This family met up with me one early morning before school was back in session this summer. We were able to do a photo session to celebrate their oldest daughter’s return from studying her first year of university abroad and their oldest son’s senior year that was about to start. I love focusing on family during senior portraits as it is often the last time you manage to get family photos for a while. I love the traditional posed portraits and more relaxed moments in between, too. I love a good portrait session to document milestones but I will always strive to get more authentic family moments as well. The interactions and connections families have together are ultimately what I hope everyone cherishes while doing a photo session with me. It shouldn’t be stressful if you just come with the intention to hang out as a family and enjoy some time together. I loved that they also brought their adorable and energetic dogs, too. You know nothing relaxes a family quite like a favorite pet, right?

I feel so lucky when I get to document milestones at this age. 10 year olds don’t always get their own photo session. I know as kids get older, maybe we start only doing the once a year update the family photo session, and that is amazing, too. But I still feel like it is important to fill in the “in between” years of childhood. So many people get that first year of photos, then maybe two and three, and maybe into kindergarten, and then it feel like sometimes we skip to 15 or 16 or maybe even all the way until high school graduation to document our kids on their own. I love doing some in between sessions to celebrate those years that are maybe a little less documented. Now, don’t get me wrong, they are probably documented in cell phones and selfies but a photo session just for them is really special. Plus, how many cell phone selfies are you printing to enjoy in the real world, with a tangible piece of art celebrating your kiddo?

Are you already thinking of your senior photos for next year? Listen up for some senior photo ideas! I am NOT a big prop photographer. Honestly, I just love to focus on you rather than “stuff.” BUT, I love having a little prop for seniors to use because sometimes we just don’t know what to do with our hands when getting our pictures taken, am I right? It helps senior loosen up a bit, and I get it being the center of the photo attention is not for everyone, so I am all for helping seniors relax at their Tampa senior photo session.

I love that this senior booked two mini-sessions this spring to optimize the best of our beautiful Tampa Bay locations for senior pictures. A quick 30 minute session means a quick change so you don’t lose light and session time, but if you do book two mini-sessions, then that means two locations and up to two outfits per location, too! Win-win! I only offer mini-sessions on weekends unless I have a few mini-sessions set up back to back during select times of the year. With longer days right now, it is a great time to set up a weekday mini-session to document your grad in your life!

You know those places that are just magical, no matter the weather, no matter sunshine or clouds, these special locations just always seem to be bring out the best for photos? That is Davis Islands Beach for me.This family is also pretty magical and special too. They have trusted me for a few years now with the extra bonus of film at their mini-sessions. That means they get a little extra time and a whole roll of film to play with and keep the digitals of at the end as well. Davis Islands and film are also a perfect match like peanut butter and jelly!

Oh my lanta, what a sweet baby this little guy was! We met one hot and sticky morning last month at Picnic Island Park. With a seven month old and two pups, you bet we had to try to beat the heat and long summer nights. Thankfully, these guys were willing to get to Picnic Island Beach and Park early on a weekend to beat the heat and the crowds.

Looking for senior pictures in Tampa Bay? Love a good urban backdrop? Here are a few of my favorite Tampa senior photo locations for urban photo sessions.

Extended family portraits are just the best to be part of as a photographer. I love being able to deliver both traditional portraits and more relaxed moments that fit each individual family unit’s personality as well. This large family photo session at John Chesnut Sr Park was a casual and pretty backdrop for this vacationing family to Tampa Bay.

The most glorious “fall” like night at Hillsborough River State Park and a lovely family photo session full of laughter, fun and sweet moments. I love a good family session and here is a look at what Hillsborough River State Park looks like in fall as well as some helpful tips about communicating with your photographer for the best photo results.

Family photography is my jam. That means families of all kinds, even with grown children. I had a ball photographing this absolutely wonderful family this spring. They are about to send their son off to an amazing adventure and there was no better time to document their family than now. I loved the Tampa Bay photo location of Medard Park for this fun family, too.

Catch up with one of my favorite families as their little one was about to turn one year old. This University of Tampa photo session was full of authentic, fun and gorgeous family moments.