“As a mother of three young children who are all growing and changing so very quickly, it is important to me to document as much as possible. I often think to myself, I wish I could freeze time in certain special moments and Tara does just that! She captures all of the very special moments. Much to my surprise, these were moments I didn’t expect: moments during the session when my daughter is cuddled up on daddy’s lap not feeling so great. One of my favorite photos from the session is of me comforting my oldest daughter as she was crying. These are both real moments from motherhood and family life and Tara photographed them beautifully.

Motherhood has come with some unique surprises that I didn’t really expect; like how much they are my teachers and how much personal growth comes with becoming a mom. Each one of my three children brings out a different part of me that I didn’t know existed. As challenging as some days might be, their bond together and our bond as a family of 5, is so incredibly special! My oldest daughter, Mila (6), coined the phrase ‘Best Family Ever’ when she was just 3 years old before she had any siblings. It is so fun to hear her younger sister, Kirra, now almost 3, running around the house chanting ‘Best Family Ever’. It is something I’ll never forget! Motherhood is hard, and self-sacrificing beyond any shadow of a doubt but in those moments when everyone is happy, dancing in the kitchen in the morning and just happy to be together- I know it’s all worthwhile!” Krystle, Mother

 

For as long as I can remember, my heart has felt pulled toward Santa Barbara. It just feels right. So when I have the chance to pop back down this way, I do. And I stay for as long as I can.

This particular visit to Santa Barbara with my mom had so many bright spots ~ early morning runs together through town and up to the Mission … late afternoons wandering through Montecito’s open-air artisanal spaces and beautiful boutiques … and a chance encounter (on an evening sunset stroll) with a charming older couple, who led us up through the winding neighborhoods to a popup with the London Symphony perched high above the Pacific Ocean. We had afternoon drinks in the sunshine at Rosewood Miramar Beach, explored the gardens, and enjoyed dinner under the stars at San Ysidro Ranch and (quite literally) bumped into, and chatted with, Jack Johnson as he was biking along the oceanside trail in flipflops with his surfboard tucked comfortably under his arm. I would know those kind eyes anywhere.

It was a perfect visit. And it ended with this Santa Barbara Family session that brought on so many wonderful feelings. This amazing family traveled up the coast from San Diego to spend the afternoon with us! We played a little dress up … popped on some music and explored the garden property that day in the sun. It was so much fun getting to know them a bit better and laughing together!

Life can be complex. It is a wild ride, for sure. There can be bumps and bruises and then somehow …. those blissful bits where you slide into smooth sailing. And while many things are constantly in flux, the one thing I do know to be constant, is the incredible love you share with your children. That brilliant light burns bright. And it is this light (this love) that carries us.” Tara, Photographer

 

 

KENT AVENUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Additional Vendors:  Film Processed By | Richard Photo Lab
Mother’s Hat  | Janessa Leone
Mother’s Dress | Ulla Johnson
Daughters’ Dresses | Doen
Daughter’s Hat | Rylee and Cru
Son’s Overalls | Banana Republic Outlet
Dad’s Shirt | Marine Layer