The Blog

New Blog

2009-06-16T10:18:00.001-07:00

It is time to head on over to my new blog...

http://www.taramorris.com/blog/

See you there!

I photograph people!

2009-05-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

When I was in Texas something moved me to take a couple shots of non humans (gasp!), might of been the margaritas or just that there were no little people within my sight that day. If you were like me, you thought Texas was all desert, bones and cowboys. I was surprised to see that San Antonio was lush, green and everything was in full bloom.

And Miss Katie, the dog that may have changed my mind about owning an animal...

I am alive!

2009-04-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

So, I 've gotten more than a few emails lately wondering if I am still around! I am around and in fact I am currently sitting at a friends home enjoying fajitas and margaritas in San Antonio, Texas. Vic and I have been here all week at a conference and yes, I managed to find a newborn and a 3 monther to shoot in and around our workshop schedule. I have taken an extended break from blogging but am happy to report that by next week I should be debuting a spiffy new custom blog and plan on catching y'all (a little Texas for you) up on my most recent sessions.
So until next week...adios amigos :)

The Perfect Mommy Day Gift!

2009-03-09T13:48:00.001-07:00

Short and Sweet - Mommy and Me!

Just in time for Mother's Day - give yourself the perfect gift!

- 20 minute Short & Sweet Session focusing on the relationship between you and your child/ren

- Session times are available on Saturday April 4 and Saturday April 18

-10-12 images presented in an online gallery

- To be held in and around the Penticton Cannery

- Cost $75, a la carte items and specialty collections are available for purchase

Call 462-3586 to book your session. The session fee is collected at the time of booking.

Cheers.
Tara

Boys, boys, boys!

2009-02-25T21:16:00.001-08:00

I have loved getting to know this gang. It all started just over a year ago with a maternity session and then I blinked...and there were two! All I can say is Mom is going to have her hands full with her three men :)

Perfection

2009-02-19T17:02:00.001-08:00

All I can really say is that I wanted to take her home with me....but mom and dad wouldn't part with her!

Baby Love

2009-02-01T14:12:00.001-08:00

It is always a treat when I get to take both maternity and newborn photos for a family. By the time the baby arrives I will have met with and spoken with the mom a number of times and rather than feeling like a stranger entering their home, I feel like I am meeting for coffee with old friends. (Which can lead to more chatting than necessary - but hey, it's who I am! :)
That being said, I truly enjoyed my time with this beautiful family. They were so easy to work with and the love they have for their little guy was so apparent and heart warming.

My 15 Minutes of Fame :)

2009-01-26T19:11:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas I received an email from the entertainment company that handles Fisher Price's music, they were interested in using a photograph of mine for a Fisher Price Baby Bach CD. When I opened my mailbox today this is what was waiting!!

And the original shot of the uber-adorable 6 month old twins...

Short and Sweet - Valentine

2009-01-16T17:08:00.000-08:00

This year we are holding our Valentine Short and Sweet Sessions at
the sweetest location in town, Penticton's Blue Icing Dessert Bar!!

Short and Sweet - VALENTINE Sessions
Saturday, February 14 at the Blue Icing Dessert Bar (Main Street Location)

Short and Sweet Sessions include:

20 minute mini session for one child
8-10 images for viewing
Online image ordering
...and a cupcake or two

Cost :  $75  (add $25 for second child)

Tiffany will be whipping up a variety of valentine treats not only for
you to enjoy, but to add a little something sweet to the photos.

Please email  info@taramorrisphotography.com to book
your session or for more information.

Cheers.
Tara

Hello 2009!

2009-01-03T20:20:00.000-08:00

Wow. Now that I have had a moment to sit back and breathe - I would like to thank all of you - friends and clients for a wonderful 2008. This past year I was invited into the homes and lives of well over 100 families and was changed a little bit for the better after working with each one. I witnessed first hand bravery and faith as I photographed a strong young man and his family battle cancer with a grace that I could only imagine. My heart hurt for the multiple babies who underwent various surgeries that no family or child should have to endure. I had the privilege of photographing first kisses between husbands and wives - the love and tenderness they lavished upon each other made me thank God for my own partner. I cheered on first time parents and sat back and listened to the wisdom of those more experienced than I. I held little hands, kissed bruised knees and played peekaboo more times than any woman should :) I laughed louder, smiled wider and have a happier heart because of it.
Tara Morris Photography would not exist if it weren't for you. Your faith and trust in my ability to create photographs will not cease to humble me and will continually make me strive to perfectly capture the people and moments that are most dear to you.
If 2009 has even a hint of the joy and blessings 2008 brought to me and my family, I will consider myself blessed.
Happy New Year.
Tara

My Best Friends Babe

2008-12-16T22:21:00.000-08:00

My dearest childhood friend had her third little boy a couple of weeks ago. I was so moved when daddy called me to announce his arrival that I decided at that moment I needed to photograph him during his precious first days of life. Did I mention they live in Manitoba? So off I went for a whirlwind trip and in 48 hours managed to cuddle AND photograph the little guy as well as sneak in a few visits with my parents, brother and sister in law.

Sher Bear these are for you.

Fresh!

2008-11-23T23:54:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite places in Penticton just got better....Fresh Boutique on Front Street has introduced baby, children and maternity products.
To celebrate, we are working together and hosting a "Casting Call". We are looking for some new faces to feature in the store and on my website. 3 draws will be made for three age groups ranging from 6 months to four years old. I will be photographing our three "winners" at the boutique, as they model the fantastic clothes and play with the uber cool toys.
You can enter the draw by heading on down to Fresh and filling out an entry ballot. No purchase is necessary - but if you are like me, you won't be able to stop yourself...

And then there were three...

2008-11-13T22:35:00.000-08:00

Not only are these two great people, they are going to make great parents. Their joy is infectious and their faith inspiring. I hope their beautiful little girl grows up knowing how blessed she is to call them mom and dad.

Third Time is a Charm

2008-11-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

I have had the privilege of photographing this Stony Plain family three times, the first being when their oldest was days old. There is nothing better than returning to see families, months, even years later to document the changes and to enjoy the company of clients turned friends. these little girls are beautiful (so is their momma) and I look forward to our next visit.

Little Cowboy

2008-10-23T18:04:00.000-07:00

Recently I was back at one of my favorite locations out on a ranch in OK Falls and had the pleasure of meeting this little guy. It took him a bit to warm up but by the end of our session he was all smiles. His great little personality and his obvious love for his daddy made him a joy to photograph.

2nd Time Around

2008-10-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

I photographed this bunch for the first time in 2006, two years later I have had the privilege of working with them again. I tell people over and over that the greatest part of my job is the people that I meet. This mom, who a couple years ago was a new client has since become a great friend. :)

Short and Sweet - Family Fall Mini Sessions

2008-09-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note announcing my fall mini sessions.  

Just in time for Christmas gifts and the perfect time to
take advantage of the beautiful fall weather!  Please pass
this information on to all your internet friends (and your
reallife ones too)....

Short and Sweet - Family Fall Mini Sessions
Monday, October 13th (Thanksgiving Monday)
and Sunday, October 19th.
Summerland Ornamental Gardens

Short and Sweet Sessions include:

20 minute mini session
8-10 images for viewing
Online image ordering
24 Custom, Folded Christmas Cards
11x14 wall print

Cost :  $200

Please email  info@taramorrisphotography.com to book
your session or for more information.

Cheers.
Tara

Flying High

2008-09-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

I was awake for 20 hours straight yesterday. I am waaaaay behind on my editing and I have a headache..... one would think that might get me down but I tell you, I am flying high! I just returned home from spending five fabulous days with some of the most talented child photographers in North America. For hours on end we talked shop, compared business models, shared ideas and photographed the two babies that came along with their mamas. (It didn't hurt that we met in Seaside, Florida).

For one group of us, it was our third year in a row together and as always these gals have inspired and motivated me. Meet some of my fabulous photog friends...
Amy, Stacy, Marla and Grace (my colors match their websites, yup I am a geek)

Here's to next year - I am already counting down the days :)

Beautiful Girls

2008-09-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

Every once and awhile I get to shoot a session where I am not chasing around two year olds like a crazy woman. These young ladies were a lot of fun to work with, very photogenic and put up with my strange ideas!

Summer Vacation

2008-09-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

A fellow photographer from Ottawa hired me photograph her family while they were in the Okanagan on summer holidays. I had an absolute blast with these three. Their little girl was a complete joy and it certainly didn't hurt that all three of them are beautiful!

Time Flies... when you should be blogging

2008-08-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Here I am and it is hmmmm, a month after my last post? My intentions are good...my excuse; July was a crazy busy month! Fitting in 10 sessions and one wedding around a week of vacation, painting our house and entertaining company was no easy task. Don't think I am complaining - I thrive when in a state of chaos :)

So here's what I am going to do...later today I will post some pics from a great session I had with a family from Ontario but in the meantime I will leave you with evidence of my greatest accomplishment from this past month - getting pictures of my own kiddos together!

Photographing a Photographer

2008-07-03T08:15:00.001-07:00

...like a surgeon operating on a surgeon, different tools same pressure! OK, maybe that is not the best analogy but you get the picture. These little ones kept me on my toes and in between shots I enjoyed the "shop talk" with mom :)

Little Miss M

2008-06-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

I love this little girl - and I love the fact that she is part of the baby plan, so I get to see her again in 6 months! :) What is really satisfying about the Watch Me Grow Plan, is that I get to build a real relationship with the families involved. I am a wee bit of a social butterfly...so getting to sit and visit with M's mom and dad was almost as fun as chasing the sweet pea herself!

Be still my heart....

2008-06-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

is what I told myself when I was greeted at the door by this beautiful family! These little guys had me at hello :)
Oh, and you will notice a splash of color - the very odd time I can not convince myself to convert to BW, this was one of them!

Rain, rain, go away!

2008-06-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

OK - so today I had to cancel/reschedule my 6th session due to lousy weather! So if anyone knows any secret magic voodoo weather spells....feel free to cast one!

Spiderman...and his little brother

2008-05-31T12:56:00.000-07:00

These two kiddos are the same age as my boys. I count myself lucky that I am well seasoned in the language of young boys...star wars, superheroes, bathroom jokes, eye crossing, tickling and the list goes on .... we all had fun and I think it shows!

FAQ Number One: The Camera

2008-05-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

What camera and lenses do you use? What camera do you recommend?
I own a number of Canon cameras but exclusively use the Canon 5d for client sessions. The 5d handles higher ISO's (the digital equivalent to film speed) extremely well and because my photography style involves quite a bit of indoor natural light work, it is the perfect fit for me.

Lenses...I used to swear by prime lenses - mainly the 50mm and for my portrait work. However, after much indecision, I decided to pick up a zoom lens to try out (the 24-70L 2.8) and it has rarely left my camera since! I do miss the ability to use f-stops below 2.8 (and I do grab my primes when I want a shallower dof at times), but I adore this lens because of its wide angle and macro capabilities and I have to admit it is nice not having to be a human zoom! I try not to allow myself to own more than three lenses at any given time...instead I collect shoes, much less expensive and equally versatile :)

My recommendation for a camera is simple - any entry level dslr will do the trick. A lot depends on what feels best for an individual. Try out the different models and see which ones fit your hands best, as your fingers will need to work quickly to change settings. Although more expensive models will surely have more bells and whistles, they may not necessarily be the best choice for you. Photography is much like playing an instrument - a great piano is certainly helpful, but will not make someone a great pianist!

Road Trip

2008-05-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

As you know I jetted off to Edmonton a couple of weeks ago and I am just now ready to share some of my images. I am going start with C and E, these little girls kept me running. They are cousins and I can already see that they will grow up with each other sharing the same kind of bond their mommies have.

Why newborn photos?

2008-05-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

Our daughter is in grade one and today for a project she had to take a picture of her a baby. As I waded through the pictures, looking at the possibilities I came across the token proud new mom and dad shots, the baby in the tub shots, the baby bundled in blankets leaning in the corner of the couch shots....I think you all know what I am talking about :)
What I found myself longing to see were her little fingers, the way she fit in one of her daddy's arms, the details of her face and the newborn smiles. What I desperately wanted to see were pictures of her and I together. These are the photographs I don't have and the ones that I am determined to create when I photograph newborns.

Thank you to this new little family for welcoming me into their midst, and sharing their beautiful baby girl with me.

Seeing double....

2008-05-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

This was a maternity session, but my camera kept wanting to follow these little beauties around! They are so excited for their sibling to arrive, it is so obvious how much in love they are with her already!

Eenie Meenie Miny Mo...

2008-04-27T21:01:00.001-07:00

believe me...it took me about 13 tries to figure out how to spell that title and I am certain it is still wrong :)
But - the point being... I have more than a dozen sessions from the last month or two that have not made it to the blog. I am so far behind in sharing that I am staring at proofs and can't even decide what to share! Not a bad problem, as I have been blessed with a full calendar, but my friends and clients are starting to give me grief wondering where their sneak peeks are! The question becomes "who to share?!!"
So here goes nothin' This fantastic family was a joy to work with and turns out dad and I grew up practically neighbors in the middle of north western Ontario. Small world.

The Countdown....

2008-04-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

3 more days till my annual spring trip to Alberta! Prior to moving here in 2005, we lived in a bedroom community outside of Edmonton. I travel back there 2 - 3 times a year for sessions, and if I am to be honest...and for shopping :) My schedule is full and what excites me the most about this trip is that almost all of the families I am working with have little ones under one. This might not excite everybody, but there is a magic age for babies somewhere between sitting and walking where they are fun to play with AND they can't run away from me! I am also looking forward to revisiting the sweetest little twins that I was privileged to shoot as newborns on my last trip.
While the weekend is usually a whirlwind (fitting a months worth of sessions into 3 days) I always manage to find time to visit some of my girlfriends and catch up on the life we left behind.

Twice as fun....

2008-04-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

I adore these babies. I was privileged to have photographed them as newborns and I could hardly wait to see them at their six month session.

Every time I look at these pictures I smile, and isn't that what it's all about?!

I Never Get Tired

2008-03-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

of watching newborn babes. The curl of their toes, the yawns, the smiles, ...I could just sit all day and watch and marvel at the wonder of creation. Then I remember I am supposed to be taking pictures!!
I enjoyed every minute I spent with this little guy and his family. He is a little miracle and it was a privilege to photograph him.

Thank you, thank you!

2008-03-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to all who came out and celebrated with us on our opening weekend.
Friday Night's Wine and Cheese was a fantastic success and a shout out to Valentini's who catered (I have volunteered to be his official taste tester...) and Blue Icing Desert who provided the delectable desserts. It was also great to see so many familiar faces at Saturday's Open House! It was a perfect way to introduce many current clients and friends to the Studio & Gallery.

The question of the day is whether or not I will be at the studio full time and the answer is "not yet"! While it will act as my meeting place for consultations and clients (and a great place to show off my work) my office will remain in my home until the "wee three" are all in school. One of the great benefits of owning my business is that I am fortunate enough to set my hours and create my own schedule. While photography is clearly a passion of mine - even more so is my family! So while I will be in and out of the studio, the easiest way to find me is still via email or phone.

Thanks again to my family, friends and clients - it has been your support that has propelled me to reach this great new height!

Tara

Snow

2008-03-07T11:21:00.001-08:00

I enjoy working with all of the families I meet but one of the special "perks" of the business is when I get to work with friends. The "getting to know each other" has already been done, so when I arrive I tend to slide easily into the family dynamic and rather than having to work at creating a comfortable environment, I get to sit back and observe.
This session was up at Apex, it was snowing while we were outside and if you ever wondered how a photographer protects her camera in the snow - just think Ziploc!
I had a wonderful time photographing this family, their love and enjoyment of each other is so obvious, it was a real honor to be asked to capture it.

You are Invited!

2008-03-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

The studio is complete...now the comes the good stuff. It's party time! Please drop by the Cannery on Saturday, March 15 for our "Open House". The coffee will be on and cupcakes will be served (we are located next to the Blue Icing Bakery...mmmm) from 10am - 4pm. There will be treats for the kidlets and grownup treats for the ...well, grownups!
Mark it on your calendar, bring a friend and come see some of your favorite faces on display at - Tara Morris Photography ~ Studio and Gallery.

The Studio!

2008-02-27T22:13:00.000-08:00

It has been a busy few weeks...busy but productive! I happy to announce that my Labour of Love aka The Studio is officially complete. Ok - there a few odds and ends to finish up, but aren't there always?

I took a few shots to show off...don't judge the quality, I photograph children not walls! Next up, party planning :) Check back in a few days for information about the open house weekend!

Who Knew????

2008-02-05T21:36:00.000-08:00

Apparently, when you start a blog you are supposed to make regular entries. Who knew? ( I will try harder to keep things current...I promise!)

It has been a busy few weeks. We are down to nailing on baseboards and trim at the studio and I am finally getting the paint out from under my fingernails. One more week, two at the most and Tara Morris Photography will officially have a new home :)

I have also been enjoying getting back into shooting sessions on a regular basis. This lovely couple was my first session of the year. I enjoyed my time with them although I think there was more chat than work. They were super brave hanging out in the sub zero temperatures and we were all happy with the results!

Alberta Bound

2008-01-21T20:05:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce that I have been finally able to confirm dates for my next trip to Edmonton and area. Mark you calendar for April 24, 25 and 26, 2008. Eight sessions are available on a first come first serve basis. The session fee is $300 (includes a $125 print credit) and must be paid when your session is reserved. Please email me at info@taramorrisphotography.com if you would like more information.
I look forward to my Alberta trips as they involve two of my favorite things; photography and Stony Plain :)

A Few More Favorites....

2008-01-13T09:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my first session of 2008, so before I get busy editing and sharing those I wanted to share my last batch of 2007 faves. Typically I come away from every session I shoot with a handful of new favorites but I think sharing a couple hundred pictures might be going a little overboard, so I closed my eyes and picked four.

Share The Love!!

2008-01-06T21:52:00.000-08:00

I sent this out to my mailing list a few days ago but
in case you missed it....
It's time to SHARE THE LOVE!
When you schedule your own Standard Session for January,
February or March of 2008 you will receive a complimentary
gift certificate for a second Standard Session.  The
gift certificate can be given to anyone you like, the
only restriction is that the recipient must be a new
client to Tara Morris Photography.  In other words...
the gift must go to a family I have not previously
photographed.  All sessions for this event must take
place prior to March 31st 2008.  Please contact me
if you have any questions!

The Babies....

2008-01-05T21:51:00.001-08:00

If you were to ask me what one of my favorite things about being a photographer is... I would have to say snuggling with the newborns. Typically a newborn session lasts 2-3 hours, if I would put the babies down and photograph them instead of cuddle them, I am sure I could cut that time in half....but why would I want to do that?

The Bellies....

2008-01-04T13:06:00.000-08:00

I LOVE maternity sessions. There is so much emotion present as parents wait the arrival of their little miracles. And, it is a real treat not to have to chase my subjects :)

Beginnings

2008-01-03T20:01:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is. The Blog I have meaning to start for the last 8 months. Nothing like a good New Year's Resolution to get one motivated! Now before we begin let's all understand that while I have a healthy working knowledge of my Canon 5D I am somewhat grammatically challenged. No pointing out spelling errors, missed punctuation or sentences that tend to go on and on and on and on....

The idea behind "The Blog" is to share sneak peeks from recent sessions and to keep everyone in the Tara Morris Photography "loop" :) The business has been growing in leaps and bounds that I felt it important to create a place where not only can you show off your most recent pictures but also where you can come to check the latest news and events.

I have been on a vacation from shooting for the last three weeks and am busy trying to wrap up 2007 business. My first session of 2008 is next week (yay!) and I can't wait to get back into the photo taking groove. So while I do not have any current sessions to show I thought I would start off the year with some of my favorite pictures from 2007. I have somehow managed to narrow down 3500 client images shot this past year to a handful of favorites (it did take a while). So keep watching The Blog over the next few days ...you might even see someone you know!