Our staff stories continue and have also been growing quickly on Instagram with the same hashtag (#FAJOgirls).

Today, I would like to introduce you to our Senior Photographer Tara West. She has been contributing to the magazine since 2012 and has covered many high-profile events for FAJO, including Toronto International Film Festival, New York and Toronto Fashion Weeks, and a number of Red Carpets.

Some of the celebrities Tara has photographed for us include Kate Winslet, Kate Beckinsale, Al Pacino, Gigi Hadid, Christian Louboutin, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Fassbender, Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Garner, Arlene Dickinson, Meg Tilly and many, many others.

Tara is well-known in the fashion and entertainment industry for her upbeat personality and creative fashion sense. In this feature, our readers will get to know her a little bit better!

1) What do you enjoy the most about working at FAJO?

I love our FAJO Family—a collective of creative talents working together, and yet always supporting and encouraging each other to grow individually as well.

2) How did you get started in the fashion industry?

I started in the fashion industry quite young. From the age of three, I was very particular on what I wore and how I styled myself. I started sewing my own clothes by the time I was about 10 on my Mom’s Sears sewing machine.

When I was 16, I trained and had a brief modelling career with John Casablancas’ Elite in Toronto. Then, while in high school, I proceeded to co-op and worked behind the scenes at a modelling agency. It was through all these experiences that I discovered my path and love of photography.

3) Create a hashtag to best describe your personality. What is it and why?

#ShesMadButShesMagic.

I love to laugh, I have a (tamed) wild side and a sense of adventure (that’s the madness). Then, I have this very deep and sensitive creativity in my soul, that allows me to create those magical moments.

4) How would you describe your personal sense of style? 

Casual, but chic. I love to decorate with accessories and boots. I love boots, all kinds of boots!

5) Share your favourite fashion or beauty secret.

Hot rollers … I just discovered hot rollers!

6) Let’s talk about personal preferences! Pick one: 

– runway or street style? 

Street style. Definitely a more casual style on a day-to-day basis.

– hair or make-up? 

Oooo, tough one … I’d have to say hair! If you would have asked me 10 years ago, I would have said make-up.

– red or black?

Black … lots of black. When I’m shooting, I often wear black. It’s always stylish, can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on the event or company I’m keeping. You can remain discrete and blend into almost any crowd with black. However, I do own one pair of red shoes … those I fondly refer to as “my Red Carpet shoes”. I only wear them when I do Red Carpet coverage!

– lipstick or lip gloss?

Lipgloss. As long as I have mascara and lipgloss—I’m good!

– heels or flats?

Typically flats, but most of my boots have heels, and I love my boots!

– pants or skirts?

Pants usually win!

7) What is the biggest fashion mistake you’ve ever made?

Thinking I could put false eyelashes on myself!

8) What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to go on adventures with my kids.

9) We can never catch you wearing ______? Why?

Crocs. Flip flops? Yes. Crocs? Never. They are meant for children!

10) What has been your favourite fashion project to-date?

My favourite fashion project to-date has to be my trips to New York for fashion week. The buzz, the vibe, the to-die-for fashion everywhere—it’s my happy place.

Connect with Tara on her website, Instagram,  or Facebook page.