It's always great to hear from old friends. I was especially glad to hear from a friend from high school about a month or two ago because she told me she was expecting and wanted me to photograph her first baby! Christopher's mother brought along adorable outfits that another friend from Baldwin had crocheted for her "Little Man." Always Baldwin Proud!
It's always hard for me to pick a favorite photograph, a favorite anything actually! But I'm willing to say that my current favorite photograph is the black and white of Christopher showing such stinking cute back wrinkles!
I asks moms to complete a new mom questionnaire to share on the blog. - Laura

Baby's Date of Birth
August 22, 2015
Baby's Height and Weight at Birth
19", 6 lb 10 oz
Was your baby early, late or on time?
39 weeks, 4 days
What area of Pittsburgh do you call home?
We are from the South Hills of Pittsburgh, specifically, Pleasant Hills.
What was your first thought when you found out you were pregnant?
"Oh my gosh! I'm going to be a Mom!!"
How did you tell the father you were expecting?
I showed him the at-home pregnancy test (shocked). When I found out Christopher's gender, I wrote a poem, bought a onesie and went to Pastries A-La-Carte and had them put blue glitter sprinkles on cookies. I gave my husband a gift bag with the goodies and onesie in it, and I wrote the poem on the inside of a card.
How did you style the nursery?
Our son's nursery doesn't really have a theme; it's a sporty blue color, white, navy and gray. The furniture is a deep cherry.
How do you chose your baby's name?
My husband's Confirmation name is 'Christopher', and my middle name is 'Christine'. It seemed fitting to name him after (generally) both of us-Christopher.
What are you looking forward to doing with your baby?
I am looking forward to watching him grow and experience life. I am anxious to watch him discover the world around him.
Write 3 words that describe your baby.
Blessing. Fascinating. Inquisitive.
Share a piece of advice to an expecting mom.
The best advice I could give to an expecting mom is to let your natural instincts take over. There will be times that you e exhausted all you know; use your gut instincts. Love your baby and don't take any moment for granted-even the tired, fussy, sleepless nights. They will soon be gone, and your baby will transform before your eyes!
What has been the biggest struggle since coming home from the hospital?
The biggest struggle I have experienced since coming home from the hospital is learning how to not be too hard d on myself if *everything* doesn't get done. There will always be tomorrow, but your baby will grow before you blink.
Why is newborn photography important to you?
Newborn photography is important to me because it captures the most real, innocent time in an infant's life. Your baby will change with every second that goes by.
You brought a couple of outfits to your session. Tell us about them.
I had a turtle blanket/hat and Sheriff diaper cover/hat/props specially made by Evonne Umbel, Cuppa Stitches. These items are important to me because I love turtles, and my husband is in law enforcement.







Delivering Hospital: Jefferson Hospital Doctors: Dr. Michaela Remtula- Dr. Erica Smith Wraps: Cloth Apothecary Basket: HobbyLobby Knit Outfits: Cuppa Stitches Canvas Background: Home Depot (hand painted)
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.
I'm glad this family was the first family to make contact for a newborn model call. I enjoyed when Dawson's mother and I were co-workers at the Bible Chapel. I had so much fun photographing this family! This little guy is blessed with a loving family and he's fortunate to have a sweet and caring big brother.








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.
The studio was recently filled with beautiful Celtic music, two cool guys and lots of lots of musical instruments! I lost count after five! Alan and Mike are two talented local musicians who came for portraits and videos to advertise for their upcoming Three Rivers Music Festival performance. Abbots Cross will play on Friday, June, 12 from 5-6 p.m. on the Acoustic Stage Gateway. Their sound is Celtic, traditional and modern, with some instrumental improvisation. Learn more about Abbots Cross here.
Going to the Three Rivers Arts Festival has been one of my favorite activities to do in Pittsburgh since I was a kid. I remember chasing my brother around the borders of Fort Pitt, playing with colorful streamers and listening to music. I also have my earliest memories of ordering international food there! Maybe I'll get gyros again this year.




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.
In addition to photography, what else do you enjoy?
I love designing, reading, watching suspenseful tv shows, knitting and interior decorating.
Talk a little about the new portrait studio.
Transforming our game room into a photography studio proved to be a fun challenge! It has been time consuming but completely rewarding! The studio has become a place that I treasure and feel at peace. I often enjoy carefree afternoons in it's peaceful environment that's full of eye candy: antiques, primatives, hand-made items and beautiful textures! The props have endless possibilities that provide for a countless amount of daydreams!
What are your favorite new tech items?
It's been a real pleasure setting up wireless lights, reading the light meter, and using my lenses in a studio.
Why do you love photography?
Being just a few steps away from being able to create beautiful images is incredible! I have a need to create and photography is a great creative outlet.
I hope to see you soon in the new portrait studio!

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.
I've been wanting to make a baby's first year poster since the first time I saw one! I think this is a great way to remember important facts and fun memories. This is going to hang in Elena's room for awhile and eventually it'll get tucked away into her baby box. It's so easy to forget the early days as time seems to pass by so quickly! I was surprised when a friend said to enjoy these days because although the days may be long the years are short. Now that my oldest is already 10 years old, I realize It's so true. She will be going to middle school in a couple months and it seems like just yesterday she was "my little princess!"
