Take It Outside: What to Expect From an Outdoor Portrait Session in Tampa Bay Florida
The world around us is full of so many powerful elements: Earth, water, wind. Even the trees have magic woven through their branches that draws us in.
I look around and marvel at the splendor of the landscapes around me, and after admiring it for what it is, I always have the same thought:
“There’s just one thing that’s missing.”
It’s you.
That’s right. All the beauty of this natural, wild world around us is partly lost on me and my camera if I don’t have the added power of a strong, capable, radiant woman front and center to anchor it all. You are as inspiring as a sunset, as moving as the currents of the ocean, as rooted in strength as the 100-year old oak.
Now add you to the mix of these elements? That, my Beauty, is a match made in Heaven!
Are you drawn to the ethereal pull of nature’s elements? Then taking your session outdoors may be the answer! Luckily, the Tampa Bay area of Florida has no shortage of scenic outdoor offerings!
What can you expect when you move your session from an in-studio setting to an outdoor space?
First and foremost, choosing the most inspiring location to you will be what sets the tone for your experience. If the water calms and inspires you, the beach will be your backdrop. If you feel most at peace and connected to the trees, an enchanted woodland will do the trick. And if you want a happy medium, a riverside forest or greenery-skirted beach cove will provide the best of both. All you have to do is point me in the right direction; I’ll do the location-hunting from there!
Outdoor sessions typically take place at the “sweet spot” of the day known as Golden Hour. No matter what season we’re in, Golden Hour takes place the hour before sunset, so the session start time will vary depending on the time of year. Moving strategically throughout this hour to make the most of the light before it’s gone keeps us on our toes while keeping things fresh and fun!
Wardrobe selection will look slightly different when planning for an outdoor session. Because most outdoor options are open to the public, there is no guarantee of complete privacy/seclusion. I do everything in my power to find us a cozy, unoccupied space to spend our time, but particularly on open beach, prepare to be showered with compliments by any stray passerby when they see you glammed up to the Beach Goddess Nines! With this in mind, you should be comfortable being “spotted” by a starstruck stranger in your chosen outfits. So many versatile pieces such as bodysuits, robes/kimonos, and actual bathing suits bring the glam with you wherever we are and will be just as impactful (if not more so) than a traditional lingerie look!
Your appetite for Adventure should be mild to moderate! Oftentimes your outdoor location will be “off the beaten path” to ensure the most privacy and the most unique, immersive environment for your portraits. A pair of safe, comfortable shoes should be part of your arsenal for the day in order to manage short hikes through woods or sand. The hidden gems are always the most exciting to behold, so as long as you don’t mind a little challenge, you can reap the reward of an epic backdrop!
Possibly the most fun aspect of an outdoor location is the change of scenery (literally) and versatility of lighting conditions. Mother Nature is so wildly and (mostly) gloriously unpredictable, so we go with her flow and use her offerings to our advantage! You aren’t always guaranteed a stunning, golden sunset, but when you are: We will milk that precious light into the darkness! If clouds decide to texture the skies, that’s just fine! We soak up that softer, ghostly glowing light and play with ALL the drama of a moody sky. No matter what weather is served up on the day of your session, rest assured that I make it work in our favor! Also, because the timing of an outdoor session will flow from late afternoon into Golden Hour, the transitioning lighting conditions give us the chance to play with different qualities of light. From bright, heavenly backlighting to putting you in direct sun and bathing you with light and shadow, there’s never a dull moment when you’re playing with ever-changing sunlight!
BONUS: Immersing yourself in nature will 100% help you tap into your most divine feminine energy as you nourish it with your surroundings and with the overall experience.
So, if you’re just as inspired as I am by the combined forces of Woman plus Nature, then an outdoor portrait session harnesses all that power into your portraits!
