"She makes you feel amazing and comfortable. Best experience was my Boudoir shoot. Thank you so much."

S. Shea

"We highly recommend Tara! She is so incredibly gifted with such passion and love for what she’s doing and for the people she’s investing her time with! Tara gave so much of herself during our extended family photo shoot."

A. Jackson

"What a fun night with Madison 31 Photography. Tara makes you feel right at home giving every opportunity for great pictures. I would highly recommend her for your professional photos. Thanks so much."

S. Heyes

"Tara is an amazing photographer. So professional and puts you at ease. She thinks outside the box and our shoots are always interesting and beautiful!! She has done all our family photos and we are always thrilled with the results."

C. Hoppe

"Wonderful shoot! Tara made me and my boyfriend feel super comfortable.. and guided us through the whole shoot I would highly recommend if your looking for amazing pictures and a wonderful photographer."

C. Castonguay

"I wish I could give 10 stars! Tara has got to be absolutely one of the best photographers I have ever met, amazing with my daughters the whole process and completely professional. I would recommend her in a heartbeat."

C. Blanchard

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As a Hamilton family photographer, there are sessions that stay with me&mdash;and this one is a beautiful example of everything 
I love about lifestyle family photography: connection, laughter, warmth, and storytelling.
This fall evening was layered in golden light, soft textures, and meaningful moments. 
From twirling dresses to cuddles under cozy blankets, this family showed up just as they are&mdash;full of love and presence.

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Tara Goulden Custom

🎄 Christmas Minis Are Here! 🎄
It&rsquo;s the most magical time of the year &mdash; and we&rsquo;re bringing that cozy Christmas spirit straight into the studio! Our 2025 Christmas Mini Sessions are now open for booking, and they&rsquo;re the perfect way to capture the joy, love, and twinkle of the holiday season.
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✨ EARLY BIRD PRICING &mdash; SAVE $50 UNTIL JUNE 30TH ✨
 Book now and pay only $275 + HST (regularly $325). A 50% retainer is required to reserve your spot.
Held in our warm and welcoming Hamilton photography studio, these in-studio Christmas minis are styled with timeless holiday textures, soft lighting, and festive charm &mdash; creating an easy, stress-free experience for your family.
We proudly serve clients from Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Toronto, Niagara, and Brantford &mdash; making it convenient for families across the GTA and Southern Ontario to join us.
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<h3 data-end="1072" data-start="1049">📸 Session Details:</h3>
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15-minute studio session
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A beautifully styled cozy winter set
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10 high-resolution edited images via private online gallery
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Access to our client wardrobe for little ones
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<h3 data-end="1301" data-start="1263">Why Book a Christmas Mini Session?</h3>
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Stress-Free Experience &ndash; No crowded malls or rushed photos. Our private studio is designed with comfort and connection in mind.
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Memories That Matter &ndash; These aren&rsquo;t just photos &mdash; they&rsquo;re the snuggles, giggles, and festive love that tell your family&rsquo;s holiday story.
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Limited Availability &ndash; These sessions always sell out, so don&rsquo;t miss the chance to save with our early bird special!
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<h3 data-end="1756" data-start="1713">📅 Limited Spots &mdash; Book Early and Save!</h3>
Reserve your spot and take advantage of early bird savings before June 30th.
📩 <a rel="noopener" data-end="1884" data-start="1842">Email to book</a> or message us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/madison31experience" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-end="1981" data-start="1912">@madison31experience</a>
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<a href="https://app.iris-works.com/customer/booking/5f1d8677-a2f5-44cf-bd3b-70aede56860c">https://app.iris-works.com/customer/booking/5f1d8677-a2f5-44cf-bd3b-70aede56860c</a>

Hamilton Christmas Mini Sessions

Getting ready for a lifestyle family session can feel like preparing for a big holiday. It's a special occasion, after all, an opportunity to capture precious moments that will last a lifetime. Let's walk through the steps to help you gear up for the day with calm confidence, ensuring that you and your family have a memorable experience.Firstly, let's chat about clothing. You want to be comfortable, so opt for outfits that reflect your family's style and personality. Remember, these photos are about capturing your family as they are, so avoid costumes or overly formal attire. Think about coordinating colors but avoid the temptation to match exactly. Variety adds a touch of authenticity and visual interest to your photos.Next, consider the location. A place that holds significance to your family could add a personal touch to your session. It could be your home, a favorite park, or a spot where you often go for family outings. If you're unsure, your photographer can provide some suggestions based on the aesthetic you're aiming for.Speaking of photographers, it's crucial to choose someone whose style you admire and feel comfortable with. They should be able to guide you through the session, capturing your family's unique dynamics in a natural, unposed manner. Remember, you're not just hiring a service; you're investing in memories.Now, let's talk about timing. If you have young children, schedule the session around their happiest times, usually after a nap or a meal. The last thing you want is a cranky toddler when you're trying to get that perfect shot.Lastly, approach the session with a relaxed attitude. It's normal to feel a bit anxious, but remember that the aim is to capture your family's story, warts and all. So, if the kids want to be a little silly, let them. Those candid moments often make the best photos.Preparing for a lifestyle family session doesn't have to be stressful. With the right planning and mindset, it can be a fun and enjoyable experience that results in beautiful, heartfelt photos that you'll cherish for a lifetime. So, get ready to make some memories, and don't forget to enjoy the process.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for a Lifestyle Family Session

The arrival of a newborn is one of the most joyous occasions in life, filled with love, tenderness, and unforgettable moments. As a photographer in Hamilton, Ontario, my goal is to capture these fleeting moments of magic, allowing you to treasure them for years to come. If you're preparing for a newborn session, you may have some questions about what to expect and how to prepare. Don&rsquo;t worry &ndash; I&rsquo;m here to guide you every step of the way.
&nbsp;
<h3 data-end="662" data-start="618">What to Expect from Your Newborn Session</h3>
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A newborn photography session is designed to be a relaxing experience, capturing your little one in their most serene state. To ensure your session goes smoothly, here are a few simple yet effective tips:
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1. Book Early, But Stay Flexible Newborn sessions are best scheduled for babies between 5 and 14 days old, as they tend to sleep soundly and curl up naturally during this time. It&rsquo;s recommended to book your session during your second or third trimester. We'll pencil in a tentative date based on your due date, and once your baby arrives, we&rsquo;ll finalize the exact timing.
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2. Preparing Your Baby For those peaceful, curled-up poses, a sleepy baby is key. To encourage your baby to sleep during the session, feed them right before the shoot, keep them awake for a bit with a bath or playtime, and dress them in a loose, easy-to-remove outfit. This way, we can capture those precious moments with ease.
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3. What to Bring Be sure to bring extra diapers, wipes, a pacifier, an extra bottle or formula (if not breastfeeding), any cherished blankets or heirloom items, and a change of clothes for parents. If siblings will be part of the session, consider bringing snacks, quiet toys, and an extra pair of hands to help keep older kids entertained.
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4. Simple and Elegant Wardrobe When it comes to clothing, simplicity is key. Soft, neutral tones and textures photograph beautifully, ensuring the focus stays on your baby. For parents and siblings, opt for coordinated outfits in subtle colors. Avoid logos or busy patterns to maintain a timeless and elegant feel.
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5. Relax and Enjoy the Process Newborn sessions typically last between 2&ndash;3 hours, allowing plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and gentle posing. This relaxed pace ensures the comfort and safety of your baby while capturing those sweet moments. I&rsquo;ll guide you throughout the session, working at a pace that&rsquo;s comfortable for both you and your little one.
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<h3 data-end="2673" data-start="2618">Why Choose Me for Your Newborn Photography Session?</h3>
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I specialize in creating a warm and relaxed environment for families in Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara, Oakville, and Toronto. With 15 years of experience in newborn photography, I pride myself on capturing timeless, intimate moments that you'll cherish forever.
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Ready to Book Your Newborn Session?
If you&rsquo;re expecting or have recently welcomed a new addition to your family, I&rsquo;d be honored to help you preserve these precious memories. Reach out today to schedule your newborn session or ask any questions &ndash; I&rsquo;m here to make this experience stress-free and beautiful for you.
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Contact me to book your session today!

Newborn Photography Session: Capturing Life’s First Moments

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Boudoir

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Couples

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Weddings

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Maternity

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Newborn

Capturing love and connection—Hamilton, Toronto, Niagara and beyond.

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Heartfelt, Intimate and Connected Moments

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Hamilton, ON, Canada

Tara Goulden

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<h3 style="text-align: center;" data-end="782" data-start="741">Capturing Real Connection in Nature</h3>
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We met in one of my favorite natural spots in Hamilton, Ontario,
where tall grasses sway, the trees glow with autumn hues, and children are free to explore. The setting was quiet and perfect for creating relaxed,
candid family photos that feel like memories in motion.
The session started with playful walks and gathering wildflowers. The girls, wrapped in textured shawls
and flowy dresses, moved freely and joyfully&mdash;exactly how I love to photograph children. No stiff posing, just genuine emotion and interaction.

<h2 style="text-align: center;" data-end="1350" data-start="1304">Styling with Intention: Wardrobe &amp; Vibes</h2>
The styling for this session was intentionally cozy and timeless. Mom wore a stunning golden gown from our client closet, which is available complimentary for all Madison 31 sessions. The girls&rsquo; dresses were soft and layered, perfect for fall textures and movement. Wardrobe plays a big part in how a session feels&mdash;and this one felt earthy, romantic, and connected.
If you&rsquo;re ever unsure of what to wear, I always encourage trying pieces from my curated client closet and setting up a fitting before your session.
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<h3 style="text-align: center;" data-end="1921" data-start="1875">Why Lifestyle Family Photography Matters</h3>
These aren't just photos for the wall&mdash;they&rsquo;re keepsakes of how this season feels. Your child&rsquo;s laugh, the way they reach for your hand, the subtle squeeze of your partner&rsquo;s arm&mdash;it all tells a story. And that story deserves to be preserved.
As a photographer with over 15 years of experience in family, maternity, and newborn photography, I&rsquo;ve come to believe that the most powerful images are the unscripted ones.
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<h2 style="text-align: center;" data-end="2430" data-start="2349">Ready to Book Your Fall Family&nbsp;Photoshoot in Hamilton, Burlington, or Niagara?</h2>
Fall dates are filling quickly! Whether you&rsquo;re looking for a cozy, nature-inspired session or an intimate storytelling experience, I&rsquo;d love to help you document the heart of your family.
📍 Serving: Hamilton | Burlington | Oakville | Niagara | Milton
📸 Let&rsquo;s capture your family&rsquo;s legacy&mdash;through connection, emotion, and warmth.
👉 <a href="#" rel="noopener" data-end="2794" data-start="2774">Contact me here</a> or DM @madison31experience to get started. 👗 Ask about our complimentary client closet + fitting appointment.

🍂 Golden Hour Moments: A Cozy Fall Family Session in Hamilton, Ontario

July 29th, 2025

Capturing Real Connection in Nature

Styling with Intention: Wardrobe & Vibes

Why Lifestyle Family Photography Matters

Ready to Book Your Fall Family Photoshoot in Hamilton, Burlington, or Niagara?

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