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

Who to Invite to Your Senior Photo Session

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

Senior Location Series: Frick Park

Post author:Laura
Post published:April 16, 2021
Post category:Senior Pictures
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Senior Location Series: Frick Park The next spotlight location for the senior photo location series is the gorgeous Frick Park! It’s a perfect place for seniors looking for a fabulous mix of rustic vibes, princess forests, old-timey greenhouses, and bohemian flower patches. It is gorgeous throughout the year and I have especially enjoyed exploring the area this spring time due to all the fresh flower blooms! 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 Frick Park. Bridge over a Creek I am IN LOVE with this spot! It feels like such a wonderful enclave, as the trees almost frame the little walk way. It’s the perfect spot for those of my seniors who love nature and exploring in the outdoors! The wood frame is so unique and unlike any location I normally see in the…

Let Your Personality Shine – Pittsburgh Senior Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:March 5, 2021
Post category:Senior Pictures

Let Your Personality Shine Through Senior Portraits Sadly, I find it’s all too common that senior portraits tend to be viewed as a cookie cutter, one-size-fits-all experience. Part of my mission as a Pittsburgh senior photographer is to provide the best portraits that reflect different aspects of my client’s personality! So, for this blog post, I’m detailing everything from locations, outfits, to hairstyles to help you decide the best direction to take during your senior photo session! Location Categories I often categorize location possibilities under narrower categories such as urban, outdoor, European architecture, and studio! Although, to be honest, the possibilities are wide-open! Urban Senior Photo Location Do you describe yourself as a mover-and-shaker who’s going places and loves the city of Pittsburgh? An urban location might be for you! Pittsburgh, the City of Bridges, is your backdrop! Some of my favorite urban spots in Pittsburgh are the North Shore and Golden…

Senior Pictures Interview – Pittsburgh Portrait Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:February 24, 2021
Post category:Senior Pictures

It has been a cold and snowy month in Pittsburgh, but that didn't prompt Gwen to reschedule her senior portrait session. She braved the cold weather and icy conditions in her stilettos! Gwen, her mom, and I spent an afternoon exploring Pittsburgh's Mexican War Streets, an urban parking garage top, yellow bridges, and Color Park. Gwen wanted unique locations to reflect her outgoing personality. She travelled all the way from Edinburg, PA to meet me in Pittsburgh! I loved hearing about her and her mom's memorable adventures thus far and how Pittsburgh was the first stop on their mother-daughter college road trip. What do you enjoy about the Pittsburgh area? I actually don’t live in Pittsburgh, I live about two hours away. But I really enjoy that Pittsburgh is a city but feels very welcoming and has so many pretty things throughout! In your opinion, where is the best place to…

Shocker: Senior Photos Have Evolved Since Your Mom was in High School

Post author:Laura
Post published:February 5, 2021
Post category:Senior Pictures

Shocker: Senior photos have evolved since your mom was in high school While I’m happy I didn’t attempt to be a trendsetter for my Senior Portrait and opt for neon patterns and all the hairspray humanly possible, it’s safe to say a lot has changed in the world of Senior Photography since I was a high school senior. (Yes, I know I’m aging myself) If marble backgrounds and cliche studio shots are not what you have in mind, I think you’ll be excited about how I handle all my senior portrait sessions. I focus on capturing you and your personality in this very special moment of your life. I’ve been there - stress about college applications, the prom, and maybe even which photographer to choose to take your senior pics. That’s why I work so hard to ensure that every client of mine ends up with one-of-a-kind portraits that they absolutely…

Senior Pictures | FAQ

Post author:Laura
Post published:January 29, 2021
Post category:Senior Pictures

2021 Senior Pictures - Frequently Asked Questions Inquiries for senior pictures in Pittsburgh have already started coming in this year. With the inquiries also comes several questions! I hope to answer the most commonly asked questions below. Please know, after you officially book your high school senior photo session you'll receive a guide to help you prepare for you senior pictures. If you have any additional questions, feel free to add them in the comments. What happens if it rains the day of my session? A few days before your session we can discuss the weather if the weather forecast doesn't look promising. We will formulate a plan on when to decide to reschedule as well as choosing a rain date if necessary. When should I book my senior photo session? It's best to book 2-3 months in advance. If you would like your pictures taken between August to October, I…

Senior Pictures Interview – Pittsburgh Portrait Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:December 18, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures

I'm so excited to share my latest interview with a high school senior! I have grown particularly fond of senior photo sessions these past years as I love that senior girls enjoy contributing ideas and concepts to the process. Makenna had so many creative photo ideas and I loved making those visions a reality. High school seniors are generally open to letting the photographer be creative and artistic, which allows me to push myself creatively. My ultimate goal is to boost my client's confidence, provide meaningful images for the parents and family, and make memories! What do you enjoy about living in the Pittsburgh area? There’s always something to do. The mall, stores and restaurants are close by and convenient to drive to. In your opinion, where is the best place to eat in Pittsburgh and what do you order there? I love sushi, so one of my favorite places to…

Senior Pictures Interview – Pittsburgh Portrait Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:November 2, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures

Sarah chose Hartwood Acres as her location for senior photos and the sunset compounded with gorgeous flowers made for an unforgettable portrait session! I recommend Hartwood Acres for Seniors with an appreciation for European architecture, grassy fields, and gorgeous gardens. Sara's bohemian dancer aesthetic met urban fashion and the results were drop-dead gorgeous. I loved the opportunity to photograph my long-time neighbor. I've known her since she was in pre-school! It's been a pleasure to watch her grow into a young lady and I'm excited so hear about all she'll accomplish in college and beyond. Now, on with the interview! What do you enjoy about living in the Pittsburgh area? I’ve lived here my whole life that now every time I turn a corner it feels I have a memory associated with every place in the city. In your opinion, where is the best place to get coffee in Pittsburgh and…

Senior Pictures Interview – Pittsburgh Portrait Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:October 16, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures

It was such a pleasure to meet Samantha at Hartwood Acres to capture her senior portraits. Hartwood Acres is a gorgeous location north of Pittsburgh perfect for senior photos. We took advantage of the blooming flowers and walked around the mansion during golden hour. Samantha is interesting to get to know. She enjoys art and traveling. I was surprised that she was born in Beirut, Lebanon! She and her mother encourage others to travel to beautiful and safe country of Lebanon! What do you enjoy about living in the Pittsburgh area? I love living so close to all the museums, since I love art and history! I also love all the nature around here because it's easy to find somewhere to hike or take photos. In your opinion, where is the best place to eat in Pittsburgh and what do you order there? My favorite place to eat is Pitaland! I…

Senior Pictures Feature – Pittsburgh Senior Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:September 18, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures

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.…