Domenica’s Graduation from The University of Tampa
Graduation portraits at the University of Tampa
Congratulations to you, Domenica!
My FIVE Favorite Outdoor Locations for Family Photos!
The Tampa area has sooooo many great backdrops for your family photography session. I’ve been shooting families in this area for close to ten years now, and have shot in too many places to count. But I’ve narrowed down my five FAVORITES for you here, and I’ve included a few examples for each. Hopefully it will inspire you when it’s time to update those family photos!
#5
St Pete Beach (behind the Don Cesar)
You just can’t go wrong with a classic Gulf Beach photo shoot. I mean, we live where people vacation! But the Don Cesar is also pretty iconic and I like having the option to shoot in both directions. We can get those classic beach shots, with the sunset behind you in all it’s glory, but also some with the “Pink Palace” as a backdrop (which changes the lighting and feel of your photograph altogether). All of our Gulf Beaches are lovely, but this one is my favorite for family photos. Full disclosure though, parking is a nightmare unless you pay the $22 parking fee at the Don.
#4
Downtown St Pete
Downtown St Pete is cool because you get the downtown/urban vibe, but it’s VERY Florida. There are boats and marinas everywhere, old trees, street murals…the possibilities are endless. Parking is pretty reliable too, unless there is an event or market planned, so I always check ahead for sessions here. Vinnoy Park and Straub Park are my go-to meet up spots!
#3
Philippe Park in Safety Harbor
So many pros to this location and very few cons. It’s beautiful in a romantic, boho sort of way. Lot’s of old mossy oak trees, a stone staircase, and an open field area. It’s also well shaded, so it’s a great spot if we need to shoot earlier in the day due to baby’s schedule. In the Fall season it can get a little overcrowded with photographers, but that’s just a testament to it’s beauty I think :)
#2
Fort Desoto Park in St Pete
I LOVE this spot because it’s not your traditional “beach.” There are concrete slabs along the shoreline that we can climb and incorporate into the frame, which helps with a more candid, carefree look. We had our own family photos done here a few years ago and they’re still some of my favorites! There is a bit of a walk to access this spot (maybe a quarter of a mile?), but it’s flat and easy. Park entry it about $4 per car I believe.
#1
Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa
This is my number one favorite place to photograph. The parking is easy, there are lots of neutrals with all of the concrete buildings around (it’s a very urban vibe), and Kiley Gardens and the Riverwalk are right there as well. At dusk, the city lights pop on which is really pretty if we time it just right. The only downside is that there are events in this park quite often, so I always try to book around that. Most of the spots I prefer to use are not affected by events, but the crowds in the general area can be annoying.
And there you have it, friends. My top five favorite spots for family photos in and around Tampa, FL. I hope it helps! I love photographing families around town, so if you want to get on the calendar for a session at one of these places, hit me up!
Christmas Photos with the S Family - Tampa Photography Studio
I’m pretty sure there is nothing more fun than having your bestie come to the studio for Christmas Pajama content! I mean, how cute are they??
We played around with the setup a bit, and I think it’s officially good to go for our Christmas Photo Event on 11/12! There are limited spots available. Click below to book yours now!
The R Family at Philippe Park!
These guys are always a joy to photograph, and they’re adding another baby to the family in a few short weeks! I can’t wait to photograph the new addition! Big brothers are VERY excited <3
Welcome Home Baby Allister!
Welcome home, baby Allister! It was a privilege to photograph this family again, as they welcomed their second baby boy! Big brother was very excited and there was so much joy in the air. Mom’s decorating skills are on point too, because the entire home was so awesome to shoot in! I love love love a well designed interior <3 Anyway congrats to the W family on their newborn baby! Can’t wait to see you guys again soon!
The D Family at Fort DeSoto {Tampa Family Photogtaphy}
Call me crazy, but I LOVE a moody, overcast sky. These guys wanted to shoot rain or shine, since big sister was only in town for so long, and we ended up with the most wonderful cloudy evening! Annnnd, it didn’t rain! Woohoo! I love how fun and natural their photos turned out. We were genuinely laughing our way through the entire session, and I think it shows. Plus, Fort DeSoto never disappoints ;)
The C Family at a Tampa Bay Sunflower Field
I met up with this little Girl Gang at Sweetfield Farms, just outside of Tampa. Mom wanted her family photos in the sunflower fields this year, and I happily obliged. I don’t typically shoot in full, mid-day sun, but I love the way these turned out. It was a fun morning for everyone I think (in spite of the heat…phew!).
Professional Product Photography for One Stop Eco Shop
I recently had the opportunity to photograph some products for a small, online shop. I’ve been wanting to add content creation/product photography services to my list of offerings for a while, and I’ve been slowly accumulating all of the necessary props and equipment to make that happen over the past year or so. I’m pretty pleased with the results on this one! I love a clean, earthy, minimalist vibe. If you’d like to discuss a branding session for your small business, definitely get in touch! More info can be found HERE.
The K Family on St Pete Beach
This is my favorite kind of session. When mom and dad ask you to grab a few posed shots, and then let the kids run wild. It’s how little ones should be photographed, and it makes my heart oh so happy.
The W Family - Family Photos on St Pete Beach
This beautiful family spends a lot of time at the beach, so it was only appropriate that we shoot family photos there. And man oh man, did we get an epic sunset! The Sunshine State never disappoints, y’all.
