Shoot and Share Photo Contest 2018 | Laura Mares Photography
This is the second year that I have participated in the Shoot and Share photo contest!! It’s a free, fair, and fun photo contest that is open to all photographers around the world. I love being able to see current work from talented photographers!
SHOOT AND SHARE PHOTO CONTEST
Every year, Shoot and Share (a community for photographers) puts together a photo contest. Anyone can submit up to 50 images to see how their work fairs with their peers. It is a daunting task to pick your favorites photos that you hope will do well in the contest! In January photographers submit their favorites into several different categories, some of categories include: lifestyle, maternity, children and kids, family, babies and toddlers, newborns and birth, seniors and teens, wedding, portraits and travel.
412,379 photos were submitted this year. Wow! There are 12 rounds to get to the finals. We are currently in round 10. 42,543 photos still remain in the contest. That means that we are down to the top 10.3%. So far this year 108,053 people have voted from 125 different countries!
It’s just as easy to vote as it is to enter! Once you are on the voting page, you see four different photos from one category, you must chose your favorite of the four photos. As soon as you click on your choice another four photos appear on your screen. Be careful, voting can be addicting! This year people have already spent 232,081 hours voting.
Picking your favorite photo can be difficult. I often want to pick more than just one! I seem to like lifestyle, black and white images, and seeing connection between people in the photos. If there’s a photo that you absolutely love, and want to learn more about after the contest is over, you can favorite the image. Actually when an image has been favorited, it receives a heart, which is the only way a photographer can know if one of their photos is moving up through the rounds.
Keep in mind that voting can become addicting! Sometimes I wake up and think, "I'll just vote on a couple photos, and the next thing I know it's 30 minutes later! It’s inspiring to see beautiful and creative images. And I always hope that I'll have the chance to see my own image, but so far I haven't had the chance.
I was nervous to enter this year. Last year I entered several travel images from our summer living in Europe. A portrait that I took of a French painter made it to the 11th round. This year I entered a couple images of my own kids in local parks around Pittsburgh, a couple from Norway and mostly family portraits from my photo sessions. While I looked through my images from the past year, I couldn’t help but be humbled with gratitude. Gratitude towards the families that trusted me to document family. Regardless how I do this year, I’ll continue to remember that what I get to do for others is amazing. I get to preserve the special moments in their lives.
While I am super excited to see how I fare this year, I’m even more excited to see if there is improvement from my results last year. I love that as a photographer, I can continue to improve and develop my skills and talents. There’s always room for improvement and growth!
Voting will remain open until March 3. You can vote in the contest too, just click here! I hope you enjoy voting for you favorite images as much as I do! The results are released a couple weeks after voting has completed. I’ll be sure to the results on my next month!!
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 along on Instagram and Facebook.
Volunteering at Night to Shine | Pittsburgh Photographer
Night to Shine
Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is an event designed to create an evening to remember for individuals with special needs.
Night to Shine is described as an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older.
This event was celebrated in 537 churches on February 9, 2018 around the world. Approximately 90,000 honored guests experienced royal treatment through the support of 175,000 volunteers!
It was my privilege to serve as a volunteer photographer at the Night to Shine in the South Hills of Pittsburgh at The Bible Chapel in Peters Township.
There were 330 guests and 640 volunteers at this venue alone.
Racks of donated gowns lined the halls of The Bible Chapel in the weeks leading up to the event.
Local hair salons opened their doors and volunteered their time and talent to help prepare the guests for the event.
Guests arrive with their family for registration and to be matched with a "buddy" for the evening.
Parents and caregivers gather in the respite area for dinner and a movie.
The evening began with pampering: make-up touch ups and shoe shines, a stop at the photo booth and a ride in a limo.
Guests exit the limo with their buddies and walk down the red carpet together, where they are greeted by "paparazzi" and cheers.
Guests could chose the amount of energy at their entrance by choosing from three options: "energy," "quiet" or "no pictures."
My daughter volunteered on the red carpet as a member of the welcoming paparazzi crowd. She was amazed to see the red carpet transform to accommodate the preference of each guest. She said the room could be filled with high energy, high fives, and a guest dancing down the red carpet and seconds later the room was nearly silent with respectful smiles and mild applause.
Every guest is crowned king or queen.
The evening activities included a dinner, karaoke, dancing and a video presentation from Tim Tebow.
I was one of several photographers documenting the night. During the course of the day, I visited two hair salons, covered the registration tables, buddy matches and finished the night in the karaoke room.
I was touched to see so many ecstatic guests throughout the day.
I asked many guests if I could take their picture and I was nearly always greeted with a huge smile that light up an entire face!
I admire the extensive generosity that I saw throughout the day from the gorgeously decorated hair salons to enough delicious donated food to feed an army!
Throughout the evening when I looked into the faces in the crowd I was greeted by smiling faces of the many volunteers and the guests as well!
I can tell you that it was truly a night to shine and that the guests and the volunteers alike had an evening that they will never forget!
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 along on Instagram and Facebook.
Exploring Pittsburgh's Neighborhoods: Lifestyle of a Photographer
Exploring Pittsburgh's Neighborhoods: Lifestyle of a Photographer
I spend quite a bit of time driving around Pittsburgh. On a long drive in January, I decided it'd be fun to start a new blog series featuring Pittsburgh's neighborhoods as a lifestyle photographer. It's probably no surprise to hear that I spend a lot of time editing photographs at my computer, but you may be surprised to hear how often I also get to explore Pittsburgh's neighborhoods!
Today let's feature Lawrenceville. (and my favorite taco stand in Brookline that I always stop at if I'm anywhere near during lunchtime!)
Las Palmas is located on Brookline Blvd. When you stop for a taco, you'll be asked, "cuantos tacos?"
You can order steak, chicken, ground beef, pork and pineapples to name a few of my favorite options. It's $2.50 a taco. You can place your order outside and then head into the Mexican grocery store to pay.
I especially love the fresh salsa and guacamole.
While it is often busy at lunchtime the line moves quickly!
Since I'm a busy wife and mother of three, I honestly don't have much time to research before I head out. So I love asking my clients for great local suggestions to check out while in their neighborhood. I asked Tara for advice on what shops and restaurants she'd recommend for me to stop by and check out in Lawrenceville.
Shops:
Pavement Is a boutique that support local, indie, and sustainable designers but also offers top American-made brands like Stateside, Chaser and Three Dots.
Wild Card is a great shop to find unique greeting cards and gifts for the person "who has everything!"
No.14 is a gift shop full of trendy fashion accessories and clothes.
Von Walter & Funk call themselves purveyors of find goods, including home decor, paper items and jewelry.
While I was exploring Lawrenceville, I also came across T's Uphostery Studio. I purchased beautiful fabric samples. My daughter uses a couple of the fabric pieces in her dollhouse for blankets and curtains and I used a couple of the longer pieces to make into runners for our dinning room table.
Coffee:
Espressomano has a relaxed atmosphere and great coffee served in porcelain mugs. I love the exposed brick walls and chalkboard menu.
Lunch:
Mexican-Round Corner Cantina
Smoke Taqueria
Industry Public House
The Abbey (or for a drink-the atmosphere is great)
Befor I left Lawrenceville, I stopped in for a beautiful piece of Scotch whiskey caramel chocolate from A519. It reminded me of the Belgium chocolate boutiques we came across in Brussels and Bruges!
What are your favorite places to stop at in Lawrenceville? I'd love to check them out too!
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 along on Instagram and Facebook.
Ella and Tutu: The Unicorn Search
Ella and Tutu: The Unicorn Search | Pittsburgh Lifestyle Photographer
Story by Anna Mares. Doll by Lenna McGraw. Photography by Laura Mares.
Today Ella and Tutu are taking part in a Unicorn Search Expedition. Together they have traveled from their home to go on safari. Tutu found an article explaining the rumors of Unicorn sightings in Pittsburgh, so the two decided to make a day of it. Ella has decided to use her special telescope to help them find the fantastic creature.
Sadly the first exhibit is home to a tiger (not the unicorn), but the girls still enjoy the friendly animal.
Continuing along the trail, they stumble upon huge rocks and attempt to climb them. Ella's big sister helps boost them up to the top of the pile.
Ella quickly solves her fear of heights, and enjoys posing on the interesting structure!
The next habitat is home to two ferocious lions. Ella and Tutu giggle as the big cats roar.
The two friends are slowly becoming more and more disappointed with their lack of success in finding the majestic unicorn. Tutu decides that flying to the next destination will help boost team moral, so Ella pretends to fly as she flings Tutu into the air, faithful their ingenious plan will work.
At first the plan is successful, and the girls laugh as they receive strange looks from other Zoo visitors. Within seconds however, Tutu's body comes crashing down on top of Ella!
The silly girls decide that they will stick to walking as their form of transportation. Tutu has another spark of genius however, and decides that they should have a quick dance break before continuing on to the next exhibit.
Reenergized, they continue on the path, and find the elephant exhibit. But once again, there are no unicorns.
The girls have one final stop before their adventure is over, the aquarium. Ella loves this part the best, and excitedly searches the tanks for any sign of a Unicorn...
All they find are some jellyfish, but Ella still enjoys the natural light show.
The girls are quite depressed as they trudge back home, disappointed that they never met the unicorn!
Tutu reminds the devastated Ella that they might always run into the unicorn on their way back to the car! The pep talk does the adventurers wonders as they set off to finish their journey.
Suddenly out of the corner of her eye, Tutu spots a white mystical creature sprint behind the foliage! The two girls excitedly chase the sound....And sure enough they find the most beautiful unicorn ever, Zoe!
Zoe shares that she doesn't have any friends, and is quite lonely living all alone in Pittsburgh. The girls ponder the situation, and decide that they would love Zoe as a fellow friend! The three drive home together, excited for what future adventures may come their way.
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 along on Instagram and Facebook.
The Mares Family Kitchen Project | Pittsburgh Lifestyle Photographer
The Mares Family Kitchen Project | Pittsburgh Lifestyle Photographer
We had an extensive water leak that damaged our cabinets and floors. We hired someone to remove the mold and replace the floor, he managed to remove the mold but left us with a plywood floor. It took us a couple of years to regroup, plan and save for the much needed repairs. On November 1, 2017 we began our journey toward restoring our kitchen. We needed nearly everything to be replaced.
I took a couple of photos during the long process of restoring our kitchen. It was hard to feed a family of 5 using just the refrigerator and a countertop microwave. We enjoyed lots of salads, baked potatoes and frozen meatballs over the six weeks that we didn't have a working kitchen. Fortunately, my mom and sister in law also prepared several delicious meals for us and one family had us over for a Czech meal at their home!
It looked pretty ugly in our kitchen for a couple of weeks!
Slowly it began to be build back up, with plaster work and a new floor.
There was a plastic wall to contain most of the dust and dirt from entering the rest of the house. My daughter and I were home the day the plastic wall came down! We were so excited! It was beginning to look like a kitchen again! She brought a couple of toys to play in the new space. I asked her what was her favorite thing so far, she pointed to the squiggle on the wall that marked where I shouldn't paint yet, and stated something like "I just love the wall art!"
Once the walls and floors were ready the cabinets went in and we had a temporary sink. We could finally enjoy great coffee again!
A few days before Christmas, the countertop was installed! We finally had a fully functioning kitchen! My daughter invited a friend over to make Christmas cookies!
The last few details were completed in January: the backsplash and an small cabinet on wheels that can become an island when needed, otherwise it can stay tucked in the corner.
While Jason completed nearly all of the kitchen himself, we painted it and did the grout for the backsplash with our talented neighbor, Dylan.
This is Jason, the friendly and knowledgeable contractor, just minutes before he finished the kitchen.
Take a look at how the kitchen looks today!
We have many friends and family in Europe that happen to have beautiful kitchens! I like the look of the bright and airy European kitchens where the light bounces around the space. Fortunately my new friend Pia, a Norwegian photographer, has fabulous taste in design and shared ideas on Nordic design and showed me her favorite kitchens on her Pinterest page.
Our first two major decisions were deciding on the cabinets and floor. I knew for years that I wanted plain white shaker cabinets, but I wanted affordable, solid wood cabinets. Our neighbors had just finished a kitchen project with gorgeous, solid wood, white shaker cabinets! We used the company that they recommended. I texted a friend that has an eye for interior design and asked for any thoughts about choosing the floor. She said to choose anything that hides dirt! What wonderful advice when you have three children.
Although it was really difficult to be without a kitchen during the holidays, one advantage was being able to utilize Black Friday specials. Just about everything we needed was on sale, like the rugs, appliances and lights.
I always loved my mom's open cabinet that was in our house when I was growing up. She told me a couple of stories over the years about it, like when she was a child it held her grandma's favorite items in her kitchen. When I explained to my mom that I was looking for a small open cabinet, similar to her grandma's, she told me that I could have it! You can see it below with several of my favorite items, Danish gnomes from my mother-in-law, the Dala horse my husband brought back from Sweden, a couple Rae Dunn dishes and our fondue pot.
I'm honestly not sure which was more difficult; surviving without a kitchen for six weeks, living in a house that was an utter disaster or making so many decisions! For example, I spent hours looking at pendant lights on day until I finally found these glass ones (pictured below). One of my best friends graciously spent hours with me searching at endless granite warehouses helping to find the "right" one. It was with her that I decided that I wanted plain medium gray countertops with a matte finish. But in all of our searching we never came one. I thought it must not exist until a few days later the kids and I entered a countertop store in Brentwood and almost immediately found the perfect countertop for us!
We have wonderful German friends that we met while they lived in Pittsburgh a couple of years ago. After a visit back to Germany, Nina brought us an Alessi pepper mill. She said that although it's actually made by an Italian designer many Germans have an item designed by Alessi in their kitchens. Every time I use my pepper mill I think of our dear friends in Cologne.
My older daughter made me a double vase for Christmas this year. I'm excited to keep fresh flowers/trimmings in our kitchen year round.
Since the look of the kitchen had really changed, I thought it'd be a good idea to make a few small changes in the dinning room too! We updated our chandelier and rug, painted our rustic server gray, make new shelves and found a primitive bowl and bread board.
My mom and I traded dinning room chairs. We both laughed about it thinking that we had gotten the best deal!
Every year my dad gives us bulbs to grow during the winter. I enjoy seeing their progress daily.
Contractor: Jason Stromberg, Four Square Builders
Counter: Artisan Gray Quartz from Giant Stone
Cabinets: Budget Cabinet Solutions
Pendant Lights: Pottery Barn
Chandelier: Birch Lane
Backsplash tiles: 3x6 Subway tile from Home Depot
Floor tiles: 12x24 inch tile from Lowes
Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams (light gray) mindful gray (dark gray) dovetail
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 along on Instagram and Facebook.