THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO TAMPA BAY & SARASOTA PHOTO LOCATIONS

Finding a Space for Your Family to Just Let Go

Capturing honest stories across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. Selecting a location is about so much more than just a pretty backdrop; it’s about finding a quiet space where your family feels entirely free to be themselves. I specialize in hidden gems that offer a deep sense of privacy and natural beauty, ensuring your session is as relaxing, fun, and memorable as possible.

The Nature & Park Collection: Iconic Florida Landscapes

For families who love the cinematic scale of deep oak canopies, moss-draped forests, and open fields.

POLK COUNTY | LAKELAND & LAKE WALES

Bok Tower Gardens

• Location: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853

• The Vibe: A breathtaking masterpiece of Mediterranean architecture and lush, rolling gardens. From the iconic "Singing Tower" and manicured citrus groves to hidden koi ponds, it is pure Florida elegance.

• The Connection: This is a destination experience. It offers a majestic, quiet atmosphere that feels timeless. It is arguably the most cinematic location in the state for beautiful, high-end family portraits.

• Note: Travel fee and location entry fees apply.

Bonnet Springs Park

• Location: 900 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815

• The Vibe: An urban oasis featuring "The Bluffs," massive heritage oaks, a serene butterfly garden, a cooling creek, and modern architectural boardwalks.

• The Connection: Incredibly versatile. Whether you want a sophisticated garden feel or a rugged forest aesthetic, we can find it all within one park.

• Note: Travel fee applies to this location.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY | TAMPA, THONOTOSASSA & PLANT CITY

Hillsborough River State Park

• Location: 15402 US-301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592

• The Vibe: Rare river rapids, suspension bridges, and lush, jungle-like forests.

• The Connection: The ultimate adventure location. It feels grand, scenic, and deeply rooted in our natural landscape.

• Note: Travel fee applies to this location.

Lettuce Lake Park

• Location: 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637

• The Vibe: Quiet serenity. Long wooden boardwalks wind through a massive cypress swamp.

• The Connection: The dense canopy creates soft, beautifully filtered light. A quiet, shaded retreat away from the city bustle.

• Note: Travel fee applies to this location.

Edward Medard Conservation Park

• Location: 6140 Turkey Creek Rd, Plant City, FL 33567

• The Vibe: Famous for its trees. Surreal, exposed cedar roots that create a natural, sculptural playground.

• The Connection: High-texture and artistic. This backdrop looks absolutely stunning when rendered in my signature black & white style.

• Note: Travel fee applies to this location.

PASCO COUNTY | DADE CITY

Withlacoochee River Park

• Location: 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd, Dade City, FL 33525

• The Vibe: A true wilderness escape featuring high river bluffs, floating docks, and vast open fields of wildflowers.

• The Connection: Incredibly quiet and expansive. Perfect for families who want to truly disconnect and explore.

• Note: Travel fee applies to this location.

The Coastal Collection: Secluded Beaches & Waterfront Hidden Gems

For families who find beauty in the salty, sun-drenched edges and quiet dunes of the Tampa Bay coast.

Aripeka Sandhills Preserve (Pasco/Hernando)

• Location: 18000 Aripeka Rd, Hudson, FL 34667

• The Vibe: A massive, untouched mosaic of sandhills, pine flatwoods, and crystal-clear spring-fed creeks.

• The Connection: A rugged, authentic Florida aesthetic. Deeply relaxing and completely away from the standard crowds.

• Note: Travel fee applies to this location.

Emerson Point Preserve (Manatee)

• Location: 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221

• The Vibe: Where the jungle meets the coast. Features dramatic Moreton Bay Fig tree roots, live oaks dripping with moss, a 1,200-year-old archaeological Temple Mount, and winding mangrove tunnels.

• The Connection: A diverse, adventurous aesthetic that feels completely tucked away, private, and close to home.

Bean Point Beach (Anna Maria Island)

• Location: 793 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216

• The Vibe: The quiet, northern tip of AMI. White flour-sand, zero high-rises, and wide-open horizons to catch the shifting coastal light.

• The Connection: Serene and airy. A quiet, barefoot vacation session centered on calm, undistracted time together by the water.

Fort De Soto Park (Pinellas)

• Location: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715

• The Vibe: Untouched coastline. Wide dunes, natural sea oats, and weathered driftwood.

• The Connection: Adventurous and completely natural. It offers the absolute best sunset views in Pinellas County and is my personal favorite beach for extended family sessions.

The Celery Fields (Sarasota)

• Location: 6150 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240

• The Vibe: Rolling green hills and tall, swaying grass that catch the sunset light perfectly.

  The Connection: Pastoral and cinematic. It feels more like a painting than a public park.

PREPARING FOR YOUR ST. PETE, TAMPA, OR SARASOTA FAMILY SESSION

The Magic of the "Golden Hour"

To capture the creamy, soft light and glowing skin tones seen in my portfolio, I exclusively schedule outdoor family and lifestyle sessions during the golden hour.

• Sunrise Sessions: Perfect for early bird families and beaches that face East. The light is cool, crisp, and exceptionally quiet.

• Sunset Sessions: Usually starting 60–90 minutes before the sun dips below the horizon. This is when we get those deep, vibrant colors and long shadows.

ACCESSIBILITY & COMFORT FOR ALL FAMILIES

I know that adventuring out for photos can feel daunting with toddlers, strollers, or mobility concerns. I have personally scouted every single one of these locations to ensure they offer a balance of incredible scenery and easy access. Most of my featured spots have flat, accessible paths and are just a short walk from the parking area.

As a connection-forward photographer with a beautifully neurodivergent home, my priority is keeping your family safe, comfortable, and completely unstressed. If you have specific accessibility or sensory needs, let’s chat! I can recommend the exact trailheads that offer the most beautiful views with the least amount of walking.

HAVE A SENTIMENTAL or SECRET SPOT IN MIND?

While I love my tried-and-true preserves, my favorite lifestyle sessions are often the ones that happen somewhere deeply personal to you. Whether it’s your private family property, a favorite local coffee shop, or a hidden neighborhood trail, I am always down for a new adventure. If you have a place that feels like home, let's make it happen.

TRAVEL & DESTINATION SESSIONS

While I am based in Palmetto, Florida, I am honored to truly become your life documentarian all across the state. Locations within a 30-mile radius of my home base are fully included in my standard lifestyle collections. For sessions involving further travel, a standard mileage fee applies to ensure I can bring my full heart and gear to your chosen backdrop. For destination sessions requiring overnight stays, travel and lodging arrangements are beautifully coordinated to ensure I am on-site and ready to capture your story as it unfolds.