mentoring opportunity


Mentoring is available to those 150 miles outside of Charleston, SC from January-August. 1:1 only. No small group workshops. PDF Posing Guide, Presets and Behind the Scenes video coming soon.

what art do you want to create?


Back in 2010 the trend in newborn photography was to put a crochet caterpillar wrap and hat on your baby and then pose them on a shelf in a nursery on their belly (totally safe right? LOL) Taco and Froggy and Potato sack poses also became wildly popular (without photoshop composites) and I couldn't keep up. I couldn't execute those poses. I felt like I had to keep buying props, hats, headbands, wraps and outfits to keep my work fresh and different. I was losing money and I wasn't being true to myself or the art I wanted to create. I was shooting for trends. I sucked. I wanted to quit.


The parts of the session that I loved was when I put the baby on a black blanket and captured their "womb like poses" and portraits while I waited for them to fall deep enough to sleep to pose them in the trendy poses I felt like I was being hired for. In 2013 I stopped all the nonsense. I set out to capture newborns simply and I've followed my own voice being self taught for the past 10 years.


So here is little photo example of how I *knew* the art I wanted to capture in 2010 but I got caught it in the trends and lost my voice until I claimed it back in 2013.

what you can expect


I want to show you how with a simple white sheet, a white wrap and natural light you can create a gallery with lots of variety, innovated angles, soft natural poses all with beautiful macros of all the details. You don't need *stuff*.


I am all about "hands on posing". Muscle memory is real and I want you to have the skills to implement a workflow and recreate what you've learned when you get back home. You can only learn by watching to an extent.


Our time together will be one on one. I want to give you my undivided time and attention. I want to learn about where you are and how best to help you get to the next level. After we shoot, we will spend time editing and I will give you all the presets and actions I use in my own workflow.


My mentoring is best suited for those who have been photographing newborns for a couple of years and are comfortable shooting in Manual mode, using Lightroom/ACR and understand exposure.


Mentoring is not available for those within 150 miles of Charleston, SC.

my gear


I've always been a Nikon girl. I currently shoot with a z6ii mirrorless body. My go to lenses for a newborn are my Sigma 35mm 1.4 art and Nikon 60mm Macro. I have a Nikon 50mm but it isn't my favorite. My outdoor lens is my Sigma 85mm 1.4.

natural light (always)


I'm a chicken. I've always been scared to play with and learn studio lighting. It intimidates me. I love seeing the way natural light falls across my subjects face and capturing the moment as it happens rather than create it.

20 in 20

Here is another little "blast from the past" for you. A little Timelapse video I did in 2015 that shows a little of my posing and workflow that I still very much use today.

Pricing & Packages

1:1 Mentoring

$1800 for 2days

2 days of 1:1 learning with up to 3 newborn sessions plus milestone/maternity/family. You get it all and customized to what you want to focus on. $400 non refundable retainer due at booking and remaining balance due 30 days before your date.

FAQ

1 

Where are you located?

My studio is located in North Charleston, South Carolina

2 

Where do I fly into?

Charleston, SC or the airport code: CHS will get you to the right place

3 

What hotel should I book?

There are several hotels located near the airport which is 3-4miles from my studio. You have a variety to choose from for budget and comfort.

4 

Are meals included?

Yes, I will provide most of your meals while we are together.

5 

Do I need a rental car?

No. I will be happy to pick you up from your hotel before our sessions together. You may need to uber to and from the airport.

6 

Is there a location limit?

Yes. Mentoring is NOT available for those who work within 150 miles of Charleston, SC.

Testimonials

Heather Mohr Photography

I can't say enough good things about Tamara's mentoring program. We spent two days together with hands on learning teaching me how to photograph babies the way I wanted, editing and even business ideas. She was truly an open book and allowed me to ask her anything. She goes above and beyond with her mentees. If you're on the fence about hiring her, just do it! You won't regret it!

Testimonials

Stephanie Honikel Photography

Tamara's workshop focuses on simple and timeless newborn and maternity portraits in a studio environment. I traveled to South Carolina and spent a full weekend learning from an amazingly talented photographer. Her studio and her sweet personality will make you feel welcome and at ease right away. Tamara truly goes above and beyond to ensure a great experience. You’ll walk away feeling inspired and making a new friend.