We’re Tim & Sara—a husband-and-wife photography team based in Cleveland.


We specialize in helping actors, students, and creatives feel confident in front of the camera and walk away with photos that actually feel like them.

Smiling man with long brown hair and round glasses wearing a green sweater against a dark blue background.

 

Tim Bates

Photographer

I’m a Cleveland-based photographer capturing portraits, productions, families, headshots, and events all across Northeast Ohio. I’ve spent the last several years working with actors, theatres, families, and organizations, and my goal is always the same—create photos that feel real, confident, and completely you. Whether it’s a big moment on stage or a laid-back portrait session, I’m all about making sure you walk away with images you’re excited about.


When I’m not behind the camera, you can usually find me watching horror movies, cheering on the Reds, or performing in local theatre productions—plus hanging out with my dog Scout, of course.

Young woman with red hair, freckles, and glasses wearing floral dress with cameo necklace on green background.

 

Sara Bates

Style Guru/Assistant Photographer

I’m the Style Guru and Assistant Photographer here! My goal is to make sure you leave with photos you genuinely love—not just ones you settle for. I’ll be in touch before your session to talk through outfit options, and during the shoot I’ll help pair looks with the right backgrounds and guide you into poses that let you shine.


When I’m not in the studio, I’m probably watching wrestling or baseball, stage managing a show, or hanging out with my dog Scout and my guinea pigs.

Brown and white dog with collar and tag lying on teal background looking up curiously.

 

Scout Bates

Chief SmilES Officer

Scout is our Chief Smiles Officer and full-time morale booster.


Whether she’s greeting guests or supervising from a cozy corner, she makes sure every session feels relaxed, comfortable, and just a little more fun.


Woof.

"Even before the appointment, I felt incredibly welcomed and supported by Tim and Sara. They made the entire process clear, collaborative, and encouraging—and I left the shoot feeling confident and excited about my photos."

-Clare, Kent State MT Student

Where Our Clients Have Studied & Performed


We’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of actors, musicians, and performers throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond! Many of our clients have gone on to study at leading performing arts programs and perform on stages across the country.


Schools our clients have attended include


• Baldwin Wallace University

• Boston University

• Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)

• Cleveland Institute of Music

• Juilliard

• Kent State University

• Millikin University

• Oberlin College

• The Ohio State University

• Otterbein University

• Penn State University

• Point Park University

• Texas Christian University

• University of Michigan

• Wright State University


Stages and companies our clients have performed with include


• Area Stage

• Beck Center for the Arts

• Blank Canvas Theatre

• Cain Park

• Cedar Point

• Cleveland Play House

• Cleveland Public Theatre

• Convergence Continuum

• Dobama Theatre

• Flint Repertory Theatre

• Great Lakes Theater

• Idaho Shakespeare Festival

• Near West Theatre

• Porthouse Theatre

• Talespinner Children’s Theatre

• Theatre Aspen

• Timber Lake Playhouse

• Weathervane Playhouse

• Walt Disney World


Additional professional credits of our clients include


• Sunset Boulevard (2023 Broadway Revival)

• Law & Order: SVU

• 54 Below


Our clients have also appeared in national tours, regional theatres, cruise productions, TV shows, movies, and professional companies across the country.

Our Approach

At Tim and Sara Bates Photography, we believe every person should be the star of their own photos—and that starts with making sure you shine. We know that no two people are exactly alike, so we never take a one-size-fits-all approach.


Every shoot is a true team effort. Sara works with you to discover exactly what you’re looking for, from the overall style to the smallest details. Tim then brings those ideas to life, using his creative eye and technical expertise to make sure your vision translates beautifully on camera.


No matter the type of shoot—portraits, events, performances, or something entirely unique—our goal is the same: create images that feel authentically you.

Ready to Get Started?

 

If you’ve been putting off new photos because you’re not sure what to expect—you’re not alone.


That’s exactly why we do things the way we do.

 

*
*
*
*
*