We were lucky to catch up with Tara O’Meara recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I just started a new project that stems from a lot from the reason I do what I do. The project is called Bodies In Water and it focused on using water as a consistent for all the sessions since water itself can be an equalizer of sorts. When you think about it there is so much stigma around being in a swimsuit or certain types of clothing that seems to make a majority of people feel uncomfortable or self conscious. However, once you get in the water a lot of this discomforts melt away. You can feel safe or hidden within the water. So my goal of this project is to showcase all different types of bodies in all sorts of water, letting water be that link through the entire project. Showcasing that even when we are different we are all neutralized by water, everyone comes out of the water dripping, regardless of who you are.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I started in photography thinking weddings and families were the only way to go, but the more time I spent in the photography world the more I realized I wanted something more from my career and my art. Which is when I found myself pulled towards the world of boudoir, but with a focus on those that are underrepresented in that world.

I found myself focusing on that fact that society pushes the narrative that our self worth is directly related to how closely our outward appearance and life choices line up with what is considered “ideal”. Especially in the world of boudoir, all the models looked the same. What I was seeing on social media was all pretty similar, similar poses, similar looking bodies, everything. It is easy to let the society standard of beauty overpower you and your self worth, I know first hand, I spent way too much time allowing myself to be defined by the number on the scale.

I knew right away I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, that I wanted to be part of a change. I wanted to be part of a bigger voice that was telling society to go screw themselves by embracing that our self worth isn’t up for discussion. I began advocating for all bodies.

I started pushing beyond just a photoshoot, now I work with my clients to help them find ways to reframe how they think about themselves but also how they look at themselves. Helping to quiet any voices in their head saying they aren’t enough or or unworthy, and replacing it with positive feelings and emotions.

A photoshoot can be so much more than just a series of pictures.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I am seeing a shift in beauty standards, which is great, but it isn’t enough. The more we showcase all bodies the more all bodies will have the opportunity to feel their worth. As a society it is time for us to cut the crap and stop putting so much pressure on the next generation to fit in boxes that were made too long ago, and instead encourage confidence in being unapologetically themselves.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an empowerment photographer is seeing a positive change in my clients as well as in my world. This is going to sound odd but stay with me here, when I have a client breakdown in the studio during their shoot I feel truly lucky that someone that hasn’t known me very long feels comfortable enough to be that vulnerable with me. They are allowing me to be there when they are actively working through their self doubt. Then I get to see them on the other side, when they see their images and share with me how confident they are feeling. How the session was hard but seeing this images gives them a new calm about their bodies. There is nothing better than seeing someone doubt everything about themselves in the beginning of the process and love images of themselves at the end of the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.taralynphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taralynomeara/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taralynphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-o-meara-06a672168/

Image Credits
I have the instagram names of a few that could be used to credit if that is okay. The others I put names Girl in field: @bethsboudoirjourney Girl in water: @mysunnyjoyride Girl in catsuit: @bossladycosplays Girl in black outfit in chair: @b.does.boudoir Girl in leather vest on bed: @thelazulistar Girl in green outfit looking out window: @talyia08 Girl on couch: @keiraleilani Girl in robe on chair: Kat