How long have you been a photographer?

15 years. I started by mentoring with a great company and two amazing owners, and 20 photographers, back in 2002. I’ve grown and have developed my own art over the years. I started Tana Hayes Photography in 2005 and it was the best thing I ever did. I feel like every year I shoot, I develop more skill…that says a lot about photography and that it can be ever-changing and I am still learning and expanding on my craft. This keeps it fresh for me, there’s so much inspiration in what I do and now I’m a published accomplished photographer and live for what I do.

What is your signature style? Do we fit?

My client said it right, “Unfiltered Life”. I’m Candid, fun, romantic and adventurously artistic. I’m non-invasive. My clients have an appreciation for art and photography and value this as an investment for their future. Truly, I am going for images that can stand the test of time. I come from film, so I’m very true to the film-look, whether shooting real film or digital. I love to incorporate the surrounding environmental landscape into my frames, whether I’m shooting a gorgeous lifestyle session of a woman bonding with her babies, a family in a field or a cool couple head over heels in love rolling on the sand under a dramatic sky. I try for emotion every time, I want to see YOU…I want to uncover your true essence. I love the reality of hair blowing in the wind, a flowy dress getting wet in the ocean, awesome freckles, a tattooed couple in an industrial area, and the littles having fun making silly faces…a little messy makes for truth and truth breeds emotion. I will add in soft vintage work along with vibrant pops of color and a ton of black and white with extra contrast. Yes, I definitely love sun-flares. Passion makes the world go round, at least that’s how I see it.

For weddings, I’m drawn to any couple who wants to capture their love aka romance…who don’t mind taking a short hike to get to that amazing location. I love laughter, new love and moody emotional images between you two…the ones with your eyes closed. I search for Sunsets and Chemistry. Any love makes me happy; Intimate weddings and Elopements are my forte’, but if a “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” is your thing then bring it on!

When it comes to photography, you need to find someone who fits you. If you are primarily traditional in your photo style, I may not be what you’re looking for and that’s okay, there are many types of artists out there and one is right for you. If it is me, then I can’t wait to work with you!

What is your turn around for our photos?

Weddings are 8-10 weeks give or take the season. Lifestyle and family are 2 -3 weeks. Everything I show you is perfected so that you are getting everything in the highest quality.  I manicure everything…that means editing to different tones and hiding any small imperfections…adding black and white where needed, color correction, exposure, etc.

I will not superimpose a dinosaur into your photo unless you are ready to pay for the extra touch up. Yes, I’m proficient in Adobe Suite so I can pretty much do anything but I prefer your photos to be natural utilizing chemistry and emotion as the magic.

How far in advance should I/we book you?

I have a limit on my weddings per year, to be fully be committed to our couples. Even my family shoots; especially before Christmas, are limited and I draw the line the first week of November. So booking as early as possible means you will be able to book the day you want and any other vendor you will need is available…Even if you’re doing Boudoir, for example, sometimes my hairstylist is booked for months in advance and yes, she’s amazing. This will guarantee you will get your first pick. If you wait till the last minute, you could get lucky with one or two vendors, but you won’t get all of them. This is especially true for wedding occasions. Elopements can be an exception; I may book more of these due to travel preference.