Eric Vichich

Kathryn & Leo Holiday Portraits

2011-12-19T10:29:00.000+02:00

Kathryn and Leo asked me to photograph their holiday portraits for the third year in a row. It's been fun getting to see Leo every year as he grows. We headed downtown St. Pete with the intent to find some cool urban settings and a plan to catch some Christmas lights in the park.

I don't know; there could have been a board meeting happening inside this office but it was a complete mirror to us.

Exactly what we were looking for.

Focused on just Leo for a bit.

OK everybody, lick your chops on three. Good boy.

Everybody in the tree! I love it.

This would be their album cover.

"My tree."

I had a blast running around with Leo. Here he is, swallowed by the banyan tree.

Snuck into the Vinoy for a lobby shot.

It was pretty dark by the time we made it to the Christmas lights but we rallied for some festive images.

There it is; another year in the bag. Thanks for choosing me to capture these images and special thanks to Leo for hoofin it across da burg in brand new Chucky Ts.

Thanksgiving Family Photos - Fort De Soto Campground

2011-12-15T06:53:00.000+02:00

The Sutton/Atherton/Meyer clan gathered at the Fort De Soto campground to celebrate the Thanksgiving weekend. Due to group size and logistics, we decided to try and shoot in the immediate vicinity of their campsite. At first glance, I wasn't loving the options but we managed to find plenty.

Grandparents and grandkids.

After getting the big groups, we broke it down by family while still using the seagrapes background.

We were setting up the shot you'll see next and this lone child fisherman provided a nice image.

Pretty nice available light from over the water; but a flash from behind the kids gives a nice texture. An added bonus is that the boat in the background was made by hand by some of the family members.

OK kids, get your wiggles out now. Go crazy for five minutes and then be ready to sit still for the next half hour.

"Wow, look at those kids. How come our kids don't act like that?"

"Oh, never mind."

We even had enough time to manage individual portraits for all the kids.

The other family members begged me to capture this. Sorry Caleb.

Just the girls.

Boys will be boys.

I've seen worse spots for skippin shells.

Once we were all done, I loitered at the campsite a minute to look for fun moments like this one.

Sisters.

Sisters Holiday Portraits

2011-12-15T04:15:00.001+02:00

A client wanted some good photos of their daughters for the holiday season and to use on cards. We headed downtown St. Petersburg to the Museum of Fine Arts and a stroll along the waterfront.

Still a little early in the day, we had to seek what shade we could.

The pair breaks apart and I get to shoot some individuals.

When in doubt, ham it up.

Once the shade settled in we were able to roam out in front of the museum.

I kept trying to get a lower angle of the girls to get the top of the museum and the sky in the frame. They kept crouching lower and lower to match the height of my lens. Before we knew it we had raced straight to the pavement where I was able to make the image displayed above. When they behave, kids are awesome to work with.

One of my personal favorites.

Caught the last few minutes of sunlight on the banyan trees.

No kid is going to argue if you ask them to throw stuff in the air.

A little tough getting them to throw at the exact same time but it works.

Separate from the big banyans, the other side of the museum is anchored by this behemoth. I was hesitant to even try with the harsh spotty light but I finally found a composition I liked.

Studio on the spot.

Kids climbing trees.

And one outfit change close things out.

Family Portrait at the Beach

2011-09-21T05:49:00.002+02:00

Headed out to the beach recently for a family portrait session. We were a little concerned since the entire day had been overcast, but it ended up working out. We didn't see the sun but it turned enough of the sky orange to give me plenty to work with.

Loosening things up with a little family stroll down the beach.

As they get farther away, people tend to relax and the photo becomes a little more realistic.

Took some time to split into some pairs.

This lagoon tends to get all of its photographic attention from bird shooters, but I like bringing people down here as well. I think it's nice to have some water and land in the background to mix up the standard beach/ocean shots.

Couldn't help playing around with the lifeguard stand. Given how dark it was getting, I knew the bright red would pop from the image and give some nice contrast.

We even managed to squeeze the moon in there for a few shots.

Remember everyone, it's never to early to start coordinating those family photos so you're not caught off guard when the holidays start rolling around! Thanks to Dawn and her family for sacrificing some sandy toes for what I think turned out to be some great family portraits.

90th Birthday Party

2011-09-11T04:50:00.003+02:00

I had the distinct opportunity tophotograph a 90th birthday party recently. It was quite an affair thatgathered family from all over. The above photo is probably my favoritefrom the evening. Toward the end of the party, the 5 sons put on a videoslideshow of keepsake historic photos. It was great to see how much thisfamily values photos and it would be an honor for one of my photos to appear ina slideshow 90 years from now. This photo was taken as the birthday girlhappily viewed the video. The actual light from the TV was usually an oddcolor cast so I actually used a flash to mimic the TV light in a controllablemanner.

A granddaughter helpssecure the tiara as guests arrive.

Everyone had a blast snapping photosof the birthday diva.

The evening was a good mix of posedphotos and captured moments. With so many family members gatheredtogether we made sure to get lots of different group combinations.

Lots of great moments to capture.

We took advantage of a cool dusk skyto fit in some more groups out on the balcony.

We managed to corral everyone outsidefor one large group photo.

This has nothing to do with theparty, but most of you know I'm a sucker for moody sky shots.

Squeezing out some photos inthe last bit of usable light.

The young generation views photos ofparents, grandparents and other family members from years past.

I had such a blast covering this birthday party. With so many realmoments and connections between family members, it really felt like no work atall. Happy 90th!

Angie and Dominic: Don CeSar Beach Resort Wedding

2011-08-09T02:21:00.007+02:00

Tampa Photo provided photo and video coverage for Angie and Dominic's wedding at the Don CeSar Beach Resort. Kevin was on the video and I was working stills. This was a relatively short event, as it was just a ceremony at the Don. The real party was taking place immediately afterward on a cruise ship leaving out of Tampa. Unfortunately, they didn't ask Kevin and I to come along for that. We asked. Several times. Seriously, I knew my time was limited, so I worked every minute I had to get the couple a nice set of photos. Let's dive in.

If you've read this blog before you may detect several themes. One of those themes is that it takes a long time for ladies to get ready. That results in me getting plenty of time with the fellas while the primping and the painting continues upstairs in some hairspray-choked hotel room. Here, the groom and his men gather in the very front lobby.

The front doors let some light in on Dominic, while windows to the side provide a nice edge light.

The ring bearer flashes a smile while lining up for the ceremony.

Angie waits for her turn to head down the sandy aisle.

A trio of flower girls prepares the way. Big Pink rises out of the dunes.

Exchanging vows under the sun on a Florida beach. Not bad.

We're going on a cruise!

We managed to squeeze every wedding guest into one big group photo. Well done everybody!

A quick detail among jubilant family and friends.

The flower brigade.

Angie and Dominic were able to spare a few minutes for a quick trip around the hotel for some more intimate photos. We headed upstairs and stopped at cool spots along the way.

Before calling it quits and cutting the couple loose, I captured them up on a balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

Congrats Angie and Dominic! Thanks for choosing us to cover your special day. Good luck in all your future voyages! Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Dominic's from Pittsburgh so I'm allowed to insert a shameless "Go Steelers" plug. Sorry if that alienates any of you Cowboys/Ravens/Browns or other lame team fans.

Farmer Gray's 1st Birthday

2011-07-11T03:28:00.004+02:00

You may recall Grayson from his first photos here or his newborn photos here. Now, it's time for his first birthday party and that means farm animals.

The birthday boy takes a spin.

Dad takes a lap with Grayson.

Little boys; overalls.

Hey, you're not a horse!

It's my birthday and I'll smile if I want to.

Connect.

Look here Grayson, this is how grandpa does it.

I asked ALL THE KIDS to line up. The girls went right up there in perfect position. The boys, not so much.

This is pretty much perfection. If you'll look, you'll see a nosepick, a scream, a blink, a miss (he's foot made the frame) and one perfect birthday boy in front looking right at the camera!

One.

The family.

Grandpa's under there somewhere.

Family Portrait on the Boat

2011-07-11T01:26:00.003+02:00

Two people, three dogs, and one sweet boat. Headed down to the Gulfport Marina for this unique family portrait session.

Fairy Princess Birthday Party

2011-07-11T01:16:00.004+02:00

Last fall a group of fairy princesses gathered at Crescent Lake to celebrate a birthday.

Sutton Family Portrait at the Beach

2011-07-11T00:52:00.008+02:00

Wow, I'm realizing just how far behind I am on the blog. Yikes. Well, we're going to make a push to get caught up right now. We'll start back in October of last year when I met up with the Sutton family for some shots at the beach.

Chris works in the environmental field so I thought he would appreciate being photographed amid some native Muhly grass. The backlit flower stalks glow with a pretty purple color.

Mom and daughter by the water.

After getting the silhouette above, I brought out a flash for a more traditional photo.

Found some nice sea oats in flower for a pleasing beachy backdrop.

Time for Kylee to get sandy!

While the shoot focused on Chris and his family, we made time for several Suttons, including brother Geoff and his wife Gretchen.

The whole clan.

The other family members were there mainly to help wrangle kids. As you can see, Caleb is a free spirit.

And it's Caleb by a nose.

Catching the last of the fading light with Kim and Kylee.

Father and son build a sand structure.

Sandy kid on the shoulders; now that's commitment.

Double kid toss.

Two brothers and family.

Well, that was GOING to be a photo of just mom and dad.

Daddy and daughter.

Baby Sophie

2011-06-17T04:31:00.007+02:00

Little baby Sophie stopped by for a quick photo session the other day.

Letting her get used to the camera while she's in her cozy carrier.

There's a smile!

Some bits and pieces.

Looking up at mommy.

Mom joins in for a few.

Over to daddy.

The whole family.

Group smooch.

Kathryn and Leo Holiday Portraits at Sunken Gardens

2011-02-25T18:07:00.009+02:00

Kathryn and Leo decided to use the awesome locations at Sunken Gardens for their Christmas card photos this year. The park even had a day that dogs were allowed in! In addition to the usual great scenery, they had lots of pointsettias; even a giant pointsettia tree to use as a background. The only problem at the Sunken Gardens is trying to find enough time to fit everything in.

Starting out by a small tree near the park entrance.

I always love those in-between moments the best.

We came around the corner and found this huge tree! Score!

I'm always a sucker for a backlit forest.

Let gets comfortable in an area he chose himself for some individual shots.

Found a nice patch of grass to play around in.

The sun starts to drop and creates really intersting light throughout the property.

Despite the great colors everywhere, I still like a few converted to black and white.

Another succesful holiday portrait in the bag and in time for Christmas cards! More posts to come so hopefully I can get caught up again! Check back soon.

Rhett's Spooky B-Day

2011-02-22T04:16:00.006+02:00

I suppose the Halloween-inspired theme for this birthday party gives you an idea how far behind I am. I've photographed Rhett on several occasions and was glad to be there to shoot this superhero Halloween extravaganza.

The birthday boy shows off his "muscles."

Spooky cupcakes waiting for hungry kids.

The fairest princesses in the land.

Mmmmm, Capri Sun.

Baby eats while the big kids go play.

Plenty of love to go around.

Big brother fixes sissy's dress.

Darth Vader does the jitterbug.

The whole fam gathers for a group shot.

Happy Birthday Rhett! Here's to another year.

Tampa Photo Beach Wedding, Don CeSar Resort

2011-01-03T01:19:00.003+02:00

These are from a small beach wedding held on a weekday back in October. I was only there for an hour or two, but we managed to get plenty of photos in.

Puppy Power

2010-12-10T17:49:00.005+02:00

These puppies were bred to be sold by the owners. But once they saw the lone golden pup, they had to keep him for themselves. They wanted photos to help sell the puppies, but they also wanted a special keepsake to have long after they've moved on to new homes.

It took some wrangling, but we managed to get them all in the basket and looking in the same direction for this image.

In addition to the group shots, I made some individual portaits of each puppy.

Maybe she sees her reflection in the lens.

They named this fella "Longo" after Tampa Bay Rays star Alex Longoria so we had to incorporate some baseball elements into his photos.

A wider view.

"What are you doing?"

Awww. We managed to squeeze one in before he toppled over.

The puppies were in constant motion to escape from the basket. OK, we're done - you can all go back to sleep. Good dogs.

Cousins Portrait Session

2010-11-30T16:50:00.006+02:00

A few months ago I took these photos for a family that had a cousin in town from overseas. That doesn't happen often, so they wanted to make sure to get some good shots of the girls all together. These images are to be used as Christmas cards this year as a surprise.

The girls pose by the water and just have some fun.

Walking to the next location even made a nice image.

Some intermittent rain forced us to find shelter a few times. An old fence panel underneath the building made a nice simple background where there was really nice light coming in.

The sisters pose for a few by themselves.

The little one steals the show.

Too adorable.

The sisters pose in front of a beautiful sky. You can see the rain coming in from the left here.

One more shot while we waited out the rain.

These sisters/cousins were so photogenic and it was great to know that I was capturing family members together who don't get to see each other very often. As usual, rain causes some problems, but it always brings nice skies and beautiful light!

Family Portrait, Tradewinds Resort, St. Pete Beach

2010-11-04T02:10:00.008+02:00

Headed down to the Tradewinds Resort not too long ago for this family portrait session. The family was down from Ohio on vacation and thought it would be a great opportunity for some family shots. We took advantage of all the great scenery around the property for lots of different settings.

Sandpearl Resort - Tampa Photo Wedding, Kylie and Pete

2010-10-28T05:17:00.006+02:00

Kylie and Pete were married at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater, FL. This venue always offers so many photographic opportunities. I was second-shooting for Kevin, so these only represent a portion of the final image set provided by Tampa Photo.

This couch is actually what we moved out of the picture. Kylie rested against it while Kevin set up his next shot and everything came together.

Pete and his best man pose for some portraits in an upstairs hallway. I love balancing cool ambient light with dramatic flash. The window provides a great side light and a zoomed flash highlights Pete.

All natural light from some big windows in the reception room.

Kylie is escorted as the ceremony begins.

Before the ceremony ended I was able to run upstairs for a wide view of the Sandpearl property, while Kevin shot the sand ceremony.

A small window helps the details pop.

Shot this off-axis from Kevin while he was zoomed in close for portraits.

A few relaxed portraits of the couple after the ceremony.

Some light and bright cake details.

A sweet moment during the first dance.

As the second shooter, I was able to go for the more artistic shots knowing Kevin was covering the direct "safe" angles.

The direct sun coming through the windows made things tough so I just went with it.

Kylie and Pete were great sports and ran downstairs at dusk.

A final parting shot from the happy couple.

Congratulations to Kylie and Pete! You guys made great models and you make a wonderful couple. Good luck and thanks for having Tampa Photo cover your wedding at the Sandpearl.

Julia and Eric, A La Carte Event Pavilion, Tampa Photo Wedding

2010-07-07T01:29:00.007+02:00

Julia and Eric were married at the A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa in May. Tampa Photo covered the event with two shooters. I was backing Kevin up. You can check out their engagement photos on the Tampa Photo blog, shot by Kevin in Ybor.

We began the day at the Marriott Waterside where the bridal party was getting ready. Julia pauses for a moment after getting her dress on.

I enjoy second-shooting, but it can be tough to find a unique shot when the lead is setting things up. I strive to find an interesting angle or unique lighting setup to give the bride and groom a diverse collection of photos. It can be easy to fall into the habit of just shooting the same thing as the lead shooter from a slightly different angle.

A benefit of having two shooters is that I can work with the subject while Kevin plans and sets up his next shot - no wasted time!

Eric takes a moment before his "first look" of Julia.

The hotel lobby is always great for photos. We usually don't shoot in this area because it's always full of people. I got lucky with this shot.

The staff at the A La Carte always does a great job with decorations.

Big windows on the other side of the room provide a soft yet directional light source for this portrait of Julia.

Group hug immediately after the ceremony. I always love images taken just a few moments after the ceremony when the bridal party is tucked away in some room and everyone is very emotional. Again, with two shooters, one person can stay at the ceremony and finish the recessional shots while the other follows the bride and groom into seclusion for those first real photos as a married couple.

The rain broke long enough for us to head out onto the dock for a few portraits.

Back inside, Julia and her mother share a very special moment during a song performed by a loved one.

I'm always a sucker for cool sky shots.

I love it when I leave a venue at that perfect time to snap a great location shot.

Congratulations Julia and Eric! You guys were good sports as we shot at more than three locations! Thanks for choosing Tampa Photo to be there to cover your special day.

Adam and Elissa

2010-07-06T02:50:00.006+02:00

Adam and Elissa were married in early May up in South Carolina. Adam is my brother-in-law so the event was a big family affair for me. It was great getting up there to see some family, especially since this visit was more meaningful than just a regular trip.

Elissa and the girls took their time getting ready at the Aquarius Spa in Chapin.

The rings are tied to the pillow before the ceremony.

These custom water bottles were a great touch.

The girls still needed a few extra minutes to get ready, so I took Adam outside for a some photos.

The amazing flowers at the ceremony site made for a great backdrop for a detail shot of the programs.

Elissa is backlit during the ceremony.

A family hug is shared after pouring the unity sand.

The newly married couple poses for some quick shots.

A group shot of the family after the ceremony.

The cake was gorgeous. Usually, mirrors just cause problems for photos, but I was able to find an angle that I liked.

The John Wesley Satterfield Band played the reception and kept everyone dancing. I had fun with a few photos of the group and tried to capture the energetic mood.

It was getting pretty dark, but we squeezed a few more shots in before dusk completely disappeared.

The final parting shot before Adam and Elissa head off on their honeymoon.

Congratulations Adam and Elissa! You guys are really great for each other and we are all wishing you the best of luck for many happy years to come. Thanks for thinking of me to capture the many memories made on this day.

Walter and Joyce, Wedding by Tampa Photo

2010-06-26T16:56:00.006+02:00

I'm going to cheat and jump ahead to post pics from my last wedding. Walter and Joyce were married at their home a couple weeks ago. It was a lovely affair with family and loved ones gathering to help these long-time friends become man and wife. The above photo sums up these two nicely. Full of love and full of fun. Kevin was there shooting video since they opted for a photo/video combo package from Tampa Photo.

Walter pauses for a shot while getting ready.

The pooch wanted in on the photo action.

They had some lovely favors that made for good detail shots.

Walter shares a fun moment with Joyce's mother.

This guy knows how to party.

The girls put on the finishing touches.

We made some time for a few quick window light portraits after Joyce was ready.

It was a very nice ceremony held right out back by the pond.

A nice mix of window and artificial light makes for an interesting cake shot.

So many details! I couldn't pass this one up.

Gotta love those Florida summer skies.

The newly married couple spends some time away from the crowd.

The backyard was like having our own park to shoot in.

A few selective focus shots with them both.

Joyce's daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law.

Love was in the air and it was contagious.

Walter and Joyce share a dance together as husband and wife.

Congratulations Walter and Joyce! Thanks for having Tampa Photo there to cover this important day. Kevin and I had a great time covering the event; you guys were a blast to work with. Thanks again and good luck!

Kelly and Tristan Portrait Session

2010-06-15T03:48:00.005+02:00

Here's the back story. Every year we go to South Carolina to visit my wife's family. Every year I drive by these awesome barns and tell myself I have to make some time to photograph them. I always figured I would lightpaint them at dusk as landscape photos. But then Kelly and Tristan came along and wanted some photos. We were brainstorming locations when I thought of these old barns. Since Kelly grew up in this area we felt it was appropriate. So after all these years I found an excuse to make some pictures of this property. And thanks to Kelly and Tristan, they were more interesting than just standard landscape shots.

Tristan and Kelly came to the shoot separately. Kelly was running a little late so I wandered around with Tristan.

Everything is very rusty and harsh; but then there would be a random flowering shrub to add some nice contrast.

Working the textured walls.

The open barn made a nice frame for this portrait.

The setting sun made for some interesting light and texture on this big wall.

A shot showing some more of the property.

Kelly arrived and we worked a few shots of her in a nice dress, which we thought would look great against the rustic scene.

Exploring around one of the barns.

Same location, but a different pose and composition.

One last shot before Kelly changed into a more casual outfit for shots with Tristan.

We were losing light fast, so we hurried around trying to squeeze every last drop of light out of the sky.

A little more of a standard/safe shot before the light completely disappeared.

The blue sky adds a nice touch to this photo.

The light was completely gone but I wanted to try one more setup. I lit them with an umbrella, blasted a bare flash into the barn and left the shutter open for several seconds in order for the blue dusk sky to burn in. Fairly complicated to set up (especially when I can't see my equipment or focus my cameras) but I think it was worth it.

Thanks for being such great sports Kelly and Tristan. And congratulations on your recent engagement and marriage! Good luck to both of you.

Grayson Newborn Shoot

2010-06-06T23:34:00.006+02:00

Wow. Been away for a long time. Sorry about that. A lot has gone on since I last blogged so I have plenty to catch up on. First off, we'll start with baby Grayson. We got our first peak at Grayson during Krystal and Austin's maternity shoot a few months ago.

Full length shot. Notice the blurred fist; this boy is ready to move! He did not want to sit still.

Did a mix of available light and flash; this is by the bedroom window.

Closeup of some baby bits.

Took him outside for a change of scenery; and to soothe him with some outdoor vibes.

Austin holds him close.

Family time.

While working some closeups of Krystal holding Grayson, I noticed Austin watching fondly from afar.

Smooch.

Big smiles for mama.

Mom and dad focus on each other; Grayson keeps an eye on me.

Your family portrait just changed forever.

Taking pictures wears me out too.

Peaceful.

Congratulations Krystal and Austin. Grayson is a beautiful addition. I look forward to watching this guy develop into a big boy. Thanks for thinking of me to capture these important photos.

Lisa and Morgan Family Portraits

2010-05-09T05:13:00.006+02:00

Whew, it's been busy and I have some catching up to do. Let's go back to mid-April and take a look at some photos from the session with Lisa and her daughter Morgan. I set up a high-key studio even though I knew it would probably be easier (and mandatory) to just follow Morgan around. You try to keep a two year old in one spot!

Some cool symmetry.

Like mommy, like daughter.

A little peek-a-boo to keep Morgan entertained.

Peek-a-Boo!

Mommy's turn to play a little peek-a-boo.

Sure enough, Morgan preferred to run around the house. Luckily, she kept wandering into nice light long enough to snap a few shots.

When Morgan wouldn't cooperate, we just showed her how fun it was to take photos without her. Sure enough, she wanted back in on the action in no time.

There was the coolest beam of light streaming in through the kitchen window. Morgan agreed to sit on a a stool in the perfect spot for a few precious images.

Too cute.

I am very happy with these images and I love the mix of studio portraits and casual shots. Thanks to both of you for cooperating and managing to successfully complete a session with a toddler!

Christina and Gary, A La Carte Event Pavilion

2010-04-27T00:54:00.007+02:00

Christina and Gary were married at the A La Carte Event Pavilion in early April. It was a lovely Spring event, full of loving family, joyous friends and delicious food. I always enjoy shooting at the A La Carte, and it's like a new location ever since they started changing the decor a little bit.

Beautiful.

Gary hangs out before the ceremony.

As usual, the girls were still getting ready and we were missing some groomsmen (traffic jam) so we weren't able to do lots of group stuff before the ceremony. Gary's best man and longtime friend was there so we brought him in for a few photos.

I love it. You'd think he was getting married today!

A quick prayer before walking down the aisle. This was off in a dark room with bad light, but sometimes the moment is more important than anything else.

The rings are presented along with an explanation of their significance.

The unity candle remains lit after the ceremony crowd clears out.

We did manage to steal a few minutes for some portraits of the newlyweds. I don't have to tell you, but it was obvious these two were in love (which always makes my job easier).

I couldn't decide which one to post, so you're getting both!

The cake.

Christina and Gary share their first dance of many.

Congratulations Christina and Gary! Thanks for choosing Tampa Photo to be there for all of the special moments that make up your wedding day. Best of luck to you both!

Angelina and Steve, A La Carte Event Pavilion

2010-04-17T00:23:00.005+02:00

Angelina and Steve were married last month at the A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa. We started out with some group shots at the hotel before heading to the venue, where the ceremony and reception were taking place.

Steve and the guys hang out at the hotel. Kevin was the lead shooter this day and was working with Steve head-on. I was able to find this second angle that incorporated all the groomsmen in the background.

We still had some time once we made it to the A La Carte, so we worked with the guys a little more. Kevin was shooting available light so I used a flash to create a slightly different look. Focusing the light on Steve helps separate him from the crowd.

Anglelina had a locket with some very special photos attached to her bouquet. I made sure to make some nice images of this important detail.

At this time of day, the light was pouring in through the ceiling of the ceremony room. Even with the light, it was still kind of "camera dark" so I had to slow the shutter speed down. I remembered the proper exposure before the processional began. I got the standard safe shot of Angelina being escorted down the aisle, but once they passed me I switched my settings and popped this off. It's a little blurry due to the slow shutter speed, but I like it.

The sun disappeared pretty quickly after the ceremony, so I was used some flash to even things out.

The front of the A La Carte is always a great place to shoot. I couldn't decide between the next two shots, so you're getting both.

A little flash makes a big difference.

The front of the cake had a bow on it, but I preferred this shot from behind since I was able to utilize the main chandelier as a background element.

That same chandelier made an appearance later in the evening when it caught the bouquet. I swear those things are flower magnets. With a little help, this gal was able to get it down after all.

Congratulations Angelina and Steve! Kevin and I had a great time covering your big day. The real fun starts now!

Shannon and Jason, Feather Sound Country Club

2010-03-10T06:54:00.014+02:00

Shannon and Jason were just married this past weekend at the Feather Sound Country Club. It ended up being a beautiful day, with just enough wind to keep things interesting. Let's jump right in.

Jason and the fellas were ready first, so we took them around to some of the great areas to shoot at the club. Here, Jason poses for a few solo shots in the main lobby while we wait for the groomsmen to have their flowers pinned.

There is this great veranda, but the sun was difficult to work with at this time of day. I went ahead and overexposed some backlit shots to make it work.

We met up with a few more ushers and family members and went a more traditional route.

OK guys, you can go relax. The ladies are ready now. Here is a shot from earlier, before Shannon got dressed.

The club has this cool room for the bride to get ready in. The bright red walls make for a nice background. The room was a little too small to pull off group shots, so I focused on making some portraits of Shannon.

Shannon knew that she wanted some photos upstairs using the piano. The backgrounds were a little limited, but we did have one clean wall with a cool light fixture. Yeah, yeah, I know you can't even see the piano in this one, but I like it.

Shannon was a great model.

I couldn't pull off a nice reflection shot with a clean background, but we got lucky and snapped a few shots where the guests milling around in the background were hidden behind her.

After all the family shots, the sun was getting low enough to take the ladies outside for a few shots before the reception.

The main lobby doors provided a nice frame for a shot to show off the back of the dress. I took a few other angles that showed the whole train, but this was my favorite.

A tearful moment during the ceremony.

Right before the guests were allowed into the reception room, I was able to scamper around and make some cool room shots.

The bridal party was hiding out waiting to be announced. I take every opportunity I can to make nice photos. I worked out the exposure while they were drinking champagne and chatting with friends. A simple kiss in a back room becomes a dynamic image and a memorable moment.

Their love for each other was obvious during the first dance (and the rest of the night).

We were able to catch the tail end of dusk and pull off one photo with the cool blue background.

Shannon and Jason even skipped out on part of the reception to get some more photos around the club.

I initially converted this image to black and white, but on second thought I like the pop of the yellow walls.

Shannon's bridesmaids even joined us for a few more photos back in the main lobby. I love shooting so it's always nice to have a couple interested in making lots of images.

Finally, Shannon and Jason had to sit down and eat a little bit. That gave me enough time to work on some of the details, including their rings.

We'll end on a cake shot. The club had it lit pretty well, but I went ahead and used a flash to get exactly the look I wanted.

Congratulations Shannon and Jason! Thanks for being such willing participants in the photo process; I think it paid off! Thanks for choosing Tampa Photo to handle the important task of covering your special day.

Krystal and Austin Maternity Shoot

2010-03-04T04:35:00.010+02:00

I recently had the opportunity to photograph Krystal and her husband Austin when she was about 8 months pregnant. We did the shoot in their home to make sure she was comfortable and could relax while I was changing setups. I also wanted to use this as a chance to shoot some maternity photos in a more natural setting, in addition to the studio background shots.

Krystal had browsed some maternity photos online and found a pose like this that she really liked. I wouldn't normally use a pose like this, but it came out great. Unfortunately I don't know what photographer she got this from to give them credit.

Something funny is bound to happen when you ask a man to talk to his wife's belly.

I loved this big window in the front of the house. I let Krystal and Austin do their own thing while I moved around trying various compositions.

They had this great chaise lounge that I worked into a few photos. Photographers just love furniture like this. I wanted a dramatic light setup so I locked the camera down on the tripod and triggered the shutter with a remote. This allowed me to hand-hold a snooted flash right above Krystal to concentrate the light on her belly.

We hung out in the nursery for a little while shooting with available light. I closed the drapes to diffuse the sunlight a bit and noticed it made a pretty nice background. By exposing for the drapes and warming up the white balance, we ended up with some great silhouettes.

Shifting to a studio setup, I stick with soft yet dramatic lighting to accentuate her form.

This was in the dining room in front of a window, but it looks like it could be a studio lighting/background setup.

Austin joins Krystal for a few final images

We'll end with another perspective in front of the large windows.

As of today, Krystal's due date has come and gone and we're looking forward to baby's arrival any day! Congratulations Krystal and Austin. Thank you for inviting me into your home to make some images of this very special time in your lives. Good luck!

Treasure Island Kite Festival

2010-03-04T04:20:00.006+02:00

Treasure Island had a kite festival back in January that we knew would be a good photo-op with our little Vanessa. Rain threatened to keep us away, but we ended up just getting a little wind (not a bad thing for a kite festival).

Karen helps Vanessa get up close and personal with one of the kites.

A fluttering butterfly wing briefly reveals Vanessa.

The giant butterfly kite tunnel appears to bear down on V.

Vanessa really enjoyed playing inside the butterfly tunnel (and Karen joined in on the fun too).

Tickled by a mermaid's tale.

Even with kites all around, sometimes it's just fun to poke around in the sand.

Vanessa got a kick out of thinking she was in control of this kite.

A gigantic centipede floats above the beach.

2009 Family Christmas Photos

2010-01-14T00:50:00.006+02:00

Now that the holidays have passed, I thought I'd post a bunch of the pics from my family's photo session in the studio with Kevin and MJ. As always, they did a fantastic job; and Vanessa loves Auntie MJ and Uncle Kevin so much!

We started out sitting down in pretty "safe" pose so we'd have a few good ones at least in case Vanessa started melting down (it's just a matter of time).

MJ keeps Vanessa entertained :)

Vanessa just chillin with daddy.

A kiss for me!

And a kiss for mommy!

Vanessa keeps us entertained as usual.

No serious poses for us!

One of our favorites.

A rare quiet moment. Kevin is used to shooting fashion, corporate, portraits, etc. and said trying to capture Vanessa was like shooting wildlife. She's our little wild animal.

A beautiful moment captured forever.

Vanessa gets caught in the act punching daddy in the face. Nice follow-through.

We set Vanessa free and took a few with just me and Karen.

Lookin good!

Too cute.

Those were some of my favorites. It is not often that I get tears in my eyes from laughing so hard, but that's exactly what happened when I first looked at these images. I can't thank Kevin and MJ enough. If you didn't take the time to have some professional family portraits made before the holidays, why not do it now? It's always great to have some quality images of yourself and the ones you love.

Thanks Kevin and MJ!!! As usual, Tampa Photo produces some amazing images. Check out some more portraiture at our web site.

MacDill Help Portrait

2009-12-20T05:58:00.004+02:00

Is this my portfolio for the last month or two? Nope, these are 9 family portraits shot in 3 hours recently. Read on to learn more!

I recently participated in the Help Portrait event. Check out their web site to learn more, but basically, it's about photographers donating their time and abilities to provide portraits to individuals or families in need. There were lots of great events planned around Tampa Bay, but I decided to arrange my own for the benefit of military families stationed at MacDill AFB. While these families may not necessarily fit the idea of "those in need" outlined by Help Portrait, I decided that they all deserved free portraits for their sacrifice and service.

The event itself was rather crazy, trying to get several poses in addition to various groupings (kids only, father and son, etc.) in the allotted time. Sort of like a speed dating version of a photo session! We held the event at the MacDill Family Resource Center in Brandon since most MacDill families live in that area. The FRC has a computer lab on site, and their folks were able to pull an image from the shoot and place it into an electronic greeting card right there on the spot. Very cool.

Thank you to all the MacDill families who participated in the event! You all did a great job! My favorites are compiled in the photo at the beginning of this post, but here are few more...

A big thank you to all the participating families, and all active duty military families around the world. Most of us will never fully appreciate the extent of your sacrifice. Giving you these family portraits seems like a pretty small gesture in comparison.

Thank you.

Kathryn's Christmas Card Photos, Sawgrass Lake Park

2009-12-10T06:25:00.008+02:00

Well, it's that time of year...annual family portrait season just in time so send those holiday cards to everyone. Karen, Vanessa and I already paid Kevin and MJ a visit for our annual photos (to be posted soon). But today we're looking at photos taken for Kathryn. We had a lovely day (perfectly overcast = good for photos) at Sawgrass Lake Park. We probably saw half a dozen other groups doing photos that same day. Tis the season!

Kathryn and her son Leo hang out near some trees. Kathryn mentioned she was interested in using pine trees as elements in the photos. There were plenty at the park to work with and incorporate into the scenes.

As usual, most of my favorites are when they are relaxed and just being themselves.

Kathryn even brought someone special along for the shoot...her dog Bella. Luckily, we found some random guy to hold Bella's leash and keep her in the photo. Just kidding, Jordan.

Another one of the whole group.

We strolled around the park until we found another spot with beautiful light. We took a few moments to just concentrate on Kathryn and Leo.

Right when I heard Kathryn mention pine trees, I knew I wanted to take them to this spot in the back of the park. The sun peeked out for a few minutes which added a nice touch.

We took a break from the posed stuff and just had them stroll around together. Very cool.

If the bright sun is going to come out, we might as well use it!

Remember, Leo, never climb on top of boardwalk pavilions. Leave that to photographers who think getting the photo is more important than personal safety. Besides, it was chilly that day; the alligators were pretty lethargic.

A few on a bench in one of the pavilions.

Dogs aren't allowed out on the boardwalks, so Kathryn, Leo and I ventured out into the swamp for some more photos. The previous photos look like they could've been taken anywhere, but these let you know we are definitely in Florida.

A wider angle incorporates some of the forest into the shot.

After we were "done" I couldn't help hiding around the next corner to sneak a few more photos of these two acting natural.

Thanks so much for thinking of me to shoot your holiday photos! Everything came together; a beautiful family, a beautiful park, and perfect weather. Not to mention a very cooperative dog! How often does that happen?

Vanessa's Birthday Photo Shoot

2009-11-22T18:27:00.008+02:00

Last week was Vanessa's second birthday. We managed to take a few photos during the party, but we're always so busy it's tough to get more than a few quick snaps. Maybe Vanessa will post those photos to her blog soon (she's been slacking lately). Later in the evening, when we had more time, Vanessa sat down with Mama for as long as a two-year old surrounded by new toys can be expected to sit still.

This was just a light test when I was setting things up, but it ended up being one of her best poses.

Mama jumps in for a few photos.

The two girls ham things up.

Between periods of goofiness, Vanessa can be full of love.

So much love.

Singing songs was the only way to hold Vanessa's attention.

Vanessa was done with photos and acting fussy so we used the oldest trick in the parent book and just started shooting without her. Soon, she wanted to be part of the action again.

Come on Vanessa, show us your teeth. Well, you didn't have to point to them, but that's OK.

Too cute.

Vanessa is ready for her closeup.

Vanessa poses with her awesome new super-soft gorilla from Aunt Christine.

Counting to ten never looked so fun.

Things were easier with Mama behind me holding her attention.

Happy Birthday Vanessa! It's amazing to think about all that's happened in the last two years. In case anyone wants to be reminded of what was going on exactly two years ago, you can read all about it here: http://ericvichich.blogspot.com/2007/11/introducing-baby-vanessa.html

North Carolina Mountain Foliage

2009-11-04T01:46:00.007+02:00

We recently took a trip up to the mountains in North Carolina to get a taste of fall. I still believe that Florida has seasons, but there is no comparison when it comes to the fall foliage displays of the northern states. We rented a house for a week and we tried to soak up as much mountain and foliage scenery as we could. I didn't take as many photos as usual thanks to a few days of rain and a few days of being sick.

Here is the long view from the deck. It's quite a sight to see these large swaths of forest all changing color. The area around the house was at peak color, or very close to it.

One morning I got up before sunrise to make a few photos since the forecast called for heavy fog. Up in the mountains, the weather never really followed the forecast and it ended up being rather clear. On other "clear" days the area around the house ended up being completely fogged in. Gotta love that mountain weather. Anyway, this waterfall was just a short walk down the gravel road from the house.

While walking back to the house, the sun came up over the mountain and starting streaming through the foggy forest. I made several photos of the light shining on to the forest floor, mainly ferns, but this one was my favorite.

Back at the house, the early morning light combined with the wet leaves of the past two days of rain made the colors really pop.

The opening in the forest in front of the deck acted as a funnel. The fog and clouds would come floating up the mountain and push right over the house.

I couldn't resist a handheld self portrait in front of the blazing colors.

That same day we did some hiking around Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. The foliage was already done at these elevations, but the summit of Mitchell is mostly weather beaten pines anyway. It was very interesting to walk through such a unique high elevation ecosystem.

Karen took the camera and got a few shots of me with Vanessa.

Here is Karen taking in the view.

Back at the house, a setting sun backlights the forest and makes the leaves glow.

I managed to capture a few portraits of Vanessa in front of some nice foliage.

During a family hike around the house, we encountered these amazing leaves.

Finally, another view from the deck. The sun had already gone down and it was getting dark. Balancing the camera on the deck rail and using a long shutter speed really brought out the yellows.

Well, that's it for our trip. Karen and briefly lived in Asheville so we really enjoy going back to that area. I wish Asheville had an ocean, or Florida had a mountain range. Oh well.

Big Boy Andrew

2009-10-10T01:05:00.010+02:00

While in South Carolina, we met up with our good friend Kelly who just happens to have a handsome son the same age as Vanessa. We took some nice studio shots, but the patience of a two year old doesn't allow for too much of that, and we ended up just hanging out and shooting with the flow.

Look at that smile!

Andrew has this awesome custom mural in his room and I immediately knew I wanted to make a portrait of him in front of it. I've never seen a two year old take directions so well. He would sit down, stand up, move closer, whatever I asked him to do.

I took a few minutes to set up an impromptu high-key studio setup and we got to work.

Of course, Vanessa got jealous that daddy was taking pictures of another kid so she had to get in on the action for a few shots.

Andrew feeds Kelly some goldfish (hey, whatever keeps him entertained).

Andrew busts a move for momma.

Soon enough it was time to burn some energy outside. Andrew revs up his hog with the neighbor kids.

Panning with Andrew helps give the image a sense of motion.

Andrew passes the basketball to Kelly.

Finally, mother and son stop for a moment on the steps of the front porch.

It was great seeing you Kelly and Andrew, and I had a blast taking these photos. It was too fun watching the little ones flirting with each other!

Baby Isaiah

2009-10-07T22:56:00.007+02:00

During our recent trip to South Carolina, we were able to visit the newest addition to the family. Little Isaiah was only five weeks old and I took the opportunity to make some newborn images.

Hello there Isaiah. Thanks for waking up for a few minutes. Smile for the camera!

Alida, obviously the mother, snuggles with Isaiah.

Paul and Alida with their newest addition. I have to take a moment to explain the lighting here. I hadn't really planned on any formal studio shots, figuring I could improvise with any old background in their house. But then I started to want that pure black background more and more. Unfortunately, I left my large black background at home as I was trying to travel light. While there are some tricks to getting black background inside, I wasn't able to get the light close enough for that to work. Luckily, everyone was willing to shoot the photos on the back porch. There are trees behind them but they are far enough away that everything goes black. The rim light was balanced on a patio chair, and the main light (umbrella) was sitting on the hot tub. Luckily, the rain held off long enough for us to get these in!

Baby feet are a standard detail. Adding Paul's hands creates a little more depth to the image and puts things into perspective.

Big sis Alexandra joined in for a full family portrait.

Alida holding Isaiah.

I used a long lens to pick off some unobtrusive photos that let the family behave naturally.

Later in the week we wanted to try some more photos. We used a dark blanket draped on the couch for these with the intention to go back outside later. We were able to get all the shots right there in the living room.

Congratulations Paul, Alida and Alexandra. Isaiah is quite handsome and I'm glad I had the chance to make some photos this early in his life. Good Luck!

Harbison State Forest

2009-10-01T00:39:00.006+02:00

I recently had the opportunity to go for a short hike in Harbison State Forest in South Carolina. I didn't take too many photos but did manage come home with a few.

Tis the season for blazing star. I found a nice patch of these in full bloom adjacent to a large meadow.

I was happy to find this large meadow after leaving the trail.

An interesting bug visits some Queen Anne's Lace flowers.

A vine of some sort climbs up a pine tree.

Everywhere I went the goldenrod was blooming nicely. This little scene seemed to represent fall with all the rusty orange and yellow colors.

This isn't a great photo, but I just love seeing a nice open forest that you can wander through freely. The soft bed of pine needles everywhere was a bonus.

These photos were from a recent trip to SC. I took lots of photos so I will be posting them gradually in the coming days. Stay tuned.

Remember

2009-09-12T02:51:00.006+02:00

As a slight tangent today, I'd like to take a moment to recognize the 9/11 anniversary. It is a day that will always stand out in my memory and in our nation's history. There's a lot of media coverage for the day so I'll keep it simple and just post a few photos.

After beginning to post lots of general patriotic photos, I realized I had enough images to target a specific theme. 9/11 gave us many heroes ranging from ordinary citizens to members of our military. I think we can all agree that the first responders at ground zero, especially the firefighters, embody this hero spirit more than any other. I'm posting a few firefighter-themed photos to honor these individuals.

This photo, to me, represents the fact that firefighters (and other responders) typically exist unnoticed in the background, stored away somewhere out of sight and out of my mind. But when tragedy strikes they are the first on the scene ready to protect property and lives while risking their own. Thank you.

Boots and coveralls stand ready for a quick exit.

Fittingly enough, here are some photos from the 9/11 memorial in Seattle, WA.

While visiting the memorial and making photos, I heard sirens in the distance. As the ambulance flew by I was able to position myself in time to capture this image. The statue firefighters look on as real-life heroes respond to a call.

In St. Petersburg, a couple watches as a neighbor's house is destroyed by fire.

Firefighters risk their safety on the roof to vent the building. I previously posted these photos to my blog and after going back to see when I took them I realized I posted them on 9/11/2007 as a coincidence.

I haven't seen a lot of the 9/11 coverage today, but I did catch part of the History Channel special "The Day the Towers Fell." This amazing documentary focuses on photographers (amateur and professional) at the scene and includes some truly extraordinary images. There is something about a still image that captures the full emotion of an event more than any other medium (in my opinion). Look out for reruns.

Kristen and Barry, Florida Aquarium Wedding

2009-08-08T22:00:00.007+02:00

Kristen and Barry decided to have their wedding at the Florida Aquarium. It can be a tough place to make photographs, but if you know what you're doing it also presents lots of great opportunities for creating some extraordinary images.

Here is the couple outside in the "wetlands" area. It usually has nice soft natural light which is always good for getting some safe portraits.

In front of the main tank, balancing flash with the ambient light can be tough, but the result is an image you couldn't get anywhere else.

The groom poses for a few solo shots out in the wetlands.

Right after the ceremony, we just walked all over the aquarium looking for cool backgrounds. I knew I wanted to use this tunnel, but it took a few minutes of playing around to get something I was happy with. When the clouds moved, I noticed the great burst of light coming down through the water.

The aquarium has a few of these sheets of fog that visitors walk through. Kristen and Barry were troopers and paused for a minute while I made a photo. Barry got a few water drops on his neck, but I think it was worth it. I always love it when a couple is willing to play along with my ideas!

You may remember me using this light the last time I shot at the aquarium, but I changed things up a little this time. Instead of adding a flash and using the blue as a background, I just let Kristen bask in the blue light resulting in a more artistic photo that has a mermaid/underwater fell to it.

The couple chats and relaxes in front of a cypress swamp after the ceremony.

Most shooters will always keep the sun to their back, but backlighting subjects when the light is right can result in a more dramatic and moody image.

You know I couldn't help but shoot a few of the critters while I was there. I took a while, but I finally managed to get one of the leafy sea dragons in front of a clean black background.

The reception was held in front of the huge main tank.

Instead of allowing guests to just chime their glasses to make the couple kiss, Barry decided that only songs with the word "love" in them would result in a kiss. A group of young ladies serenades the couple to solicit a smooch.

Congratulations Kristen and Barry! Best of luck to you both as you "drive" off into your future together (they're big car fans). Thanks for having me and Tampa Photo be a part of your big day!

Amanda and Alonso, Starlite Princess Wedding

2009-06-12T04:14:00.007+02:00

Amanda and Alonso decided to celebrate their wedding out on the water on the Starlite Princess paddlewheeler. They brought me in for just a few hours to get some photos and cover the ceremony before they actually left port. I was a little worried because I was basically stuck using the boat interior as a location and I didn't know what to expect. Luckily, there was plenty of room and three levels so we could easily keep them away from each other before the ceremony. Not to mention the boat is very beautiful and had lots of good backgrounds.

I started with Alonso, taking advantage of the window light and cool fixtures.

The big windows made for excellent portrait lighting.

A black and white version.

We used the chairs that were set up for the ceremony as a spot to shoot the guys.

Amanda and the girls gather for photos. It starts to hit Amanda.

Amanda's good friend and Maid of Honor pose for some photos.

The ladies pose in front of the cool curtain/chandelier background.

I sent Amanda over to that same window where I shot Alonso. It was some of the nicest light, but it also helps to keep their images consistent.

We had to stack some chairs, but we found enough room for a full length sitting shot. I tried for that classic old school look to match the Victorian boat decor.

Alonso's parents get into position before the ceremony.

A group of friends sang a song for the couple.

Bridesmaids' dresses flapping in the breeze.

Finally, the happy couple gets some photos together right after the ceremony.

Right before the boat pulled away, I was able to sneak some sunset shots in.

Congratulations Amanda and Alonso! I hope the rest of the cruise was lots of fun. I'm really happy with the images we got considering how little time we had. You guys were great!

Amanda and Andrew, Sandpearl Resort Wedding

2009-05-12T05:41:00.008+02:00

Early May found me and Kevin back at the Sandpearl once again, this time to cover Amanda and Andrew's wedding.

Kevin was the lead shooter, but to make the best use of our time we split up at first. I worked with the guys while Kevin covered the ladies. Here we make good use of the Sandpearl's fancy bar and restaurant area.

Yikes, save it for the honeymoon guys!

We had some extra time while we waited for the ladies to finish getting ready (get used to it Andrew) so we played around with some more complicated lighting.

Amanda can't resist peaking as Kevin sets up the first look.

Amanda approaches her soon-to-be husband.

The bridesmaids were touched by their first encounter.

A Navy uniform cap stands at attention ready for use.

I worked some second angles while Kevin directed her.

While Kevin continues to shoot around with the couple, I steal the rings and use the piano to set up a shot.

Patterns are everywhere.

A touching moment between the groom and his parents immediately after the ceremony.

As the second shooter, I was able to sneak away during formals to make a few room shots before the guests enter.

We headed down to the water to play with the lovely dusk light.

Amanda works it alone for a while.

Again, while Kevin makes images of Amanda, I was able to concentrate on Andrew.

The party gets bumping as the DJ lights dance on the ceiling.

Congratulations Amanda and Andrew! Best of luck as you sail off into your futures together. Welcome to the Navy Mrs. Tattersol!

Stephanie and Dustin, Sandpearl Resort Wedding

2009-04-23T03:11:00.007+02:00

We headed back to the Sandpearl a few weeks ago to shoot Stephanie and Dustin's wedding. They were real easy going and fun to shoot (always appreciated). Kevin was the main shooter and I was there as the second. There's a lot of images, so...

Two dresses.

Here you go ladies...(he irons too!) A groomsman presses his shirt while the guys get ready.

Since Kevin was posing Stephanie, I tried to some different compositions and lighting to contribute and not just duplicate.

Dustin was a good sport and posed for a few more photos before going to relax before the ceremony.

They had a lovely ceremony right out on the sand.

While Kevin was shooting the formal groups, I was able to sneak in to the reception room and get some room shots before the guests came in.

It's tough to set up and test lights and pop off a few frames before Kevin switches up the pose.

And if you're going to do this, for crying out loud, warn somebody first! Or, be able to do it twice, like Dustin did.

Stephanie has great features for hard direct light.

Dustin hangs out in a serene tide pool.

Stephanie joins him as the light fades away.

Stephanie shows off that fabulous dress. Kevin and I had soaking shoes and feet for the reception, but it was totally worth it.

Stephanie and Dustin dance the night away as newlyweds.

Congratulations Stephanie and Dustin! It was a fabulous wedding that was loads of fun even for us photographers. Best of luck in all the years to come.

Michelle and Mark, Florida Aquarium Wedding

2009-04-21T03:50:00.004+02:00

Michelle and Mark recently tied the knot at the Florida Aquarium. I always love shooting there because it presents so many opportunities along with the challenges of shooting inside a tough environment.

We started out with the girls getting ready at their hotel. We were so busy looking at room numbers, I almost missed the giant "THE BRIDAL SUITE" sign.

Michelle stops for a few quick shots in the cool hotel lobby.

I wish we had more time (like always). There are tons of cool side lobbies and sitting areas to use as shooting locations.

We caught up with Mark once we got to the aquarium.

In addition to the typical aquarium scenery, this place has lots of cool lighting and colorful displays that convinced us to stop even though we were already running behind. It was totally worth it!

The ceremony took place in front of the huge main tank.

They definitely had one of the coolest wedding cakes I had ever seen.

Mark gets some attention on the dance floor (they always seem to pay more attention once you're taken, huh Mark?).

All roads lead to Michelle and Mark's future together.

Congratulations Michelle and Mark! Any wedding blessed by a sea turtle is sure to be full of good fortune and happiness. Best of luck from Tampa Photo!

Lindsey and Greg

2009-04-09T06:07:00.007+02:00

Lindsey and Greg were married last week at the Bilmar Resort on Treasure Island. These two were loads of fun and definitely in love! It was bright and windy on the beach but we managed to find lots of cool spots to make some photos.

Here's Lindsey and Greg hanging out before the ceremony. Seeing each other beforehand have me a lot more flexibility and time for making nice images.

OK, from the beginning...
A quick peek in on mom fixing Lindsey's flowers.

All about the shoes...

Gorgeous! I love it when my job is easy.

Give me a window and a wall and I could shoot for hours!

I LOVED this cool ocean mural in the hotel's beach bar for some fun portraits.

The guys hang out before the ceremony.

The ladies take a turn striking a pose.

Lindsey shows off that beautiful dress.

Greg is a fun-loving guy but he sure knows how to turn on the "serious."

Not a bad spot to say your vows.

The couple enjoys a stroll on the beach as newlyweds.

Nuzzling under the setting sun.

We spun around for a few shots with a blue sky background to change it up a little bit.

Wow, what a toast. Not a dry eye in the house.

A tender moment caught amidst a crazy party.

One last parting shot of the bride and groom posing in front of a classic Gulf Coast sunset.

Congratulations Lindsey and Greg! You guys were a blast and I had a great time making images of your special day. Have fun on your honeymoon!

Lauren and Christopher, Palm Harbor White Chapel Wedding

2009-04-06T23:00:00.004+02:00

Lauren and Christopher had their ceremony and reception at the Palm Harbor White Chapel. It's a very cool and historic location for a wedding. They had a lovely day and a lively reception!

Introducing the newlyweds...

I get dressed with a little help from my friends...

Christopher pauses for a moment of reflection before walking down the aisle.

Lauren pauses for a simple and elegant portrait.

The girls ham it up for the camera.

We strolled around the church taking advantage of all the cool architecture.

The sun peaks out from behind the White Chapel.

Three boys wait to do their part for the ceremony.

Lauren and Christopher join hands at the altar.

We ran out of light after the ceremony, so I got creative and mixed flash with the streetlights and the little bit of light left in the sky to make a few dynamic portraits.

I tried to squeeze every drop of light left in the evening sky for the last few shots.

Congratulations Lauren and Christopher! I had a great time covering your day and I wish you the best of luck in your new life together!

Christine and Tobin, Tampa Bay History Center Wedding

2009-04-04T06:01:00.005+02:00

Christine and Tobin got married amidst the NEC college basketball tournament and Ybor's St. Patrick's Day parade. Even with everything else going on, they were the stars of the day. The reception was held at the brand new Tampa Bay History Center. I was second shooting for Kevin.

While Kevin spent some time with the ladies, I met Tobin and the boys at the church for some photos. The old church provided a great location and background.

Moments before the ceremony, Tobin relaxes in the back room of the church.

Tobin's best man prevents him from making a big mistake...

After the ceremony, we headed downtown Tampa for some shots of the bridal party. The County building provides a cool blue background for Christine.

Kevin was playing with her reflection a little bit, so I shot from a slightly different angle and used a flash for some pop.

Christine and Tobin sneak outside for a few sunset shots

The newlyweds share a dance (and a kiss).

Balancing my warm flash with the moody wall lights creates a nice balanced image of the cake.

The facility is all glass facing the water and makes for a great evening shot. It was a lovely night for some of the River Walk visitors to stop for a bite at the Columbia Cafe, operated by the famous Columbia Restaurant.

The Tampa Bay History Center is built with sustainability in mind, so it was only fitting that the DJ was using energy conserving LED lights as decorations.

Congratulations Christine and Tobin! Kevin and I had a great time making images of your special day. And I didn't mind my private limo ride through Ybor either! Remember Tampa Photo for all of your future photo needs!

Charlene and Joe, Sandpearl Resort Wedding

2009-03-04T06:35:00.005+02:00

Charlene and Joe recently tied the knot at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater. We had the usual delays and schedule changes, but they went with the flow and we came away with some great images.

The Sandpearl is a fantastic location for shooting. There are many grand lobbies with huge art pieces and wall hangings all over the place, not to mention the beach! And yet here I am on the 5th floor in a random corner next to a small window. Go figure. But I just loved the light coming in and since Joe's groomsmen were still finishing up in the room we paused for a few quick portraits.

OK, now I'll take advantage of some of that great Sandpearl scenery. This cavernous stairway allowed for several unique shots of Joe. Tampa Photo also provided the video for this event, so I asked one of the guys to shine his video light on Joe for some added interest.

The bartenders and some guests were gracious enough to let us take over a whole section of the restaurant for some group shots.

Now it was time to focus on Charlene while the guys relaxed. This was the view from her room! She could look right outside and see where her ceremony was going to be in just a few moments.

The setting sun shines on Charlene as she is escorted down the aisle.

The couple squeezes a few last moments out of the fading light.

What a happy couple!

The girls "bring it" for a fun photo.

With the clock ticking we worked hard to get some quality portraits in before the reception.

The couple shares dances with Charlene's parents. It's always tough to frame a shot when two couples are dancing. Charlene's spin move allowed me to fill the frame while including all four dancers.

Congratulations Charlene and Joe! I hope you enjoyed your paparazzi experience (two photographers and two videographers can make anyone feel famous!). Thanks for being easy to work with and I hope you enjoy looking at the images as much as I enjoyed making them!

100th Blog Post!

2009-03-04T06:33:00.001+02:00

I just realized that the previous post was #100 for this blog! Yeaahh!

Heather and Jason, Powell Crosley Wedding

2009-02-27T03:34:00.004+02:00

Heather and Jason were married at the fabulous Powell Crosley Estate in Sarasota. This place is a photographer's dream with all the cool original architecture and woodwork details. I actually had to leave early as I got real sick (like the rest of my family). It's a good thing I left because on the way home I found myself on the shoulder of I-75 wondering if I should call 911 or not. And then I got reacquainted with some food I had previously eaten. I'll spare you the rest of the details. Anyway.....I at least made it through most of the wedding and got some good stuff. Luckily, I was second shooting for Kevin so he was able to stay and finish.

Here's the dress hung up in the room where Heather was getting ready.

Heather has some fun with her girls beore the boys arrive.

Jason hangs out in the background while Kevin focuses on Heather.

A flash makes Heather "pop" out of the frame

A flash from the side gives some edge definition to Heather.

Heather and Jason have some fun after the ceremony.

This fun-loving couple decided to toast the occasion with Corona instead of champagne. Backlighting them makes the beverages glow and stand out in the frame.

Congratulations Heather and Jason. Sorry I had to bail a little early, but trust me, you did not want me anywhere near your wedding! Best of luck to you both!

Krissy and Clay, Hollis Garden Wedding

2009-02-11T02:26:00.007+02:00

Krissy and Clay got married in Lakeland which always offers some cool shooting locations. The reception was held at the Hollis Garden. Luckily, we've shot there several times so we know a lot of the good spots. I was second-shooting for Kevin. To make good use of our time, I took the guys out and Kevin went to some different locations with the girls. Let's dive right in.

Mirror Lake near downtown has these great stone and metal archways that make a great backdrop. The guys hanging out back there add a special touch while allowing the groom to be the star of the show.

Since Kevin and I split up the guys and gals, we each had plenty of time. This allowed us to use some of Hollis Gardens' settings, like this "grotto."

These next four are pretty similar, but I couldn't decide which one or two to post, so you're getting them all. Kevin was setting them up and I was shooting from secondary angles with slightly different lighting to give the couple more depth and variety in their images.

I've been using this technique a fair amount lately, but it works. A flash from the side increases the contrast in this image. Soft and even light is great and flattering but I'm drawn to these shots that "pop" with a little added contrast. This lighting is very "50's glamour" which works great with her veil and hairdo.

A groomsman poses with his cigar at the reception. This is all available light. The sharp backlight separates him from the background and really makes the shot.

I know it sounds like a great idea to light a whole bunch of sparklers at once to save time. Unfortunately, they tend to feed off each other and cause an inferno that is very capable of hurting someone. Click on the photo for a better view of the expression on the face of the girl to the left.

The sparklers get tamed to a normal level before the couple makes their grand exit.

Congratulations Krissy and Clay! Thanks for allowing so much time for photos! We think you'll be very happy! Best of luck to you in the future.