I live in Vienna, Virginia with my four sons and our cockapoo, Millie. I'm a photographer, registered nurse, and birth doula. I get my creativity from my mom, an artist who taught me to see beauty in everyday moments, I get my love for science and all things mechanical from my dad, and I get my passion for birth and babies and families from my four boys.

I enjoy adventure, especially backpacking, rock climbing, CrossFit, mud races, triathlons, and playing the guitar around a campfire with my kids. Someday, when my kids grow up, I’m going to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.

If you are interested in learning more about what I’m up to, check out my personal page www.tarabethogden.com.

Why I love what I do

The child second from the right is my grandpa, Homer Willis Hansen.

This picture is not well composed, the kids aren’t smiling perfectly, the exposure is off, and the crop is all wrong. I would have deleted this picture.

But when I look at my grandpa standing there with that puppy in his arms and his eyes closed, I can’t help but relate to him and wonder about his life.

What was it like to live in that house and grow up with those brothers on that ranch? How he must have loved those puppies! And his littlest brother, wearing that fire hat…he must have been adorable.

These boys have all grown up, raised families, had careers, and passed on. But my love for them grows every time I see them and learn about their lives.

I grew up seeing images like this. The walls and shelves of my home and my grandparents’ homes were FILLED with photographs. The frames didn't match, and they were often crooked, but it didn't matter because I loved seeing my parents, aunts, and uncles as little kids, and I loved imagining myself in those moments.

I do this so that your grandkids and great-grandkids can wonder and connect with your kids in the same way.

This moment will pass, and any printed image you have of it will be a treasure to your children.

- Tara