Treasure Island Kite Festival

Treasure Island had a kite festival back in January that we knew would be a good photo-op with our little V. 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 V get up close and personal with one of the kites.

A fluttering butterfly wing briefly reveals V.

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

V 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.

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

A gigantic centipede floats above the beach.

2009 Family Christmas Photos

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 V 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 V started melting down (it's just a matter of time).

MJ keeps V entertained :)

V just chillin with daddy.

A kiss for me!

And a kiss for mommy!

V 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 V was like shooting wildlife. She's our little wild animal.

A beautiful moment captured forever.

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

We set V 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

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

Well, it's that time of year...annual family portrait season just in time so send those holiday cards to everyone. Karen, V 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?