Meet Tara Hogan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Hogan.  

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Taking pictures was always something I loved to do, especially after I had my first daughter in 2010. I bought my first camera, a Nikon in 2013, got way too confused trying to work it, and ended up selling it. In 2015, after I was gifted my first Canon, I decided to go for it. I took a deep dive into the photography world and did all I could to learn, grow and create a successful career for myself. I wasn’t sure which direction I wanted to go in when I started so I photographed any type of session that came my way. Which was a great way to get practice and really find out what my niche was. I knew I wanted to learn more about newborn photography. From in-studio/posed to in-home/ lifestyle, even fresh 48’s sessions in the hospital, I quickly fell in love with everything about newborn photography. I have spent the last 7 1/2 years learning and growing as a photographer. I look forward to continuing my career and photographing more sweet newborns, growing families, babies celebrating milestones, and seniors getting ready venture out into adulthood. It is such an honor to be trusted to document some of the most special moments in people’s lives. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! Figuring out my style was pretty difficult at the start of my career. I loved the dark/moody vibe but also the light and airy style as well. Specializing in newborns also comes with a lot of addition education needed as well. Safety, posing, angles are so important and was easy to learn but sometimes difficult to duplicate at the beginning of my newborn journey. Knowing what you want your work to look like and not achieving it is frustrating because you feel like you’re doing it all “right”, but the end product is not what you were expecting. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My goal as a photographer is to create timeless photographs for my clients to look back on years down the road. I want you to remember the flakey skin on your newborn’s hands and feet or their squishy rolls when I have them posed on my newborn table. I want you to look back at your family session from when your kids were toddlers, remembering how no one wanted to cooperate, but somehow, everyone is smiling and having the best time in the photos. I love tiny details, the small little things that when you look back on were actually big things. I love real, organic emotions and love capturing it during family and newborn sessions. I specialize in newborn, family, maternity, senior, and children. I am most proud of my growth. For years I have had a vision of what I wanted my work to look like, and I feel like I am finally getting there! I have spent quite a bit of time investing in family + newborn workshops. Learning what works, what doesn’t, safety, posing, workflow, editing, etc. Investing in this has helped me stay patient when baby doesn’t want to sleep, soothe, etc. Having patience when things start to get a little tough and knowing how to navigate through the trials is what sets me apart from others I believe. 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Oh yes! I absolutely LOVE podcasts. I almost always have my air pods in and a podcast going. Some of my favorite podcasts are Jay Shetty: On Purpose, Lewis Howes: School of Greatness, just ingredients, and The Model Show with Shawn Stevenson. I also love self-help books and am currently reading “Be Where Your Feet Are” By Scott O’Neil. I love anything that will help me to be a better person, mom, wife, and business owner. Meditation is also one of my favorite things. Outside of work, my daughters keep me busy 24/7, so taking a few minutes each morning/night really helps me to stay centered, grounded, focused, and navigate through the chaos of having a family and running a small business. 

Pricing:

• Family Session – $300
• Maternity Session – $300
• Newborn Session – $300
• Milestone Session – $175
• Senior Session- $300

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.whitebutterflyphoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitebutterflyphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitebutterflyphoto/