“Photography is an art of observation. It has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.” Elliott Erwitt

A note from Tara Ahern, owner and lead photographer at Roots of Life:


Welcome! I'm so thrilled you are here. 

In 2010, Roots of Life was born and with that, a sense of purpose and responsibility for preserving the treasured experiences of my clients.

Photography allows me to bear witness to some of the most poignant moments in peoples lives and I consider this to be a great honor. I specialize in fine art wedding, boudoir, event, and editorial photography  - the common thread that weaves through these genres is my desire to capture the authentic moments and personalized details that tell your story. 

Some of my favorite things to photograph are styled, sentimental events filled with love, laughter, and a few happy tears all around. Even after seven years in business, I still tear up at every wedding and feel rejuvenated when I hear how happy my clients are with their photographs. 

My clients value the art of photography; they know that it goes deeper than the click of a shutter and trust me to document their their unique stories with love and care. 

Thank you for stopping by. I can't wait to hear your story. 

About Roots of Life

OUR STORY

Photo by Natalie Probst

OUR FAVES

HEIRLOOM: noun heir·loom \ ˈer-ˌlüm \ Something of special value handed down from one generation to another.

As a child, some of my first memories are of my dad documenting our family memories and milestones on his 35mm film camera. When I was in college, he gifted me some of his collected items and I inherited the rest -- along with his photographs -- after his passing in 2013. These heirlooms have since become some of my most prized possessions. In fact, my husband and I incorporated these photographs and other family heirlooms into the theme and decor of our own wedding weekend as a way of paying tribute to the memories and values that have been passed on from generation to generation.

Besides photography, you can find me pursuing advocacy initiatives around disability, sexual assault, and LGBTQ issues. My passion for giving back and doing my part to make the world a better place is a calling I have dedicated my life to. My work in social justice also makes me a better photographer; bringing gratitude and perspective to these momentous occasions allows me to appreciate and revel in my clients’ joy and love.

Our Story

Fashion

Fresh flowers

Champagne

Tea Time

Family heirlooms

Styling & design

My favorite things

Hover to see our favorites

Meet Tara

Boudoir

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Events

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weddings

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engagements

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Editorial

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BROWSE THE GALLERIES

Nicky & Josh

"I couldn't have asked for better quality from Roots of life."

When I saw our wedding pictures, I felt the euphoria & emotion of our wedding all over again. Tara's work is brilliantly simple yet beautifully optimized: you see the details and feel a sense of artistry in the way she balances cropping, lighting and scene setting - creating pictures that will forever be viewed with a sense of love. Our one-on-one time with Tara was comfortable and she even got my husband to enjoy the picture taking process (he absolutely hates posing!), I absolutely loved what she has done to capture our memories.

"We are so happy we now have timeless images for generations to come."

Devon & John

Tara did an amazing job capturing our wedding day. She is a wonderful, fun, kind person & is the kind of person I wanted with me for the whole day on my wedding. Tara has an amazing eye. She took all of the photos that we talked about, but the best photographs from our wedding were entirely her idea or were just little moments that she thought to capture. I adore my wedding photos and now, almost a year later, I am SO glad that I invested in a talented photographer.

"Nothing valuable can be lost by taking time."

Talia & Indra

Tara is so talented it's ridiculous. She is sweet, funny and an incredible listener. She takes the time to get to know you so that she can capture you as you truly are. Her attention to textures, colors and style is incredible. I tear up every time I look at our wedding photos because I feel our special day happening all over again. I can't thank her enough for the incredible gift she gave us by capturing every moment we wanted (and didn't know we wanted) and more.

Testimonials


TO CULTIVATE MEANINGFUL FRIENDSHIPS, DOCUMENT YOUR GREATEST ADVENTURES, AND PRESENT YOU WITH A TIMELESS COLLECTION OF HEIRLOOM PHOTOGRAPHS AND FINE ART PIECES THAT WILL PRESERVE THESE MEMORIES FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

My fashion-based, editorial approach is a result of the years I spent studying photography, art, fashion design and merchandising. During weddings and events, I make a point of capturing both candid and classically composed, well-lit portraits, adapting with ease and intention when it comes to lighting, composition, and the overall atmosphere of the event. These elements and principles of design play an important role in weaving a visual story. 

I will capture the gorgeous details, ambiance, and tender moments to transport you back to the emotions of the day each and every time you look at your photographs.

PHILOSOPHY

I create lasting and meaningful relationships with you and your family which extend well beyond your wedding or event. I pride myself on my attention to detail and my ability to anticipate moments and capture the essence of a person in a single frame.

With Roots of Life, you can expect a personalized experience tailored to your unique needs, a gallery full of your beautiful memories, and a lifelong friend. 

EXPECT

what to

Starting at $4500

WEDDINGS

Please inquire for full/half day collection details. Available for travel & destination weddings.

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Starting at $600

BOUDOIR

On-location, 2 hour boudoir session. Hair & makeup available as well as fine art prints & albums.

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Starting at $400

LIFESTYLE, PORTRAITURE & EVENTS

Engagements, proposals, portraits, editorial, event & brand photography collections available. 

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COLLECTIONS

the

FEATURED ON:

View the Journal:

Bridal Shower

FEATURE 3

Bridal session

FEATURE 2

WEDDING

FEATURE 1

from the journal

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