FAQ

Will there be a second shooter?

Absolutely! All of our 6+ hour weddings include a second photographer. Why? Two angles at the ceremony (and first look if you have one), someone to hang with both partners while you are getting ready, MORE CANDIDS, someone to capture all the detail photos and cocktail hour while the other does family & couple portraits, the list goes on!

What happens if there is an emergency and you can't photograph our wedding?

This is where having an incredible team becomes even more invaluable. My second photographers are not portfolio builders who are being hired a month or two before your wedding. They are skilled and experienced professionals in whom I place much trust.

My team knows how I work, they know how I handle different situations, what my signature shots are, what lighting I prefer, etc. They have gear that matches mine in quality, and they know how to use it. Because a second photographer is already scheduled to be at your wedding, you never have to worry about being left high and dry. An additional photographer would step in as second.

For elopements and intimate weddings, my go to replacements would still be my second photographers, and beyond that, I have a large but tight knit community of talented photographers to call on if unexpected tragedy or extreme illness strikes.

Can I add hours if I think I need more?

Absoolutely. Sometimes couples unsure of their timeline but they want lock in their photographer. No worries - you can add hours later if you need to.

What kind of gear do you use?

A couple of years ago, I gave up my beloved Nikon D850's for a set of Sony A9ii mirrorless cameras. I'm not someone who loves change, especially when it comes to my gear - but let me tell you - this is the best decision I have ever made when it comes to gear! The focusing system is incredible, and the low light capability is just so good. My favorite lenses are: Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM, Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM, Sony 20mm f/1.8, and my 50mm f/1.2.

We shoot with both cameras during weddings. We wear them on a holster so that we have easy access to either a portrait lens or a wider lens. Both cameras have dual memory card slots so that your images are being recorded to two memory cards at once, that way, if a card is corrupted (rare, but needs to be prepared for), there's a backup.

We also bring all the gear necessary to light your reception photos beautifully.

How many images will we receive?

There are many factors that vary from wedding to wedding, such as how many bridesmaids and groomsmen you have, how extensive the decor is, whether there are multiple locations involved, the size of your families, etc.
Due to these differences, the number of images delivered varies. While there is not a set number of images, there is a general rule of thumb - industry standard is approximately 60 images per hour of coverage. We tend to average out around 80-100 per hour. Not setting a specific number can also benefit the client because not using a random number as the criteria for image curation means that you will likely receive more images than you would otherwise.

Do I have to order prints through you?

No, but you might want to. All weddings include a Print Release so that you can use any lab you'd like. However, your gallery will also have a shop so that you and your loved ones can order prints and other items directly through my professional lab. I also include coupon codes that are good for the first 30 days after your gallery is delivered, as well as other fun sales throughout the year.

I really like natural looking photos, but I'm awkward in front of the camera. Help!

This is my favorite question! I have complete confidence in the following: you will feel comfortable when we are shooting, you will feel like you are in good hands, and you will love the way you look in your photos.
We are not the kind of photographers who will leave you hanging, telling you to "just go do your thing over there" while you stare blankly at each other, sweating profusely from nerves. We will use detailed direction whenever needed to ensure good angles and natural looking body language, as well as use prompts to help you create authentic moments of connection. We will tell you to stick your chin out and down or relax your fingers...you'll know what to do with your hands. It's all in the details, and we are experts at making sure you look your best in your photos!

Can I have all of the RAW/unedited images?

Your wedding day is a story, and our goal is to tell that story through photography. By curating the images, they can be presented in a cohesive narrative that flows seamlessly from one moment to the next, allowing you to relive the magic of your day every time you look through your photos.

Ultimately, the goal as your wedding photographer is to provide you with a timeless collection of images that you will cherish for a lifetime.Image curation is an essential part of that process, which allows delivery of a final product that exceeds your expectations.

Another consideration is that a photographer's reputation is built on the work they deliver to clients. Image curation ensures that couples receive a polished collection that accurately reflects our skills and expertise, rather than a haphazard assortment of shots - many of which would be unusable test shots, multiple duplicates, unflattering candids, accidental captures of a wardrobe malfunction, etc.

What is required to reserve our wedding date?

There is a non-refundable retainer of $1,500 required at the time of booking. This amount is deducted from your final balance. Once the retainer is paid and the contract has been submitted, your date is reserved and no other work will be accepted on that date.

Do you shoot destination weddings?

Many of the weddings I photograph in my local markets of Maine and Sarasota, FL are destination weddings for the couple, but I also travel elsewhere. Please reach out to discuss the details of your wedding.

Is your local market Maine or Florida?

Both! Tara Tomlinson Photography began in 2010, serving Sarasota and surrounding areas. In 2022, Tara and her family moved to Maine, adding an additional local market.

Due to vastly different climates, the two areas have opposite wedding seasons. This makes it easy to serve both markets. We still take winter weddings up north and summer weddings down south, as well. If Tara is not available on your date, you may still have the option of booking us, with Michael, Ashley, or Emmie as your lead photographer.

There are no travel fees for New England or the Gulf Coast of Florida. Although Tara lives in Maine, she is often already in Florida during wedding season (October - May) and won't need to travel. If air travel is necessary, flights are booked at least two days in advance to allow for any potential delays.

@taratomlinsonphotography