i recently got some constructive criticism from a photography friend that instilled new energy and a revival of inspiration for my work. it is so nice to receive something like that from someone you respect and i hope i can one day return the favor. especially at this point-when most people assume you dont want to hear anything but words of affirmation.

taking her thoughts to heart, i worked hard at my next photo shoot to work on some things. i hope it shows!

a wonderful evening in huntington beach:

this has got to be one of my favorite family images EVER taken.
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always on the quest for a new and unique "foot shot" i got to use dads prized porsche.
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there is all sorts of "stuff" photoshopped out of this alley! you dont want to know. haha
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she finally relaxed and i got to really see HER.
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doing what all dads do best: tickle
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right after we shot this one, up came the lifeguard…but he let us stay a little longer.
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saw this donut shop as i was parking and we ran across the street to do this. quirky, fun, and cool for a family shot i think.
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thank you natalie and tan for inviting me into your family for the day. you both (actually all four of you!!) made it really fun for me. letting me do whatever i wanted with you. even dirty old spider webbed alleys!

Join the Conversation

55 Comments

  1. Tara.. I love these.. really the colors are vibrant.. the poses are fresh and fun and unique.. I like the angle you shot at for some of these and that not everyone is always “posed” more or less.. I love that you let the kids be themselves.. Hey I would be really honored if you would have a look at my recent posting I did some senior portraits for my freinds daughter.. and I would love your thoughts.. it would mean alot.

    e

  2. Great Shots!
    You inspired me to take one of the pier shots this summer while I was at the beach. It is one of my favorite pictures of my hubby and girls. Everyone who sees it just goes on and on.
    Thanks for posting your pics I learn a lot from your perspective.

    amber

  3. ahhh some darker complexions…can’t wait to see more of your work with darker skin toned families.

    It’s because of your site, I had to go borrow a caucasian family to see what it was like to photograph lighter complexions! Didn’t know that it would be such a challenge.

  4. i love all of the color tara! they are all so georgous and rich looking. my fav. is the one with the palm trees in the back.

    it’s nice to have friends to shre tips. now you have yet another great way to process your photos, they’re just beautiful.

  5. DOnt you love having someone to say.. hey.. what about..or .. I dont like it. I have been blessed to find someone like that too! (and I can always do with the CC!) and.. I also love taking that shot…the one you know is a new fav…one that stands out. There are a couple of either side of it but they lack that magic IT that you connect with. Enjoy your new fav!

  6. Another great series of family shots. Beautiful.

    Don’t you love Photoshop? I took a picture of my daughter feeding seal at Sea World, but there was a couple standing in the corner and I didn’t want them there. A quick little session with Photoshop and they were gone. Got to love that.

  7. Love, love, love how you captured HB. I can picture myself standing in all those spots. Even the dirty old alley, and especially the donut shop. That photo under the pier is a-m-a-z-i-n-g!!!!

    You do fabulous work! Someday I’m going to be able to convince the hubby to do one of your shoots. I’m so glad you share your work with all of us at your blog! :-)

  8. You never fail to amaze me with your talent, Miss Tara ♥ I am always awaiting new posts to get my happiness and inspiration fix from you :)
    You always come up with the bestest ideas and make me want to go out and shoot at the moment I look at your images – I just can´t help it, but have to tell you how much I LOVE your pics :P

  9. Hey Tara,

    I totally dig your work. And I love the personality that your bring to your site. I am a photographer in Boulder, Colorado. Just moved here from Santa Barbara actually. I just started my business in Feb and I shoot mostly weddings. I am also a big Simple Scrapbooks fan which is how I found your site. If you ever want to share ideas, or are willing to share feedback, please visit my website. New photos are going up as we speak, but my blog has my most recent stuff.
    Looking forward to connecting with you!
    http://www.julieafflerbaugh.com
    For my blog just click on Julie’s Tea Room from the website.

  10. It is funny that I (and I’m sure a few others out there…) am working on capturing the people I love with the same level of emotion that you can show in your photos. We are always so amazed at the emotion you show in your work, that we forget that you need to push yourself further too. Good for you. Stunning photos, by the way.

  11. Tara, your colors are amazing. love it. I’m going to get a DSLR, probably canon EOS 30D or 400D, since EOS 20D was a total sold out in Malaysia. my budget’s limited to USD $1000. which one would u suggest? FYI, I’m new to DSLR. I’m very much into old school film SLR until recently. I’ve been doing photography for the past 10 years mostly on still life arts. thank you very much.

  12. tara…these new images rock! there is a warmness -without loosing the vibrant color-to them that i so love!

    that ally shot is composed beautifully…love, love the long horizontals going on.

    thanks so much for always sharing. you’re such an inspiration :o)

  13. That mom could be a model. She’s beautiful! So is her family….

    regarding constuctive criticism, I asked someone recently to review some of my work (my personal favorites) and although it was tough to swallow, I did learn some new things. If you stop learning, it gets real boring real fast.

    Suz

  14. Gorgeous family. I missed where you asked for cities but I am SO glad there’s interest in Seattle because we live within 2 hours….please keep me updated on when/if you will be coming. I’d definately be interested.

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