Tara smiling with her professional camera inside the Tara Lee Photography studio in Edwardsville
Edwardsville photographer Tara seated with her camera in the lifestyle area of the Tara Lee Photography studio

Get to know Tara!

Newborn, Family & Portraits

Hi, I’m Tara—the photographer behind Tara Lee Photography, wife, boy mom of three, and firm believer that the person capturing all the memories deserves to be in them too.


I began photographing people more than 15 years ago. What started as a love for creating beautiful images became something much more meaningful as my own life changed through marriage, motherhood, career growth, and loss.


I began to understand that photographs aren’t simply something pretty to hang on the wall. They become the pieces of our lives we get to keep.


The tiny hands. The belly laughs. The personalities you never want to forget. The beautiful chaos. The way your family feels right now.


Today, I’m an Edwardsville, IL photographer specializing in family, newborn, milestone, headshot, and branding photography. I welcome clients into my Edwardsville photography studio and photograph families and professionals throughout the St. Louis Metro East and surrounding areas.


My photography style is clean, timeless, and filled with genuine personality and connection—but the experience matters just as much as the finished photographs.


You don’t need perfectly behaved children, modeling experience, or any idea what to do with your hands. That’s my job. I’ll guide you through the entire experience so your session feels comfortable, easy, and completely like you.


Because life moves ridiculously fast—and you deserve more than blurry phone pictures and a camera roll where you’re never in the frame.


 

These images reflect a few of my favorite things—my boys, a love for football, a constant Diet Coke within arm’s reach, and the work I genuinely love: editing and photographing stories that matter. You’ll also spot my On Angels’ Wings volunteer badge, a reminder of why I do this work—to serve, to honor, and to preserve moments that deserve to be held onto.

 

Find us here

 

456 E Vandalia St.

Edwardsville, IL

Search "Performance Fitness" in Google Maps for the easiest directions.



Park in the main back lot and enter through the first door with the Tara Lee Photography logo.

 

A stylish lifestyle photoshoot outside a modern building with pink chairs and large windows.
Vibrant brand photos with colorful tinsel backdrop and navy blazer in studio setting.
Brand photography featuring Diet Coke products and merchandise against sparkly red backdrop.
Artistic portrait session featuring wicker peacock chair and camera against white brick wall.
Candid photography session in a bright studio space with purple walls and decorative elements.
Playful photo series drinking from Diet Coke can with silver sequin backdrop and red curtains.
Person seated at table with camera equipment and floral backdrop enjoying coffee and books.
Playful brand photoshoot with football prop against floral painted wall backdrop.
Person in white outfit working on MacBook laptop while sitting cross-legged on textured white surface against brick wall.
Close-up of stacked beaded bracelets on wrist while working at laptop.
Professional photographer peeks over a wooden desk in a studio space decorated with framed artwork on the wall.
Person working on MacBook laptop with coffee mug and plants in background at bright workspace.
Lifestyle photo with Diet Coke can against sparkly silver backdrop and red drapery.
Professional photographer in tan coat takes photos with DSLR camera against pink brick wall.
Series of close-up shots against a colorful floral mural wall featuring white summer clothing.
Photographer in blue velvet blazer poses against artistic wall with green plants.
Stylish camel coat and white pants outfit styled against a pink building facade with pink bistro chairs.
Lifestyle portrait session featuring bright red vintage refrigerator and white dress styling.
Photographer in beige coat laughs while reviewing photos on digital camera against pink wall.
Photographer wearing blue velvet dress shooting with professional camera in indoor setting.
Photographer in blue outfit poses with camera equipment in colorful studio setting.
Person in white outfit photographing with professional camera in modern interior with striped wall.
Photographer relaxes on red couch with drink against sparkly silver backdrop.
Creative portrait against colorful floral mural wall wearing navy blue outfit.
Stylish woman in white dress and camel coat poses in four similar shots outside a building with pink accents.
Woman in white sleeveless top holds a bottle of Not Your Mother's hair product against striped background.
Person in white clothing poses along a pink building exterior with folding chairs and architectural details.
Person in blue velvet suit relaxes on green couch with disco ball and colorful tinsel backdrop.
Professional photographer in white top taking photos against striped wall background.
A person in a white dress laughs joyfully while sitting in an ornate rattan peacock chair against a white brick wall.
Person taking photo with vintage Polaroid camera against colorful tinsel backdrop on cozy couch with pillows.
Person in dark shirt laughing joyfully against textured wall with green plant decor.
Lifestyle photoshoot featuring white outfit and red storage box in minimalist setting.
Series of close-up shots against a colorful floral mural wall featuring white summer clothing.

"My ideal client values photography as more than just pictures—they see it as an art form to be displayed in their home. They cherish authentic moments that reflect the real personalities and connections of their family, seeking a style that is both timeless and on-trend. They appreciate a fun, easygoing session that captures genuine emotion while trusting me to create images that will become cherished keepsakes."


Tara Cory

White modern chaise lounge with decorative pampas grass and green plants against sheer curtains in bright room.

 

The Studio Edit

 

A collection of colorful bridesmaid dresses arranged by hue on hangers against a white wall with wooden flooring.
Carefully chosen color scheme

Thoughtful Details

A warm, light-filled studio designed with comfort in mind. Neutral tones, cozy textures, and thoughtfully curated props create a calm space where you can relax and simply be present. Everything here is intentionally chosen to keep sessions feeling effortless and natural.

Glass jar with wooden lid containing colorful M&M candies and lollipops shown from multiple angles on white surface.
bribery available

Studio Experience

From hand-selected wraps and layers to simple backdrops and timeless textures, every detail in the studio serves a purpose. The space is stocked with everything you need—so you don’t have to bring a thing (except yourself and your people). Yes, snacks are always nearby.

A row of knit hats and winter accessories displayed on wall-mounted hooks in neutral and teal colors.
newborn outfits offered

Designed for Real Moments

This studio is more than a backdrop—it’s a place where real moments unfold. Whether we’re capturing tiny details, genuine connection, or quiet in-between moments, the goal is always the same: images that feel authentic, meaningful, and true to you.

A few more facts about me

Family wearing coordinated green and brown outfits sitting on white bench with holiday decorations in background.
I've started the business

At the age of 20

I'm obsessed with

Espresso Martini & Diet Coke

My perfect hobby

Football!

my favorite season is

Fall

Favorite tv show

Any Bravo Show

My best friend

My Husband

Person in blue velvet suit relaxes on green couch with disco ball and colorful tinsel backdrop.
Book a session with me

Ready to transform everyday moments into timeless memories?

Get in touch

 

Terms and Conditions

 

Booking & Payment:

A non-refundable retainer is required to secure your session date. The remaining balance is due on or before the day of the session, unless otherwise stated. Session dates are not guaranteed until the retainer is paid.


Cancellation & Rescheduling:

Life happens—we get it! If you need to reschedule, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance. Your retainer can be applied to a new date within 60 days, subject to availability. No-shows or cancellations within 24 hours forfeit the retainer.


Weather:

For outdoor sessions, we’ll keep a close eye on the forecast. If weather conditions are not ideal (rain, high winds, extreme cold/heat), sessions may be rescheduled at no additional cost.


Image Delivery:

You’ll receive a gallery link within 2–3 weeks of your session (unless otherwise stated). The gallery will include high-resolution, edited images for download. RAW or unedited images are not provided.


Image Use:

Tara Lee Photography retains the copyright to all images and may use them for portfolio, website, social media, or marketing purposes. Clients receive a print release for personal use. Commercial usage or third-party sales are prohibited without prior written permission.


Client Responsibility:

Please arrive on time, dressed and ready. Late arrivals may result in shorter sessions or forfeiture of time. We’ll do everything we can to make it fun and stress-free!


Safety & Conduct:

Your safety and comfort are our priority. Tara Lee Photography reserves the right to refuse service or end a session due to inappropriate behavior, unsafe conditions, or disrespectful conduct, with no refund given.

Studio Rules:

Please respect the studio space— shoes on backdrops, or unaccompanied children. Any damages caused during the session may result in additional charges.


Final Sale:

Due to the custom nature of photography, all sales are final. No refunds will be given once images are delivered.


What We Collect:

When booking a session or signing up for our mailing list, we may collect personal information including your name, email, phone number, address, and session details (including names/ages of children for planning purposes).


How We Use It:

Your information is used solely for communication about your session, delivery of galleries, and updates related to Tara Lee Photography. If you join our email list, you may receive occasional newsletters or promotional offers—but we promise not to spam you.


Third-Party Services:

We use secure third-party services (such as Pixieset, PayPal, Flodesk, etc.) for booking, payments, and gallery delivery. These platforms have their own privacy policies, and we do not store or have access to your full payment details.


Data Security:

We take your privacy seriously and do not share or sell your personal information to third parties.


Consent:

By booking a session or submitting your information through our site, you consent to the collection and use of your data as outlined above.