10 Tips for Better Flower Pictures | Pittsburgh Photographer

Photograph flowers on an overcast day. 

This creates a soft beautiful light, without hot spots.

Look for backlight.

This will make your flowers glow. 

Move in close.

This will make your subject larger in your photo.

Use a reflector.

A flat white material, like a piece of white cardboard, will reflect light back on to your subject.

Avoid distractions.

Keep clutter out of the background. 

Use a shallow depth of field.

Keep your flower in focus, but while creating a beautiful blur (or bokeh) in the background.

Make it sharp.

Everyone loves tack sharp images!

Highlight something special.

Find a subject to make the flower the background, like a raindrop, a bumble bee, a butterfly or a humming bird.

Change perspective.

Try laying down and angle your camera upward or angle straight down from directly above.

Add dimension.

Focus through other flowers, leaves or grass.

Bring some flowers inside 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 us on Instagram and Facebook.

 Interview with a South Hills Mom | Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer

When was your baby born? 

Our baby was born in March 2017.

What was your baby's height and weight at birth?

Our baby weighted 7 lb 1.2 ounces at birth.

Was your baby early, late or on time?

Our baby was two weeks late!

What area of Pittsburgh do you call home?

We live in the South Hills of Pittsburgh.

What was your first thought when you found out you were pregnant?

Here we go again...😜

How did you tell the father you were expecting?

I showed him the pregnancy test results

How did you style the nursery?

I didn't... we just went with what we already had.

How did you chose your baby's name?

My husband selected the name ... after one of his favorite basketball players.

What are you looking forward to doing with your baby?

I'm looking forward to lots and lots of snuggles... they grow so fast!

Write 3 adjectives that describe your newborn baby.

Our newborn baby is sweet, amazing and delightful.

Share a piece of advice to an expecting mom.

Pamper yourself before baby arrives.

What has been the biggest struggle since coming home from the hospital?

The lack of sleep and time to get things accomplished.

What was your favorite part of your newborn photo session?

My favorite part of his newborn session was watching my precious little bean getting posed.

Why is newborn photography important to you?

It's important to document as many precious moments as you can. They are growing at an exponential rate right now. Besides, I love sleepy newborn photos!!

If any of your personal items were used during the portrait session, where were they from? Target, Pottery Barn, Etsy, etc.

Grandma made cute blankets and an owl cocoon and a quilt that the hospital gave us.

Where did you deliver?

St. Clair Hospital

Who is your OB/GYN?

Zubritzky and Christy

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.

Easter | Spring Studio Set-up for Baby Boys | Pittsburgh Baby Photographer

I love receiving inquires that let me get creative. This week I received a request for an Easter/spring studio session for a nine month old baby boy. I started thinking... grass, eggs, bunny, carrots, watering can, wagon, banners, flowers, Easter basket. I looked around the studio, found a couple useful items and then made a shopping trip to Pottery Barn Kids and Hobby Lobby. I think the studio is ready for baby boys and their Easter pictures! Here are some behind the scenes photos of the 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 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.