Your Best Self Photography

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Your Best Self Photography I’m Tara, a Traverse City family and senior photographer serving Northern Michigan. Easy, laid-back sessions for families and high school seniors.

I photograph real moments, real laughs, and people who want photos that feel like them.

Your business can be professional without looking like you were forced into a stiff blazer and told to stare directly in...
09/24/2026

Your business can be professional without looking like you were forced into a stiff blazer and told to stare directly into the camera. 😂

Branding photos should actually feel like your business.

Some polished headshots? Absolutely.

But I also want the photos that show what you do, how you work, your personality, your space, and the little details that make your business yours.

Because your potential clients aren't just deciding whether they like your logo.

They're deciding whether they trust you.

I loved getting to create these branding images and show a little more of the person behind the business.

Northern Michigan business owners, when was the last time you updated your headshots?

P.S. If you're in Traverse City go see she's amazing at what she does!

🤝Let’s Bring Back Bartering There’s something I really love about the old-fashioned idea of bartering.You have something...
09/22/2026

🤝Let’s Bring Back Bartering

There’s something I really love about the old-fashioned idea of bartering.

You have something I need. I have something you need. We trade, we both walk away happy, and we get to support someone in our own community along the way.

And honestly? I think we could use a little more of that.

I know times are tough, and I also know how easy it is to put photos on the back burner when there are a million other things competing for your budget. But I truly believe everyone deserves the chance to preserve the people, seasons, and memories that matter to them.

So I’m opening the door to bartering for photography sessions.

If you have a skill, service, product, or goods that are equally valuable to my photography, I genuinely want to hear your idea.

A few things that come to mind:

• Cosmetology services
• Massages, facials, or other self-care services
• House cleaning
• Home design or decorating
• Home improvement or handyman work
• Clothing or handmade goods
• Farm goods like eggs, honey, or farm-raised meat
• And honestly, whatever else you have to offer that might be a good fit!

And you don't have to own a business to reach out. Maybe you have something you make, grow, do, or know how to do really well.

If you've ever thought, “I wish I could have photos right now, but I don't really have the extra money for them,” and you have something valuable to trade, let's talk.

I’m genuinely excited to see what kinds of creative trades come from this and to support some of the talented people in our community along the way.

So... what do you have to trade? 👀

And if you own a local business or have a service you think I should know about, drop it in the comments. I’d love to check you out and support your business, too. 🤍

She thought they were just going for a walk on the pier.He had a very different plan. 🥹There is something pretty special...
09/18/2026

She thought they were just going for a walk on the pier.

He had a very different plan. 🥹

There is something pretty special about being trusted with a moment that someone has been planning, hoping for, and probably stressing over for months.

And then getting to watch the exact second when they realize what's happening?

Yeah. I love my job.

Congratulations to these two! ❤️

And just a little reminder for anyone planning a proposal in Northern Michigan: you don't have to figure it out alone. I now have a special package just for this occasion! You get my help with planning, I hide in the bushes 😂(no, but really I do if the spot has them!), we take all the photos you want and you get them back while you're still soaking it all in.

Traverse City + Northern Michigan proposal photographer | Michigan couples photographer

Okay, I need to know this one...When you look through old family photos, what are the pictures you actually stop on?The ...
09/17/2026

Okay, I need to know this one...

When you look through old family photos, what are the pictures you actually stop on?

The perfectly posed Christmas-card-worthy ones?

Or the completely random ones where someone is laughing, the kids are being ridiculous, and somebody probably has food on their face?

I'm firmly in the second camp.

Give me the weird little moments. Those are usually the ones that end up meaning the most.

So tell me: what kind of photo is your favorite to find in an old family album?

Senior pictures don't have to be complicated. Sometimes the best sessions are just you, your favorite things, and a plac...
09/14/2026

Senior pictures don't have to be complicated. Sometimes the best sessions are just you, your favorite things, and a place you love.

This Esch Beach session was cool, casual, and completely his vibe. We got the classic senior portraits, some laid-back candids, and of course had to work his football into the mix. 🏈

That's one of my favorite things about senior sessions. We can get the polished portraits your mom will love, but we can also make room for the things that actually feel like you. The laughs, the movement, the hobbies, the personality, all of it.

And if you're thinking, “Okay, but I have no idea how to pose…” 😂 Don't worry. That's my job. You just show up as yourself and I'll guide you from there.

Traverse City + Benzie County senior photography | Northern Michigan senior photographer

What would you bring to your senior session that feels totally you?

Let's talk about my image use policy.I've always felt that my clients have a right to choose how their images are shared...
09/04/2026

Let's talk about my image use policy.

I've always felt that my clients have a right to choose how their images are shared. That's why before every session I send out a questionnaire and give them their options.

Plenty of clients have chosen for me to not post their images, so you've never seen them.

Others are ok with me sharing as long as their children's privacy is protected. In those cases I try to share images where the kids aren't facing me and if those aren't an option I blur their faces.

If a client previously gave permission to share their images but has changed their mind, I'll gladly take them down from all platforms.

While I greatly appreciate when clients allow me to share their images so I can showcase my work, I also respect their choices when they want to remain private. Advertising my business will never be more important than protecting anyone's privacy, especially our children.

Summer somehow always disappears faster than I expect.If you've been thinking about updating your family photos before t...
08/28/2026

Summer somehow always disappears faster than I expect.

If you've been thinking about updating your family photos before the leaves change, this is your little reminder.

I'd love to help you preserve this season exactly as it is.

Whether your kids are tiny, teenagers, or somewhere in between, every season deserves to be remembered.

Send me a message if you're thinking about a session this fall. I'd be happy to help you find the perfect date.

Fall family photos, Northern Michigan photographer, Traverse City family photographer, Frankfort senior photographer

Happy National Dog Day to all the four-legged family members who somehow manage to steal the show in family photos. 🐾The...
08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day to all the four-legged family members who somehow manage to steal the show in family photos. 🐾

The zoomies, the wet noses, the tail wags, the "look at me!" moments...

Honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Dogs are family, and they absolutely belong in the photos. ❤️

Give your pup an extra treat today from me!

Fall calendar is opening up. I know, I know - it's still 80 degrees. BUT this is Northern Michigan, and that golden hour...
08/21/2026

Fall calendar is opening up.

I know, I know - it's still 80 degrees. BUT this is Northern Michigan, and that golden hour turns into golden everything for about three weeks in October, and then it's gone. If you want in on that window, now's when we start planning!

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Benzie County, MI
49617-9101

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