Philippe Park

Fort De Soto

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

The Ultimate Guide to Tampa Bay & Sarasota Photo Locations

Capturing legacy and connection across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties.

Selecting a location is about more than just a backdrop; it’s about finding a space where your family feels free to be themselves. I specialize in locations that offer a sense of privacy and natural beauty, ensuring your session is as relaxing as it is memorable.

The Nature & Park Collection

For families who want the scale of "Raw Florida"—from cypress swamps and rolling hills to ancient oak canopies.

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 heirloom-quality 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 creek for cooling off 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 Florida’s natural landscape.

  • Note: Travel fee applies to this location.

Lettuce Lake Park

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

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

  • The Connection: The dense canopy creates soft, 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 stunning 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.

  • Note: Travel fee applies to this location.

The Secluded & Coastal Collection

For those who find beauty in the raw, salt-crusted edges and hidden dunes of the Gulf 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: Rugged, "True Florida" aesthetic. Deeply relaxing and completely away from the 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 with moss, 1,200-year-old archaeological Temple Mount and mangrove tunnels.

  • The Connection: A diverse, adventurous aesthetic that feels completely tucked away.

Bean Point (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.

  • The Connection: Serene and airy. A quiet, barefoot experience centered on calm and undistracted time together.

Fort De Soto Park (Pinellas)

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

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

  • The Connection: Adventurous and natural. It offers the best sunset views in Pinellas County and is my personal favorite beach.

The Celery Fields (Sarasota)

  • Location: 6150 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240

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

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

Preparing for Your 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 sessions during the Golden Hour.

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

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

Accessibility & Ease

I know that "adventuring" for photos can feel daunting with toddlers, strollers, or mobility concerns. I have personally scouted these locations to ensure they offer a balance of raw beauty and easy access. Most of my featured spots have accessible paths and are a short walk from the parking area. If you have specific mobility needs, let’s chat! I can recommend the exact trailheads that offer the best views with the least amount of walking.

Have a "Secret Spot" in Mind?

While I love my tried-and-true preserves, my favorite sessions are often the ones that happen somewhere sentimental to you. Whether it’s your private family property, a favorite local coffee shop, or a "secret" 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 document stories all across the state. Locations within a 30-mile radius of my home base are included in my standard collections. For sessions involving further travel, a standard mileage fee applies to ensure I can bring my full heart and equipment to your chosen backdrop. For destination sessions requiring overnight stays, travel and lodging arrangements are coordinated to ensure I am on-site and ready to capture your story as it unfolds.

[Inquire About Your Date]

Treasure Island

North Straub Park

Anna Maria Island