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

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

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

Senior Pictures Feature – Pittsburgh Senior Photographer

Post author:Laura
Post published:September 11, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures

The fenced garden at Hartwood Acres is full of colorful blooms every summer making it a favorite location for high school seniors. I had the pleasure of capturing Paige's senior pictures in the gorgeous garden and around the mansion. It was a fantastic evening because Paige is a natural in front of the camera, her and her mother are interesting to talk to and the weather was perfect for exploring the park! Any session that features a friendly high school senior, golden hour hues and rich colored flowers is a pleasure to photograph and this senior session was a dream! Congratulations on your senior year, Paige and thanks again for choosing me to document it! In your opinion, where is the best place to eat in Pittsburgh and what do you order there? Mediterra Cafe in Sewickley, PA is delicious! I always order the avocado toast with a poached egg. They…

Senior Location Series: Color Park

Post author:Laura
Post published:August 28, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures Session Tips

Senior Location Series: Color Park Recently I went with a gorgeous senior to Color Park. It is a beautiful spot in the South Side of Pittsburgh. The grunge aesthetic partnered with the meaningful graffiti culminates to make an ideal spot for senior portrait photos. I created this series as a way to spotlight my favorite locations for high school senior pictures. I hope that by perusing the blog series you’ll be able to choose the perfect spot for you! In addition to having a portrait session at Color Park, there is also a colorful street nearby that adds a unique variety of vivid backgrounds to your gallery. 1). The first location we’ll focus on is the colorful area near color park. There is a very cool road that provides colorful backdrops that are the perfect place for those seeking an additional variety of backdrops to compliment the pops of color associated…

Senior Location Series: Hartwood Acres

Post author:Laura
Post published:July 8, 2020
Post category:Senior Pictures Session Tips

Senior Photo Location Series: Hartwood Acres The next spotlight location for this senior photo location series is the iconic Hartwood Acres Mansion! It’s the perfect place for seniors looking for a fabulous mix of architecture, flowers and nature. Hartwood Acres has so much to offer! And the best part? It is beautiful throughout the year! Be sure to schedule for the late spring, summer or fall, if you are looking for lush greenery and blooming flowers. 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 Hartwood Acres. 1. The Historic Mansion with a Curving Cobblestone Driveway Built in the 1920s with earth toned walls, the historic tudor estate features unique arches, doorways, railings and benches. The mansion features a courtyard surrounded by a forest and offers elegance and grace to your senior portraits. Honestly, every single…

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…