What is Custom Photography? | Pittsburgh Newborn and Family Photographer
"Everything is personalized,
that's what makes the custom photography
experience so special."
The custom photography experience is like none other. Photographers value each of their customers and spend many hours perfecting the process of offering one of a kind portrait sessions for their clients. They pride themselves on getting to know each of their clients and take the time to design a customized, personalized session that clients always dreamt of having. They help dream up a session that their clients envision, plan locations to match that vision and then design props and clothing to tie it all together.
The true beauty of the custom photography experience is that when working with a professional photographer, they deliver only the highest quality, luxury experience catered to their client's needs. They ensure that their art is something clients will cherish in their home forever.
The beautiful thing about custom photography is that you have plenty to choose from and can find a photographer that can create something that you'll absolutely love. The difference between selecting a custom photography experience vs. choosing to get portraits done at a chain store that offers portrait sessions, is when you choose custom photography, you are choosing a photographer who has developed and perfected their art to give their clients exactly what they love so much. Their entire business has been created around their vision, their style, their brand and when you trust someone who has spent years in building their own business with particular style, you'll no doubt about it love the end results of it.
You're able to hire a photographer and fully trust in what they do. You are investing in quality.
Special thanks to Modern Market for creating this piece on what the Custom Photography Experience is all about.
If you're currently looking for a newborn or family photographer who offers a custom photography experience and would like some more information on the process of setting up a session with Laura Mares Photography, please contact us today!
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.
Laura Mares Photography is awarded Best Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer by Expertise
Laura Mares Photography is awarded one of the best
Newborn Photographers in Pittsburgh!
Expertise analyzed and scored 286 newborn photographers on more than 25 variables across six categories to hand-pick a list of the best newborn photographers in Pittsburgh, PA. The six categories include: Reputation, Credibility, Experience, Availability, Professionalism and Engagement. I'm thrilled to be considered among the best in Pittsburgh and look forward to photographing many more newborn babies!
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.
Our Summer in Germany: We're not in Pittsburgh Anymore! | Pittsburgh Newborn and Family Photographer
Our Summer in Germany: We're Not in Pittsburgh Anymore!
I had the wonderful oppertunity to live in Germany this summer with my family while my husband was on short term assignment in Cologne. I first traveled to Europe when I was 16 as a foreign exchange student near Vienna. I returned twice in college to study business in Monaco and take photography courses in Ireland. I taught English in Prague for a year before my husband and I were married. We try to travel back with our kids to visit his family at least every other year. With so much traveling experience I once joked with my husband that we should write a travel book for parents traveling to Europe with children. Only minutes after making the comment I was crying in the airport because the security guards made me dispose of all our toiletries because I was unaware that new travel regulations were made about the amount of liquids that can be taken on board! I no longer want to write a travel book but I would like to share about my experiences this summer. Let's start with what I have come to love about Germany. I should mention that many things that I love about Germany are also true of other European countries.
1. Germany is truly a beautiful country. I found it to be very orderly, clean and structured. Germany has more regulations on zoning than USA for the countryside to stay rural, which means farmers actually don't live at their farms but at a nearby village and commute to their fields. I felt very safe and peaceful in our quiet neighborhood outside of Cologne.
2. Typical homes have large casement windows with large window sills due to their home's thick walls. I admire the beautiful decorations that such large window sills can hold.
3. Fantastic bakeries sell the best breads, fresh pretzels and delicate pastries and are only a short walk from just about anywhere in the country.
4. Beautiful floral gardens are outside homes everywhere I turn. I am inspired to work more in my own yard to create my own floral masterpiece!
5. Hundreds of castles and picturesque medieval towns dot the countryside. For example we took a Rhine River cruise where we saw numerous castles on both sides of the valley cliffs, we even saw a castle built on the Rhine itself. Before Germany became unified there were hundreds of Lords.
6. The kids and I had no trouble completing 10,000 steps everyday. We could walk to just about anywhere we wanted to go, a coffee shop, bakery, grocery store, river walk, castle park, playground and public transportation. I loved seeing newborn babies out in their prams for morning and afternoon walks.
7. Drinking delicious coffee served in beautiful porcelain cups topped off with simple designs in the milk's froth has become my new favorite past time. I typically paid just 2 Euros for a latte, cappuccino or macchiato. I appreciate the culture of relaxing in the afternoon with a great drink, many a cup of coffee or maybe a creative drink. My children love creating their own unique drinks at pop machines when we eat out. They were delighted to learn about Schwip Schwap. A Pepsi soda that is a mixture of cola and orange. I enjoyed drinking radlers, which is half beer and half Sprite or Fanta, and adding elderberry syrup to sparkling mineral water. Since I usually drink water in Pittsburgh, I enjoyed the creativity that surrounded ordering drinks in Germany!
8. The produce tastes great and has lots of flavor.
9. Europeans have impressive design. I often found myself gazing at logos, window displays, magazines and architecture. Cities are a unique blending of old and new architecture that in my opinion is ingenious.
10. Beer Gardens are in nearly every little town and it's a place where people can meet, eat, drink and enjoy themselves in the outdoors. It's more than just eating, it's an enjoyable way to interact with your neighbors. I guess it's like having a Haufbrau Haus right around the corner.
Isn't there always a little bad along with the good? I also found a few aspects of German life that take some adaption.
1. The entire recycling process | Not only do Germans have to separate paper, plastic, bio waste and true garbage but they must also return glass jars and plastic bottles to the store for a refund of their deposit. It takes a lot of time and space. I much prefer Pittsburgh's one container recycling system.
2. Aggressive bikers with their ringing bells | Instead of the pedestrians having the right of way, here the cyclists have the right of way. I quickly learned that "The biker is always right." A mother walking her two kids plus one in a stroller is no reason for a cyclist to slow his or her pace. When you hear the dreaded bell you must move your family instantly.
3. The lack of convenience in convenience stores | One must quickly bag groceries into his or her own bags, or purchase new ones, off the counter. If the other customers and clerk feel that you are not quick enough they will give you the evil eye and make comments about it. Luckily I don't understand their comments but their facial expressions tell me they are not saying "Have a nice day."
4. Keys are vital | Sometimes I felt like a jail warden and other times I felt like a prisoner. We had keys for the front door, inner door, back door, fence, mail box, basement door, windows and washing machine electrical box. You need to use the keys from the inside and the outside. For example, when I'm home and a friend comes to visit I must unlock the front door my keys. I don't know how common this is, for example my friend's keychain was no where near as large as mine.
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.
Julie on Raising a Family in the Czech Republic | Pittsburgh Family and Newborn Photographer
I had the wonderful oppertunity to travel with my family in Europe while my husband was on short term assignment in Cologne, Germany. I have loved traveling since I was a child. I love visiting new places, trying different foods, experiencing different cultures and meeting people. The experience wasn't always easy but it was totally worth it.
This summer I'll feature some of the great women that I met on my blog. The first feature is an interview with Juilie, an American from New York who is currently living with her family in the Czech Republic.
I first met Julie last summer, while she was visiting family in Pittsburgh. My husband actually met with her husband first and came home he said, "You will not believe how much you have in common with Julie, she also majored in Communications, taught English, was a graphic designer, has three children, is married to a Czech and loves coffee!" I really wanted to meet her because I don't think I've ever had so much in common with anyone ever! This summer while we were visiting family in the Czech Republic she invited us to visit her family and served us "Czech/American Goulash." Her goulash is delicious, her hospitality is genuine and having the oppertunity to discuss our similar lives is priceless.
You have been living in the Czech Republic for around 10 years. You must have some funny experiences to share, right?
Yes! Let me tell you what I did last week. Thankfully bathrooms are all still gender specific here. But I was in a hurry and made the mistake of using a men's restroom, because the door was labeled with the Czech word for "gentlemen" which is "Páni." My quick assumption is that I am a "Paní." which is the word for "Mrs." The only difference in spelling (aside from all the grammatical differences from context) is the placement of the accent mark. Thankfully I escaped with the humiliation of language incompetence. Sometimes you don't have to speak in order to reveal you are a foreigner.
Everyone experiences culture shock. What shocked you?
The first two things that come to mind are shopping and the concern Czech's have about drafts.
Shopping: When I moved here I quickly realized that the typical American "first impression smile," the introductory positive facial expression of a smile, actually works against you in many situations. Like walking into a store... Generally, in the states, in my experience, it's more than a facial expression, it's attached to something, it's your expectation that this will be a positive experience, you expect the salesperson will help or serve you in some way, so you want to already express your gratitude in advance for their anticipated service. In response the salesperson feel ingratiated, appreciated and wants to do all he/she can to make you, the customer happy. He might get a good review, and maybe a raise in pay, if his boss sees he has been doing more than his job.
In the States, when you encounter the "grumpy" salesperson, you just go find another one or ask to speak to the manager and you generally get satisfaction knowing your need will be met in the most gracious way. If the manager is also rude, he risks the threat of having bad reputation for his/her company.
Many customer service related jobs are motivated by the idea that better service leads to better pay and benefits.
Seems to be opposite here. I almost always feel a hostile response to my smile, as thought I'm about to try to con the salesperson or I intend to distract her while I slip merchandise into my pockets. And then even after I mastered the neutral facial expression, I still can't get used to being followed in a small shop by the salesperson. I usually forget what I came in for, when I sense the salesperson is just feet away from me, watching everything I pick up, or standing behind the register eyeing my every move.
Drafts:"Ahh, doesn't that breeze feel great?!" my thoughts which translate almost directly into Czech thoughts: "Quick, close the window! There's a draft!" A draft will be blamed for a stiff neck or any other number of maladies. If you're sniffling today, it's b/c of the draft you allowed in the room yesterday. Yes, even on a 90 degree day. Air conditioning? Certainly not. That's just a man-made draft! My first summer here, I travelled to the mountains with my husband's parents. It was very warm weather, no a/c in the car, and they kept all their windows closed and the air vents closed. I didn't even know that air vents in cars could be closed off. I thought I would die of suffocation or car sickness or both.
What aspects do you like best about Czech culture?
I appreciate the hospitality of Czechs. When you are invited to a home, you are treated very special, from the offering of slippers so your feet don't freeze on their cold floors even in summer, to the amazing home cooked meal they will serve you, including desserts and coffee and more drinks until you can't even put your shoes back on for the way home.
Many American kids love French fries and pizza. What are your children's favorite Czech foods?
My kids' favorite Czech foods are hot buttered noodles with poppyseeds heaped on top, and a big spoon of powdered sugar. My children also love fruit-filled dumplings, gulash, and garlic creamed spinach.
Fresh Poppy Seeds
I'm curious, what is different from raising kids in CZ than from the USA?
When your newborn baby is born in CZ, the nurses write your last name on your newborn baby's leg in bright purple ink, and also your patient number somewhere, and your number written on your hand. So your baby can't be mixed up with another. Then all Czech moms stay the standard 5 days in the birthing hospital with their newborn baby, for all the routine checks. There is sooo much more I could say about giving birth here and also other general medical experiences. All my babies were walked daily for fresh air in their "pram" or fancy stroller (the kind where the baby lies down flat) like all Czech babies. They often slept outdoors in the front porch in the stroller. They wore cotton warm baby tights even through preschool, even the boys. Just the tights, no pants over them (until they went outside). I was immune to some things I was probably doing "wrong" only because I couldn't understand a lot of Czech in my early years here, which coincidentally where also my early motherhood years. My children were all extremely active, (my daughter is two years older than my twin boys) so I even though I tried to go to mom/tots groups which are plentiful here, I usually didn't end up chatting much with other moms, as I kept my kids from biting others, or knocking down their kids' block towers or ripping apart their train tracks. In Czech all moms qualify for maternity leave with a financial stipden which is generally 3 years. So you always see moms with their young kids. It's typical to put your kids in preschool by age 3, to go back to work, unless you have another child, at which point you qualify for another 3 years home. Some mothers actually time their children for this maternity leave benefit. I was able to benefit from it also.
Talk about your children's educational experiences.
My children each spent three years in preschool, although intermittently. It wasn't required to be there daily or even all day. So I tried to keep one home, to get one-on-one time with him/her and alternated. However, there were two of those years that my kids were always sick with strep throat and a few other serious illnesses. So I had them home more than I intended. But now my daughter has been in primary school for 2 years already and loves it. I think generally we are pleased with her education there and my boys start first grade this fall. The school day begins at 7:45 and ends at lunchtime. They get a healthy, hot lunch at school which is the typical main meal in Czech, so we just eat a light meal like pancakes or bread/cheese for dinner at home. There is an after school program which offers various activities, and we have used it occasionally for our daughter for ceramics and drama class.
What do your kids enjoy when they are in the USA?
They love the ocean! And all the wonderful playgrounds which are in almost every neighborhood in Pittsburgh and other cities we visited.
Have you meshed Czech and American culture to create a new culture that is unique to your family?
Yes, basically I can hardly tell the places that are meshed anymore. We eat our main meal at lunchtime every day. We go mushrooming and eat many dishes with mushrooms in them. We garden, but we don't can veggies (we just don't have the time). We cook mostly from scratch, no boxed mixes. We drink instant coffee. 🙂 But we speak English at home when I'm around. My kids and husband speak Czech to each other though. We go often for hikes, and all our vacations in CZ are centered around hiking- mountains. I hang my laundry out to dry or inside on drying racks, as we dn't have a dryer. We did finally get a Starbucks in Brno this year, finally...after the 10 years I wished for one (there were like 13 in Prague!). So now when I have my Czech lesson in Brno, I sometimes take the tram to experience a bit of my US-ness. That's a special treat. Our favorite US fast food here is KFC, not McDonalds or Subway. I would really love to have a Pizza Hut here!
Do you get to travel often?
We haven't travelled much around Europe since moving here. Basically stayed in CZ until we made our US trip. But here in CZ we've seen so much, and I usually don't remember the names of the places/areas, because I'm keeping track of my kids and bathroom stops, but we always have a great time once we are some place the kids can use up their energy on a mountain trail. I used to love road trips in the US, but here I have to pop a motion sickness pill, and my kids, also, just to survive a two hour trip on extremely curvy roads. Now I would rather take a train.
Do you have any reccomendations on the best souvenirs from CZ?
We usually bring our family and friends wafer cookies that are sold in spa towns. They are unique. And we also bring Czech chocolate, especially the Studentska brand.
Thank you, Julie, for taking the time to share about your interesting life of raising cross cultural children!
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.
5 Tips on How to Prepare for your Head Shot Portrait Session | Pittsburgh Portrait Photographer
5 Tips on How to Prepare for your Head Shot Portrait Session
Many clients come for a portrait session feeling a little anxious about having their picture taken and are concerned about looking their best. Today I'm sharing 5 tips for a successful professional and/or fun headshot portrait session and photos from a recent portrait session.
1. Loosen up | Relax and be yourself
When you are relaxed you look comfortable, confident and your natural state. You want to portray your unique style and personality. You don't want to look like a statue.
2. Bring Wardrobe Options
Bring different tops that reflect your character. Wear solid colors and textured clothing like leather, denim and lace. Avoid busy patterns because they can distract from your face. Layers look great. Bring vests, scarves, ties, jackets, sweaters etc.
3. Mentally Prepare.
Think of your favorite actor and work on sharing a range of emotion! Forget about the camera and have fun! Remember that it's all about the eyes. Your eyes show your inner thoughts, your background, your life. Make your eyes come alive and energized you don't want dead or glazed over expressions.
4. Be Well Rested.
When you are rested you have better focus and more energy. You want to be at your 100 percent.
5. Go easy on yourself!
90 percent of actors worry that they look awful in their portraits. It makes sense. We are all too hard on ourselves. Don't be. “A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.” – Mark Twain
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.