
Laura loves creating enchanted, whimsical, vintage-inspired photo shoots where girls can have an amazing time playing, while being photographed. The resulting portraits are creative and lend to natural and joyful expressions from children.

We can take the kids outside for some fresh air and open spaces to take their pictures, or if it's cold or raining we can set up a few beautiful and charming props in the studio. It’s fun for parents and children and it creates great memories!

We can enjoy a tea party, water giant mushrooms, dress up in pearls, pack for a trip, preform on stage and befriend one of a kind stuffed animals and adorable dolls. We can add custom decor and beautiful fabrics to create a backdrop set that is simple, gorgeous and fun.








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 your newborn baby photographed, updated 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, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected]. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Story by Anna Mares. Doll by Lenna McGraw. Photography by Laura Mares
Today is very important for Ella and her Vice President Hops. It’s Election Day!
Together they are undertaking the treacherous journey to the school were they will cast their ballot.

They pause to pose for a series of photos to show when the votes are in. Ella hopes they will be in her favor. Ella plants her feet squarely on the sidewalk with her free hand pointing to the camera claiming, ”I want your vote.”

She spreads her hand above her, beckoning to the sky. It’s as if she were proclaiming ideas about a better future.

Ella makes a claim that she’s number one by promising hugs to the lonely, sweet smiles for all, and pink icing on every cupcake. She also smiled mischievously to the crowd.



Hops whispers to her, “Now… it’s time to get serious.” She stands silently as the wind blows on her flushed face, and spins to continue walking towards the school.

When they make it to the school she takes quick glances at all the politician’s posters on the democratic side.

She hits a silly pose in front of the posters before waltzing over to the Republican side.

Pointing and staring, she finally decides which other names her ballot should contain. She hopes she can win without having made any such posters.


She dreads making her final decisions, and leans her tired face on the wooden bulletin before proceeding through the large oak doors.

To Hops utter dismay they have to wait a horribly long time before being permitted into the polling place. Ella is visibly stressed and tired. Fatigue surpassed her small body.


Ella and Hops both finally cast their vote, and Ella begins to jump for joy, obviously glad that the stress was over.

As they are leaving Ella is selected for an exit poll. She carefully submitted her hand—written answer to the small white box.

Hops patiently reminded her that the stress was not yet over. They had to wait for the votes to be counted. Ella groaned and was very angry. Her anger was not real but quite sarcastic. She shot glares to the others around her. Hops laughed aloud.

They begin the hike back to the car and Ella tries to predict how the states will vote.

She runs over many figure possibilities before giving up.

She practiced her lines for her final speech as worry lines creased her and her Vice President’s faces.

Remember, vote Ella and Hops for President!
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, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected]. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Need a few family portraits and weekends are SUPER busy? A Mini-Session may be the perfect option for you!
20 minutes + (5) 4x6 prints + (1) 8x10 enlargement + 5 digital files + $99 = Priceless Family Portraits

Laura Mares Photography is scheduling Mt. Lebanon Main Park Mini Sessions! A Mini-Session is a 20 minute, high energy, low stress outdoor photo session.

You pay $99 and receive 5 fully edited, high resolution digital images, (5) 4x6 prints and an 8x10 enlargement. The digital files are perfect for Christmas cards, family gifts, or refreshing outdated pictures in your living room JUST in time for the upcoming holiday season.

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, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected]. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

10 Tips for Planning your Winter Family SessionSome people shy away from winter sessions because, well, it's cold. But winter sessions make for some prime photo ops, so don't write off the brr months. Winter’s cold, sure, but it makes for some seriously stunning photographs. Snowflakes, snowmen, white canvases, glittering icy trees? It’s a photographer’s veritable wonderland! Here’s some tips to take advantage of a winter wonderland.
1. Keep tracking the weather. Those white winter days after a lot of snowfall can result in some seriously gorgeous photographs. Booking two months out probably won't work, and you'll instead want to book on a shorter notice.
2. Plan the day out so that nobody gets fussy or too cold. A bribe of hot chocolate after the session goes a long way.
3. Don't be afraid to have fun in that snow. Snowball fights? Snowman building? Angels? The possibilities are endless and this should be all about having fun.
4. Pack the necessities. Noses tend to run in the cold, and glasses can fog up. Bring tissues, hand-warming packs, clean clothes and hot beverages to keep everyone perky throughout the shoot.
5. Because it can be really cold, note that a shorter session may be in order. Make the most of your photos by using every single second to the max, especially at the beginning of the session when everyone's still warm and spirits are particularly high.
6. Really play up the winter accessories when planning outfits. Think cozy knit scarves, colorful coats, adorable boots, mittens and more.
7. There’s bound to be lots of white, so really punch things up with splashy colors. Think bright red, navy, yellow, green. Any color that really pops against white is a go.
8. On that same note, don’t hesitate to play with prints. We love seeing gingham, polka dots, stripes, etc.
9. Really bundle up and play up the winter factor. We love seeing fur-lined boots or hats, oversized chunky scarves, adorable gloves, etc.
10. Do wear a couple layers underneath to ensure you stay warm. Double up on those socks and throw on some long johns, if you must!
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, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected]. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow us on Instagram and Facebook.