Wedding Photography FAQs | Pittsburgh Photographer
The most frequently asked questions about wedding photography are answered today on the blog. I love attending weddings and photographing newlyweds! Every wedding I photograph is an honor and a joy. Please contact me today if you need a wedding photographer for your upcoming wedding! - Laura
Where are you based?
Laura Mares Photography is based just south of Pittsburgh in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania and serves the greater Pittsburgh area.
Do you offer engagement sessions?
Yes, love them and offer them for free with any wedding package! They are a fantastic way for you to get used to being in front of the camera before your wedding, and engagement sessions also help us get to know each other. I learn more about how you like to be photographed, and you become more comfortable with what to expect on your wedding day. Possibly most importantly, you end up with an awesome set of photographs to celebrate this wonderful stage of your lives!
How much experience do you have?
I have gained valuable experience since the early days when I photographed my first wedding as a college student back in 2001! I continue my education by attending workshops and keeping versed in the trends. I use top of the line equipment to create beautiful photographs in dimly light churches and reception venues. I have successfully photographed dozens of weddings and would consider it an honor and a joy to photograph yours.
Describe your personality.
I am fun-loving, upbeat and a little reserved. I am also confident, determined and talented. I have learned over the years that it’s important for wedding couples to feel comfortable around their photographer. That’s why I offer free engagement sessions. I want to build a genuine relationship with all of my clients and I hope I will see you in the future for possible Christmas and newborn sessions etc.
How much are your wedding package rates?
Our wedding packages start from $1195, and by that we don’t mean “you’ll probably need to spend $3500.” Many couples find $1195 is their complete investment. If you’d like all the details please fill out the contact form and we’ll email the details to you in our pricing brochure.
Do you offer albums?
Absolutely. Albums are offered with every package. When you hire a professional photographer you deserve professional products. An album tells your story in a way that photos on the screen can’t quite replicate. It gives you a new way to experience your photos, beyond Facebook and online albums, and will be a family heirloom for years to come. Each album is beautifully custom designed with a genuine Italian leather album cover.
What is included in your packages?
Please see the packages & pricing page for general information, or get in touch for the complete pricing brochure.
Describe your photography style.
Photography is an art therefore all photographers have different shooting and editing styles. I take a minimalist, light and airy approach to creating beautiful images. I am a creative, natural and timeless style portrait photographer. While the before and after ceremony photographs can be more detail oriented with posing suggestions offered to help you look your best, the ceremony and reception tends to be a more photojournalistic approach capturing candid moments to record the memories from your wedding day.
How many photos will we receive?
This is a little difficult to answer, as it really depends on so many things, like the time we have for bridal party portraits, the package you choose, and so on. However, generally at least 50 photos per hour of coverage, and in actual fact, probably a lot more than that.
How do we book you?
Very easily! The first step is simply fill out the contact form, or call (412) 654-3367 and we can chat/meet/email or all of the above. If you like what you see, you are invited to complete a contract and submit a retainer to secure your date.
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.
Real Pittsburgh Family | Beautiful Mother and Daughter Portraits | McMurray, PA
Real Pittsburgh Family | Mother/Daughter Portraits
I am so thankful for all of the wonderful moms I've met over the years! I truly consider it an honor to be involved in your lives by documenting special milestones in families such as a newborn, a birthday or even just an ordinary day with your child. I recently met Hilary and had the opportunity to photograph her with her lovely daughter. Special thanks to Hilary for taking the time to answer these questions about her family! - Laura
How did you meet your husband?
During college we met at a local restaurant that I worked in. Then, later we became neighbors by chance. The rest is history!
How many children do you have?
3
Where do you live in Pittsburgh?
North Strabane/Canonsburg area
What's the best thing about being a mom? What's the hardest?
The best thing about being a mom is how proud I feel watching them grow, succeed, be kind, and show thoughtfulness. The hardest part is watching them struggle through something. You only want the best for them.
Is there anything you'd do differently if you were a new mom again?
I definitely would not sweat the small stuff so much and RELAX!
What is the best parenting advice you received from family or friends?
This too shall pass! Time and attention are the most important things you can give your children!
Does your family have any favorite toys, movies and/or books?
Our boys are playing baseball and really love The Sandlot. We love the books Piggy Pie Poe, Goodnight Moon, and anything Curious George.
Do your children have any favorite parks, playground and/or, restaurants in Pittsburgh?
We love North Strabane Park since it is closest to our home. USC Rec Center is pretty amazing and the new Wiltshire Park in USC is fun!
Does your family have a favorite activity to do together?
We eat dinner together as a family almost every evening. This is important to us to make time to slow down and just be a family.
Write 3 adjectives that describe your family.
Silly, Messy, Loving
How do you display your family photographs?
We display our family portraits on the wall and in picture frames. I would love to do canvases soon too!
Why did you chose Laura Mares Photography as your family photographer?
I met Laura through the MOPS group at The Bible Chapel in the South HIlls.
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 Laura Mares on Instagram and Facebook.
Celebrating our Dancer as a Family with FroYo | Pittsburgh Lifestyle Photographer
I love watching my daughter dance. She's talented beyond her years! This year her spring recital was "The Veil." The performers were so polished. It was clear that they worked very hard this year, as they do every year. At the end of the show the entire dance company came on the stage. I was surprised that my daughter was tall enough to be in the back row. It wasn't long ago that my daughter was a little girl in the front line. I love coming back year after year to enjoy to watch her gracefully dance across this stage, but now she is tall enough to be in the back row during the curtain call. My favorite costume from "The Veil" is her black and white pharisee one, I love the black and white against her red rose! I'm glad I was able to document one of her costumes if only for a second before she changed. After the show we went out to celebrate. My son is lactose intolerant so we usually go out for yogurt rather than ice cream since it's easier to digest. We have many special family memories gathered around frozen yogurt tables around Pittsburgh! We all have different styles of preparing our desserts. My husband and son try a little bit of everything. My oldest daughter has great taste and often orders something similar to me! Then the youngest samples a bit from everyones!
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.
Encourage Creativity in your Children | Guest Blogger
Why Encourage Creativity Within and Through the Visual Arts?
My daughter really enjoys attending and learning from the art sessions at The Garage Gallery in Mt. Lebanon. We are proud of the art work she has created under the supervision of Vonnie Hornburg. My husband and I are impressed with how Vonnie, the owner of The Garage Gallery, shares her talent and inspires her students. My two older children are registered for summer camps at the Garage Gallery and I'm looking forward to when my baby is old enough to attend the preschool art classes. I asked Vonnie if she could share advice on how mom's can encourage creativity and artistic expression in their children/family. I know you'll enjoy reading her blog post. She has over 20 years of experience in the arts world as a graphic designer and instructor. Laura
Well… encouraging creativity within and through the visual arts will not just increase your child's chances of becoming the next Picasso or Monet...You are also helping him/her develop mentally, socially, and emotionally. Creating art may boost young children's ability to analyze and problem-solve as they select colors and composition. As children manipulate a paintbrush or other artistic tools, their fine motor skills improve. By counting pieces, counting images, or even by dividing the composition, they learn math. When children experiment with materials, they discover scientific ideas. While learning about famous artists, children learn history and geography. Most important perhaps, when children feel good while they are making original choices that create their final masterpieces, art helps boost self-confidence. Children who feel able to experiment their own ideas and feel that it is okay to make mistakes feel free to invent new ways of thinking, which extends well beyond an art lesson. Our children are our tomorrow... Let us encourage many creative new ideas and inventions!
💡 Tips for parents to further encourage creativity once the student's artwork comes home from school, art class, and/or art camp:
- Display children's work, with their permission, at eye-level, in a variety of places throughout your home.
- Encourage children to talk about their art by commenting on colors, textures, techniques, and patterns and saying, "Tell me about your…." Ask questions about the process, "How did you make this creation?", "Where you inspired by a famous artist or piece of art?"
- Visit local art museums and discuss the works and how they may be similar and/or different from their work at home.
🎨 Start encouraging your children to be more creative this summer! Check out "The Garage Gallery" summer art camps!
During "The Garage Gallery" classes, students are exposed to a wide variety of open-ended materials and tools which they can explore and use to create art. Students are introduced to both familiar plus new techniques which provide many exciting and innovative ideas for students to utilize throughout the creation process of their art. Students are also exposed to visual arts vocabulary as well as many famous artist throughout our lessons.
The Garage Gallery
SUMMER ART CAMPS
FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-5 and AGES 6-12.
This summer "The Garage Gallery" will be offering several different "THEMED" summer art camps. The camps will offer fun, creative art projects targeted to spark the interest of both boys and girls!
AGES 3-5
(Camp 1)
THEME: Summer Art Spectacular
DAYS: Monday - Thursday
DATES: June 13-16
TIME: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm (1hr)
FEE: $60 (materials provided)
(Camp 2)
THEME: Cowboy/Cowgirl Art Camp
DAYS: Monday - Thursday
DATES: July 11-14
TIME: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm (1hr)
FEE: $60 (materials provided)
AGES 6-12
(Camp 1)
THEME: Jungle Art Camp
DAYS: Monday - Thursday
DATES: June 13-16
TIME: 9 am - 11 am (2 hrs.)
FEE: $75 (materials provided)
(Camp 2)
THEME: Cowboy/Cowgirl Art Camp
DAYS: Monday - Thursday
DATES: July 11-14
TIME: 9 am - 11 am (2 hrs.)
FEE: $75 (materials provided)
(Camp 3)
THEME: Pirate Art Camp
DAYS: Monday - Thursday
DATES: August 1-4
TIME: 9 am - 11 am (2 hrs.)
FEE: $75 (materials provided)
Class size is limited!!! Register today at [email protected].
Be sure to like The Garage Gallery on Facebook!
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.