Welcome to laura mares photography

branding portrait of a wedding planner

Style

I create photographs that capture the warmth of connection, the echo of laughter, and the quiet moments that weave the tapestry of life. My goal is for these photographs to become a unique reflection of you and convey your story.

senior photo Roberto Clemente bridge Pittsburgh

Dream

As a child, I flipped through National Geographic magazines, captivated by the vibrant photos of ordinary people in extraordinary places. This sparked a lifelong passion to capture the beauty and stories of everyday people.

black and white editorial photograph of World War Two veteran holding a photograph from the 1940s

Business

I honed my photography skills working in the darkroom while earning a degree in Communications. In 2016, I took the leap and turned my side hustle into a full-time career. I've been capturing moments and helping clients tell their stories ever since!

personal branding portrait of a writer sitting in plant filled coffee shop

Personality

I'm an adventure seeking, nature loving, story telling photographer, passionate about capturing life, love, happiness, and connection. With infectious enthusiasm and a knack for putting people at ease, I bring passion to my photography.

FROM EVERYDAY MOMENTS TO EXTRAORDINARY MEMORIES

boy laughing from dog kisses

Fun

Let's make your session a fun and stress-free experience. We'll capture genuine moments of connection and laughter, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

A lifestyle image of a father sitting on the sofa tickling his daughter. Photo by Pittsburgh Lifestyle Photographer, Laura Mares Photography.

Emotional

I don't just capture moments, I capture feelings. Let's create photographs that transport you back in time, a single glance sparking a wave of warm memories and cherished emotions.

mom holding newborn baby in nursery

Authentic

My goal is to preserve your genuine emotions that fill life's everyday moments and major milestones. Imagine laughter echoing through your photos, a reminder of the warmth that fills your world.

photo of a white desk, iMac, and cactus

Professional

My background as an ESL teacher has equipped me to connect with people from all walks of life, helping to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable session for everyone.

CRAFTING YOUR STORY

A tender lifestyle image of a great grandmother with her great granddaughter. Photo by Laura Mares Photography, Pittsburgh Lifestyle Photographer.

Environment

Whether we capture the iconic bridges of Pittsburgh or the intimacy of your favorite reading nook, I have an eye for locations that resonate with your unique narrative. You can relax, be yourselves, and enjoy the experience, knowing I'll capture the genuine connections and emotions that make your story special.

Quality

Published in magazines and displayed in international galleries, my photographs have garnered recognition in the professional art world. Yet, the true reward lies in seeing them displayed on mantles and walls of homes, where families gather, laughter echoes, and love fills the air.

Forever Reminder

Imagine having photographs that perfectly capture the playful touch of your child's hands playing with your hair, the awe on your husband's face as he admires your newborn baby, or the comforting warmth of your furry friend nestled in your arms. These are the lasting images that tell your unique story.

WHAT TO EXPECT

01.

Before your session

Booking your session is just the beginning! I'll send you a welcome email with access to a digital magazine, packed with insider tips to ensure a stress-free experience. It'll guide you through choosing the perfect location, selecting outfits, and answer any questions you might have.

02.

During your session

Whether you prefer the warm embrace of your home, the natural beauty of an outdoor location, or the controlled lighting of a studio, I'll guide you with gentle expertise. Expect natural poses that capture your authentic connection, and most likely, we'll have a blast along the way!

03.

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 Greece 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 a talented 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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