Tara Whittaker Photography

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.

This morning I’m posting a few favourites from a recent shoot with this awesome family. These guys are fantastic, especially when you consider that these photos were taken just hours after they wrapped up their gig as the emcees for Jordan & Reanna’s wedding. Great to see you again!

This is one of my all-time favourites. Little brother was showing me his best GQ moves. He’s definitely got it goin’ on.

It was fun to connect with this family again. More to come…

Last night I tagged along with a photographer friend and was the second shooter for a family shoot. It’s not something I get to do very often but I had so much fun getting “in between moments” while she was doing the hard work. Enjoy!

This is a shoot from one of my favourite little families. We’ve done several shoots together and I was thrilled to get the call when little Patton arrived. In case you missed it, check out their sweet sneak peek here.

Well Austin is one year old. I can’t believe it but I’ve wrapped up my fourth shoot in Austin’s “First Year” package. This package is such a great way to document baby’s first year. Remember the autumn maternity session, the newborn shoot, Austin at 6 months, and finally, Austin at ONE.

On a very chilly Sunday back in March, I did a photo shoot with the Kim family. They requested “cement” as a backdrop for their photos and I was happy to comply. We were eventually forced indoors due to the weather but Michelle recommended that we shoot in the lobby of a heritage building downtown. I just love the colors that they wore and how they popped on a grey afternoon. I also love how much the Kims like to laugh. Check out there sneak peek here.

It’s always nice to get a referral from a former bride and it was especially lovely to hear from Sonia, the sister one of my favourite couples from last year. Sonia told me that she and Juan were expecting their third child, a girl. We managed to squeak out a maternity session before the babe arrived and I was excited to meet her in person. She’s a beauty and very special to this family.

This was session number 2 of 4 in “The First Year” package. If you’re interested, please contact the studio for details.

Here’s a little something for one of my favourite families, the Kims. And they’re not just my favourites because they took me for Korean food afterwards. Stay tuned for more…

PS: Milton and Michelle really know how to throw a fun party. This post reminded me of their Christmas Party where we happened to do Tara’s Play Station. I’m seeing some of these people today – I hope they don’t kill me.

Here’s a few from a recent shoot with my lovely friend, Ania Basak.

Back in March, I met up with Ken & Angie and we wandered around Old Quebec City for a photo shoot until our fingers and ears were frozen (seems to be the recurrent theme of my recent photo shoots). While the temperatures were cold, the colors in the city were vibrant and fun – perfect match for these two. Enjoy!

Here’s a preview from my session with baby brother. Happy Friday!

When I started this series featuring the best kisses I’ve captured with my camera, I imagined brides and grooms. However, when I started pouring through my files, I came across some adorable and hilarious moments too. This is one of my favourite Mamas and her young son (who recently became a big brother). Watch for photos of the new babe soon.

A couple of fun shots from the weekend.

And if you’re getting married in 2011, you’ll want to read all about the “Love You Back” project here.

For a few years now, I’ve been offering a package that I call “The First Year”. It’s for couples that are expecting and it’s a fantastic way of documenting the first year of a child’s life, from the maternity session through to the first birthday. It includes 4 mini-sessions and a custom-designed album – a beautiful keepsake. I was thrilled when the sister of one of my former brides, booked a First Year session. We squeezed in a maternity session and just in time because I just received the news that little sister has arrived. I’m looking forward to meeting her soon.

If you’re interested in booking a First Year session, please give the studio a call.

With two big brothers, I hope the baby doesn’t mind a little rough and tumble.