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Candid

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mares family in Spain

Guide to Capturing Candid Family Moments at Thanksgiving

  • Post published:November 26, 2025

As a Pittsburgh photographer who loves documenting genuine family stories, I know Thanksgiving week brings a rare opportunity—an entire day (or even several) when loved ones gather in the same home, surrounded by warm food, cozy décor, and shared traditions.…

Continue ReadingGuide to Capturing Candid Family Moments at Thanksgiving
senior portrait in Pittsburgh's Mellon Park

Why Unscripted Moments Matter in Senior Photography

  • Post published:May 29, 2025

The Moment Everything Shifts There’s a moment in nearly every senior session where something shifts.It usually happens in between the poses—when the wind catches a strand of hair, when someone laughs at something unexpected, or when they stop thinking about…

Continue ReadingWhy Unscripted Moments Matter in Senior Photography
wedding couple eloping at Allegheny courthouse

TEN Steps to Planning Your Elopement in Pittsburgh

  • Post published:February 9, 2024

Today, I'm thrilled to share with you TEN essential steps to planning your dream elopement, inspired by my recent experience capturing the magic of an unforgettable marriage celebration. I first crossed paths with this couple while photographing their surprise proposal…

Continue ReadingTEN Steps to Planning Your Elopement in Pittsburgh
a family of three sitting on a yellow bridge at sunset

Preserving Timeless Connections: The Art of Family Photography

  • Post published:August 30, 2023

Introduction In a fast-paced world, family photography serves as a reminder to slow down and cherish the moments that matter most. Whether it's the candid laughter shared during a picnic, the loving glance exchanged between generations, or the playful antics…

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Black and White Portrait of a Family reading a book together on their bed. Photo by Laura Mares Photography, Pittsburgh Lifestyle Photographer

Lifestyle Spotlight – Pittsburgh Family Photographer

  • Post published:July 26, 2019

Lifestyle Spotlight | Pittsburgh Family Photographer I love meeting new people. I began to realize how much I loved meeting people when I began traveling and teaching English after college. I love that photography offers me a unique chance to…

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Photo of parents holding their toddler's hands on a cobblestone street in Pittsburgh. Photo by Laura Mares Photography, Pittsburgh Family Photographer.

Family Spotlight – Pittsburgh Family Photographer

  • Post published:June 5, 2019

A common question I am asked is, "What happens if the weather doesn't cooperate?" Well, this family definitely knows the answer - we reschedule within a week or so of the original portrait date. Unfortunately, due to poor weather conditions…

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pittsburgh senior spotlight

Senior Pictures Spotlight – Pittsburgh Senior Photographer

  • Post published:September 30, 2018

Senior Pictures Spotlight - Pittsburgh Senior Photographer It was such a joy to spend a warm summer evening with this talented young artist. We had a wonderful time talking about high school, art and future plans. She even helped me get…

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Laura Mares Photography, Pittsburgh Newborn and Family Lifestyle Photographer

Laura Mares Photography, Pittsburgh Newborn and Family Lifestyle Photographer

Laura Mares

I am a Pittsburgh based lifestyle photographer for laid back clients wanting a creative and artistic photography experience. My goal is to help people remember the best moments of their lives and highlight the inherent beauty in life by capturing storytelling photographs.
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