. Every encounter that I have with Krista is always full of fun, laughs and high energy.…

Senior Pictures Feature – Pittsburgh Senior Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:September 11, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures
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The fenced garden at Hartwood Acres is full of colorful blooms every summer making it a favorite location for high school seniors. I had the pleasure of capturing Paige's senior pictures in the gorgeous garden and around the mansion. It was a fantastic evening because Paige is a natural in front of the camera, her and her mother are interesting to talk to and the weather was perfect for exploring the park! Any session that features a friendly high school senior, golden hour hues and rich colored flowers is a pleasure to photograph and this senior session was a dream! Congratulations on your senior year, Paige and thanks again for choosing me to document it! In your opinion, where is the best place to eat in Pittsburgh and what do you order there? Mediterra Cafe in Sewickley, PA is delicious! I always order the avocado toast with a poached egg. They…

Senior Location Series: Color Park

Post author:Laura
Post published:August 28, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures / Session Tips

Senior Location Series: Color Park Recently I went with a gorgeous senior to Color Park. It is a beautiful spot in the South Side of Pittsburgh. The grunge aesthetic partnered with the meaningful graffiti culminates to make an ideal spot for senior portrait photos. I created this series as a way to spotlight my favorite locations for high school senior pictures. I hope that by perusing the blog series you’ll be able to choose the perfect spot for you! In addition to having a portrait session at Color Park, there is also a colorful street nearby that adds a unique variety of vivid backgrounds to your gallery. 1). The first location we’ll focus on is the colorful area near color park. There is a very cool road that provides colorful backdrops that are the perfect place for those seeking an additional variety of backdrops to compliment the pops of color associated…

Senior Location Series: Hartwood Acres

Post author:Laura
Post published:July 8, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures / Session Tips

Senior Photo Location Series: Hartwood Acres The next spotlight location for this senior photo location series is the iconic Hartwood Acres Mansion! It’s the perfect place for seniors looking for a fabulous mix of architecture, flowers and nature. Hartwood Acres has so much to offer! And the best part? It is beautiful throughout the year! Be sure to schedule for the late spring, summer or fall, if you are looking for lush greenery and blooming flowers. While I have photographed seniors in a wide variety of locations around Pittsburgh, today we'll explore highlights of having your senior pictures captured at Hartwood Acres. 1. The Historic Mansion with a Curving Cobblestone Driveway Built in the 1920s with earth toned walls, the historic tudor estate features unique arches, doorways, railings and benches. The mansion features a courtyard surrounded by a forest and offers elegance and grace to your senior portraits. Honestly, every single…

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…

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…

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…

Senior Portrait Tips for Guys – Pittsburgh Portrait Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:March 3, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures / Session Tips

Senior Portrait Tips for Guys Being well prepared for you senior photo session can make the difference between average and fabulous photos. Read the following tips and you’ll be well prepared to look your absolute best at your senior portrait session. Strive for a classic, timeless look. When you book your session let us know the things that interest you. Think of what could be in style now as well as 20 years from now. Clothing Bring a range of styles. Casual, dressy and something in between, like an outfit you would wear on a date. Dress in layers. We say that a lot here in Pittsburgh. It's really important to have layers and texture in your photos because they add interest. By simply adding a neutral color t-shirt under a button down, you've added a layer. You can also roll up your sleeves. Put on a jacket or simply carry it.…