Having grown up in an artistic home, it was a given that Tara West would eventually do something in the arts. She found her niche in photography and says she can't imagine not doing what she does every day. A romantic at heart, Tara says she loves stopping a moment in time, then looking back to reflect on it. We could tell when we met with Tara at her cottage-like Campbelville studio that she's easy to get along with, has a relaxed, modern style of photography and genuinely loves being a part of the special days of her couples - before, during and after the wedding when more of life's milestones pop up.

Tara's Boutique Wedding Photography business started out from referrals and has continually grown over the past fourteen years, and with the glowing recommendations we received from some of her past clients, we're not surprised. Of course, it helps that Tara is flexible with her Boutique packages. Serving largely the Southern Ontario area (from Toronto to London), Tara loves going for the natural shots in the local area, and is also willing to travel for your DW. With such a diverse repertoire under her belt and a fun, laid back personality, we had to know more about this photographer (and can't believe it took us this long to discover her). So, we checked out her amazing studio that's surrounded by green space and rustic elements, admired her work and got to know more about why Tara West Boutique Wedding Photography is kept so busy with weddings throughout the year. Here's what we discovered...

Personally speaking...

Tara told us that she was exposed to music, dance and photography from a very young age, so it was a given that she'd grow up to do something in the arts. And while she didn't always know that it would be photography, we could tell that she really loves what she does and wouldn't want to be doing anything else.

After high school, Tara took the two year Photography Program at Sheridan College and started working in the field shortly after graduating. As Tara's skills grew, more and more people started asking her to take photos for them. Over the course of her career, Tara has lived in Vancouver and assisted a variety of fashion/commercial photographers; she's lived in Calgary where she dabbled a bit in sports photography; stayed in Ottawa for a bit as an assistant wedding photographer; then finally moved back to the GTA where she worked for a few commercial photographers.

While working with Boston Images (now Boston Avenue) in 1996, Tara started to build her own business - Tara West Photography. The wedding business came first, purely based on referrals for the first few years, and then it just snowballed from there into everything else - bellies & babies, families, boudoir, lifestyle, etc..

Tara says she has shot about fifteen to twenty weddings per year for the last ten, which is at least 200 weddings! And still, she finds inspiration with each one, telling us that looking back at each moment captured is what keeps her wanting to do it again... and again, and again. "But by far, the reaction from my clients at my viewing sessions inspires me every time," she adds. "It's so rewarding. Every wedding is different... different people, personalities, settings, décor and feel... lots of inspiration to feed off of."

As a Member of WPPI, Tara attends their annual photography conference in Las Vegas, so she's never done mastering her craft. And it shows!

Who's part of the boutique?

One of the best (and most reassuring for a bride) things about Tara's Boutique Wedding Photography (aside from Tara herself) is that you're guaranteed to have her meet with you, shoot your wedding, edit the photos, and present the final product.

She admits that she often hires a second shooter or assistant for the day of the wedding; but, she always aims to hire someone who works with her, nor for her. "My second shooters are talented photographers themselves. Most of them have their own studios, photo businesses... this is what they do for a living as well," Tara told us. "I am particular on whom I hire as second shooters as I want my couples to know that the second photographer is just as qualified as the main (me)."

When Katie and Antony Meredith hired Tara for their engagement and wedding photos, they felt that Tara was more than a photographer they hired, she was someone who truly cared about making sure she captured the best of their day. They told us that a second photographer also worked with Tara for their wedding day and they were both professional and unobtrusive. "I never knew they were there, yet when you look at our photos they were everywhere," adds Katie. "Choosing a photographer was one of the most important decisions I felt in our wedding planning as photos for me are so special and important... we couldn't have chosen anyone better... We really felt like they cared about what they were doing and it wasn't just another gig."

Boutique style with a relaxed approach

We love meeting and talking with Tara, and every time we do, we find her to be really easy going, always enthusiastic and just plain friendly - who wouldn't want that in a wedding photographer? Her work is very fresh and we find that she goes for a more natural shot with a bit of rustic feel.

We're not far off in our description, either, as she says she aims for the boutique style with her products, and a modern, relaxed, naturally candid approach of photography that documents your day. She adds that people often tell her she has an easy to get along with personality, which, when mixed with her style, clients love. People just seem to love Tara in general (wouldn't you, too?) - they trust her to be able to capture their wedding days, and aren't disappointed by the result.

Elizabeth Clark-Luzza was one such bride when she hired Tara to shoot her wedding. "I felt so comfortable with Tara bearing witness and making record of all of the [personal, emotional moments]," she told us. "She navigated her way so naturally, so that she could get the best shots without people really knowing she was there. Her manner and overall demeanor is so lovely that it felt completely normal and reasonable that she was privy to everything that went on behind-the-scenes." Elizabeth adds that Tara's photojournalistic style was exactly what she wanted for her wedding photography. "She could capture the beauty of a moment without fuss, staging or posing," she says. "I remember feeling a sense of relief that the day could magically unfold as it was supposed to happen, and she had the talent to put it on record in a series of beautiful photos."

Rene and Christina Juneja agree that Tara was amazing at capturing candid moments throughout their May 2009 wedding day. "She and her team made sure there was a good mix of bride/groom pictures as well as pictures of our guests. Some of the shots she took of our loved ones will be treasured memories," they told us. They add that they loved how organized Tara was; so much so that she even made a point of touring their photo shoot location ahead of the wedding day!

A package for everyone

Flexible packages and pricing to fit couples' budgets is just one fabulous reason why we think Tara West will continue to grow in popularity (and why many couples already love her). While she sets a boutique standard with her packages and pampers to couples who like to lap up luxury and feel special every day (not just on their wedding day), her collections start at a decent price for the amount of value and attention to detail that you receive.

"Even though Tara clearly runs a business, I never felt as though our photos were a commodity to her," Elizabeth told us. "Her priority was clear from day one - that she wanted to capture the beauty of the day for us. Period." In fact, Elizabeth loved Tara so much that she has recommended her to all of her friends, and since returned for maternity and family photos.

Based on the most popular items among her clients, Tara has put together a Boutique Collection, which starts at $3299 (plus tax and gratuities) and includes six hours of coverage (additional hours are $250 per hour), two photographers, an online proofing gallery within four weeks of your wedding, an engagement session, digital negatives, a proof book (with 150 of your fave images), an 11x14 album, and a "Girl's Night Out" or Boudoir session for the bride. That's practically everything a couple could want in their wedding photography package!

Like a story, Jennifer Basso says that her wedding photos are a magical representation of not only her wedding day, but of who she and her husband are as a couple. "I am thankful we hired such a professional visionary," she adds. "Her photos depict timeless elegance."

You also get a private viewing at Tara's studio when the photos are ready - what Tara calls the champagne viewing. You can invite a couple of friends and family members (two to six) to view a slideshow of featured images from your day for the first time. "I love this part," Tara told us. "The reactions are priceless!"

But, even though this is the most popular stuff that Tara offers, she knows that there might be something you want more or less, which is why it's not written in stone. "Everything is negotiable. I am flexible and will remove or add to suit the client's needs and the price will adjust accordingly."

"For the quality and professionalism we got, I feel that the price was very fair," says Christina, who continues to be Tara's client and has since used her for bellies and babies photos. She has also recommended Tara many times, telling people that "Tara took the time to get to know us as a couple and to understand what we were really looking to capture on our big day. She is very professional and her workmanship is of top quality."

Tara also offers Destination Wedding photography at a custom price based on many variables. But she does offer a generous, discounted rate for weddings in Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata and surrounding areas.

"Compared to other photographers, Tara is extremely reasonable, I was most impressed," Jennifer told us. "Tara's use of light and colour will take your breath away. We loved her so much we hired her to shoot family photos after the arrival of our newborn son this past May."

A back-up plan...

Located in Campbelville, Tara has her own studio, which we happen to think is very cute - it's like a little English cottage. Plus, behind the studio is lots of green space to shoot in, as well as a rustic barn and lovely gardens, so you really don’t need to go “on location” - Tara has it all! It’s also nice to know that she has an indoor space in case you get rained out on your wedding day and need a back-up photo location.

Happily ever after...

When Tara isn't busy with weddings, she's doing portrait photography for new and returning clients. Since babies is usually the next phase of life after the wedding, Tara sees a lot of her couples again when they're ready for bellies & baby shots. "I think they find comfort knowing we will work together again at some point in the future," she says. "I will not disappear after their wedding day, the wedding day actually becomes the beginning of our relationship and friendship... it’s so amazing to me how lucky I am to share the most impactful, intimate moments in complete strangers' lives... I love it
all!"

Having done four shoots with Tara (including their wedding), Bianca and Jeff Smalley say that the excitement of getting the pictures and always loving the final project is their favourite part. "I like how Tara uses a mix between must have wedding photography with photo journalistic, in-the-moment shots," adds Bianca. "Tara can use photography as an artistic outlet without being cheesy."

Walking you through a boutique wedding...

Since Tara is usually busy with baby and belly shoots throughout the day, she says email is the best way to contact her, which you should do eight to twelve months ahead of your wedding if you're interested in a consultation. The first meeting is where the foundation of the relationship is built, says Tara. "First, we grab a drink... then watch a slideshow, then I take them through my wedding
catalogue, which includes prices and info, options and contracts," she explains. Albums are available to look at, too, but we're sure that after the slideshow and catalogue you'll be ready to book.

Rene and Christina told us that right from the start, Tara was very easy to work with. "I think her greatest quality is her ability to make the connection with you," adds Christina. "From the outset, I always felt that she was truly interested in our wedding vision. She was also very easy to get a hold of prior to the wedding to go over logistics and other random questions we had."

As soon as Katie and Antony sat down with Tara, they say they knew she would be the one to capture their wedding day. Antony is a bit camera shy and wasn't looking forward to the wedding day photo shoot, but Tara instantly put him at ease and "her calm and easy going nature released whatever stress he had about having his picture taken."

Once you do want to book, a $500 deposit is required with the signed contract. After that, Tara says she will meet or chat with you about your day as many times as you need. A final consult is scheduled two to three weeks before the wedding day where Tara requests an itinerary, shoot list for family photos, directions and contact numbers. Your remaining balance is also due at this time.

On the wedding day, Tara and her second shooter show up to document the details and emotions.

One of Tara's favourite parts of the whole process is the post-wedding champagne viewing where you schedule an appointment three to four weeks after the wedding to meet Tara at her studio. "I call it a champagne viewing, but wine is also available for them to have a celebration drink, sit down and see some of their beautiful images for the very first time," says Tara. "Between the tears and the laughter a tissue box is always handy."

The slideshow typically has 80 to 150 images set to music. "We often sit around for a bit when it's done, have a laugh and recap their day together." And to ensure that you don't forget about her after your wedding day (as if you could!), Tara also gives you a gift bag with your digital negatives and a complimentary gift certificate for a Babies or Bellies session.

But whatever of life's memories you have Tara photograph for you, Katie says that she will capture your day like no one else can. "She cares about you and the final product so passionately because she's doing what she loves," she told us. "She will give you the gift of being able to play back the moments of your wedding through photos and it will be like you can still hear the laughter of your friends, feel the warmth of the sun and maybe even catch the scent of the flowers in your bouquet."

Including Boudoir or Girl's Night Out packages is definitely a trend that Tara has noticed in recent years, which is why she includes this, too. "Girl's night out sessions are where the bride and her girls schedule a session... themed or coordinated sessions like a pajama party, black & bling party, jeans & bare feet party, etc." explains Tara. "It's a chance for the girls to get together for a special casual session prior to the wedding day."

It's not uncommon for most wedding photographers to offer boudoir sessions nowadays, too. "It’s been popular in the states for several years, and I’ve always said that women are becoming more and more comfortable with their own sensuality and body," Tara says. The same thing goes for maternity shots, which grew in popularity after Demi Moore posed for the cover of Vanity Fair. "It seemed to give women permission to show their bellies with clothes off and a license that it wouldn’t be considered trashy."

Details, details, details

• Email Tara about 8 to 12 months before your wedding for an initial consultation.
• A $500 deposit is required to book with the balance due 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding.
• An itinerary, contact info, and details is also due 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding.
• The average bride spends $2500 to $4500 with Tara West; her Boutique Collection starts at $3299.
• Taxes and gratuities are in addition to quoted prices.
• Tara West Boutique Wedding Photography serves the Southern Ontario region from Toronto to London, and travels for destination weddings.