Whenever I run into The Tara Lee of Tara Lee Photography, I know I’m in for a good chat. We move smoothly through #mumlyfe observations to exchanging podcast and book recommendations, to my inevitable admiration of her effortless comfy-chic style. She’s one of those people with whom each interaction is easy and authentic.

Tara Lee is all about creating a thoughtful experience for her clients – and of course stunning photography. Giving you her everything on your wedding day, ensuring you have a relaxed and enjoyable time is as much part of her job as taking incredible photos. That’s the difference between a good wedding photographer and a great one.

This August will mark Tara Lee’s 15th year working as a Sunshine Coast wedding photographer. Even after 15 years, her passion for both photography and the wedding industry remains strong. She says, “It’s truly been an honour to capture so much beauty, love and raw emotion.”

Tara and I had a chat, and she shared some insight into her processes and passions…

Tara, take me through your on-the-wedding-day process…

I have a process to get my head into wedding mode – checking my equipment again, healthy lunch, reviewing all the wedding details and then head out with great excitement and anticipation of how the day will unfold. I shoot as much as I can, I bring an inspiration shot list of things I want to try and new ideas. I am all about keeping the time for the couple to ensure the day runs smoothly and without stress to the timeline we have discussed. After the wedding I back up everything captured on to two hard drives and try and get a sneak peak up for the couple that night.

You have a completely free day on the Sunshine Coast. Where are you going, what are you doing, and who are you with?

I LOVE the Sunshine Coast and all it has to offer. On a day off I am usually with my family heading out on an adventure in the morning and then doing something chill in the afternoon. We love sailing near Golden Beach passage, surfing at Happy Valley, walking the board walk in Coolum, bush walking in Maleny Hinterland in search of waterfalls, and finding new places on the Coast… email me with your favorites! 

What’s something people may not know about you?

Something people may not know about me is that I am married to the great love of my life, man of my dreams Jayden from Sunshine Coast Videography. I am his biggest fan, his work inspires me.

What is one unique service or offering or element that makes your business stand out from the crowd?

The only truly unique thing I can offer you is me – my experience, my eye, my passion and my desire to see your wedding be an effortless day full of authentic emotion and joy.

Share some words from one of your happy clients…

“Tara without question is the best photographer for your special day or family portraits. She is so professional but yet the nicest most down to earth person you will ever meet. She takes the most amazing pics, ones to cherish forever. Don’t even question if she is the photographer for your special day or family portraits the answer is hell yes she is I will forever be grateful for the photos she has captured for us. The hardest decision is choosing which photos to frame or canvas. Tara your (SIC) the best.” – Linda

Special Photography Offer

The next 10 couples that book their wedding  with Tara Lee Photography before August 30th will receive a 20-minute engagement session at Wurtulla Beach with two images of their choosing. Just fill in a contact form to get things started.

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They say travel broadens your mind and makes you see things from an entirely new perspective. If that’s true – and I believe it is – it’s little wonder Graeme Passmore of Graeme Passmore Photography & Films has such a unique eye for photography. Graeme brings all his unique life experiences from being raised in the bush with a pet Dingo to walking across Spain to his craft.

Learning more about photographer and cinematographer Graeme was a real eye-opener in itself! Read on to find out more about his life adventures, predicted wedding trends, and how you can get in on an adventure of your own with Graeme…

What do your clients always say after working with you?

“Wow!” and “I can’t believe you captured all those moments!”, “I didn’t even notice you all day”, “All my friends & family are just raving about you”, “You’re such a gentleman”, “You were so professional & respectful” and “My grandma just loves you!” I actually get that last one a lot.

You have a completely free day on the Sunshine Coast. Where are you going? What are you doing? And who are you with?

Well I don’t want to give away all my secret spots! But I like to get off the beaten track that’s for sure. I like to pack plenty of snacks, along with my partner and cheeky little daughter, and hit the hills. A nice drive out into the country is often what I crave. I like to dabble in a bit of hiking.

Kenilworth is a great little stop as you drive out towards Conondale National Park to have a swim at Booloumba Creek. A beer and a game of pool at Kenilworth pub is a nice way to end the day.

If we are doing something dog-friendly then a nice little Sunday bike ride from Marcoola to Coolum and back with a bakery stop is also on the cards. We’d also take a few little swims at the gorgeous beaches along the coastline. Beach walks at Mudjimba North Shore and a surf is where you’ll often find me when free time calls.

We heard you have an exciting new offering on the table. Please, do tell!

After my recent trip to the United States I’ve been inspired to offer Adventure Sessions. Just like an engagement shoot but for those a little more adventurous and looking for something epic and wild. I love working with clients who share an appreciation for beautiful landscapes and aren’t afraid to hike up a mountain, venture into a forest, or explore a secluded beach. We basically go hiking and exploring for half a day to capture some amazing images. You can find more info about my Adventure Sessions here.

What’s trending in weddings in 2019?

This year I’ve actually got a few surprise weddings lined up which is pretty exciting. I’m noticing young couples decide to have smaller weddings, elopements and first looks, straying away from some of the traditions.

Have anything exciting planned this year?

Every year I take on a select few destination weddings. It’s a good way to refresh my work and mentally prepare for something different. Last year I was lucky enough to visit Western Australia, Ireland and the USA. This year I’ll be keeping it a little closer to home as I am now a responsible Dad, but I’ve got Phillip Island, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour in the books as we speak.

Go on, Graeme, share some interesting facts about you with us…

I probably have a few random facts I’m happy to share, the rest are better told over a beer. I was born and grew up on a National Park out in Alice Springs, NT. Probably why I still love the bush. I even had a pet Dingo. I’m well travelled and spent a fair bit of time living overseas, during that time I worked in a summer camp and looked after Hugh Hefner’s kids. I witnessed Hurricane Katrina firsthand, survived obviously. I walked across Spain. Literally walked from one side of the country to the other. I’m pretty handy on the golf course, I’m a killer at darts and I’m a bit of a red wine connoisseur.

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Luxe Bohemian 

Nature Indoors

Hamptons Style 

Thank you for supporting our A-list Vendors, who lent their talents to this shoot… 

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This is one Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, who should make your short list! He always gets the money shot!

Happy Australia Day, lovely Sunshine Coast brides! If you are with us on this side of the globe, we hope you are celebrating in true Aussie fashion with fellowship, sharing a wink and a smile with a passer by. If you are one of our International readers, please try and find a patch of sand today to wriggle your toes in and dream big about your Australian wedding in the most beautiful place on earth. We can’t wait for you to arrive!

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