Welcome to Laura Mares Photography

Style

I strive to capture captivating, genuine and timeless images for you and your family to treasure. My work is a blend of photojournalism + fine art with rich colors and moody shadows. 

DReam

As a child, I dreamed of traveling to breathtaking places to photograph ordinary people similar to the subjects in a National Geographic Magazine.

Business

I learned the ins and outs of photography in the darkroom while earning a degree in Communications. Photography was just a side gig until 2016, when it became my full-time career.

Personality

I'm an adventure seeking, nature loving, story telling, photographer passionate about capturing love, happiness, and connection.

If we work together, you can expect an experience that is...​

lifestyle picture of a dad laughing with his daughter on the living room sofa. Photo taken by Laura Mares Photography, Pittsburgh Photographer.

Fun

I’m committed to making your experience low-stress and enjoyable. Expect to laugh and enjoy yourself. 

boy laughing from dog kisses

Emotional

I want to capture the emotions of you, your family, and your life at this moment so that one day all the feelings will come rushing back.

photo of a white desk, iMac, and cactus

Professional

My background as an ESL teacher has prepared me to interact with just about anyone, stick to a clear plan, and anticipate questions so that you never have to wonder.

mom holding newborn baby in nursery

AUTHENtIC

My goal is to capture your family’s unique connection, personality and beauty; while documenting the genuine emotions that fill life’s everyday moments and major milestones. 

Environment

From a meaningful outdoor location to a cozy corner of your home, we’ll use the environment to help tell your story. No matter where, I love to create a laid-back space.​

Quality

My photographs have been published in children’s fashion magazines and displayed in international galleries. More importantly, they have been featured on mantles and walls of homes where families live, laugh, and love.​

FOREVER-REMINDER

I want you to always remember the way your children loved to play with your hair, your husband’s sheer joy as he held your newborn baby, or how you cuddled with your furry friend.​

Before Your Session

After you have booked your session, you will receive a digital magazine designed to guide you through choosing a location, deciding what to wear and providing additional helpful tips. My goal is to create an experience where you are comfortable, relaxed and able to enjoy yourself; while feeling confident that you’ll receive captivating images of you looking your best. 

During Your Session

We’ll meet at your chosen location whether that be your home, an outdoor location, or my home studio. I’ll guide you through natural poses and we’ll most likely laugh and have a good time together!

After Your Session

You’ll receive an online viewing gallery about a week after your session. Once you select your favorites, I’ll begin the final edits. You’ll receive another link to your final gallery where you will be able to download your digital images and order prints. Lastly, display your portraits to fill your space with a little extra joy!

To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with how you see them. - Elliott Erwitt

Let's tell your story!

Let’s work together to create beautiful images that you can treasure for a lifetime!

Random fun facts

TRAVEL

I have visited 46 states and 30 countries.

BUCKET LIST

My bucket list is full of places I want to visit, with Portugal at the top of the list and Alaska, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana close behind!

CHILDREN

I have three children - so I always have a beautiful model or an assistant nearby!

PERSONALITY

I’m an INFP - creative, quirky, humane, and individualistic.

ENGAGEMENT

My husband proposed on a cruise ship between Gibraltar and Morocco. So we don’t know what continent we were on when we got engaged!

FREE TIME

I love shopping for antiques, making our home feel hygge, reading historical fiction and spending time with my family.

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