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!

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

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.

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…

As I mentioned yesterdayon the blog, I’m excited to be part of the launch of Crave Calgary. Over the next few weeks, I’m going to feature each of the businesses that I photographed for the project. Some were brand new to me and some were old friends. Today is all about one of those friends, Sarah Mayerson Design and Flora. I have had the good fortune to work with Sarah on multiple wedding-related projects so I was thrilled to photograph her retail location on Edmonton Trail, Flora. It’s fresh, modern and filled with floral delight. Be sure to pop into Flora at 902 Edmonton Trail NE or check out the website.

This wedding was a little extra special for me because several years ago, I shot the groom’s high school graduation photos. How fun to see him married to the beautiful Reanna. Let me tell you that this couple are much loved. It was such a pleasure for us to be part of this elegant and fun-filled day. All the best to you Jordan and Reanna!!

Back in October of 2010, I was so pleased to work with Lisa Vettese and the team at Calgary Bridal Guide on a shoot for the cover of the book. We had two themes in mind that day and therefore two locations. Our first location was a barn north of Calgary and we were working to achieve an organic, feminine, vintage feel. My photo that was selected for the cover was taken at our second location and is due to be released in December 2011. It remains under wraps for now but watch for details on that portion of the shoot later in the year. In the interim, I’ve posted my favourites from the first location on the blog today. You can also find more images peppered throughout the Calgary Bridal Guide (on pages 28,51, 56, 57,120). Be sure to pick up a copy.

Remember these two?? They put together the most awesome video and won the “Love You Back” project back in the spring. Anne Wright and I had such fun shooting their wedding on September 17th and here’s their sneak peek. More photographs on Anne’s blog. Congrats Sarah and Bryce!!

I was thrilled to photograph Jordan & Reanna’s gorgeous wedding at Hotel Arts yesterday. It was a pleasure working with Brian from Hotel Arts and Jody from OneWest Event Design & Rentals, to name a few! Enjoy the honeymoon guys!!