Hi, my name is Tara, and I am the heart and soul behind Tara Dawn Photo! I am based out of Kansas City, MO but am available to travel for the right project a few times out of the year. I have been doing photography as a hobby since 2008 and never thought I would do weddings, let alone do this as my career. After working as a peds nurse while also building a photography business, I decided to finally go full time photo in 2023 and haven't looked back since.
I think the reason I kept coming back to photography is because the connection felt powerful and meaningful. I learned that I am able to curate real moments that allow you to see how your love looks like from my perspective. I get to be an artist and illustrate how love looks like for you and your loved ones, no two sessions or weddings are ever the same. And I prefer it like that. It's my own personal challenge to make sure my photos tell YOUR story and freeze precious moments in time for you to have forever.
I'm so excited to get to know you and what makes you unique! And I cannot wait to give you images that you can feel all over again.
A little about me
Hi I'M
tara
conversational + go with the flow
super fun + easy going
high trust + low stress
brought the vision to life
HOW CLIENTS DESCRIBE WORKING WITH ME
click through
MY IDEAL CLIENT
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WHAT INSPIRES ME
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MY FAVE THINGS
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MY PHILOSOPHY
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My goal is to give you the gift of tangible, timeless memories that you can cherish years down the line. Images that will have you re-living all the belly laughs and tears shared with your loved ones.
My approach as your photographer is to be involved just enough to document these emotions, but far enough removed that the moment stays intimate and real and not rehearsed.
Freezing time is such an amazing experience and I believe it deserves to be authentically and uniquely captured, just the way it is.
REAL MOMENTS, UNINTERRUPTED
MY IDEAL CLIENT
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WHAT INSPIRES ME
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MY FAVE THINGS
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MY PHILOSOPHY
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HI MY NAME IS
INTROVERTED EXTROVERT
Some things to know about me:
-born and raised in rural town outside kc
-my german shepherd is my life line
-i lived in Tennessee for 6 years (yeehaw)
-brunch + patios in the summer are essential
-coffee is my caffeine of choice
-espresso martini is my drink of choice
-outdoor concerts become my personality when its nice out
-quality time and acts of service are my love languages
-food is also my love language
-i aspire to be a pilates girly
-who also makes homemade sourdough
MY IDEAL CLIENT
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WHAT INSPIRES ME
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MY FAVE THINGS
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MY PHILOSOPHY
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It's super cliche, I'M SORRY but it's true. It's when I meet an amazing couple that tells me how they proposed in the kitchen mid chips and salsa bite. It's when I connect with a new mom and reassure her that the house is perfect the way it is during our in home session. It's how the sunset hits perfectly during a session and I can't help but literally do a happy dance as I show you the back of my camera. It's these moments of inspiration that I get so energized seeing only a glimpse of your life up close.
How lucky am I to have the opportunity to be let in to these special moments to tell a small fraction of your story - I am forever grateful!
IT NEVER FAILS, ITS ALWAYS YOU
MY IDEAL CLIENT
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WHAT INSPIRES ME
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MY FAVE THINGS
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MY PHILOSOPHY
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It's NOT models that feel 100% comfortable in front of the camera. My ideal client is someone that has good, positive energy and that is completely engulfed by the presence of their loved one. Clients that would enjoy an hour or so of uninterrupted, undivided time knowing that they are making memories that will be documented for a lifetime. Clients that trust me as their photographer and understand that their images will be perfectly imperfect. The best clients know that their favorite images will be ones that they are present in the moment, not even realizing I am there to document it.
I want my clients to leave thinking they couldn't believe they just had an actual photoshoot. Because it was fun, lighthearted, only slightly awkward, but mostly a good time. I know it's a win when the guys say even they had a good time. I want my wedding clients to know that I care so much about their wedding day and when the times comes, we will both realize how connected we have grown. How could I not become obsessed with you at this point?? All to say, I care about your story and my ideal client is one that chooses me too.
PROBABLY NOT WHAT YOU THINK
Working with Tara was a literal dream. From our engagement photos to wedding, Tara captured my husband and I's love perfectly. She made us feel so important and truly understood the assignment. She genuinely cares and is so passionate about her work; goes above and beyond her photographer "duties". She worked seamless with the other vendors and made sure timelines and our needs were met. We truly made a friend throughout wedding planning! AND the photos itself are the cherry on top with her! We have SO many photos and I'm having a hard time picking out my favorites. They are so natural, beautiful, simple but elegant. It would be a mistake not to book Tara for any photograph needs.
Brittany + Bret
Tara was incredible to work with for our special day!!! She is such a fun person to be around and always makes you feel special! She is amazing at capturing every special moment she seriously didn’t miss a single detail! Also she got us our photos back in a VERY great turn around time. Couldn’t be happier with our pictures and her as a person. She is the photographer to choose I promise you!
Sierra + Barrett
I would give a million stars if I could! Tara is truly the most amazing vendor we got to work with for our wedding!! She truly understood our vision and captured the most beautiful moments from our day. She helped us from inspiration, to brainstorming, to execution. Nothing was missed and everything was done to perfection. If you have the chance to book with her, please do!! She went from vendor to friend and has continued to love and support my husband and I long past our wedding. Truly the most amazing photographer and person!!!
Maya + Mike
It's not about getting the most perfectly posed shot that makes you lose focus on what actually matters. It's about capturing candid moments that are true to you and reflect the things that matter most.
