As a family photographer in Tampa, I love working with little ones & seeing their personalities! Recently, I had the pleasure of working with this sweet family at the University of Tampa.  It’s one of my favorite places for sessions in South Tampa. Plant Hall and the grounds of the University of Tampa campus are always beautiful! It was an absolutely gorgeous day & Mom did a great job coordinating the family look!

At the start of all my sessions, I spend a little time talking to the kids so they get a little more comfortable with me, look at my cameras if they want & break the ice a bit.  Big brother was talkative and ready to go, but his little sister was a bit more serious.  At 18 months, she was ready to move and explore.  As a family photographer in Tampa that specializes in working with little ones, I know they have short attention spans and don’t always want to stay where we’d like them to pose! At this age, moving quick and giving lots of breaks is critical!

South Tampa Children Photographer of 18 month old girl

This cutie’s older brother loved exploring the outside of Plant Hall and had the sweetest smile for the camera.

Portrait of Young Boy at Plant Hall at the University of Tampa

He even convinced his little sister to sit for a quick moment which allowed me to capture this adorable shot.

Sibling portrait at University of Tampa, Plant Hall

Having Mom & Dad close by always helps when working with very young children.  They can coax a giggle and a laugh or give a quick tickle.  The pathways at the University of Tampa are so perfect for capturing these moments.

Family Photographer in Tampa, portraits at University of Tampa

By far my favorite part of the session was when the photo shoot was supposed to be over.  With 10 years in the portrait business, I know some of the best, most relaxed expressions can come when the kids think they are done.  Mom brought along some gifts for behaving- superhero capes and masks.  Well, let me tell you those kiddos faces lit up and they couldn’t wait to put them on!  My absolute favorite image from the session is this one below.

Halloween costumes at University of Tampa

Holding hands walking back to Mom & Dad after exploring the University of Tampa grounds, such sweet expressions. Capturing this moment for Mom & Dad is what just part of the reason I love being a portrait photographer.

Would love to know what you think! Feel free to comment and share!  If you are looking for a family photographer in Tampa, I would love the opportunity to work with you!

 

 

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So I’m the first to joke that there’s a reason I’m behind the camera!  If you are like me, there’s always an excuse ready to use.  You want to lose more weight, don’t have anything to wear, hate how you look in photographs?  Who’s with me, right?  As a professional photographer, it’s my job to convince people that now is the time to capture those memories, to exist in images and it’s advice I’ve made a commitment to listen to myself. I’m making baby steps towards existing in more family photographs and I’ve made what I consider one huge leap towards that goal and I am so very glad that I did.

This past weekend would have been my grandmother’s 96th Birthday.  She passed away this past November and I was lucky enough to be there to hold her hand.  My Nannie and I had a close relationship for years and she meant the world to me.  When we moved from Charlotte in 2013, I still had a fair number of clients that I would go back and work with 1-2 times a year. I always extended that time a bit to spend time with Nannie and my parents. In May 0f 2015, I booked a professional photo session with Kristin Byrum Photography.  Kristin and I met when photographing a charity event while I still lived in Charlotte.  She and her husband are primarily wedding photographers (and amazing ones at that!) but I reached out and asked if she would be willing to do a session for Nannie and I. She very graciously agreed.

Why did I take the step to hire a professional?  Well, primarily because of images like this- even though I set up the camera and handed it over to an un-named family member, this was the result.

Why to Exist in Images- Grandmother and Granddaughter out of focus

And while cell phone snapshots in the airport are great, they really just don’t compare to a professional who knows lighting, composition, exposure, aperture, etc… plus- who’s that lady in the background? 🙂

FullSizeRender

I wanted a few images that captured the love & relationship between Nannie & I.  I knew in my heart, I wouldn’t have her for too many more years and I also knew that despite my excuses as to why I didn’t want to be in front of the camera, I would never forgive myself if I didn’t do it.  

Kristin & Aaron were amazing, they put us both at ease and it was an interesting perspective to be on the other side of the lens! Ultimately, what I was hoping for from the session was one image that captured the essence of my relationship with Nannie and for me, the one I’ve posted below is it.  I love how close together we are, that I’m holding her hand but then she reached across and grabbed on with her other hand too.  I love the emotion that I feel in this image.  I know that she loved me- and while technically I don’t need this image to prove that, having this in my home to look at everyday is priceless.

So folks, please, please, please exist in your family’s photographs, no matter if you don’t look the way you want, your hair needs to be colored, you want to lose another x pounds, insert your best excuse here…… Just get in the images. One day you will be able to look back and be so very thankful that you did.

 

  • Amy Cheyney - Mary….what an incredible post! You made me cry. We haven’t seen each other in way too long! I just wanted to let you know how incredibly true your post is…I am definitely the one behind the camera…and with Trent leaving for college in the next year and a half…just made me think. Hope you and the family are doing well!

    AmyReplyCancel

    • maryebert - Thanks Amy! It has been way too long, but it means so much that you would take the time to reach out about my post! Can’t believe our kiddos are almost at the point where you & I met years ago. McKenna is also getting ready for college in a year & 1\2. Time flies! Hopefully we will make it back to Roanoke one day soon & let us know should you & Todd & Trent find yourselves near Tampa! xoReplyCancel

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What a fun session with this Berkeley Preparatory School Cheerleader!  We started on campus to capture Carmen on their field where she has spent much of her Upper Division years.   I added the 20 17 during the editing and she loved the extra touch!

Senior Portraits, senior Photography, Berkeley Prep, Tampa

Senior portrait session for Berkeley Prep Cheerleader with 2017 Scoreboard

Carmen was super easy going, with such a natural smile and bubbly personality.  With Mom by her side, we made sure to capture these memories.

Senior Portraits, senior Photography, Berkeley Prep, Tampa

Senior portrait session for Berkeley Prep Cheerleader.

Senior Portraits, senior Photography, Berkeley Prep, Tampa

Senior portrait session for Berkeley Prep Cheerleader on campus.

Senior Portraits, senior Photography, Berkeley Prep, Tampa

Senior portrait session for Berkeley Prep Cheerleader.

The second part of her session was on Honeymoon Island and the Dunedin Causeway.  Another love in Carmen’s life is her Jeep and it was important to incorporate that into her session.  We started on the causeway where we could get right up to the water and capture some beautiful images.

Senior Portraits, senior Photography, Berkeley Prep,Honeymoon Island, Tampa, Dunedin

Senior portrait session at Honeymoon Island near Tampa.

Senior Portraits, senior Photography, Berkeley Prep,Honeymoon Island, Tampa, Dunedin

Senior portrait session at Honeymoon Island near Tampa.

Senior Portraits, senior Photography, Berkeley Prep,Honeymoon Island, Tampa, Dunedin

Senior portrait session at Honeymoon Island near Tampa.

We finished up on the beautiful beach at Honeymoon Island.  Carmen shares my passion for photography and loved the vintage camera I brought as a small prop.  It’s the little touches that can make a session unique.  I also brought the Scrabble letters spelling out Senior and we got creative in combining those with the sea shells.

Senior Portraits, senior Photography, Berkeley Prep,Honeymoon Island, Tampa, Dunedin

Senior portrait session at Honeymoon Island near Tampa.

Senior Portraits, senior Photography, Berkeley Prep,Honeymoon Island, Tampa, Dunedin

Senior portrait session at Honeymoon Island near Tampa.

Senior Portraits, senior Photography, Berkeley Prep,Honeymoon Island, Tampa, Dunedin

Senior portrait session at Honeymoon Island near Tampa.

Senior Portraits, senior Photography, Berkeley Prep,Honeymoon Island, Tampa, Dunedin

Senior portrait session at Honeymoon Island near Tampa.

 

Do you have a 2017 Senior?  It’s not too late to book your session!  I would love to work with you to customize a session that captures their personality and style.  Give me a call at 813.340.3589.

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