Tara Whittaker Photography

The entries are rolling in for the Love You Back project. There are some great ones coming in and the entry deadline is February 29th. This is a great opportunity for one 2012 couple to win a fantastic wedding photography package. Don’t miss out!

I’m in a very ” Valentiney” mood this morning after I came across this adorable video on one of my favourite blogs Snippet & Ink. I love that the photographers themselves are also a real couple (The Sartorialist & Garance Doré). Hmmmm!! Did you know that you can enter your own LOVE-ly photo on the Tiffany site here.

Starting in July last year, I had the amazing Wendy Dixon as my second shooter. Wendy has a great eye and quiet presence that make her the perfect addition to the team. I was more than happy to oblige when Wendy asked me to be her second shooter at Ann and Brian’s wedding at Nakoda Lodge. Second shooting really does require a different mindset. On the one hand, it was refreshing to “not be in charge” for a change but on the other hand, you really have to think about how you can help and not hinder the lead photographer. I’m posting a few of my images with Wendy’s permission. Ann & Brian were relaxed, warm and Brian really had the most infectious laugh ever. Enjoy!

A few weeks ago, I talked about the new Crave Calgary on the blog. I met and photographed so many great ladies and their businesses. Today I’m featuring Krista and Rewind Consignment Clothing.

To quote Krista…despite the name, Rewind is a fashion-forward boutique offering new and resale clothing and accessories in an inviting atmosphere. You will find designer labels as well as popular brands and unique one-of-a-kind items adorning the racks of shelves in this unique heritage space. Enjoy a friendly shopping experience with staff that love fashion and handpick the merchandise just for you!

Krista’s shop is located at 1002 Macleod Trail SE. Be sure to check it out.

On Sunday I announced the second year of the Love You Back project. It’s a very cool opportunity for one 2012 couple to win their wedding photography. To enter, we’re asking couples to pull together an inspiration board that tells us about their wedding. As a judge, I would love to see pretty things but also thoughtful details that really identify you as a couple. Maybe a nod to your first date or a copy of your first email. What can I say, I’m a sentimental gal.

One smart bride who stopped by my booth at Wedding Fair asked if she could send me a link to her wedding Pinterest board. What a brilliant idea and the answer is YES! Are you on Pinterest? What a simple and free way to complete your submission. Check out my “big” Pinterest boards here.

Big thank you to everyone who stopped by my booth at Wedding Fair yesterday. I met some incredible couples with fantastic ideas. One couple has a comic strip theme planned. Love it!!!

And…guess what…we won best photo/video booth!! It’s a thrill because I was amongst a pretty stylin’ group of colleagues. Thanks Judges.

If you stopped by my booth and are looking for info about the LOVE YOU BACK project, then read all about it here.

Much love to Blake and Julianna (pictured above), a former bride and groom of mine who “rocked around the clock” yesterday in my booth. Big hugs to Pops, Jamie and Colleen who helped as well.

From the moment I transitioned into wedding photography, I decided that every year I would gift one special couple with free wedding photography. I always want to remember my humble beginnings and be grateful for each and every couple that I have the privilege of photographing. If I were engaged myself, wedding photography would be my first priority (right after finding the groom). I know that quality wedding photographers are a big investment and that not everyone can afford a photographer they adore. Last year I collaborated with a like-minded colleague on the Love You Back project, our way of giving back to an industry we love. It ended up being one of the highlights of the season for me. All of the entrants told us their story through a video but Sarah & Bryce stole our hearts. Their wedding took place in September and you’ll have to stay tuned for the full scoop on their incredible day. To quote the bride, “the entire wedding day was bliss”.

I’m changing things up this year and I’m on the hunt for a couple with loads of personal style, who are willing to show us what’s in store for their wedding and what makes their love so special.

1. Provide me with an inspiration board that details your plans and dreams for your upcoming wedding. With a background in styling, I’m a sucker for a good inspiration board. Show me how your wedding will be different. Beauty and thoughtful details make my job as a photographer that much more fun. Your board doesn’t have to be fancy and you don’t have to be a graphic designer to enter. Maybe you send a group of photos you shot on your iphone or maybe you send something more elaborate. Try using Pinterest to create your board. What a simple and free way to complete your submission. Provide a brief explanation of your board and how it represents you and your fiance. Here are some examples:

This is the inspiration board behind this shoot. If you’re having trouble getting started, check out one of my favourite blogs, Snippet & Ink. It’s brimming with inspiration for any style of wedding. Check it out.

2. Be willing to “style-up” your engagement shoot. Check out my recent post on styled engagement shoots. There are no limits folks.
3. Be getting married in 2012. If I’m already booked on your date, sorry!
4. Be getting married in Alberta.
5. Be willing to have your story told on blogs, facebook, twitter etc.

1. 8 hours of coverage on your wedding day by Tara and her assistant.
2. An engagement session.
2. CD of high resolution images with print permissions.
3. A beautiful album telling the story of your day.
4. All travel fees for the photographers.

A panel of 3 wedding experts in Calgary will chose the winning inspiration board (I am one of the 3). We are looking for three things: originality, personality and effort. We would love to see some unique ideas that really tell us about your love story. It doesn’t have to be fancy but show us that you rolled up your sleeves for a chance to win this amazing prize (valued at $5600). To submit your entry, type LOVE YOU BACK in the subject line of an email and attach your inspiration board. Please DO NOT post the inspiration boards on my facebook page.

If you have any questions, give me the studio a call at 403-247-3746 or drop me a line at photography@tarawhittaker.com

If you follow my blog, you may have noticed a trend in the engagement / love shoots I post. More and more, couples are approaching me to do more than take their engagement photographs – they’re asking me to “style” the shoot for them. The funny thing is, I realized that I have a knack for this and more than that, I love doing it. You may be wondering, “why would I want someone to style my shoot” or “what does that even mean?” These are good questions. I’m a photographer but I also view myself as the creative director of your shoot. There’s nothing more exciting that receiving a call from a couple who really wants to up the ante on their photo shoot and ask for my help. Let me give you some examples.

Have you ever read the novel Possession by A.S. Byatt? It’s a delicious tale of intrigue, scandal and Victorian poetry. Maybe you’ve seen the movie with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam? If you haven’t, then this love shoot with Randi and Shakir will send you running to pick up a copy. I think it’s so cool when a couple has a special connection with a story, a song, a movie or even an era, and brings those ideas to their shoot. These two were great storytellers and made some pretty pictures in the process. The images evoke a sense of history, romance and of course, the tenderness between Randi and Shakir.

One business I fell in love with at our shoot for Calgary Calgary, was Haute Tots. Angela carries the most amazing selection of children’s hats in bright and bold colours. Love! Here’s a few shots from our shoot and be sure to head over to her website and check it out. You can also see her feature in the new edition of Crave Calgary.

It’s not everyday that you drive down the street and see your photographs on a billboard. It’s a first for me and it’s pretty exciting! The billboard is promoting the release of the new issue of Calgary Bridal Guide, Copies will be available for attendees of Wedding Fair on January 22nd at the BMO Centre. They are also available for purchase at Chapters & Indigo, Safeway, Co-op and Walmart.

Oh my!! I looked at the frost on my window this morning and thought this summer love shoot with Gillian and Cory would be the perfect antidote. I’m loving the rich color and Gillian’s gorgeous smile in this shoot. Enjoy!!

Have you ever read InStyle Magazine and opened up to the page entitled At the Cover Shoot? You know the page where they tell you what Beyoncé was wearing when she arrived at the shoot and what lipstick they used on her, while she texted Jay-Z on her diamond-encrusted iphone. I must confess that it’s always been a dream of mine to open up to that page and see in bold black letters on the bottom left, photographed by Tara Whittaker Photography. Who am I kidding, I’ve also dreamt of being Beyonce (or at least one of her background singers). Anyhow, I’m hoping you’ll indulge me as I’ve taken a few liberties and created my own little At the Cover Shoot for the newest edition of Calgary Bridal Guide.

Today I’m going to toot my own horn a little, okay? Back in October, I told you all about the cover shoot that I did for Calgary Bridal Guide. The first part of the shoot had a feminine and organic feel, with a touch of vintage. Part two was full on 1955 and you will find a photo from it on the cover of the current issue of the Bridal Guide. Copies will be available for attendees of Wedding Fair on January 22nd at the BMO Centre. They are also available for purchase at Chapters & Indigo, Safeway, Co-op and Walmart.

I thought it would be fun to show you a few of the other photos from that day. As I was reviewing the photos, I remembered how hard the wind was blowing that day. The conditions were challenging but our model Laura was a superstar. I came across a few behind-the-scene photos that I thought would be fun to post tomorrow. Stay tuned…