Family Portrait, Tradewinds Resort, St. Pete Beach

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

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

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

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.