An introduction {Kootenay Wedding Photographer}

photo by Lota Love Photography

Hi everyone!

​It has been a long while since I did an introduction. If you're new to Wanderlust and wondering who the person behind the page (and camera!) is, this post is for you!

My name is Tamara. I'm from Vancouver, BC originally, but my husband and I moved to the Kootenays in the summer of 2013. I am the Mom to a to a very busy, inquisitive 2 year old boy, and I stay home with him during the day while I do my work for you fabulous folks. Working from home with a kiddo can be a difficult balancing act, but I wouldn’t have it any other way and consider myself very fortunate to be able to do it.

Outgoing and charismatic, I love to make people laugh and say the unexpected. I dislike pretence, and always try to keep it real and honest with my friends, family, and even clients. This 'no-bullshit-take-me-or-leave-me' persona isn't for everyone, but at 35 years old I feel like my days of pretending to be someone I am not are long behind me.

Before having my son, I traveled quite a bit and it’s something I am desperate to get back into when the time is right. Fortunately for me, we live in an incredibly beautiful corner of the world, and adventure can be found around every corner. There's no need to get on a plane with a toddler (thank god!)

another awesome photo from lotalove.ca

I have been working as a photographer in a professional capacity for about 9 years. I have relocated my business several times— San Francisco, Vancouver, The Kootenays— and each time I had to start from scratch in a new place. Now that I am established in the Kootenays I have no desire to move again!

I have found 'Home' in the Kootenays & I truly believe that it is British Columbia’s hidden gem. The mountains, the valleys, the lakes, the epic views.... The colourful springs and falls, the scorching hot summers, and the snowy winters— we have it all! I try to incorporate our stunning landscapes into my images whenever possible, and feel like this natural element has become one of Wanderlust’s signature looks.

I shoot weddings and families primarily, and my aim is always to capture authentic emotion. I try to keep my posing natural and fluid, and rarely use props of any sort. The main focus is always on capturing genuine connection, and I feel like too much posing or prop use takes away from this. I would describe my work as documentary, emotive, and romantic, with a touch of grit.

lotalove.ca

Since becoming a Mother, I have taken a deeper interest in Maternity and Newborn photography, and my goal in 2019 is to dive into that more creatively.

After 9 years in the industry, I finally feel like I have a solid grasp of who I am artistically and what sort of art I want to create. It’s an exciting time for me professionally, and I truly believe that 2019 will see me creating my best work to date.