4-10, New website, New Blog!

I'm moving on up in the world with a new website, www.aesiheadshots.com, and a new blog, https://www.aesiheadshots.com/blog/.  The format for these will be headshots because I'm slightly headshot obsessed lately (as if you haven't noticed, right?).  Maybe, over time, I'll come back to this platform for other photographic purposes.  For now though, if you'd like to keep following my work, please head over to my new site.  There, at the footer, you can sign up to receive my new blog posts as they are created.  I appreciate your following over the years, and I hope you will make this transition with me.  Thank you!  ~Tara

2-19, Headshot Mania

I have been reluctant to write this blog.  Psychologically, I couldn't figure out why I wouldn't want to blog about one of the best events of my life.  This morning, it hit me:  if I blog about it, it's over- it's history.  I didn't want mania to end then, and I don't want the memories to fade now.  I came in late to the Mania craze.  I didn't decide to attend until 2 weeks before this first-ever Headshot Crew conference (officially called Headshot Mania, lovingly referred to as just 'Mania').  I was a jumble of mixed emotions as I made my way from Colorado to California-- excited, nervous, etc.  However, from the moment I entered the registration room at the Morongo Casino and Resort, I knew this was going to be an awesome experience.  That feeling never subsided and each day I was drawn deeper into the knowledge that I was where I was supposed to be with an amazing group of photographers I was supposed to be with.  Have you ever had one of those moments?  It's been like that for me since I joined the crew a year ago.  I felt like I had finally 'found my people'.  The common joke.... and truth.... is that we all felt like we were having a family reunion with people we had never met.  See, all though the Headshot Crew numbers in the thousands and spans the globe, our daily lives intertwine via the internet in all forms (chat rooms, webinars, etc).  We talk with each other everyday in some form or another.  The most amazing thing about this group is the support it renders for all of its members.  Peter Hurley formed this group so he could have a worldwide network of associate photographers who could provide consistent headshots no matter where the location.  Not only did he accomplish that, but he created a group of photographers who are 'creators and not competitors'.  We're all in the 'same' market (i.e., headshot photography) and oftentimes even in the same geographic location, yet one member will always be there for another whenever questions arise.  It's simply amazing.  Yes, I have truly found my home in the world of photography and my virtual family as well.  So, my reluctant post has been quite therapeutic as I can clearly see that even though Mania is over, our love for our craft, our profession, our crew and its members lives strong.  

"Find your tribe.  Love them hard."

Headshot Mania 2018
Morongo Casion and Resort, Cabazon, CA

Pete Templin (Seattle), Me (Denver), Charlie Abrahams (Boston), Mike Nakamura (Seattle)

Pete motivating in the photography room

Me and Kim Dalton (Cincinnati)

Me and Tommy Collier (Denver x 2!)

Thanks to Bryan Engel (Kansas City) for this awesome photo!

Peter and our wonderful HSC mentors

Peter enthralling the audience with his wisdom.

Peter in action 

Wrapping up Mania.  Emotions running high.

Peter Hurley (NYC) and Me at the closing party.

1-31, Rachel

I loved the diversity of this session.  The combination of Rachel's wardrobe changes and switching up the backgrounds yielded an array of different looks.  One of these is going in my portfolio.  Do you know which one?!

1-5, Kids' Headshots

This little girl makes me smile.  Every.  Day.  She's hilarious, imaginative, witty and loving.  As I've previously posted, the latter part of 2017 didn't rank very high in my list of favorite years.  A concussion has kept me down since July, and a cold bug took me out for the entire month of December (sinus infection and all)!  Frankly, I'm quite glad that 2017 is over.  Now that 2018 has arrived, I'm feeling rejuvenated and optimistic.  My physical therapy seems to be helping quite a bit (time-consuming, but helpful).  Over the past few weeks, I have treated my studio to some new additions which have resulted in me reinventing how I work from home (which I'm so very excited about).  I'm so happy to say that I am finally feeling good for a change!  (This all ties in, just wait for it....)  

Anyway, because these past few months have been so challenging, I'm hyper aware of the good things in my life.  This little peanut definitely falls into this category.  She has helped me, motivated me and made me laugh throughout it all.  And, come on!  Look at her spunk!  I'm committed, more than ever, to document all these fabulous moments (for my own family, as well as you and yours).  Did you assume that headshots and kids don't go hand-in-hand (well, except maybe for child actors)?  Why not?  This is my child, and I LOVE that her adorable face (energy....enthusiasm....) is up close, full frame, and the center of focus.  Think about this concept for a session with your child.  How about a session like this photographing everyone in your family individually and then making a beautiful wall art collection from it?  (I can do that, too, by the way with some pretty awesome software that I have to show you in advance what the elements would look like as a collaboration.). So many fun ideas to work with! And seriously, it's January.  It's winter and it's cold.  My studio is the perfect place to comfortably work on this project-- the heat is on and the lights are ready to go!  Give me a call (720-773-2006) or send me a message (aseyeseeit2006@gmail.com).  Let's capture these moments!