Tampa graduation photos are over for 2024 for me, but not before I documented one of my sweet friend’s beautiful daughters big milestone of finishing her doctorate a few weeks ago. I am so happy for this family, and all their kind, wonderful, smart “kids” who I have been lucky enough to document for years and years and lots of family milestones. I was so happy we got a gorgeous, sunny night on the Tampa riverfront to document her USF grad pictures.

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?

This family is so blessed to have two recent Bulls in the family. One gril who graduated late last year and one who is about to head to USF full-time. I adore this sweet family and their pups are the most chill dogs I have ever photographed! I loved that doing their senior photos in downtown Tampa meant the dogs were welcome at the photo session, too. This location is a great urban setting for students in Tampa.

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 am so glad this sweet family moved back to the area. I was lucky enough to photograph their oldest a LONG time ago for her newborn photos. My, has she changed since then and I mean, come on, now they have three more kiddos and it doesn’t get any sweeter than that! Their mama also was the best “big boy sitter” as the boys called her back then. She helped me as I was getting into business and had kids not school aged at that point. She would take them to the park, the museum and was the BEST! Now, she is the best mama, and I am not surprised at all! So, here is a morning session we did at my favorite Tampa flower field.

I adored meeting this family near the Don Cesar Hotel on Pass-a-Grille Beach for some family vacation pictures. They were in town together and the backdrop was a perfect beach spot for them and took them back to memories they had when they met in college nearby. The colorful spring wardrobe for this beach session was so vibrant, too. Just like their personalities. I had fun documenting their connections and personalities alike. When mom wanted to get a few of their daughter’s love of gymnastics I was happy to snap a few of just her, too.

If you are a senior next year, now is the time to start thinking ahead for your graduation photos. I know most schools require the yearbook photos with a specific company, but if you want to do a session with your style and personality highlighted, let me help! Here is a look at a gorgeous spring senior photo session on Davis Island Beach, complete with cap and gown for a few pictures, too!

What is better than senior pictures? Senior pictures at two iconic Tampa locations is better, right?! This senior is on to big things next year and I loved documenting her happy senior style in two Tampa photo locations. We started at Water Street, a newer fun, vibrant location in Tampa. Perfect for her sunny disposition. Then we headed to Davis Islands Beach.

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!

This family is one of my favorites and after years of knowing them, I finally got them in front of my camera. What a big milestone as this guy gets ready to graduate!! I am always thrilled when senior pictures include a portion for family photos, too. As a Plant City senior photographer one of the most requested locations is Medard Park. It is always gorgeous and allowed so much room to bring his baby, er, car with! Having something meaningful at your senior pictures can often time relax seniors more. Especially guys who many not be as used to taking selfies and photos as some of the senior girls I photograph.

Pets welcome! Check out this sweet Riverview Florida senior photo session with her darling dog as w.ll Set at Boyette Springs Park, one of my favorite woodsy and water view locations near Riverview, the light really is magic. Senior photos Tampa, Riverview and the surrounding area provide a lot of lush green backdrops to choose from!

I cannot say enough amazing things about this family. It really has been so amazing to see their family grow and all the love they have for each other. Check this blog post out for more inspiration for a family of four newborn photo session. Perfect ideas for what to wear and how to have a stress free newborn photo session with Hamilton Creek Photography.