I’m so happy that families are finding me more easily now. I have years of experience as a beach photographer, and I’m a full-time professional — truly the best job ever.

So let’s break it down. What makes me different from the other 200 photographers in the area?

First — I am not a new photographer. I’ve been a registered, tax-paying business with a website for over 10 years. I’m also not new to the area. I was born and raised in St. Pete — I’ve lived here my entire life. I know our beaches, our light, our tides, our crowds, and how things actually work out here.

My approach to photography

Skill and experience matter more to me than chasing content or social media trends. Maybe that’s a downfall in today’s world — but it’s a huge win for my clients. The experience always comes first. I can’t imagine being more focused on making a reel from my paying client’s shoot than on their actual photos.

None of the images you see from me are model families or styled, staged shoots. These are real, paying clients. Real families. Real moments.

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What kind of images will you see from me?

Signature Shots

1. Close-Up Portraits

This is my #1 strength.

I’ve always excelled at close-up portraits in any environment — beach, park, indoors, you name it. I focus on happy, genuine expressions and images that are incredibly sharp and clean.

So sharp, in fact, that you’d think everything has been heavily retouched — even when it hasn’t. Every detail is visible: skin texture, fine hairs, even veins in the eyes. Sometimes I’m literally removing stray hairs from in front of faces because the image is that in focus.

This level of detail isn’t every photographer’s specialty. Many natural-light photographers shoot at very wide apertures, which creates a softer look. Beautiful — but very different from what I do.

2. Large Family Group Shots

Big families are finding me for a reason — this is one of the hardest shots to get right, and I consistently deliver it.

I’m very honest about timing, especially with kids. Midday beach light is tough. Kids (especially with blue eyes) can barely keep their eyes open without sunglasses, and everyone squints — even with backs to the sun if there are no clouds. And clouds? I can’t guarantee those. This is not the prettiest time.

That’s why I plan carefully and use advanced techniques when needed. I almost always use face-swapping for large family groups with kids. Parents are looking at the kids, the kids look away when parents look up — all the faces exist, just not always in the same frame. I bring them together seamlessly.

And dogs? Same challenge — maybe even harder. They think it’s playtime. Somehow, I still make it happen.

3. General Style (My Look)

Vivid, True-to-Tone Color

My beach sessions are not over-saturated, and I don’t overuse vibrance. Skin tones stay natural, blues stay realistic, and the overall look is clean and timeless — not trendy or heavy-handed.

Natural Light + Off-Camera Flash (What I’m Known For)

You’ll get natural-light images in every session, but what truly sets me apart is my use of off-camera flash — especially when it comes to sunsets.

If the sun is setting behind you, my light is on.

I am very well known for exposing sunsets while still keeping faces properly lit. This allows me to create dramatic, colorful skies and sharp, clean portraits at the same time — something many natural-light-only photographers simply can’t do.

Using flash also lets me stay out later. I intentionally shoot a few minutes after sunset, when some of the most incredible colors appear but there’s not enough light for traditional natural-light photography.

Posed, Candid-Pose, and Candid Balance

My style is a thoughtful mix of posed, candid-posed, and fully candid images. I like smiling, happy faces and clear connection — not a gallery full of backs of heads or blur.

A mentor once described my work as traditional, and he was right: well-lit, sharp, classic images with just enough candid moments to make the story feel complete. Photography that looks just as good years from now as it does today.

At the end of the day, families come to me because they want more than just a few pretty pictures. They want consistent results, experienced guidance, and images they’re proud to hang on their walls for years.

If you value clean, well-lit, true-to-life images — with beautifully exposed sunsets and real connection — you’re exactly who I photograph for.

Check out more images on the Beach Session Page

Get outfit tips and tricks in this blog What to Wear for Beach Photo Sessions in Clearwater & St. Pete Beach

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