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Year in Review | Best of 2024

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2024 – A Year of Ascend

As I look back on 2024, I can honestly say it was a year of growth and progress. My word of the year was “ascend,” and it became more than just a theme for my goals — it was a mindset that guided my actions.

I set out to elevate my art and take on new challenges, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I focused on improving my craft, pushing myself to step outside my comfort zone, and exploring more editorial opportunities. Working with a mentor has been one of the most rewarding experiences of the year, offering new perspectives that helped me refine my work and see my creative process in a fresh light.

“Ascend” wasn’t just about professional growth, but also about pushing my personal boundaries. I took risks, embraced new opportunities, and trusted the journey of becoming a better version of myself — whether that was experimenting with new art techniques, tackling bigger projects, or prioritizing my well-being. This year, I started lifting weights again, feeling stronger both physically and mentally, and began learning Spanish, something I’d always wanted to do. Both have pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow in ways I hadn’t expected.

As I wrap up the year, I feel a sense of pride and excitement about the progress I’ve made. I’m grateful for the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the moments of growth that came with each step. I’m already looking forward to what 2025 will bring, but for now, I’m taking a moment to appreciate the ascent of the past year.

January 

I had the incredible opportunity to work with Chris Orwig, one of my favorite photographers. I’ve always admired his ability to infuse his work with such heart and soul, and this year, he helped me tap into that same depth in my own photography. Chris’s approach is reflective and introspective, and through our work together, I learned to pause, reflect, and truly focus on my core beliefs. He taught me how to connect more deeply with my creative process, not just as a way to improve my art but to shape my journey. This mentorship has been transformative, helping me align my personal and professional growth in ways I didn’t expect.

February

February was a slower month, giving me time to work on behind-the-scenes projects and take a few classes to refine my skills. The highlight was planning a trip to visit my daughter, who was studying abroad in Spain. It was exciting to look ahead to our time together and made the slower pace of the month feel purposeful.

March

March took me to Seville and Lisbon with Anna, where we immersed ourselves in new cultures and experiences. Watching her speak Spanish with such confidence was a proud moment for me. Together, we explored new activities—from painting ceramics to experiencing flamenco and fado performances—and even meeting her Spanish conversation partner. Another unforgettable moment was reconnecting with Nina, a dear friend from Germany, who introduced me to a culinary adventure by convincing me to try octopus at a charming Portuguese restaurant. It was an unexpected delight, a reminder that travel is as much about savoring new flavors as it is about deepening meaningful connections.

Portrait in Plaza de Espana, Seville, Spain
Portrait in Plaza de Espana, Seville, Spain

April

April brought a whirlwind of excitement as we had the chance to watch our youngest daughter compete in her very first artistic swimming competition in Columbus, Ohio. It was amazing to see her perform with such grace and focus—each routine was a beautiful display of teamwork and dedication. Between events, we explored the city and stumbled upon a hidden gem—a Colombian restaurant. It felt like a little serendipity: Columbus, named after Christopher Columbus, and here we were, sampling Colombian cuisine for the first time. The flavors were incredible, and it was a delicious reminder that the best experiences often come when you least expect them. Between the swim meet and our culinary adventure, it was a trip full of new memories.

May

May brought an unforgettable opportunity when I had the honor of meeting and photographing a true World War II hero from Pittsburgh. We spent time talking about his remarkable life—his family, career, and, of course, his experiences during the war. Amid the serious stories, we also shared a few laughs, and I could sense the humility and warmth in every word he spoke. The photos were for a special magazine feature commemorating WWII veterans returning to Normandy for the 60th anniversary of D-Day. It was a privilege to capture his legacy and contribute to honoring the heroes who shaped history in such a profound way.

Editorial portrait of a World War Two veteran

June

In June, we took an unforgettable road trip to Quebec. We explored the stunning fjords by boat, camped through a wild squall, and wandered through a beautiful lavender field. We also indulged in some amazing food — from poutine and French onion soup to fresh, farm-to-table meals and incredible seafood. One of the highlights was having a family photoshoot, which felt like a way to hold onto those beautiful moments we shared together.

family photo in Montreal, Canada
lavender field, Quebec Canada
view of the fjord in Sagnuenay, Canada
Poke bowl from Jardin Nelson in Montreal, Canada

July

July brought the perfect opportunity to celebrate my birthday with a garden flower party. Surrounded by blooms of every color, it was a peaceful and joyous way to mark the occasion. We spent the day enjoying good company, fresh air, and of course, beautiful flowers. From arranging bouquets to basking in the sunlight, the whole day felt like a reminder to savor the little moments. It was one of those celebrations that felt timeless and full of warmth—a perfect reflection of the season and the people I hold dear.

This month also brought some exciting professional recognition as I was featured in a Mt. Lebanon Magazine article highlighting three senior photographers in the area. The article shared my journey, from my high school apprenticeship with Pittsburgh Filmmakers to developing my own business and unique style. The article highlighted how I’ve blended my photography experience with my love for telling personal stories, especially through senior portraits, where I strive to help people see themselves in a new light.

All in all, July was a month filled with gratitude—both for the wonderful people in my life and the work that continues to inspire me.

August

August was filled with travel and family moments. We set off on road trips to NYC and Chicago, soaking up the excitement of both cities. One of the highlights was the bittersweet task of moving Anna back into college for another year. It was a mix of pride and a little sadness as we said our goodbyes, but also a sense of excitement for her year ahead. Amid the busy schedule, Anna and I also took some time for a special branding shoot. We rented a studio and spent the day capturing each other—both professionally and personally—which was a special experience.

Branding portrait of Laura Mares, Pittsburgh Lifestyle Photographer
Branding portrait of Anna Mares Photography

September

One highlight was having our nephew visit us from the Czech Republic for the first time! It was his first taste of Pittsburgh, and we wanted to show him the city’s charm—kayaking the Three Rivers, exploring the stunning Fallingwater, and savoring classic American dishes like pancakes drenched in maple syrup and burgers hot off the grill. It was a whirlwind of travel, family, and laughter.

October

October was all about celebrating my husband’s 50th birthday in style! Instead of a traditional party, we decided to commemorate the milestone with a lifestyle photoshoot. We wanted to capture the little moments that bring us joy at home—cooking together in the kitchen, working through puzzles, playing board games, and even enjoying a few rounds of croquet. It was a fun, relaxed way to showcase the things that make our life together so special, and the photos turned out to be a beautiful reminder of the everyday moments that matter most.

November

November was a month of gratitude, as we celebrated Thanksgiving with family. Having Anna home made it extra special, and we spent the holiday surrounded by love, good food, and laughter. It was a time to reconnect and reflect on the blessings of the year. As if that wasn’t enough to keep us busy, November also marked the start of wrestling season. With the intensity of training and competition ahead, the energy in our home shifted to match the excitement of the new season. It was a month of togetherness and fresh starts, setting the stage for a busy but rewarding end to the year.

December 

December was filled with holiday cheer and memorable moments. We celebrated Christmas with family, soaking up the warmth and joy of the season. Some highlights included visiting Phipps Conservatory, where the holiday displays were as stunning as ever, and exploring the Christmas market in Market Square for a little festive shopping. We also treated ourselves to a unique experience at a pop-up holiday restaurant—such a fun way to end the year! On the wrestling front, Ben scored his second 7-second pin—an incredible achievement, his first was exactly one year ago. It’s a true testament to the discipline and hard work he’s put into his training.

Looking for a photographer to document your story? Get in touch for more information today! Please follow along on instagram to view my recent work, www.instagram.com/lauramaresphoto.

Laura

Hi, I'm Laura Mares! I'm thankful to be a wife, mother and Pittsburgh lifestyle photographer. I photograph because I believe that life is simply beautiful and every person has a story worth telling. I'd love to tell yours.

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