Tara Edwards: Model Interview
Tara Edwards isn’t just another pretty face in front of the camera, she’s also knowledgeable about what goes on behind the camera—owner of Little Red Images, Tara specializes in engagement, wedding, maternity, newborn, and children/family photography in the Central PA area. But in October of 2013, Tara decided to try her hand at modeling, with a personal goal of taking this path as far as she can.
She also felt she’d be able to relate better to her own photography clients if she clearly understood how they felt standing in front of the camera, not to mention by mastering posing herself, she’d be able to pose others for their own sessions. Plus, she informs me, since she takes a lot of pictures of her family, modeling is a way for her to get pictures of herself—something many mothers will relate to!
Tara found me on Model Mayhem, which is a world-wide resource for models, photographers, makeup artists, and hair stylists to all find one another. She was impressed by my portfolio (a huge compliment coming from a fellow photographer!), and we quickly set up a date to shoot a boudoir session to add to her modeling portfolio. After discussing a few concepts for the shoot, we soon settled on doing a military-inspired boudoir session in honor of her husband who serves in the PA Army National Guard.
Tara had done a boudoir session with a photographer friend a few months ago, but was ready to step out of her comfort zone and be challenged—she brought her A Game for sure!
Why did you want to shoot another boudoir session?
I decided to go ahead and do this because I’m working on my modeling portfolio and since my last shoot I had changed my hair. I also wanted to do this [military-inspired boudoir session] because I will be adding the pictures to an album I’ll be having made for my husband who is in the National Guard.
What made you decide I was the photographer to work with to do your boudoir session?
After looking at your portfolio and talking to you extensively I decided that I would be comfortable enough to do this type of photography session [with a photographer who wasn’t a personal friend].
What was your favorite part out of the entire experience? The planning, the session, the reveal?
My favorite part…that is something that is hard to decide, the planning helped me learn things for my own photography, how to prepare and even speaking and working towards the big day with the client. The session was AMAZING! I loved how comfortable I was with it, and the reveal? That’s yet to come but with the few teasers I’ve gotten I know they will all be equally amazing.
What did you think when you saw that first image of yourself?
I was shocked, I really didn’t know how the images would turn out but I can say I was pleasantly surprised, and now I know what others see when they say they love my hair.
How did shooting this session with me change your outlook on yourself? Are you more confident?
I can honestly say I am more confident. I know, like everyone else, I’m always my toughest critic and can pick out my flaws at the drop of the hat, but I realized that I can turn those flaws into something positive with the right help.
Were you surprised at how much fun you had planning your session, shooting your session, and seeing your images?
Surprised? Not in the shoot or seeing the images, and with the planning I learned very quickly that our personalities meshed well and that we would have fun working together.
Why should other women do a boudoir session with me?
Instead of being at a studio (which is also good) you work out of your home where you can control the temp a lot better, as well as it seems less stiff and detached, its more personable. You’re great with directions—its easy to follow them and you always ask before touching to replace a hand or hair.
Let me help you get the word out about what you do as a model—what is your business website, Facebook page, G+1, Twitter, etc.
My modeling website is taraedwards.webs.com and my Facebook page is Facebook.com/Tara.LA.Edwards.
What is the best way for people to get a hold of you?
Best way to get ahold of me is to just send me a message on Facebook. I might not always answer my phone when it rings, but if I get a message I try to answer as quickly as possible. You can always leave a message at the phone number on the websites, and I will get back to you within 24 hours.
What did you like about working with me?
Is everything a possible answer? I don’t really think I had anything I didn’t like when working with you. The rest of the questions said it all, and I’ll definitely be referring anyone for boudoir sessions to you—I’ll stick to engagement and weddings!
A sincere thank you to Tara for her time!
Until next time,
Shannon
Shannon Hemauer