Meet Tessa,
Photographer, Storyteller & Ice Cream Enthusiast
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I’m Tessa Berg (she/her), the photographer behind Starling Studio, and I join crazy-in-love couples on their journey from “yes” to “I do”—and beyond. I bring a refined eye, a narrative approach and a warm touch to your wedding and family photos.
I was first introduced to visual storytelling by my grandfather. A photographer himself, he enjoyed piecing together family albums, and I was eager to help him. I can still remember the smell of those old photo books, the white gloves he made me wear to handle them, the black-and-white images of family members long gone. It was a beautiful lesson in preserving moments, no matter how big or small, for others to cherish.
I went on to get my degree in photojournalism from Kent State University before landing a position as a magazine photographer. I’ve documented everything from military homecomings and drag queens to a high school student courageously battling AIDS. And I’m proud to have earned a handful of awards for my editorial work, which has been featured on the covers of Columbus Monthly, Columbus CEO and Columbus Weddings. I love meeting people of all backgrounds, hearing their stories and helping them get comfortable in front of the camera. (In other words, you can count on me to strike up a conversation with pretty much anyone and make even the grumpiest of family members crack a smile!)
Once I began shooting weddings on the weekends and capturing friends and their growing families, I realized I was in love with love. Getting to know you, discovering what makes you unique, and then bringing that to life in photos is my favorite part of this work. I’m a decade into my career as a wedding and family photographer, and I still pinch myself when a couple books me to shoot their big day.
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me chasing my three girls around the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, enjoying a scoop (or three) of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams with my husband or dreaming about my next trip abroad.
A little more about me
Favorite flavor of ice cream: Like my children, I find it very difficult to pick a favorite from the Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams lineup, but I’m currently loving the Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks.
Best way to spend my Sunday:
Slowly. Morning snuggles in bed with my girls, a hot cup of coffee and an egg sandwich from Fox in the Snow. I also love strolling farmers markets with my family and exploring new hiking trails.
Biggest fear: Tornados. Since I was a child and watched Twister, they’ve always terrified me.
Proudest accomplishment: Does homeschooling my twin kindergartners during a pandemic count?
Go-to comfort binge show: Friends
Country I'm dying to visit: Thailand
Person I'd love to meet: Michelle Obama
Quote I live by: “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” –Oprah Winfrey
I’m married to my high school sweetheart Jeremy, and we have three beautiful girls named Reagan, Jocelyn, and Parker.
“In addition to being a very talented photographer, Tessa is a joy to work with. She did an excellent job listening to our wants, addressing our concerns and delivering an incredible output. We loved working with her!”
