traverse city wedding photographer tara snyder studio black and white in nature
northern michigan wedding photographer self portrait
northern michigan wedding photographer self portrait

About Me

I’m a professional photographer based in Michigan, serving couples throughout the Midwest and anywhere love leads. I have a big heart, a wandering soul, and a deep love for documenting life the way it feels — honest, tender, and beautifully real.

The spirit of the Midwest inspires my work. The shifting seasons, the soft palettes, the quiet fields, the endless shorelines — all of it moves me. Watching the world change color from one season to the next reminds me that every moment is fleeting, and worth holding onto. Those gentle transitions, those small and meaningful shifts, show up naturally in the way I photograph.

My love for storytelling began with my mom, who documented our childhood on film with so much care. From disposable cameras on family trips to a mini digital camera at concerts, photography has been a constant companion — a way to hold onto the things that made me feel alive.

Before stepping fully into weddings, I spent years working alongside two wedding planners and an event décor company. I fell in love with witnessing a wedding day unfold — the connection, the anticipation, the tiny moments no one else sees. My background in food photography, styling, and recipe development sharpened my eye for detail and composition, teaching me how to craft imagery with intention while still letting moments breathe.

What moves me most is how a single image can carry emotion without ever needing words. Whether I’m photographing a wedding, a tender family gathering, or a quiet portrait, I’m always drawn to the in-between moments — the soft glances, the stillness, the joy, the warmth. These are the memories that last, the ones I hope you’ll revisit for years to come.

I want you to feel comfortable, understood, and supported from start to finish. I’ll guide when needed, step back when the moment belongs to you, offer a light laugh to ease your shoulders, and you’ll likely catch me smiling, singing, and dancing on the edge of the dance floor, camera in hand. Through it all, I’ll be there to preserve the magic that makes your story yours.

I’d love to hear your story and begin dreaming together. Let’s create something meaningful — something that feels like home.

Let's Tell Your Story