Sometimes the best sessions come from unexpected changes. As a Tampa Bay family photographer, I’ve captured this family’s milestones for years, and when hurricanes closed their original beach location, we moved their family session to downtown Tarpon Springs. The result? An adorable, joy-filled gallery in a place that truly means something to them.
A Family I’ve Grown With
One of my favorite parts of being a photographer is getting to watch families grow over the years. I’ve been photographing this sweet crew for years now — from tiny twirling girls to now beautiful tweens full of personality. And of course, their family wouldn’t be complete without their sweet black lab, who’s been part of just about every session.
A Change of Plans
Originally, we had planned a sunset beach session. But after the hurricanes caused damage and closures, our spot wasn’t available for their family session. Instead of rescheduling, we decided to embrace the change and head to downtown Tarpon Springs — a place that already held special meaning for them.
Why Downtown Tarpon Springs Worked So Well
Tarpon Springs is full of charm — from colorful shopfronts to brick-paved streets. For this family, it’s more than just a pretty backdrop; it’s a place they’ve visited often, a spot where memories have been made and a town their girls grew up in. The girls lit up exploring the streets, and their black lab was just as happy to stroll along with them.
The Session
We wandered through the streets, stopping at spots that caught our attention — bright doors, fun walls, and the old Train Station Depot. The girls giggled, mom and dad shared a few sweet moments together, and their pup proudly posed for his share of photos. The whole session felt relaxed, happy, and full of personality.
A Little Reminder
This session was such a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the unexpected ends up being even better than the plan. Locations are important, but what really matters is the connection, love, and joy a family brings to their photos. And when that location happens to also be meaningful? That’s the magic.
If you’re dreaming up your next family photo session, think about the places that hold memories for you — maybe it’s your favorite downtown, a park you visit every weekend, or even your own backyard. These locations help tell your family’s unique story.
📸 Morning Beautiful Photography – Capturing the moments you’ll treasure forever. Reach out and let’s chat about your next session!
