Ella & Tutu: Finding a New Outfit for Tutu | Pittsburgh Newborn and Family Photographer
Ella & Tutu: Finding a New Outfit for Tutu
Story by Anna Mares. Doll by Lenna McGraw. Photography by Laura Mares.
Today, Ella and Tutu are on the look out for fabrics. Mommy will then use them to sew a new dress or two for Tutu. The girl's eyes are dancing with excitement as they gaze at the many choices.
Ella squints at her doll and imagines what fabric will match her skin tone and bring out her sky blue eyes. When she has an idea, they both set out to discover the perfect fabric.
Tutu first skims over the old scraps and finds a very sparkly one!
When they agree on two fabrics, they begin to scout for any possible bells and whistles.
Both of the enchanted girls love the colorful ribbon, and run their hands over some of the gorgeous ones.
They also admire the interesting buttons. Ella can’t believe that there are so many!
Before purchasing their fabric, Ella spins Tutu and they explore a secret cabinet! Their guilty expressions give them away…
As the kind lady cuts the material, Tutu is shy so Ella protects her.
Lastly, they smile goodbye with their shopping bag swinging beneath them. They skip hand in hand to go home.
If you know of a girl that would like her very own rag doll, let me know and I'll get you in touch with the seamstress.
Pittsburgh Photographer| Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer | Pittsburgh Family Photographer
Pittsburgh Child Photographer | Pittsburgh Baby Photographer | Pittsburgh Lifestyle Photographer
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.
Baby Hunter | Jefferson Hills Newborn Photographer
Baby Hunter
Baby Hunter and his family were recently photographed in the studio. Since newborn sessions tend to last several hours it's possible to get to know the families a little. A fun fact about this family is that every member has a super hero name! I loved photographing baby Hunter 's beautiful skin, eye lashes and facial expressions.
Wraps: Dolly Priss
Furs: Ikea and Pottery Barn
Wooden bowl and wagon: Local (Pittsburgh area) antique stores
Gray painted canvas: Hand painted by Laura Mares
Pittsburgh Photographer| Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer | Pittsburgh Family Photographer | Pittsburgh Child Photographer | Pittsburgh Baby Photographer | Pittsburgh Lifestyle Photographer
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: A Trip to the Mall | Pittsburgh Newborn and Family Photographer
Ella & Tutu: A Trip to the Mall
Story by Anna Mares. Doll by Lenna McGraw. Photography by Laura Mares.
Today is expected to be Ella’s and Tutu’s first adventure. They are planning on touring the mall!
Ella gazes at all the new faces and feels shy. She grasps Tutu’s hand for comfort as they rush off to begin exploring.
First, they choose to watch a movie. They peer at all the options and Ella’s hand runs over the movie posters until she finds the perfect one… “Finding Dory.”
Ella and Tutu quickly run into the movie theater and Mommy purchases tickets and a big bag of popcorn. Together they dive in as the soft buttery substance stains their faces. One look at each other and they burst into giggles.
Next, they gaze at the huge piles of candy on the counter. They stare in amazement. It seems as if every candy under the sun is there. Mommy chides them that the movie is about to start so they rush into the theater to find the best seat. Ella and Tutu sit hand in hand as the movie unreels.
After the movie they dash off to play a giant version of Tutu’s favorite game- Connect Four! They are winning as Ella grabs the final piece that they need.
Their final destination is the toy store. They inspect all the toys, and pretend to be detectives with the magnifying glass.
Tutu takes a brief nap before it’s time to leave.
As they walk out together, Ella really wants to lounge on the massage chairs with Tutu. They laugh as the machine rumbles.
Finally, they leave the mall together and Tutu waves goodbye.
If you know of a girl that would like her very own rag doll, let me know and I'll get you in touch with the seamstress.
Pittsburgh Photographer| Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer | Pittsburgh Family Photographer
Pittsburgh Child Photographer | Pittsburgh Baby Photographer | Pittsburgh Lifestyle Photographer
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.
Teaching "By Ear" | Guest Blogger | Pittsburgh Portrait Photographer
I was born into a family of music teachers. Understandably, I have a love and appreciation for beautiful music. Music is a part of my family's daily life. For example, my children practice the piano and cello daily. We also enjoy eating international food and listening to music from that country while we eat dinner. I asked Donald Duncan, a professional trumpet player and private music teacher in Pittsburgh to share his expertise about helping kids learn music with other Pittsburgh families. Don teaches trumpet and trombone at Kathy's Music in Mt. Lebanon. - Laura
Teaching “By Ear”
When I teach trumpet to young players, ages 9-14, I try to not just have the student learn the language of reading music-reading the notes. But, by borrowing from the revered violin teacher Shinichi Suzuki, children learn best by imitation (that is true in many ways, as we know as parents!). But, playing “by ear” isn’t just a matter of playing without using the eyes. It is letting the ear plant a model of what needs to be done in the brain before playing the written notes. How do I do that? I play the piece of music that they are working on either on my trumpet, or on the piano for them as they are looking at the notes, watching the music go by, before they attempt at sight reading it. This makes the notes “come alive” for them before they have even attempted to play them.
I have four children, all of whom have played an instrument since age 5 or 6. This “playing by ear” method that I have described has bore excellent fruit. My two sons who played the violin since age 5 can now (ages 9 and 15) not only read music (which they had to work at also), but can improvise without hesitation and have no fear of hearing a melody and playing it, without seeing music. It is so fun! I can sit down at the piano, and we have a blast just playing together whether it is a hymn, jazz tune or worship chorus. They can play what they hear!
Practicing is hard for any child, no doubt, and learning to read music is absolutely necessary. But, this method gives them an excellent skill and fun “freedom” from just working on the next piece in the book. Try it with your young music student! It works!
Donald Duncan - Bio
Professional symphony orchestra trumpeter Donald Duncan has performed with the Chicago Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Wichita Symphony, New Mexico Symphony, Wheeling (WV) Symphony and the National Repertory Orchestra. He has been on the teaching faculty at Wichita State University and the American Institute of Music Studies in Graz, Austria. Donald has a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wichita State University and a Masters of Music in Trumpet Performance degree from Arizona State University. He lives in Mt. Lebanon with his wife and their 4 children.
Don has preformed in many venues in the Pittsburgh area as a soloist with pianist Elizabeth Peters. They have done a historical journey/recital called, "Hornucopia" for library programs, retirement communities and school assemblies/events. With the use of over 25 different trumpets, Don weaves a variety of musical selections with the interesting stories and colorful history of the trumpet through the ages. From the conch shell, Jewish shofar and Spanish vuvuzela to all of the modern trumpets, people of all ages have enjoyed this fun and informative program. Donald can be reached by phone (316) 841-2860 or E-mail, [email protected].
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.