journal

I look forward to each and every Family session for so many reasons. Among them, is the unique (and treasured) opportunity to spend time with such wonderful families and capture those beautifully evolving relationships. This particular Family session in the SF Bay Area Dunes was one of those very special sessions.

I have the joy of seeing many families year after year. And with this, comes that special gift of seeing not only their children grow, but their love grow. It really is pretty incredible. I have had the pleasure of spending time with this beautiful threesome (plus pups) multiple years now and their kind, gentle disposition always has such a strong impact on me.

They are fun and silly … and really and truly just enjoy one another so deeply. Most times I lead while photographing family sessions, but there are those times when I sit back a bit more ~ because leading would almost interrupt their natural rhythm. And this brilliantly-lit seaside afternoon, with all those love-layered moments, was just that.

Thank you for showing up Salcedos in such a beautiful way. What an incredible blessing to have such a bond that grows like this year after year. Thank you for sharing your family with me … and your hearts me! ~ Kent Avenue Photography

This winter Charlotte Family garden session celebrated a season of new beginnings.

As a California photographer, I hadn’t really had the luxury of that many chilly days as the backdrop for my Family work. But here in the Southeast, the more defined seasons bring new opportunities! A fresh landscape (and brilliant new relationships) meets rich color palettes … cozy layered knits … and the best kinda bundled-up family hugs.

I was so excited to spend time with this wonderful family that crisp, blue-skied day. They are such an incredibly kind bunch ~ with the most sparkly, soulful eyes to match. We are both relatively new to the Charlotte area, so chatting about these fresh experiences was especially fun!

It’s funny how all your senses seem to be heightened when experiencing a new place. Colors seem brighter and sounds somehow seem more distinct. There is always so much to take in ~ the weather, the food, the architecture, the music, people’s general demeanor, local traditions etc. Sharing these observations, and chatting about all of it together … was really so nice.

We began our session that day in the warmth of the side garden ~ sticking to those dappled, golden pockets of light. The little girls were so good natured and beyond happy to be with their Mom and Dad that day! My 12 year old niece Claire who had joined me for our session that afternoon, commented the exact same thing as soon as we hopped back in the car to drive home. She said “Wow Aunt Tara, they were such a nice family and the girls really have such a strong connection with their parents”. I couldn’t have agreed more. They had this sparkle of sorts that followed them around the garden that day! They were so happy to just be together as a family, which alone said so much. I am always grateful for these experiences and for such inspiring families that come into my life! ~ Kent Avenue Photography

My art drives me and my goal to deliver both an exceptional product and soul-stirring client experience is at the forefront of my business. For the past decade, I have worked tirelessly to refine my process, pouring my heart and soul into carefully crafting poetic imagery for families on film. Families who have become friends … and who continue to return year after year, graciously bringing their own friends.

I have developed an Education Program for like-minded photographers looking to serve with intention and elevate both their own client experience and product offerings. This layered content is based on the detailed session notes that I have been keeping close to my heart for the past 12 years. Join me in streamlining your workflow and enhancing your imagery!

Strengthen your skills, improve your client experience and elevate your growing brand with tips and tricks compiled into this series of clearly outlined ebooks found here.

Easily curate client mood boards with fresh, customizable design templates. Learn more about this series of Mood Board Templates designed to help simplify your session planning and create a clean, cohesive client presentation here.  

I am sincerely grateful our paths have crossed and look forward to sharing in your Photography journey!

x,
Tara

I made my way up the coast that beautifully sunny, late afternoon and pulled into the large gravel lot that sat atop the sprawling, magnificent beach below. I always enjoy arriving early to sessions ~ it’s pretty therapeutic actually. I crave the fresh air and looking out onto that shimmering Pacific. It’s peaceful and really such a nice opportunity to clear my head. I like to take some time and walk around to see how the landscape has changed since my last visit. The seasons and the tide always seem to bring surprises. I am beyond grateful for my time in such awe-inspiring locations … and also for this wonderful family that was en route to meet me for this California Family Beach session!

I love them all so much. They are such a tight bunch. And while they are growing up so quickly, the one thing that remains constant year-to-year, is the way they treat one another. They are so present and so very good to one another. Little Perrie remains (understandably) completely smitten with her doting big brothers. She keeps up just fine. The little ones told me about their great love for Pokemon … and forts … and the little Mermaid. There was that excitement and those challenges of a first year of Kindergarten (without a best friend/cousin at their side) … and a wild visit from the tooth fairy (who so generously left double the amount she usually does after unintentionally passing by the house the first night).

I was thrilled that their beloved big sister popped over to the beach to join everyone as well! I have had the pleasure of photographing her and her husband (with their own young family) and was so excited to see her again. She’s pure kindness personified and is such great energy. Her brothers and sisters just gravitate to her. We all chatted in the cove, taking pictures and playing games as the ocean lapped at the shore.

It’s funny, when we first arrived, I noticed several other people along the beach; some with their boards who slipped into the chilly water with their wet-suits … and some who sat comfortably on oversized blankets at the base of the bluffs. But when the Fanoe family arrived, the other beach-goers completely disappeared into my periphery. Through my eyes, we could have been on a private beach. They are a family that just draw you in, in the most beautiful of ways. We stayed on the sand that afternoon until that last sliver of light disappeared behind the rocks. And when I looked up, we were really and truly the only people left. It’s always hard to leave the beach … but it’s especially hard to leave the Fanoes. ~ Kent Avenue Photography

It seems as though throughout the States, we have had an unusually warm Autumn this year. In a perfect twist of events however, the day before I was scheduled to hop on a plane to head to St.Louis for this Fall Family session, that brisk air blew in from the North. We couldn’t have timed it more perfectly if we tried!

I was thrilled to head back to Missouri this year to spend time celebrating the Miller Family on the heels of their recent home remodel. It was so wonderful to see them again and hear all that has transpired the past year as they settle into their lives in St.Louis. I loved hearing from the kiddos about life at school, friends (and maybe a crush a two) …  and from Mom and Dad about what they appreciate about the Midwest and all the kind people that have come into their lives over the past couple years. 

I was also eager to explore the new spaces that they have worked so hard to design for their new home. Melissa graciously led me throughout, as I took in all the thoughtful and beautiful touches to each reconfigured, light-filled room. She really has such a gift. It was clear that the beautiful walls are meant to both hold their family close … and to share meaningful experiences with all their visiting friends and family!

As those final interior spaces were coming together, we decided to step outside for our pictures that day, enjoying the brisk Fall chill and the changing foliage in the neighboring meadow. It was like a little wonderland back there!  I could just imagine the children slipping through the low-lying trees (with their curled, gnarled branches) and berry-dotted bushes that framed the property, and popping up on the other side to play and explore this magical, Narnia-like hidden space together. Rather than perform some sort of army crawl as the little ones most likely do … we drove around to the back entrance that day and used the handsome wooden gate. Both entrances were equally awe-inspiring. It was peaceful and quiet … and that colorful blanket of falling leaves was just so beautiful. And so was their family ~ on so many levels. Thank you Millers for such a meaningful afternoon together. I am so happy for your family and all that you have created together in St.Louis. ~ Kent Avenue Photography