I love photographing newborn babies! Every baby that has come into the studio has been wonderful and adorable. The props, backgrounds, poses all come together to accentuate their unique beauty and personality. After each newborn session I spend hours in front of the iMac running Photoshop and listening to loud music, often Hillsong, on my beats headphones. I typically edit a portrait using a 10 step process. I brighten and smooth skin, reduce red in skin, highlight eyes and lashes, adjust the contrast darken and blur edges and apply a subtle film-like filter. Today I'm sharing a before and after edit of sweet 12-day-old Piper. Can you see these differences from the before to the after edit?


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.
It's been a busy couple of months! And I am thankful for every second of the business. Every opportunity I have to record special moments is such a treasure and a blessing. Recently I was photographed this beautiful baby girl. Highlights from this newborn session include: meeting a new family, filling the new wooden bowl with beautiful alpaca fleece transforming it into a comfortable bed and seeing this baby girl fit so perfectly into her fathers hands!




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 just love this family and it was so fun to photograph them in my studio!! We are so glad they moved to Pittsburgh around a year ago! We enjoyed a lot of laughs, many led by my daughter/assistant. This family reminds me so much of my own family a couple of years ago. I'm looking forward to photographing more families in the studio and on location.





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 was thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph a friend from high school's baby recently. It's always a pleasure to catch up with old friends. This little guy was a real trooper, a few hours after we finished his photo shot he was in the ER feeling under the weather. One of my favorite memories of this little guy was getting to hear all the songs his parents have written for him! Being raised by two music teachers I appreciate music and family written lyrics to brand new melodies!






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 had my first opportunity to photograph a returning newborn for a sitting photo shot. It was such a joy to see how he has grown, what he has learned and what makes him smile! This little guy loves his family and his family sure loves him. Since I enjoy shopping, I enjoy looking for new props and finding great yarn to knit or crochet into baby outfits. Samuel was the first baby to sit in the blue bucket and leaf basket, he's also the first to wear these crocheted pants and knitted hat. Look how much he has grown!






This is one of my favorites from Samuel's newborn session. I can't help but grin when I see his adorable grin!
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.