Which Session is right for you?
Full Story Session
Available year round, any day of the week.
Session length: 60-90 minutes
Wardrobe: Time for 1-3 outfits
Session Design: Wardrobe planning with live links to purchase clothing and/or help with using what you have on hand.
Client Closet Access: Yes
Location: Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas & Hillsborough
Number of Images: You will be presented with 75 - 125 edited images
Images or Product Included: All images and products purchased separately (see below for details).
Average Client Order: $1500 - $4500
Short Story Session
Available on a seasonal basis. Weekday only. No Newborn.
Session length: 30 minutes
Wardrobe: Time for 1 outfit
Session Design: Suggestions/examples based on your preferences
Client Closet Access: No
Location: Manatee County
Number of Images: You will be presented with approximately 30 edited images to choose from
Images or Product Included: All images and products purchased separately (see below for details).
Average Client Order: $850 - $1500
Getting started is super easy - just click "Book Your Session" below and fill out our contact form.
Within 24 hours you will receive an email to confirm your session and schedule a Session Design call . The Creative Fee/Retainer is payable at the time of booking and is non-refundable. The Creative Fee/Retainer covers the time and talent of the photographer, as well as wardrobe planning assistance and custom session design. Prints, products and digital image files are available for separate purchase during your online Session Reveal, and are not included in the Creative Fee/Retainer. We work with many non-local clients each year, so distance is no problem!
There is no minimum order required because we know you are going to LOVE your images!
Tara Tomlinson Photography is passionate about providing a custom portrait photography experience for you and your family.
Our focus is on creating beautiful heirloom memories from your images for your home and will work with you to create cherished pieces of art that you can pass down from generation to generation. We provide a full service experience and offer a wide range of high quality prints, albums and wall art, as well as digital downloads with printing rights at various price points. We would love to discuss your portrait needs and work with you to create a magical, memorable portrait session. A’ la carte items start at $75, Digital Sets start at $500 and Collections start at $1200.
The Portrait Session Experience
1. Session Design Consultation
When we decide on the date for your Session, we will also decide on thedate for your in-home consultation. This is when we will talk about your vision for your images, wardrobe, and you can try on any items you're interested in from my Client Closet.
Included/ no charge
2. The Session
We will usually start with the more traditional poses and gradually get into more movement, interaction, and prompts. If kids are involved, we will be flexible and keep everyone relaxed & having fun.
$125/$200
3. Your Session Reveal
Yay! You will select a date about two weeks after your session for your online Session Reveal, which is when you will view your edited images and place your order.
$500 - $5500+
FAQ
What if I'm not local?
No problem! Many of our clients schedule sessions while they are visiting. Your Session Reveal will be conducted online.
Is there a limit to the number of people that can be in one session?
There is no additional charge for large or extended family sessions. If you are in the area for a vacation, family reunion, wedding, anniversary, or other event, and you would like to be photographed along with your siblings and their families, your parents, etc - that's great! Any digital images purchased can be shared amongst the families, so it often works out really well because you can share the cost. Whoever books the session will be the one who has the Session Reveal, but each family member is welcome to request one of their own. For families over 30 people, please inquire for more information.
What kind of gear do you use?
I love my Sony A9ii mirrorless digital cameras! They are absolute magic. My favorite lenses are my 85mm 1.4 and my 35mm 1.4.
Do I have to order prints through you?
No, but you might want to! All digital image purchases include a Print Release so that you can use any lab you'd like. You will also have the option to purchase professional printed products at your Session Reveal.
How do I know what to wear?
You will receive a custom Pinterest board after you fill out your Design Questionnaire, tailored to your color and style preferences. Depending on your session type, you may also have access to the Client Closet, which is full of beautiful flowing dresses as well as some children's items.
Can I have/see ALL of the RAW/unedited images?
I always try not to say not to clients, but NO. Why? I want to give you the best service and experience possible, and an important part of that is image curation. I want to save you from having to see some of the less than flattering images, and present you with only the finished product.
How many images will we be shown?
That depends on the type of session we are doing. Family galleries typically show 75+ images, whereas Newborns typically show 30+ images, and Seniors 50+. You are not obligated to purchase every image, only the ones you love! (But many people do love them all!)
I really like natural looking photos, but I'm awkward in front of the camera. Help!
Ok, so this is where I say I GOT YOU! I will never just leave you hanging, telling you to "just go do your thing over there" while you stare blankly at each other, sweating profusely from nerves. You're going to laugh, and you're going to feel like professional models (but really natural looking ones) by the end of our time shooting. I use prompts to help you create authentic moments of connection. I also tell you to stick your chin out and down or relax your fingers if I need to. It's all in the details, and I want you to look your best in your photos!
What time of day do sessions start, and what if my baby goes to bed early?
Outdoor session start times vary depending on the season, but they almost always begin 60-90 minutes before sunset. In summer, that is usually around 7:00, and in winter that is usually around 4:30. Newborn and indoor sessions usually begin around 11:00 am, but start times are very flexible.
If you love the golden hour glowing sunshine look, your session will need to start 60-90minutes before sunset regardless of your kiddo's bedtimes. Later naps and bribing with treats seem to help. ;) However, if that is simply not doable for your family, don't worry - we can do a session earlier in the day in a location with lots of shade. I also offer indoor studio sessions for little ones.
Can you make me look...younger, skinnier, etc?
This question gets asked a lot. Here is how I like to answer it: you are going to look like the best version of YOU. While I never edit with the intention of totally changing the way you look, I do make sure you look your absolute best - and that includes using my super special secret retouching techniques. ;) Attention to detail is my thing. Also - I know how to pose and direct you for the most flattering look!
