About Me

Hey You! I’m So Happy You’re Here.

I’m Tara, a lifestyle photographer based out of Topsail Island and Surf City, North Carolina. I’m here to photograph all of life’s moments for you: engagement, wedding, family & lifestyle, maternity, and so much more. I want to focus on the subtle, candid moments. I steer away from “posed” and “proper” here to capture you and your favorite people in your natural, perfectly-imperfect state. I strive to capture the in-between moments, the moments that make you… well, you. I want to tell a story with your photos, a story that’s as genuine, fun, and loving as you are.

Work

What to Expect

I want you to leave our session thinking, “Wow. That was such a fun date.”

My main motive is to tell your story by capturing real moments and raw emotions. To do this, I will guide you through a series of fun prompts & activities while leaving room for you to be yourselves and capture the in-between moments. With my guidance, you’ll have a safe space to play around with each other and create memories while having lifelong keepsakes to look back on to tell your story. We’ll dance around to music, belly laugh, get silly, tell bad jokes, and have photos to remember every part of it.

Reviews

Kind Words from Clients

If you’re looking for an amazing photographer, stop right here! You’ve found her. Tara has taken my fiancé and I’s photos many times! From vacation pictures to proposal and engagement pictures, (and soon to be wedding photos) we are always blown away. She is so full of life and genuinely happy to capture these special moments for you. We have countless albums and framed pictures all because of her doing. Tara is very creative with poses and is always down for anything! (even if it means waking up before the sun to hike is 0 degree temps in the middle of winter to get your perfect picture). Tara does a wonderful job of making you feel comfortable and confident during your session. She is a light we did not know we needed in our life! You are sure to leave with fantastic pictures, a new friend and lifelong family photographer.

– Kaylee Morgan

Ryan and I had never had our pictures done together before, I had found Tara’s page and we had booked her. It’s really hard to be comfortable with someone you just met, but Tara made it so easy! She is so sweet and easy to get along with! She gives clear direction on how to pose that comes out in pictures so natural! Ryan and I loved our session so much that he secretly booked another with Tara to propose to me! And with all the direction from our first session, our second session was a breeze. I would 100% book her over and over because the overall experience was so great! Can’t wait to have her do our photos again!

– Kylie Wheat

Tara is a pure gem with a true artist’s eye. She captures the most beautiful moments, even amidst chaos. And we know all about chaos with 3 little boys running around. Tara was so patient and kind with my fellas and we left our session having had so much fun but no idea how any good photos could come from that craziness. Cut to a week later when Tara delivers some of the most beautiful photos we’ve ever had that have now become centerpieces in our home. She managed to capture each of the boys in their own elements and even caught this tired momma in a smile. Miss Tara doesn’t just take photos – she captures perfect moments in time you will cherish forever.

– Kacie McClain Presley

We are so incredibly thankful for Tara & for capturing all of our happiest moments as our family grows. There isn’t another photographer that I could recommend more. Tara has become far more than our photographer, she has become a dear friend! Our photos are something we will cherish forever!

– Emma Jokerst

Looking for a photographer? Well, look no further. Tara creates a comfortable and creative environment for all of her clients. The moment we stood in front of her camera, we could see she knew exactly what she was doing. We trust Tara with all of our photos. She has been along our family journey since we were pregnant, and now with our baby. It all started with a Facebook post that I saw of someone recommending her for a maternity shoot. Even though we have shot with her many times now, I am still absolutely blown away with all the amazing moments she captures for us. The best part about it, we have these moments forever because of her. Not only is she our photographer now, she is now my best friend. So entirely grateful for what she has done for our family. In the simplest of words… PICK HER!!!

– Bridget Marshall

Tara makes being in front of the camera seem so effortless. Taking pictures can be so stressful but with Tara, it was all fun with no stress. And the outcome is AMAZING. I’ve never loved pictures more than I do Tara’s pictures!

– Sydney Staffey

Tara made every photo fun ande didn’t have to feel stiff and awkward the entire time. 10/10 editing. 10/10 on the time it took to get the photos back and 10/10 on how fun she made the whole process. my whole family and bridal party loved her and Levi. ABSOLUTELY recommend!!!

– Karlie Wagner

Tara has done several photo shoots for us since she has started her business and we are always BLOWN AWAY!!!! Whether it’s a planned shoot months in advance or a quick “let’s run out and get some pics”, the pictures are absolutely stunning and so worth it. I’m so blessed to call this girl my sister-in-law and best friend! She puts everything she has into her business and it SHOWS!!! She gets galleries out quickly, while still taking her time to perfect every little thing. Her prices are more than fair for the work she puts into each session. Even if she wasn’t right here at the tip of my fingers, T&L Photography would absolutely be photographing every stage of our life!!

– Cassandra Pritchett

I will never not use T&L Photography! Tara is a magician with the camera! She made the experience so smooth and was wonderful with our dogs so we could make our family pictures exactly how we pictured them. Can’t wait to work with her throughout the future! 10/10 recommend!

– Jessica Cason

Tara was the absolute best! My Fiance and I don’t usually love having our pictures taken, but Tara helped us feel comfortable and the pictures turned out amazing! We can’t wait to have her shoot our wedding.

– Morgan Kaplan

Tara is so creative when it comes to backdrops & posing and really helps her clients feel comfortable and at ease! Even if in the moment in some poses you’re like “what the..?” They all come out amazing! My fiancé and I love that we have these memories to display in our home and look back on for years to come, thanks to Tara.

– Carly Backues

Tara is one of the sweetest humans I have ever met and truly does the most to ensure an amazing experience! She puts her heart and soul into each session and leaves you smiling and wanting to book another photo shoot before you leave! I can’t recommend her enough! If you are wanting any kind of photography done, I HIGHLY recommend!

– Lacey Snell

I have done so many photoshoots over the years but Tara is by far the best! She makes you feel so comfortable, makes it fun, and delivers the MOST amazing pictures! I will only go to her now and recommend her to anyone and everyone!

– Claire Kammien

Tara not only is amazing at capturing the most perfect moments, but also makes you feel comfortable and relaxed during the whole process!! She helps you in any and every way. She’s amazing.

– Tome Lemons

Investment

Weddings

Package No. 1

To Have & To Hold – $2,350

6 Hour coverage
48-hour sneak peeks
Complimentary Engagement Session
Minimum 500 photos
Online gallery + print rights

Package No. 2

A Day to Remember – $2,750

8 Hour Coverage
2nd Shooter
24-Hour Sneak Peeks
Minimum 700 photos
Complimentary Engagement Session
Online gallery + print rights

Package No. 3

For the adventurous lovers 

For elopements, micro weddings, and destination weddings, inquire separately. I am happy to curate a custom quote for your experience– often largely discounted from my base wedding rates.

Investment

Family

Generations – Starting at $350

Golden Hour – flexibility if needed
30-45 minutes of shooting
50-75+ photos
Online gallery + print rights

Investment

Couples

Package No. 1

Cloud Niners – $300

Golden Hour
20-minute session
1 outfit & location
15-25 photos
Online gallery

Package No. 2

Better Together – $350

Golden Hour
30-45 minute session
2 outfits, versatile location
50+ photos
Online gallery

Package No. 3

Hopelessly Devoted – $400

Golden Hour
Up to an hour of shooting & beyond
2-3 outfits, 2 locations
75+ photos
Online gallery

Investment

Maternity

Package No. 1

Oh, Baby! – $350

Golden Hour
Up to an hour of shooting
2-3 outfits, versatile location
50+ photos
Online gallery

Package No. 2

The bundle (of joy) – $550

Full maternity package + newborn session
Newborn session within 14 days of baby’s arrival
Props provided
25+ newborn photos in addition to full maternity