10 Tips for Planning & Dressing for your Fall Family Session | Pittsburgh Family Photographer
10 Tips for Planning your Fall Family Session
Autumn is one of the most popular seasons of the year for portrait sessions. After all, nature is doing its thing with all those vibrant colors, plus you get a chance to really play up your wardrobe with accessories in the beautiful, crisp weather. Fall is about bundling up in lots of layers, enjoying the shift from hot to cool, and soaking up the sun and autumn foliage. Here are a few tips for planning and dressing for your fall family session.
1. Make use of accessories and clothing that play up the "autumn" feeling. For example, opt for leather boots, cable knit scarves and comfy cardigans. Fall accessories look amazing on the whole family and can really bring a picture to life. Tip: neutrals do really well in the fall against the foliage.
2. Timing is everything. Start paying attention to that shift in weather as summer melts into fall. Once the leaves start changing, call to book a session. I love photographing fall sessions, so chances are I've got a session time ready for you.
3. Location, Location Location. If it's autumn, you better believe we're playing outside in the gorgeous weather. I have a few favorite locations to choose from that have particularly pretty backdrops. I'm also open to your suggestions.
4. Plan for a mid-afternoon to early-evening session, when the light is just gorgeous. The days are shorter in the fall, so we need to plan accordingly to get that golden hour light.
5. Play in the environment. We may find some leaves on the ground or a few buds lingering around. I may have you throw leaves up into the air or something similar. Remember, this shoot is all about capturing your family bond and having fun, so let loose and get into the season!
6. Pack the necessities. It can get chilly in autumn, so you may want to bring some necessities on hand. I recommend a lip balm, moisturizer, warm packs for your hands, tissues, and, of course, warm apparel.
7. Wear comfortable shoes and accessories. Since we're going to be outside, we'll probably do lots of walking. If those boots look amazing, but kill your feet, scratch them. If the scarf looks adorable on Timmy, but it's scratches his face and makes him unhappy, it's better left at all.
8. Choose colors that won’t clash too much with the fall leaves. Instead, stick with a neutral palette with colors that blend seamlessly into autumn’s spectrum: earthy reds, burnt oranges, creamy nude, etc.
9. Layer up! Don’t hesitate to throw on those scarves, cardigans, blazers or hats.
10. Wear shoes that fit the season. Think riding boots or comfy, fur-lined boots. Loafers and flats can also work perfectly.
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.
Ella & Tutu in Prague | Pittsburgh Child Photographer
Ella & Tutu in Prague
Story by Anna Mares. Doll by Lenna McGraw. Photography by Laura Mares
Tutu is meeting up with Ella to spend a rainy afternoon in Prague. She had her hair styled specially for the occasion.
Ella is excited to see Tutu. They are shocked and amazed at the beautiful buildings around Old Town.
Tutu is quite parched, so they decide to search for a cute cafe so they can grab a bite to eat.
Tutu orders a glass of Sprite, and requests a pink straw to go along with it. She enjoys hearing people speak a different language, but she can't understand them.
Sadly, when they exit the cafe, the sprinkle of rain had turned into a steady drizzle. Ella was convinced that their afternoon would be ruined. A pout crossed her face.
Luckily, Tutu could cheer her up with several game ideas that she had up her sleeve. The first being “circus”. Ella grasped Tutu tightly as she pretended to make the treacherous journey across the imaginary tightrope.
Next, Tutu proposes that they make silly poses for pictures in the square. At first Ella’s a little shy.
Quickly she warms up and hits a series of comical poses and faces.
After that, Tutu comes up with yet another game. They have a competition on who can spot the most medieval architectural masterpieces. Immediately, Ella’s hand shoots up to spot the Old Town Hall.
In their final game they dance and jump in muddy puddles, Ella’s favorite.
They are pretty exhausted and decide to be content with each others company as they skip down the cobblestone streets.
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.
13 Best Baby Portraits from a Rustic Newborn Session | Whitehall Newborn Photographer
13 Best Baby Portraits from a Rustic Newborn Session
I love newborn sessions. It's fun to talk with the parents, hear about their new baby and take beautiful portraits of their newborn. Baby "C" looked gorgeous in almost all the poses, wraps and props we put him in, but he was particular that we would not lay on his back on the bean bag. How funny! His parents requested a rustic style that I feel complimented him well. If you ejoy looking though his portraits and reading about his family, please leave a comment to let them know!
What was the first thing you thought when you saw your newborn baby for the first time?
This is our rainbow baby! I had a few miscarriages before having him. We have been praying for him for a long time so when we saw our baby for the first time, we were instantly filled with so much joy and love!
What was your favorite part about your portrait session?
Meeting LAURA! We were so impressed with Laura's professionalism and really enjoyed watching Laura work and make Colton’s newborn pictures exactly as we pictured them to be. Laura wasn't afraid to ask our opinion or what we would like to see and she was so willing to work with us to ensure we were completely satisfied.
How did you prepare your newborn baby for his first photo shoot?
He was given a bath and fed right before in hopes of him falling asleep and staying asleep! (which didn’t go completely as planned LOL!)
How was your experience having your newborn photographed? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?
It was the most rewarding experience. As new parents, we were reminded just how much of a miracle he truly is!
What would be your advice to someone getting newborn photographs taken?
It is totally worth every penny!
What kinds of things did you worry about before and during the session?
None! Laura made sure we got everything we wanted!
What's the first thing that ran through your mind when you both found out you were pregnant?
We were scared, anxious, excited, you name it!
Did you bring a sentimental item to our shoot? If so, what was it and please share why it's such a special item for you.
We used props to showcase my husband's passion for hunting and fishing – a hobby he absolutely LOVES and treasures and can’t wait to share with our son.
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.
6 Stress Relieving Tips to NOT Have a Mental Breakdown During Your Session
6 Stress Relieving Tips to NOT Have a Mental Breakdown
During Your Family Session
Family pictures are great – they help you create and remember fond memories of your loving family. However, this day can get very stressful, and we want to ensure this doesn’t happen. If you’re stressed it will show, and we want your photos to be carefree. Here are some tips you can use on picture day to help you relax:
1. Take deep breaths. Deep breathing is a common relaxation method. It can quickly calm your stress level and you can do it anywhere. Breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth, counting slowly in your head while letting it all out.
2. Laugh. Laughter is a great way to release tension. It will also help your family relax to get some genuine smiles. Have everyone pretend to laugh and they will feel so ridiculous that they will actually laugh. This will ease everyone into relaxation mode.
3. Count down slowly (in your head) from 10. Take a deep breath between each number. If you’re still feeling super stressed, start the process over, back at 10.
4. Distract yourself. If your family isn’t cooperating and you are getting stressed, suggest that we play a game or take a walk. This will let some of the energy out and also give us some good interacting photos. Prior to your session, think of a short game that your family would enjoy – it could be something like duck, duck, goose, or dancing to head, shoulders, knees, and toes, etc. You can also distract yourself by going to your ‘happy place.’ Try to take yourself out of the situation you’re in and let your mind wander.
5. Trace your hand. Take your finger and trace a figure eight on the palm of your opposite hand. This helps relieve stress and muscle tension.
6. Give lots of XOXOs. Not only will these make for cute poses, but one of the most effective ways to relieve stress is to hug someone or to kiss them. Gather your family in a big group hug, or give your husband a kiss and let your worries melt away.
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.
8 Ideas for Creating Sentimental Newborn Portraits | Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer
8 Ideas for Creating Sentimental Newborn Portraits
Need some inspiration when picking out props for your newborn session? Want to make it unique and personal? Check out these great ideas for adding sentiment to your photos.
1. Recreate a Parent or Sibling Photo
These types of photos show the same pose with different generations of your family. Show us a photo of you or your spouse when you were a newborn and let us create a similar photo with your child. If you have another child and want us to use one of their newborn photos to recreate instead, that would work too!
2. Blankets
Bringing blankets with sentimental value helps add interest and a story to the photo. Blankets add a wide variety of textures and colors to newborn portraits.
3. Your House
If we do a lifestyle session at your house, it may add sentimental value to your images. This is the house where you brought your baby home, the one where your newborn first lived. This is the nursery you decorated for your newborn. The possibilities are endless.
4. Something from Parents’ Childhood
We can also incorporate things from your childhood for example: stuffed animals, clothes, your bassinet, dolls, a wagon, basket, blanket, etc. Something that can be passed down to your child that meant something to you when you were younger.
5. Siblings’ Clothing
If you have another child and you have a favorite outfit that you used to put him or her in when they were this size, we could use it to recreate old memories.
6. Occupations/Hobbies
If you or your spouse love your job and want to add something from it or one of your hobbies, this will help add a personal touch. Some examples: dog tags, sports helmets, a baseball, guitar, football, briefcase, camera, jersey, or hat. Of course, we’re open to your ideas as well - this is just to get the ideas flowing.
7. Maternity photos
If you did a maternity session, you can do some similar poses with your baby and frame them side-by-side in your home or in an album. If you used an outfit or name blocks, ultrasound picture, etc. we can use those props again in these photos, too.
8. Wedding Rings
This is a classic shot. Having your child hold your wedding rings in their little hands or placing them between their toes is a good way to incorporate your rings - which signify family love and a strong bond - into the shot. Although this photo is somewhat common, it will be unique to you because they are your personal rings and they show the commitment and love that you and your spouse have for your family. Alternative idea; if you have a little girl, we could also use your wedding garter as a headpiece.
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.