ABOUT TARA CARMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Family photo in beautiful light in cuyahoga valley national park, parents in background with daughter spinning in her sparkly dress.

Maternity photography session in Cleveland at Wade Lagoon Park, Museum of Art, mother walking with parter, son on shoulders, holding teddy bear.

Photos rooted in connection, personality, and real life

Natural light outdoor baby photo at Quail Hollow Park in Hartville Ohio, toddler standing and happy.

Let's Work Together →

WHAT I DO

Pictures that celebrate you and your people just as you are

I'm Tara, a Northeast Ohio family photographer who has been doing this long enough to know that the best photos almost never happen when everyone is standing still and smiling. They happen when your toddler makes a break for it, when someone says something that cracks everyone up, when you forget I'm even there. That's what I'm here for. I photograph families, couples, and professionals on location across Northeast Ohio, from Kent to Cleveland and beyond.

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Meet the Team

Meet the Photographer ★

Photographer

TARA CARMAN

I'm a mom of two, so I get it. The chaos, the negotiations, the kid who will not cooperate no matter what you bribe them with. I also know what it feels like to look at a photo of your family and just feel it. I've been photographing families for over 15 years, and honestly, that experience means you can stop worrying the moment you book. I've seen it all, handled all of it, and still come away with photos people cry over in the best way.

Every kind of family is welcome here, and when I say that, I mean it with my whole heart. LGBTQIA+ families, single parents, blended families, chosen families. If you love each other, I want to photograph you. Keep your expectations realistic and your snacks handy, and I'll handle everything else. This is going to be fun.

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH

TARA

When I’m not behind the camera, you can usually find me lost in a fantasy book (I want to live in a world where dragons exist and I can use magic to clean my house), dreaming of my next concert road trip (playlist at the ready), or taking my dog on long walks while talking to her like she’s a person. I also get caught up in listening to public radio and the occasional spur of the moment craft project.

WHAT I STAND FOR

REAL LIFE > POSED LIFE

INCLUSIVITY ALWAYS

PHOTOGRAPHY THAT SPARKS JOY

LAUGHTER IS MANDATORY

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Process

STEP ONE

REACH OUT

Contact me to tell me a bit about your family or headshot needs. Use the contact form here on the website or just send me an email! Please no calls or texts (unless absolutely necessary), my millennial heart can’t take it.

STEP TWO

PLAN & SHOOT

Booking is simple and all handled online. I’ll help with timing, locations, and outfits if you need it. Then we’ll capture your family (or headshots) in a relaxed session with lots of laughter and probably a little bit of chaos.

STEP THREE

ENJOY YOUR PHOTOS!

After the session, I carefully edit your gallery so every image shines while staying true to who you are. Then you’ll get easy online access to download, share, and print your photos so you have these memories you’ll love looking at again and again.