The A Family at Philippe Park
Dad gifted Mom a family photo session for Christmas, you guys. How sweet is that? They were the absolute cutest…with a 3 month old and a 3 year old. Here are some of my favorites from our afternoon together at Philippe Park :)
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!
The H Family at Philippe Park - Tampa Family Photography
I love this family oh so much, and they get cuter every single year it seems! You know how some people are just effortlessly cool and put together? Yeah..I present to you, the H Family <3 <3 Picture Perfect!
The B Family In Downtown St Pete
I adore this family. I’ve been photographing them every year since the twins were in mama’s belly, and I love love love watching them grow. One of the best parts of the job if you ask me!! <3
The G Family 2022 - St Pete Beach
I do photos on the beach for this family every year, and I love it so much. We’ve been working together since big brother was a newborn (though that wasn’t at the beach)! This was technically a mini session, but I couldn’t cull it down to 10-15 images, so I decided to share some here.
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
The C Family in Tampa
I’m finally catching up on some blogging, folks! This is one of my favorite families to photograph. They always come dressed to impress and their kiddos are the absolute SWEETEST! If you ever feel nervous about your kiddos getting closer to those infamous “teen years,” just hang out with this crew for a bit <3 This was a session we shot last fall in St Pete and I love love love all the colors!
MINIS!! - 2021
I do one week of mini sessions every year, and they’re always a big hit. Most of these families have been coming to me for multiple years, and from a small business perspective, that feels pretty darn good. Soooo, here are a handful of favorites from our week of minis! So many beautiful shots! Bring on the Holiday cards!! <3
The B Family on St Pete Beach
This spot at Fort DeSoto is one of my all-time favorite places to photograph families. Here’s a handful of favorites from a recent session there :)
The T Family on Indian Rocks Beach
This Mama wanted mostly just family shots. Her oldest is off to college next year, so their annual vacation to the beach will be one family member lighter next year. There were plenty of tears at this session, both happy and sad, and it immediately reaffirmed to me how much I love my job <3 Memories matter <3
