philosophy

My door is open to everyone and I come to each session with an open mind and heart. Every session, client, and day is unique and I operate with that mentality when creating images.

the experience

All sessions will have a journalistic approach and feel to them, but I will guide you through the planning stages and ensure that you’re comfortable in front of the camera.
My method will help our time together be as smooth and organic as possible and will allow me to capture you and the moment as it really was. My goal is for you to have photos to look back on and remember not only a time and place, but also a feeling.

style

I describe my aesthetic as true to color, cinematic, serene, romantic, and emotive. My photography style is unposed, journalistic, and intimate. I believe my editing aesthetic is “true to color” with a nostalgic feel, but I choose film stocks and edit every session individually to create art that is authentic to you and your story. My use of analog film also lends to the uniqueness and nostalgic quality of your personal gallery.

inspiration

I draw inspiration from old photos, wildflowers, glimmering light, flowing movement, sitting in the grass, hands, classical music, landscapes, antiques, slow walks in a new city, gusting wind, conversations with wine in hand, the color green, shadows, and foggy mornings. I find beauty in crinkled noses, wide smiles, wind-swept hair, imperfections, and the small details that may otherwise go unnoticed.

a little more about me

I am a mother above all else. Motherhood has truly changed me and the way I document weddings and families, especially. I keep a film camera in every room of our home to capture every day, fleeting moments with my family so I’ll never forget them, and

I also want to capture those every day moments for you.

I’m also passionate about travel, coffee, and our rescue dogs Luna and Apollo (our other babies that reluctantly let me photograph them on film).

I value genuine relationships and raw emotion, and bring sincere excitement to every shoot because I feel truly lucky that I’m able to tell your story.
As a photographer, I have the privilege of earning your trust and friendship to look a little deeper into your life. . . to document what is most important to you and to capture the beautiful journey between moments.

I’m an artist at heart, beginning my love affair with creation and expression through violin performance at the age of 5. I focused on the performing arts for the better part of my early life and have a bachelor’s degree in music from James Madison University. After graduating and working in hospitality and event management for five years, I realized that I could fulfill my personal need for community, togetherness, and creativity in a number of ways. I love painting or drawing on a quiet morning, hosting intimate gatherings, absorbing inspiration from nature and the outdoors, and capturing moments and untold stories through photography.

Have questions about me, my style, or approach?

Feel free to contact me anytime!

browse my editorial and travel portfolios

jackietarastudios@gmail.com
@jackietarastudios
Richmond, VA

Jackie Tara Studios is a family and intimate wedding film photographer based in Richmond, Virginia. She loves to travel and is fascinated by different cultures, unique stories, and human connection. Her shooting style is organic and journalistic, and she uses natural light to document cherished, fleeting moments “con sentimento” - with feeling.