About Tess
I document the lives and love stories of Central Texans—my community, my neighbors, my people. With your help, I create more than just posed photos: Together, we build your legacy with timeless, authentic, and emotion-driven storytelling.
Hiya! I’m Tess Leslie Cagle, an Austin-based photographer.
I love to work with ‘real’ people: the family who just moved in down the street, the couple I met at a local concert, the people who bring color to my world: You. I hope you can see yourself in my work.
I believe every moment is a building block of your legacy. These aren’t just photos — they’re snapshots frozen in time. They’re the pictures you will show to your friends and family for years to come. They’re the documentation of your impact that will outlive all of us.
My initials are a guiding principle for how I approach my work, my relationships, and myself: With Tender Loving Care.
So what's the deal with documentarian photography?
When I first launched TLC Photography, I tried to fit into the wedding and lifestyle industry by doing what I thought everyone did: manufacture moments for my portfolio and my clients. Like a lot of photographers, I put all the pressure on myself to create and direct the memories I was trying to capture. It wasn’t aligned with the reason I got into this industry in the first place: to capture people as they truly are.
This all came to a tipping point and I asked myself when I feel most fulfilled. I realized it was during weddings, when I’m capturing joy as it happens. When the emotions I’m capturing feel sincere and like I’m actually freezing a moment in time.
Now I’ve replaced posing prompts with candid moments. What’s the result? Photos that document the most powerful element in all of our lives: Connection. A photography brand that preserves real memories and helps people feel at home in themselves.
These are photo stories. Not photo sessions. I focus on telling your story — not just delivering a gallery of images.
Some Fun Facts About Me
I'm married to my best friend, Bryan.
Our golden retriever Martha is my other best friend.
I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in journalism and anthropology.
We love to spend our free weekends hiking around Central Texas or planning our next adventure.
I desperately want to be a good plant mom. I buy plants as often as my husband buys vinyl—which is to say, a lot.
My favorite way to relax is to put on a good podcast and cook elaborate meals.
I love music and supporting local musicians. I still photograph live music and I am a founder of Womxn In Music ATX.
I picked up a camera when I was 12 and I've been in love with photographing the world since!
Diversity & Inclusion
In my personal Life and at TLC Photography, I am an advocate for equality — regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, or physical & mental ability.
I stand against discrimination and racism of any kind. I am dedicated to actively fighting to make this world safer for everyone. That's why most of our contracts include an inclusion rider and part of our profit is donated to Austin-area local non-profits Future Front Texas, Out Youth, and the Austin Justice Coalition. If you're on board with valuing all human life, then you are welcome in this space.
