Hello, I'm Tara
Naperville family Photographer
Team Photographer with summerbraderphotography.com
As a family photographer serving Naperville, Plainfield, New Lenox, Lockport, Oswego, Mokena, Homer Glen, Shorewood, and the surrounding southwest suburbs of Chicago, I believe your photography experience should feel just as meaningful as the images you take home.
From helping you choose the perfect location and offering styling guidance to keeping little ones engaged with plenty of laughter along the way, every session is thoughtfully planned so you can relax, be present, and simply enjoy time together. Whether we're wandering through golden prairies, exploring quiet tree-lined paths, or documenting the beautiful chaos of home, the focus is always on genuine connection and the moments that matter most.
The tiny hands that reach for yours, the contagious giggles, the quiet embraces, and all the beautifully ordinary moments in between deserve to be remembered. My goal is to create timeless, heartfelt photographs that tell your family's story with honesty, warmth, and joy, giving you memories you'll cherish long after this season has passed.
I'd love to help you preserve this chapter and create something truly beautiful together.
Learn some fun facts about me
I love all things Dave Grohl, not just for his music, but for his energy, humor, and the way he throws himself into everything with pure joy. Whether he’s rocking a stadium with Foo Fighters, drawing you in with his words in The Storyteller, sharing a hilarious memory in an interview, or jamming with unexpected guests, there’s an authenticity to him that I totally connect with. That same love for real, unfiltered moments is what I bring to my photography, minus the screaming guitars (unless you bring them).
I’m also lucky enough to have six nieces and nephews, four great-nephews and one great-niece, which basically means I’ve spent a lifetime surrounded by everything from newborn snuggles to teenage eye-rolls. I’ve been to countless soccer games, sat through epic Lego builds, and mastered the fine art of turning shy smiles into full-on belly laughs. All those years with kids of every age have given me the ability to read the room, roll with any mood, and capture those fleeting, genuine moments that parents treasure long after the moment has passed.
I’m also a proud rescue dog mom, which means I’ve learned a lot about patience, unconditional love, and the art of reading a situation before it turns into chaos. My days often involve belly rub negotiations, spontaneous playtime, and coaxing a camera-shy pup into trusting me, all of which translate beautifully into my photography. Whether I’m working with a wiggly toddler, a shy teen, or a spirited family pet, I know how to meet them where they are, make them feel safe, and bring out their truest selves.
Kind words from
Cheyenne t.
“We are over the moon with our newborn photos! Tara made the whole experience so easy and relaxed, even with our sleep-deprived brains. She was so gentle and patient with our baby, and somehow managed to capture every tiny detail we never want to forget, the little yawns, the curled-up fingers, even the way we looked at each other in those first days as parents. The photos are beyond beautiful and feel so us. We’ll treasure them forever!”
Kind words from
Amy G.
Tara's ability to make our photo session quick, fun, and stress-free was fantastic, even when working with a toddler and a camera-shy husband. She paid attention to every detail so that we could just relax and enjoy our session.
Kind words from
Jen E.
Tara definitely captured Poppy’s little spirit! I know it meant the world to Poppy to have some special attention on her and she couldn’t stop talking about how much fun she had.
Family & Newborn Photography
Looking for a family or newborn photographer in Naperville or Plainfield? Tara specializes in natural, timeless photography that captures real connection and joy. From lifestyle newborn sessions at home to outdoor family portraits in Naperville’s parks or Plainfield’s scenic spots, every session is relaxed, fun, and personalized for your family. Serving Naperville, Plainfield, and nearby suburbs, Tara creates photographs you’ll treasure for years.
Team Photographer with summerbraderphotography.com