31 Must-Take Family Christmas Photos | Pittsburgh Family Photographer
This year I want to enjoy my family more and stress less. And since, Christmas is a wonderful time to capture candid, sincere expressions from our children, I decided to take more photographs of my own kids! This list is full of must-take family Christmas photos that occur every December, but I forget to document this special family traditions. I’m planning to create a photo book from these family portraits to remember this Christmas in the coming years. I encourage you to do the same! I'd love to see what photos you take of your family!
31 Must-Take Family Christmas Photos
1. Choosing our Christmas tree or setting it up
2. Decorating our Christmas tree
3. Hanging our newest ornaments (usually from our vacations)
4. Setting up Elf on the shelf scenarios
5. Decorating a gingerbread house
6. Bundling up in scarves and mittens
7. Enjoying hot cocoa with marshmallows together
8. Playing in the snow
9. Presents under the tree
10. Reading a christmas book
11. Catching snowflakes
12. Making Christmas presents
13. Writing letters to Santa Claus
14. Talking to Santa Claus
15. Making (& eating) Christmas cookies
16. Cutting paper snowflakes
17. Kissing under the mistletoe
18. Playing or singing Christmas carols
19. Cuddling in a cozy blanket while watching a Christmas movie
20. Wrapping presents
21. Eating candy canes
22. Opening our Advent chocolates
23. Lighting our Advent candles
24. Wearing Christmas pajamas
25. Hanging Christmas stockings
26. Setting out milk and cookies for Santa (and carrots for Rudolph)
27. Posing for a family "selfie" in front of our Christmas tree
28. Playing with our dog in the snow
29. Enjoying new Christmas decorations
30. Building a snowman
31. Enjoying a great meal out together as a family
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.
Pink and Gold First Birthday Party | Real Pittsburgh Family | Bethel Park 1st Birthday Photographer
Pink and Gold First Birthday Party
Tell us about your baby's first birthday party.
We had a lot of family and friends that came and helped us celebrate Raelynn turning one. It was a wonderful time!
Write 3 adjectives that describe your baby's 1st birthday.
Exciting, girlie, fun
What was the theme of the Party?
Princess - pink and gold
Where was the party?
The Clubhouse on Brightwood in Bethel Park, PA
How many guests?
60+
Tell us about the food.
We made all the food. Pastas, salad, meatballs and appetizers
Who baked the cake?
Bethel bakery
Tell us about the party decorations.
Pink, gold, ivory...pale colors with a touch of sparkle
What activities did you have for the kids?
Face painting and games
What did your baby wear to the party?
A gorgeous pink and gold dress
What was the highlight of the party?
The cake smash
What's the best advice you can give to other families planning a first birthday party?
Definitely book a photographer!
What do you look forward to doing with your baby in the next year?
Watching her grow and learn new things
How will you use the photos from the party?
Make a photo book
How did you chose Laura Mares Photography to photograph your event?
Laura was referred and I'm so happy I did!!
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.
What to Expect at a Family Session with Laura Mares | Pittsburgh Portrait Photographer
What to Expect at a Family Session with
Laura Mares Photography | Pittsburgh Portrait Photographer
I believe photo sessions are meant to be relaxed and fun.
I don't expect your kids to be "on their best behavior."
Don't feel bad if they aren't being perfect little angles on the day of the session.
I don't expect them to be! I expect them to be who they are.
I want the experience to be fun for all involved so that your kids will be happy to return to "Miss Laura's" for many years to come.
The biggest thing that you can do to help is to trust me.
Trust I will get natural expressions and beautiful portraits of your child / children.
Since children often feel the need to "preform" for their parents, if can be helpful for parents to take a step back and let the kids have fun and express their personalities.
I tease parents that I collect $1 for every "Cheese!" or Smile!" I hear!
I could use the money I collect to buy the most obnoxious and noisy toy I can find for a gift to your family!
Seriously though let's make family portrait sessions be creative, fun and natural!
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.
Ella & Hops in Belgium | Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer
Ella & Hops in Belgium
Story by Anna Mares. Doll by Lenna McGraw. Photography by Laura Mares
Ella is excited to start her first day exploring Belgium. Ella begins her journey as soon as she departs from the campground. Ella begs her dad to buy her a VW Bus for her birthday. She adores the teal, hippie look.
This is Ella's first trip without Tutu and is a little sad… Mommy thinks she has found the perfect gift to cheer her up.
Ella can’t figure out what her present is. She loves the floral wrapping paper though!
Ella has hand-picked the perfect spot to open the Belgian mystery gift. She cautiously opens the hand-wrapped bag.
She begins tearing of the paper bit by bit.
It''s a bunny doll! Ella loves her. Ella decides to take Hops down the nearby slide to start their first adventure. They have a blast together at the playground.
After the playground, they skip around on the board walk, since it’s a bit to breezy to play in the ocean. Hops is a little bummed.
Ella is taking in the the salty, wind. She loves it.
Hops thinks things are finally looking up when they run upon a gigi-ni-normus ice-cream cone! Let’s just say Hops wasn’t crafted for the ocean, she was built for land adventures with her girl!
Ella feels sorry for Hops because she hasn't been enjoying the sea side, so she decides on the perfect outing…a chocolate store. They stand in the doorway, looks of glee plastered on their giddy faces.
They both stand silent, in awe of all the chocolate. They decide on a small purchase of chocolate balls. They begin to walk around to find the perfect spot to dine in.
Ella becomes extremely excited when they stumble upon a secret lair in the shop. They look around in silence and drink in the med-evil flair.
They stop in a wood shop when Hops has a brilliant idea. They could shop around in a toy store to find a present for Tutu in their next meeting.
Hops tummy gives a small rumble, a reminder that it's lunch time. They begin on their search for food.
Ella just loves the teal doors. They remind her of the VW Bus they encountered in the camp ground.
They goof around on their walk to the center. Fully taking in the Belgian simplicity, they skip along the cobblestones.
Finally, they find a stand selling Hop's fav... "frites". (or fries in English.)
Hops begs Ella to open the chocolates until she finally gives in. The mouth-watering chocolates make the girls want to never leave.
They hitch a quick ride on a Belgian boat, and Hops is filled with unpleasant memories of their time at the sea side.
They come to a unanimous decision that it's time to go. They slump onto a curb in an unorganized heap.
Goodbye!
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.