Tails of Summer - Pet Portraits in Raleigh
Celebrate Your Dog. Support Rescue. Soak Up Summer.
Make a splash with these limited edition photo sessions in Raleigh
Summer never lasts long enough—but the memories can.
Tails of Summer Pet Portraits are joyful, limited-edition sessions created for dog-loving families who want to celebrate the magic of summer, preserve the love they share, and support rescue dogs—all without spending an hour in the heat.
Whether your pup loves splashing in a stream or rolling in the grass, these short-and-sweet sessions are designed to be simple, meaningful, and full of heart.
Benefitting Freedom Ride Animal Rescue.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Tails of Summer Photo Sessions
Investment: $749 (+ tax)
- 20-minute session near the water to enjoy a cool breeze and make a splash
- Your choice of 5 digital files and a $300 print credit
- $50 donation to a local animal rescue for every session booked
SPECIAL BONUS when you book by June 28th:
- 2 extra digital files
- Additional $25 donation to Freedom Ride Rescue – $75 total!
Dates & Locations
June 28th + July 19th, 2025 – a beach and bamboo in the middle of Raleigh? Yup! Make a splash or stroll on the sand at this hidden gem in Raleigh (seen above).
July 12th, 2025 – Walk along the bank of Crabtree Lake near RDU. Plenty of green space and open water. This session is set for the morning for even cooler temps.
August 9th, 2025 – Take advantage of the amazing greenways and streams in the Triangle with this session at Falls Lake.
Helping dogs one photo at a time
I’m a proud volunteer photographer with local animal rescue groups like Saving Grace, Triangle Beagle Rescue, Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, Freedom Ride Rescue and more.
I get to see first-hand the dedication of volunteers and staff who work tirelessly and passionately to give homeless and neglected animals the care they desperately need and deserve.
When you book your session, you’re helping provide food, medical care, and a path to forever homes—and you’ll walk away with beautiful memories of your own best friend.
Tara began photographing my husband and me with our two dogs in 2012 for our annual Christmas card. Here we are twelve years later, now with a new puppy, and I still schedule time with Tara for the next Christmas card photo shoot.
We’ve seen the value in doing an annual photo shoot with Tara. Our two beloved dogs that Tara originally photographed are now in doggy heaven. When Tara put together a beautiful wedding anniversary memory book for us, we were able to remember them thru her beautiful photography over the years. And now we want to continue the tradition with our new puppy.
FAQs about your Petite Pet Portrait Session
What if it rains?
In the event of rain or unsafe weather, we’ll reschedule your session to the next available date. We always plan for beautiful light and happy tails! Most dates have rain dates listed on the booking website.
What if my dog doesn’t like water?
That’s totally fine! Dogs are not required to get wet. We’ll photograph near the stream or in scenic spots where your pup can stay dry while still enjoying the breeze and beauty of the location.
Will my dog be on a leash?
Yes—all dogs will remain safely leashed during the session. I have a 20 foot leash for pups that want to wade out and be adventurous. Leashes will be edited out of portrait-style photos where appropriate.
Can I give this as a gift?
Absolutely! Send me an email to get started.
How are these different from your traditional session?
These sessions are designed to be shorter than my signature 1-hour session and longer than my mini sessions. This gives us enough time for a few posed portraits at the start, time for dogs to get comfy and to allow moments to unfold natrually. Think of it as a fun summer outing—with a few lightly posed moments and lots of real ones.
What happens if I need to cancel?
You may select another available date or cancel up to 10 days before your session for a partial refund. If there is an emergency at the time of your session, we will work to reschedule. Please note that $50 of your session fee is a reserved donation to Saving Grace and is non-refundable.
Can I be in the photos with my dog?
Yes, and we hope you will! These photos are all about celebrating your connection. You don’t need to be “perfect” to be in the frame—just bring the love.
Can my kids be in the photos?
Absolutely. These sessions are designed for up to five total subjects (max of 3 dogs per session). If your kids love your dog as much as you do, they’re more than welcome to join in the fun.
What should we wear for the photo sessions?
Think casual and summer-ready: light fabrics, rolled-up pants, sundresses, or shorts. Choose colors that feel like sunshine and let you move freely. This is all about comfort, connection, and joy.
What can I purchase with my $300 print credit?
Just like the one-of-a-kind nature of these sessions, you will have access to special products that aren’t always available during the year. The full price list will be shared soon. But there will be opportunity for pocket albums, wall calendars, Christmas ornaments, and more.
4×6 acrylic blocks for $299 (includes digital file)
Matted prints for $149 (includes digital file)
Wood-mounted fine art prints starting at $499 (includes matching digital file)
Hey! I'm Tara Lynn
I’m not just your photographer. I’m your partner in preserving your family’s most cherished memories. As a mom of three with a young pup, I know how busy life gets. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to create an experience that is as easy and enjoyable as it is valuable.
I make family photo sessions stress-free and fun, capturing authentic, joyful moments — chaos, kids, dogs, and all. My guided process lightens your load, so you can finally check this off your list and give your family a gift they’ll cherish forever.
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
– Dr. Seuss