Senior Pictures Archives | Pittsburgh Newborn and Family Lifestyle Photographer

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.…

Senior Portrait Tips for Girls – Pittsburgh Portrait Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:February 15, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures / Session Tips

Senior Portrait Tips for Girls 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. Think of what could be in style now as well as 20 years from now. Clothing We want your face to dominate the portrait, all other elements in your photo should be secondary. Your clothing should be comfortable and form fitting. Bring a variety of colors and mix the level of styles. Some should be dressy, some dressy-casual, and some casual. Bring several outfits, the more we have to choose from, the better. Let's match your clothing to the backgrounds to ensure you look your best in your natural surroundings. You'll want to have quick outfit changes. After all, the faster you change, the…

Senior Pictures Spotlight – Pittsburgh Senior Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:October 28, 2019
Post category:Senior Pictures

Taking senior portraits is quickly becoming one of my favorite types of sessions. It's such a joy to get to know each senior while taking their senior pictures. Bella is an amazing girl who radiates love for all around her. We had a great evening enjoying lots of laughs during the beautiful summer sunset. Are you from Pittsburgh? Yes! I was born in Mount Lebanon. In your opinion, where is the best place to eat in the Pittsburgh area and what do you order there? The best place to eat is probably Franco’s Trattoria. And I normally get cheese ravioli. What is the best thing about your high school? I love how small it is. Describe your family with one word. My family is loud. How would your friends describe you? Compassionate If you took a road trip, where would you go? The beach! What kind of music do you enjoy?…

Senior Pictures Spotlight – Pittsburgh Senior Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:October 7, 2019
Post category:Senior Pictures

As I was walking to meet this senior girl and her mother at Kennywood Park late this summer, I had make an effort to slow my breathing because the idea of capturing senior photos during the beautiful golden sunset at Kennywood Park that it made me giddy!! I was so excited to receive an email from her mother early in the summer with a portrait I had taken of her daughter back when she was in elementary school! Are you from Pittsburgh? I was born in Vero Beach, Florida and moved to Pittsburgh when 17 days old. In your opinion, where is the best place to eat in Pittsburgh and what do you order there? The Yard is the best. I recommend the Frank the Tank without the Gorgonzola cheese and onion straws. What is the best thing about your high school? The best thing about my high school is the art…

The Difference Between a Senior Session and Class Pictures

Post author:Laura
Post published:September 15, 2019
Post category:Senior Pictures

The Difference Between a Senior Session and Class Pictures I have listened to the thoughts of many who were on the edge between taking the plunge and hiring a senior photographer, and every time I tell them this, senior year is a special time. Your child has outgrown their baby blanket, and is preparing to take on the world. It’s an emotional, and wild ride for both parents and seniors! The purpose of the senior session is to celebrate all your child has accomplished during their time at school and home, and a way to remember it as they continue on to a new life in college and beyond. It’s a great time to get together and bond with your child through picking out the photographer, choosing outfits, location, and just an overall great transition to their final year at home. It’s a moment students look forward to, and something to…