She is Prescott : Boone Head Shot Photographer : TaraMichelle Photography

Oftentimes for a photographer, we forget to shoot for us. Photography is an art, a creative endeavor, and like any artist, a photographer must remember to shoot for themselves in order to refocus. I love working with clients and capturing their memoreis, creating something they love, but its rare here in Boone for me to book a headshot session (which is when I fell in love with photography... when I was modeling and having head shots done.) So I messaged Prescott, a beautiful young woman and student at ASU (and close friend to another favorite model of mine), to see if she'd be interested in spending about a 1/2 hour with me as my model. Having modeled for me before, she was more than willing.  So we met on a sunny Saturday morning (which turned out to be warmer than expected) and wandered around downtown Boone.  This girls eyes are just captivating and the camera loves her. 

Ah.... my soul is recharged. :)

Lara and Kevin : Boone, NC Maternity Photographer : TaraMichelle Photography

Lara scheduled her maternity shoot with me months ago. I always advise my clients that its best to shoot in their 7th month of pregnancy, since at that time, the baby bump is big enough to see, but mom isn't super uncomfortable. Having planned on shooting in the Boone/Blowing Rock area, I told Lara that we would keep our eyes on the weather. But a week ago, the weather called for sunny and 55 degrees, a rarity here in the mountains in January. It was looking to be the perfect day for an outdoor shoot... Then 3pm hit... and the clouds rolled in. Then the sleet began to fall. Hello Appalachian winters. When Lara and her husband showed up, I gave them the option of rescheduling for next week, with the hopes that the weather would be better. They looked at one another and shook their heads. I believe Kevin's exact words were, "We'll tough it out." And they did. The overcast day provided beautiful lighting, although, I know Lara froze a lot of the time. But they were troopers and the shoot was a success. Enjoy your preview Lara and Kevin!

Why do wedding photographers cost so much?!

I absolutely had to share this photographers (Nikki Mayday Photography) response to a post by a bride about the "outrageous" cost of a wedding photographer. While I do understand that $2500 or $3000 seems like a lot of money, you must think of the overall picture.  A bride will spend a few thousand on a dress that she will wear once (maybe twice if she has a "trash the dress" photo session), she will spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on flowers that will die within a  few days, she will choose to feed her guests filet, spending $40 or more per person. She will spend  $3-10 per person on a cake (a few grand if she has a large guest list.) And, in order to make sure her day goes perfectly, she will spend AT LEAST $2,000 on a wedding planner... not to mention the band, the tux, the rings, the jewelry, etc. Most of those items, the wedding party and guests will enjoy for ONE day. ONE. A good photographer will capture all of those things you put so much time and effort in to. The photos will be something you cherish for your whole lifetime... Many brides dont realize this, but you will spend most of your wedding day with two people: Your new husband, and your photographer. There is much more that goes in to a wedding photographers day that just walking around taking pictures... there is editing, training, equipment (ah, I am cutting in to this photographers response, so I will let you read on.)

"Before I post my response, I want to THANK all of my brides who appreciate my work and think that I am worth the price. This response is not meant to offend anyone.  I understand many people are on a budget, especially in this economy and I understand planning a wedding is both expensive and overwhelming. I always try my best to work with my couples and offer customized and discounted packaging options for those who are on a tighter budget.

I just want to state AGAIN, that being a photographer doesn’t mean that we wake up in the morning, photograph a wedding for 8 hours and then go home and our job is done.  Those of us who are lucky enough to be able to support ourselves as full time photographers don’t just work as photographers.  We are also SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, which ALSO comes with the job of doing all of our own marketing, sales, accounting, scouting, art directing, managing our offices and studios, being our own webmasters, doing our own post production, designing, blogging, being students, being mentors, researching etc. etc. etc.

Sorry for the novel! Here was my response:

Dear Bride,

I am a wedding photographer in the Erie, PA area.  Wedding season only last about 4 months here, so I photograph an average of 20 weddings per year for an average of $2500 / wedding.  (which totals about $50,000 / year).

- That being said, I am a small business owner, so I pay all of my taxes, totaling about $15,000 / year which leaves me with a gross income of around $35,000

- Of that $35,000 I pay $600/month in rent for my small house and garage which I converted into my studio (which is where I would be editing your wedding images at) $35,000 – $7,200 = 27,800.

- Then I have my car, which I would use to get me to and from your wedding, which I pay $400/month for the lease, Plus $200/month in car insurance = $7,200 = $20,600.

- To get to your (and my other brides) wedding consultation, second wedding pre-consultation, the wedding itself, and to and from the printers I need gas money = $840/year = $19,760

- I also have insurance in case you sue me, or if any of your drunk guests would happen to break any of my equipment = $500 / year.  = $19,260

- You also probably found me through my website, which I pay $30/month for hosting, and another $30/ month so that you can view your photos online and share the images with your friends and family =  $720 = $18,540

- Or perhaps you found me through my advertisements in the newspaper or local bridal magazines, OR a bridal show that you attended that I paid to have a booth at $18,540 – $1,000 = $17,540

- I also pay for my own Health insurance in case I were to get hurt at your wedding = $250/month = $14,540

- and I pay for a second shooter for your wedding, so that you can have more images and different angles, as to make sure you get the best images possible at your wedding = $200/wedding = $10,540

- I also need to have a new pair of shoes every season because my shoes get worn out and dirty from season to season = $100/year = $10,440

- I need high speed internet so I can upload all of your images online, my home phone for my business and my cell phone so I can communicate with you = $2,500 / year = $7,940

- Oh yes, and I also pay a lawyer to make sure my contracts are iron clad and an accountant to make sure that I am paying all of the taxes I need… = $500/year = $7,440

- Sometimes I attend workshops and seminars to teach me how to better my business, and make my client happier (that would be you), as well as keep up on the trends and learn new techniques so that I can make sure you have the best quality images available.

That would technically leave me with about $7,000 / year to feed myself, buy groceries, pay for my heat and electricity, cloth myself etc…. BUT, usually I end up re-investing whatever I have left on upgrades and new equipment:

During your wedding, I bring my professional equipment that I use so that I can make sure you have the highest quality images.

- I have 2 Canon 5D Mark II cameras (because you always need a backup in case of a camera malfunction which would ruin your big days photographs) which cost $2500 / camera = $5000

-I also have quality lenses which can capture your special moments in low light situations:

Canon 24-70 f2.8 lens = $1,200

Canon 70-200 f2.8 lens = $1,300

Canon 50mm f1.4 lens = $500

Canon 100mm f2.8 macro = $600

Canon 10-22mm f3.5 wide angle = $800

- and I have speed lights to catch the fun moments at your reception:

- 2 Canon 580EX II = $1,200

- Also multiple battery back ups and memory cards, lens filters, light stands, umbrellas, light boxes, external battery packs and a bag to carry everything in.  = $1,500

- Because this is equipment, sometimes I need to have it serviced or cleaned to make sure it is all working properly = $200

After spending 8-10 hours at your wedding, I then come home to my home office and spend about 20-25 hours editing your images, creating your album, blogging about your wedding, posting pictures on facebook, ordering you prints and burning your DVD’s

- I edit your photographs using a 27inch imac computer = $2500

- I edit your photographs on Adobe Lightroom = $200 and Adobe CS5 = $400 (for the upgrade) and $900 for the new program.

- and I print your DVD’s on a printer which = $300

- Using ink = $200/year

- and I buy the DVD’s and jewel cases your getting printed =$300 / year

-I archive all of your photographs on 2 2TB external hard drives = $500

- And I also back up all of my photographs online so if there was ever a fire in my office, you would never lose your photographs = $400/year

- I also have office expenses as far as buying paper, staples, envelopes, packaging, filing cabinets and files, etc. etc. etc.

- I also spend time and money ordering your prints and albums, paying

for shipping, going to the post office etc.

All of that being said, I’m usually in the hole at the end of the year, and take on many family portraits, senior portraits and corporate jobs in order to make ends meet.

Photography is my passion and my livlihood, and it is also EXPENSIVE. Yes, it seems like a lot of money for one day, but one day isn’t all we spend on your photographs or on our business.  You will spend thousands of dollars on a wedding dress or flowers or a venue or on catering which you are going to have for only ONE DAY, but your photographs will be the only thing you have to remember that ONE DAY for the rest of your lives.

I’m extremely insulted by your craigslist post and hope this sheds a little light on why we charge $3000 for one day of your memories which are going to last you forever.

-Nikki Wagner, Photographer."

Boone, NC Wedding Photographer Receives Award

Boone, North Carolina – January 24, 2012 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding Marketplace, is excited to announce TaraMichelle Photography and Golden Honey Weddings has been selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 for Editorial Wedding Photography! 

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, TaraMichelle Photography and Golden Honey Weddings was selected based on its stellar reviews from past newlywed clients. 

TaraMichelle Photography and Golden Honey Weddings is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes  the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year. 

“WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Since the launch of the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program four years ago, thousands of outstanding wedding professionals have been recognized by the bridal community for their supreme service and dedication to the wedding industry. It is with great pleasure that we congratulate TaraMichelle Photography and Golden Honey Weddings for their continued professionalism and commitment to enriching the wedding planning experience for engaged couples.”

We are happy to announce that TaraMichelle Photography and Golden Honey Weddings is one of the very best photographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. Thanks to their positive feedback we were able  to receive the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ for 2012. 

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/golden-honey-weddings-boone. 

To learn more about the Bride's Choice Awards™, please visit www.WeddingWire.com. 

About WeddingWire, Inc.

WeddingWire™, the nation's leading marketplace serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 reviewed wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers. WeddingWire also offers a comprehensive suite of online planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire is the only all-in-one marketing platform for businesses online and on-the-go. WeddingWire offers one simple solution to build a professional network, improve search visibility, manage social media and reach mobile consumers. Businesses that advertise with WeddingWire appear on WeddingWire.com, ProjectWedding.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), Brides.com and Weddingbee.com.

Falling Behind! Boone Commercial Photographer

I realized this week that I have let my blog sit lonely the past few months. When my site stats fall from 40-50 visits per day to 5 within the last month, there is something wrong. My new years goal as a photographer is to be more loyal to my clients (you have all been VERY loyal to me!)

It had gotten to the point where I was so busy, that my focus was on getting the images TO my clients, and then I would completely blank on the fact that I never blogged or shared the work with you all! For this, I am very sorry. I will get my head on straight, I promise!

I hope everyone had a wonderful christmas and will have a VERY happy new year! We have so much to be thankful for here at TaraMichelle Photography, and one of those things happens to be our loyal followers.

Baby E : Boone Infant Photographer TaraMichelle Photography

Oh, sweet little 6 week old baby boy E. This little man just captured my heart. He had decided that instead of sleeping for me, he would much rather stare the whole time, but we did manage to get some beautiful shots of him. Normally, when I photograph a newborn, I like to see him within his first week of birth. At that point, babies are still super sleepy and much more likely to be posable, but we managed... didnt we E?

Boudoir Photography. Boone, NC. TaraMichelle Photography

This past weekend, I held a boudoir session at a special little farmhouse location just across the tennessee line. After a frigid cold snap just a few days earlier, the session ended up falling on a gorgeous and warmer than expected day with the light streaming in the windows beautifully. There are so many beautiful images from this session, it was difficult to choose which one I was going to feature


Boudoir sessions have become very popular among brides, couples anniversary gifts, and women just wanting a special photo session, something they have never done before. Its been all over the news, and it just happens to be one of my very favorite types of sessions. Every woman wants to feel beautiful and when I studied skin care and makeup, I wanted to use my training and talents to do just that. And its no different with photography. I truly feel that there is something beautiful about every woman, sometimes, it just takes the right vision, lighting and atmosphere to really make it pop. 


Oh, and ladies, if you are planning a wedding, then you know traditionally the bride and groom trade gifts. What could be better than a boudoir photo session with a gorgeous image of his new bride for him? 


And we’re not talking "hustler" here. Think elegant. Think classy. Think beautiful. 

With experience in the modeling world as a teenager (and with photography training focused on the editorial and fashion world), I know the positioning, the posing, and the angles that flatter any figure. Session Prices begin at $225. ($300 for use of TaraMichelle’s private farmhouse location)

Family Photography. Boone, NC. The Childrens Playhouse

A few weeks ago, TaraMichelle Photography donated time and services to The Childrens Playhouse in Boone, NC as part of a Fundraiser. There were 5 wonderful families that I spent the morning and early afternoon with. It was a blast, and there are some truly wonderful and photogenic families out there!

The Brad Pitt Pout: Boone Model: TaraMichelle Photography

Introducing Ethan. 

Ethan is an up and coming model who needed some work for portfolio development, and with every pose, all I could think was, "Man, does this guy have the smoldering Brad Pitt pout going on." I mean, am I wrong?

This guy was excellent in front of the camera and is currently looking for representation. I have no doubt he'll make it in the modeling world. 

I AM a photographer.

As many of you know, I am a student with the Technical Photography department at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. This semester is my last and I graduate in December. I am excited and I am scared because if I fail at being a photographer, I have failed at the only thing I have ever been passionate about. That thought can put a lot of pressure on a girl!

This semester there was a class trip to New York City in order to attend the Shoot NYC and PDN conferences. In addition, due to connections our department head has in NYC, we visited Martha Stewart Studios, Industria, and attended the Scheimpflug halloween party.

It was an excellent trip, it was an awful trip. 

Here are the things I learned about myself, about NYC and about the photo industry:

It doesnt always pay to be nice. Care about others, but dont forget to watch out for yourself, otherwise, you may end up sleeping on the floor or on a 3 foot long bench (when you're six feet tall) in a hotel room you paid for so that you can sleep on a bed.

NYC Pizza really is the best. the BEST.

Although you always see people walking around NYC in heels and amazingly awesome outfits, dont do it if you arent experienced at it. Especially when there is going to be a snow storm or your group can never seem to show up on time or leave those behind who dont truly want to be a part of it.

Trust yourself. Especially if you are one who has always looked out for yourself and been pretty good at getting around and staying safe. When you assume others know where you are going, and you dont look out for number one (and maybe a few of your companions), you end up walking a LOT further than you need to... in heels.

Martha Steward Studios... ROCK. And it wasn't even the photo studios that excited me. It was the size  of the building, the openness, the light, the magazine layout planning, and all the cute and very well dressed gay men.

The men who photograph for Playboy aren't sleeze-balls. They can actually be quite nice, with nice accents, who are more than happy to tell you about the industry, invite you to a seminar, and allow you to shoot one of their models, give you pointers and then print out the image you shot for your portfolio.

I need to slow down and breath when I shoot.

People in the photo industry can be the  BEST PEOPLE YOU WILL EVER MEET. Nice, willing to help out, and concerned when they see you sitting in a corner in order to get off your throbbing feet for a minute, giving you pointers on how to combat tired and sore feet.

I like NYC better at night than in the daylight. At night you see all the lights and the excitement. I was asked at one point if I was ready to pack my bags and move to the city. The exact thought in my head: "Oh GOD no! Not even for a second." My Actual Response: "No. NYC is just like any other big city, except less organized and more jumbled. I would love to be in a bigger city, but it needs to be a prettier city."

The food options are amazing.  Chicken and Chorizo with Rice, Apple, field greens, balsamic and Brie Crepes,  Turkey and Brie sandwiches... not to mention the presentation of everything.

Dont expect to spend less than $10 for a basic grab and go lunch. Food and alcohol is SO much more expensive in the city... unless you want a bagel or a slice of pizza.

NYC Bagels are amazing. Not only are they ginormous, but the vendors dont skimp on cream cheese and a bagel with cream cheese and a coffee will cost you $3 even.

New Yorkers like their coffee SWEET. The first cup of coffee I ordered, I said "With cream and sugar" Well, they dont skimp on that either. I was hardly able to finish it, but I needed the caffeine and wasn't about to throw it away. The second cup, I asked for it the same way, thinking it was just the vendor... no, they all put too much sugar in coffee. I only drank about 1/2 of that one.

Industria Studios makes me want to work in a studio. Thats all. I can forgo a career as a photographer to work in such beautiful light, troubleshoot and rub elbows with those who utilize the studios.

The open floor at ShootNYC intimidates me, but the seminars rock. While I had no interest at looking at a $42,000 camera body, I learned that I am doing all of the things I need to do to market myself well, and I use all the right lighting set ups for head shots. Self taught all the way. I attended two seminars by a photographer named Kawai Matthews who is a photographer in Cali. She was inspiring and very likable.

Chase Jarvis. Amazing. I have been following Chase's work for a while now. I didnt know he was as well known as he is. I didnt know that I would get super excited to hear that he was in the same building as I was ("Yeah, I just saw (insert movie stars name here)" "Eh" "Chase Jarvis is HERE." "WHAT?! Where?! Seriously?!"), and I didnt know he was a cool and level headed as he is.

Over and over I heard, do what you love. Your teachers... they have no idea. Keep doing what you love, shooting what you love and you will have everything you always wanted.

Photography is EXPENSIVE.

I am a LOT older than many  of my classmates. A LOT. Although I am only 28, I am a LOT LOT LOT older than some of them. Sure, I had my fair share of alcohol and inappropriate decision making experiences in my lifetime, but even then I think I was more mature than some of them.  If you are irresponsible, and make poor choices, I dont think I want to rely on or wait for you.  There are many types of people in this world, and I will help you out if you ask, but dont expect me to sidestep my path because you made a poor decision. And if you let your poor decisions affect me, we will have issues.

Wearing boots does not automatically mean that your feet wont get wet. or cold. or frozen. What it can mean is that you will be walking around most of the day with puddles sloshing around in your shoes. Although, the cold slush does keep your feet from swelling too much. And it possible to break or injur a middle toe even if its not stepped on or run in to.

PDN PhotoPlus East. Epic. Vendors galore. Product and equipment everywhere. An all over buzzing throughout the whole building. I just wish I had been wearing better shoes and had at some point gone  by myself in addition to going with my small group that I had so much fun with.

I have no problem schmoozing. I am a fairly quiet person in new situations, but you tell me that talking to someone will help advance my career, expect a firm handshake and an introduction. Tell me what you know.

Although I LOVE to dance and miss parties such as the Scheimpflug costume party, my body no longer allows me to stay up till 5am multiple nights in a row.

My wedding band blinds me to the men checking me out.

Men still check me out... occasionally. Very surprising to me.

There are some people who would bend over backwards to help you out. Its those people I am more than willing to bend over backward to help. I am very much a "I will take care of myself" type person, but you show me that you have my best interest at heart, or someone I care about, I will watch out for you (whether you are aware of it or not.)

I do NOT like traveling in groups larger than 5 or 6. They are ALWAYS late and can NEVER make decisions.

Some people are not as cut throat as I expect them to be. I am one who if I say "you will get left behind if you are late," you will get left behind to fend for yourself. I dont coddle and I dont make exceptions.

My social anxiety it really really bad when I dont feel I am in control.  I shut down and I will not come back until either I am back in control, or I am back in a familiar place.

Apparently 10 minutes is not that big of a difference in NYC. Even if you leave to catch a subway 10 or 15 minutes before everyone else, somehow, they can end up ahead of you when you get off the train. I still dont understand how that worked out.


This trip to New York was an experience that I am glad I had, it reinforced so much that I already knew about myself and about what I want. I love photography. I love this industry. I know I will have a career in it no matter what, creatively or otherwise. I do not ever want to be an early 20 something year old again. I WILL fend for myself since others cant seem to plan ahead and stay on schedule (if I ever have employees, I will be that dragon of a boss) I am definitely a virgo who harshly judges imperfection and wants it nowhere around me. I am ok with that. I hate traveling in large groups. There are impressive individuals within our department who have no idea how amazing they are. I am cut throat enough to make it in NYC, but I do not want to live in or around NYC. I LOVE my husband so very much, and love our life together, even if it is currently in Boone, NC. I no longer need to worry about my future. I AM a photographer.