Meet this Beautiful Soon-to-be Mother 

Are you from Pittsburgh? 

We are from Philadelphia. We actually just moved to Pittsburgh in January from Brazil.

When is your due date?

April 17th, 2018

Where will you deliver?

Magee

Who is your OB/GYN?

Dr. Okeefe

What was your first thought when you found out you were pregnant? 

We were both pretty scared because everything happened very fast.

How did you tell the father you were expecting? 

We did everything together, so there was no real reveal that I was pregnant.

How do you manage to look so awesome while you’re pregnant?

I eat healthy (most of the time) and exercise regularly.

Have you chosen a name for your baby? 

We have chosen names for the baby but we are not revealing them until the baby is born since we don't know if it's a girl or boy.

Are you redecorating a room for the baby’s nursery?

Yes! We created an "around the world" themed nursery.

Do you have any family or friends who will be here to help after the baby’s born? 

My husband will be taking a few weeks off from work, so he's going to be the main help. We will also have some family visiting.

While pregnant, have you ever needed help with something that you wouldn't ordinarily need help with? 

Yes and it was quite an adjustment for me because I'm very much a person that likes to handle things herself.

Did you have an idea of what being pregnant would feel like? How has that changed? 

I think I had an idea and it's pretty much what I was expecting.

in your opinion, where's the best place to buy maternity clothes? 

This was a super hard thing for me! I ended up getting most of my things at Target.

Have you had any cravings or food aversions? 

I had different stages of food cravings, the most notable of which was tomatoes!

How did you decide to have a maternity portrait session?

We thought it would be something that would be great to have in the future to remember this phase of our lives.

How did you choose Laura Mares Photography? 

We wanted something simple and easy because we were already at 37 weeks!

Do you have any tips for woman who just found out they are expecting?

Be an advocate for yourself. Everyone will give you opinions, but decide what is best for you and your family and advocate for that decision.

Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

7 Tips on How to Look Your Best at Your Next Photo Shoot

from Natalie, the Jewelry Lady

Are you overwhelmed about deciding what to wear to your upcoming photoshoot?

I hear that all the time! I enjoy dressing my family for photoshoots but I realize that I am outside the norm! Last week I was at a Premier Designs Jewelry open house where my friend, Natalie gave my mom and I great tips! Natalie is a mama of five, lives in a beautiful farmhouse in the Bethel Park area and likes to help women elevate their look. I asked if she'd share tips with readers on the blog.

Begin with a simple 1-2-3!

1. Start with staples | classic tops, tanks, solid dress, neutral colors.

Great colors for tops: white, ivory, blush, gray, tan, black  Great colors for bottoms: white, denim, gray, tan, navy, black

2. Add fashion |accent with trending colors, prints and textures (jean jacket, scarf, bomber jacket, kimona)

Great accent colors: red, cadet blue, violet, orchid, lime, jade, lavender, peach, chili, yellow

Great accent patterns and textures: polka dots, stripes, plaid and checks, florals, fringe, blazers, bubble sleeves

3. Complete the Look | the right accessories will be game changer for your closet. Your style is in the details, with jewelry.

Six Additional Tips:

1. Create an Impact Zone | Always wear earrings!  They draw attention to your face!  Larger earrings can take #10 pounds off your appearance!

2. Make a Vertical Line |Wear a long necklace to create a slenderizing vertical line!

3. Bangles are Classics! | Wear three quarter length sleeves or push long sleeves up and wear classic bangles. This pulls attention to the thinnest part of your body! Plus bangles are a classic, they never go out of style!

4.  Match Shoes to your Hemline | For instance, if you wear black plants or a black skirt, you should wear black shoes. If you wear a black top and white pants, don't wear black shoes, wear white ones. Shoes should always match the bottom, not the top.

5. Elongate your Neck. | Try wearing a slim V- neck or leave a few open buttons to show off your clavicle to elongate your neck.

6. Appear taller and thiner. | Did you know a V-shaped necklace is the most complimentary? It gives you an hourglass shape and makes you appear taller and thinner.  
 

Did you know that accessories can give your style a name? Popular styles include: classic, natural, boho (bohemian) and dramatic. Your accessories define your personal style!
Do you have an outfit but need the right jewelry to complement it? 
Did you know you can have a FREE closet consult with Natalie, the Jewelry Lady?  Ask how! www.premierdesigns.com/Shiff

Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

First Birthday Interview | Pittsburgh Baby Photographer

I'm excited to share highlights from a recent first birthday party that I had the privilege of documenting. The first birthday party was held at the Bethel Park Historical Society. It was built in 1905 as the Bethel Township High School. The room was full of natural light from the large picturesque windows. While I LOVE taking pictures for families, I also LOVE meeting the families that live in the Pittsburgh area! It's truly an honor to be welcomed by so many families to celebrate milestone events and be trusted to capture the moments that turn into memories.

Are you from the Pittsburgh area? 

I’m from Guayaquil, Ecuador. I moved to Pittsburgh in 2011.

What was your baby's height and weight at birth?

He was 8 pounds 3 ounces and 20.5 inches long.

What is your baby's current height and weight?

Now he is 23 pounds and 30.5 inches.

Do you have any silly nicknames for your child?

We call him little monkey.

Write 3 things your baby can do.

He walks, can speak some words in Spanish and English and can eat by himself.

How many teeth does your child have?

He has eight teeth.

What words (sounds) does your baby make?

Mama, dada, papa (dad in Spanish), agua (water), toy.

What are your baby's favorite foods?

He loves rice, apples, pasta and salmon. What are your baby's favorite toys?

His favorite toys are cars and anything with sounds he can ”play” music.

What are your baby's favorite games/activities?

His favorite activities are swimming and dancing.

What makes your baby laugh?

When we blow him kisses, and when he plays with bubbles.

How did you celebrate your child's birthday? 

We had a party at the Bethel Park Historical Society. Around 30 guests came to celebrate with us. The theme of the party was Mickey Roadster Racer. The food was from Pasta too (he likes pasta) and the cake was from Bella, Christie & lil Z’s.

How did you chose Laura Mares Photography?

Found the blog and liked her style

What is your favorite photo from your child's 1st birthday party?

When I’m holding him while he sleeps. He is so active now that those moments are rare but perfect.

Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow along on Instagram and Facebook.