South Tampa Family Photographer | Davis ISlands Beach Pictures
This family photo session was the one that almost didn't happen this year. First, Hurricane Ian made us change our plans a destination session on Palm Island to here in Tampa. Then another late season hurricane changed our date again, but it was like the stars aligned for this South Tampa family photographer session at Davis Island Beach. The light here is so special this time of year, it worked particularly perfectly with their neutral wardrobe palatte.
The best part of this session was that the family had communicated already that they just really wanted to glow of light that is so prevalent in my photos, not necessarily beach photos. That meant as long as we had the good light we could sit in the area of the beach without other masses of beach goers. As much as I love the beach, so does everyone else, and it can get really busy. Plus this particular night some people had their big dogs on the beach and had them off their leashes, so we were able to safely stay away from that chaos. I love all the amazing photo locations around Tampa but each location does present challenges, so it is just finding the right location for the right clients and hope that with my photo permit I can get a little space for families to relax and have fun.
There are tons of photos to share from this session, so enjoy all the moments. The posed authentic family pictures and the personality portraits with lots and lots of personality to spare. The best part of full family sessions this year is we get to relax a bit more. No one is worried that the next family is coming soon and we allow for extra time well before the sun sets so we have plenty of light to work with. While I love mini-sessions, and not all photographers do, I really love having some extra time with new families. This is one case where the extra time meant we got to relax and really get to know each other while still getting the photos taken. Mostly my mini-sessions are perfect for families I see every year. They get the family photos they want most and then one or maybe two other set ups if they don’t have a larger family. If you feel like the mini-session isn’t enough time for you, don’t forget I offer full sessions year round! The mini-sessions are only on specific times/dates/locations, too. So if you have a specific location or date in mind, the full session will give you more flexibility of options!
Clearly for this sweet girl, having fun is not an issue at all! I loved her personality came through in all of these images. She was having fun and capturing that made it more fun and relaxed for everyone. We were done in no time and everyone was happy about that! Family photos really should be fun! If you are not having fun you may want to really look at what is triggering stress for your family photos! Loving on your kiddos should be fun. Dressing up can be a bit hectic to coordinate things just right, but I would bet there are things in your closet that make you feel good, so those are the pieces that you should start with and go from there in coordinating with your family members and not match too much. This family did a great job of layering different textures in their fabrit and also made sure they all fit well so everyone could move, too. Plus, keeping things neutral is always easy. The biggest tip I have if you are doing all neutrals is to make sure you pick the neutral that works with your skin tones, eye color and hair tones, too. For me, I don’t look great in white because I am so pale and my darker hair really makes it look harsh. You know your skin tones and what colors look good on you, so start there! For me, I would pick gray or a warmer creamy color for my “neutrals” instead. If you are in doubt, I am here to help with honest feedback on what clothes will photograph well, too!
This image below is definitely one of my favorites. It is an in between image, one I often keep taking while kids take a break. The wind was just right and the light, too. To me, this photo feels like family. A warm hug. Just being together is enough <3
