Tara Whittaker Photography

I recently collaborated with some very talented people on a shoot featuring the fashions of Kismet in Calgary. All of the juicy details coming soon….

I’m excited to be a part of a new wedding resource called Cake & Pictures. They asked me recently to provide photos for some of my favourite wedding venues in our area and Teatro immediately came to mind. Not only is Teatro an outstanding restaurant with exceptional service, but it is a photographer’s dream for a wedding backdrop. Check out the photos and information on Teatro in the feature today on Cake & Pictures. Here are some images shot at this amazing wedding venue.

It’s no secret that I “appreciate vintage” and that various vintage pieces are frequently featured on my blog. The dress pictured below was a huge hit and was even featured on The Bride’s Cafe last year. Brides often ask me about my vintage haunts and I’m the first to say that one of my local favourites is Cat’s Eye Vintage. They kindly allowed me to snap a few photos in their amazing store, located in the old Alberta Boot Company building at # 614 10th Avenue SW, Calgary 403-640-4090. If you’re looking for a wedding dress that’s a little offbeat and has a sense of history, you should definitely check them out. See them on facebook here or email them at catseyevintage@telus.net

One thing that’s completely refreshing about wedding photography is the willingness of many seasoned veterans to share their knowledge and expertise with others. Last week I had the pleasure of hanging out with Chenin Boutwell of Boutwell Studios and Amy and Jocey of The Wedding Chicks at the Style Lab photography workshop. Chenin is a photographer that I’ve admired from afar and her work speaks for itself. Amy and Jocey comprise The Wedding Chicks which is an amazing wedding resource – brides you need to check it out. The cherry on top of this amazing workshop was a beautifully styled wedding shoot. Enjoy the photos!

This week, Fire Exit Theatre opened its final play of the season, First Church of Texaco. It’s been a privilege for me to work with Fire Exit this season. It was a world which was foreign to me and and it’s been so interesting to glimpse into the workings of a theatre company. I have to admit that it was a bit of thrill to enter the Epcor Centre through the stage door and go backstage (I know, I know, I’m easily pleased). I haven’t done that since playing the wicked stepmother in my grade 5 production of Cinderella. First Church of Texaco runs through Saturday so I highly recommend checking it out.

Tara Whittaker Photography will be supporting earthquake relief efforts during the month of February. I am offering mini-engagement sessions for $300 (plus gst) which include 30 minutes of shooting within the Calgary area and 20 High Resolution Images on a CD. For each mini-engagement session booked during the month of February, $150 will be donated to Help Haiti through Samaritan’s Purse. Give us a call to book your shoot at 403-247-3746.

If you’re interested in making a donation of your own, click here.

I have the privilege of being the resident photographer for Fire Exit Theatre here in Calgary and this week their second play of the season, Second Bloom, opened. If you have a chance to catch their final performances on Saturday the 16th, I highly recommend it. They have 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm performances tomorrow in the Engineered Air Theatre at the Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts. Check it out.

I was first introduced to Totally Rad Actions about 18 months ago and I’m a huge fan. They have become a staple in my editing process. When I heard that Doug Boutwell had come out with a new set of textures, I had to have them. They just up the “cool factor” of a photo. Check them out.

Meet Shea Brown. This shoot was a special treat for me as I’ve collaborated with Shea on a number of projects. She is a super-talented make-up artist and she works out of Hue Hair Salon in Okotoks. The last time we worked together she mentioned that she would love to do her own wedding photos over again. Ding, ding, ding. Next thing you know we were doing a very-post-wedding shoot for Shea and her husband Allan. Many thanks to Tara Watts, owner of Hue Hair Salon for working her usual magic on Shea’s hair and for allowing us to shoot in her gorgeous salon. Take note of the lovely bouquet and boutonnière that fit into our winter wonderland theme so perfectly. These were provided by Wanda of Wildflowers at Kensington. She has the most beautiful shop on 10th Street NW in Calgary so be sure to stop in the next time you’re strolling through Kensington.

Last night we went to the Chantal Kreviazuk concert at the Jubilee Auditorium. Can you say goosebumps? Chantal was breathtaking as always. If you’ve never heard her live, I highly recommend it.

I was also introduced to a new group (new to me that is) called Dala. I was so blown away by their voices. Check them out.

Yesterday I did a fun, 1920-30’s themed shoot with Tara Watts of Hue Hair Salon, and her daughter, Mya. Tara and I have collaborated on a number of other projects so it was great to get Tara in front of the camera and get some unique family shots for her. Tara is an amazingly creative person and I’m always surprised and delighted with the results we come up with together. Special thanks to Shea Brown for doing make-up for us yesterday.

I had been looking forward to ARTwear ever since I heard about it back in August. I am thrilled to be associated with The Art Gallery of Calgary and have the opportunity to cover their fundraising events this year. ARTwear is the gallery’s annual fall fashion fundraiser. For me, one of the highlights of this action-packed evening was a runway show at Hotel Arts, featuring some of Calgary’s hottest boutiques.