What to Expect
Every session is unique. Tara will always incorporate her professional level of expertise but is always willing to hear from you if you have specific requests or questions.
MATERNITY Sessions
Before the Shoot
Maternity photographs are recommended for anytime between 30 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. It all depends on how much you are showing. You want to be showing enough without feeling too uncomfortable. Want to include your significant other or pet in your photos? No problem, contact Tara Dawn Photography for that package option.
During the Shoot
Photos can be taken either in-studio or at an agreed-upon outdoor location. For outdoor sessions, wear a comfortable shoes to move from spot to spot during the session. You can then bring a different pair you want to be photographed with. Also, don’t forget water to stay hydrated! Bring water and snack if you need them.
After your Shoot
All images are sent electronically. All sessions include high resolution images with printing and sharing rights. My turn-around time varies depending on the season but most often is about 3 weeks. Feel free to contact me for more details.
Newborn Sessions
Before the Shoot
The sooner the better when it comes to photographing newborns! The best age is before the baby is 2 weeks old. Contact me well before your due date to schedule your session. I understand and am flexible if we need to reschedule if your baby does not come when planned. A hungry baby does not photograph well so please bring baby with an extra full belly to the session. Also, in the days leading up to your session, I ask that you let me know what look and style you prefer so that I can have some things set-out and ready prior to your arrival to the session. My website only shows a limited sample of my work. Visit my Instagram page to view more of what I have to offer. Also, all you need to bring with you to the session are typical diaper bag necessities.
During the Shoot
Newborn sessions take place at my studio in Brighton, Colorado where I have hundreds of outfits, headbands, props, blankets, wraps, baskets, backdrops and more for you to select from and use during your photo session. I’ll already have some things laid out based on what you tell me you like but know that anything can be customized. If you have a specific outfit or prop you want included – no problem – just let me know ahead of time so that I can plan accordingly.
The newborn stage is precious and takes time to capture. Know that I will move quickly but not impatiently. I want your baby calm and relaxed for all of his/her photos. I will safely do all of the posing but you will be right there with me if baby needs mom! Be prepared in case baby needs to be comforted or fed at some point during the session.
After your Shoot
All images are sent electronically. All sessions include high resolution images with printing and sharing rights. My turn-around time varies depending on the season but most often is about 3 weeks. Feel free to contact me for more details.
Family Sessions
Before the Shoot
Outfits, outfits, outfits. Plan to wear clothing that compliments one another but do not wear the exact same thing. It is best to incorporate a theme of a few complimentary colors into your family outfits. When you schedule with me, we will discuss style, location, date and time for your session. At this time please share the number of family members and age range so that I can prepare accordingly.
During the Shoot
My style is fun yet classy and professional. Be prepared to take traditional, classic poses as well as fun, candid poses. If you prefer one over the other, let me know and I will make that my focus for the session. I will guide your family during the entire session and am careful to take note of the details so that everyone looks their very best.
After the Shoot
All images are sent electronically. All sessions include high resolution images with printing and sharing rights. My turn-around time varies depending on the season but most often is about 3 weeks. Feel free to contact me for more details.
Senior, Graduate, Headshot Sessions
Before the Shoot
For senior pictures, if you select a package with outfit changes, plan for a dressy and a casual outfit. It can be fun to incorporate something that showcases your high school career. For example (instrument, sports gear, etc). Headshots can be taken either in studio or at an outdoor location. Contact me to learn more about my package options. Some packages include time for outfit changes while others do not.
During the Shoot
Relax! My style is fun and sophisticated, yet natural. Do your best to act like you! I will guide and pose you but if you have any specific styles in mind, please share that with me. I focus on the details to ensure you look your very best. Be prepared to take lots of shots! I vary my angles and styles to ensure I capture your best self.
After the Shoot
All images are sent electronically. All sessions include high resolution images with printing and sharing rights. My turn-around time varies depending on the season but most often is about 3 weeks. Feel free to contact me for more details.
Pet Sessions (Dog Photography)
Before the Shoot
Most often I photograph dogs but am open to photographing most pets. Please share with me the age and breed of your pet. Prior to your session please get your pet groomed so that they look their very best. Clean their collar and get a matching leash – preferably very long in case we have to leave it on during the session. If possible, it is best of the leash it not a bright color so that it does not district from your pet.
During the Shoot
Bring treats for your pet. Pets respond best to their owners so you will play an active role to ensuring we capture great photos. You will be right by my side giving commands and keeping your pet feeling comfortable.
After the Shoot
All images are sent electronically. All sessions include high resolution images with printing and sharing rights. My turn-around time varies depending on the season but most often is about 3 weeks. Feel free to contact me for more details.
Child Portrait/ 1 Year Old Birthday Sessions
Before the Shoot
Don’t hold back! If you’re wanting photos of your children and they love tea parties or skateboarding, or even if they like dressing up as a fairy princess or a superhero…these are the things that you will look back on and remember with fondness when they are grown! The best ages and stages to capture (after newborns of course) is at about 7 months when your baby is sitting but not yet crawling and at 1 year to capture that special milestone and every birthday or holiday after that. Contact me to learn more about my package options as some packages include time for outfit changes while others do not. For 1st Birthday pictures, I do not provide the cake however, I have some decorations. If you have a specific theme in mind, please coordinate with me so that we can make your child’s portrait session special. Prepare your little one by talking with them about their session prior to the session date.
During the Shoot
Get ready to have some fun! It is helpful to have small treats (such as mini m&ms) to help your little one stay focused. Babies and children are most comfortable with mom or dad around so plan to be right next to me, taking on an active role in singing, dancing and being silly to help your little one’s natural personality to shine.
After the Shoot
All images are sent electronically. All sessions include high resolution images with printing and sharing rights. My turn-around time varies depending on the season but most often is about 3 weeks. Feel free to contact me for more details.
Engagement and Wedding Photography
Before the Shoot
Reserve your date! Contact me for all details in regards to engagement and wedding photography. A signed contract is required for wedding bookings.