The 10 Best Portrait Photographers in Tampa

The location choices in Tampa, FL, are endless. Blessed with warm weather, sugar-white sands, and blue waters, Tampa is nestled on the Gulf Coast. Visitors find themselves intrigued by historic neighborhoods of Cuban and Spanish origin, world-class theme parks, and first-class fine art and dining institutions. It’s also a prime destination for year-round outdoor portrait photography, and we’ve hunted down the top portrait photographers in Tampa. Without further ado, let us present Tampa’s finest.

1. Booray Perry Photography

Certified by the Professional Photographers of America (which currently has a 6% certification rating), Booray Perry is one of the preeminent portrait photographers in the Tampa area. Looking over his website it’s clear that he’s a knowledgeable insider. Not only does he shoot bar mitzvahs, but he lists the temples he’s shot at in the past and how his work is of value to you. His sense of humor and values also come across in his writing as well — a refreshing departure from the safe, cultivated personalities sometimes displayed in “about me” sections.

His galleries include both indoor and outdoor environments, controlled lighting and natural light images. Plus, his wedding photography is especially striking, with golden- and blue-hour lighting mixing with his own light additions. In Booray’s own words: “There’s no other facet of photography that prepares you to do it all like wedding photography.” 

2. Kevin Kelii Photography

Portland import Kevin Kelii started his Tampa photography career in 2003 shooting events and major concerts in the area. Over time, his work grew to include corporate headshots, senior portraits, boudoir, glamour, fitness, and couples images. Flexibly working in studio, at location, or outdoors, Kevin uses a mobile studio for perfect lighting control. His high school senior portraits cover a range of classic to chic, with mixed settings including schools, downtown Tampa, and local parks. Students with cap and gown smile on campus in some, while others choose sandals and the beach. Each of his couples photos reflects his craft: outfits and locations carefully organized to tell the story of their connection.

3. Amber Nicole Portrait

Amber Nicole runs a boutique, makeover, and photography studio in Tampa, FL, and has been shooting since 2012. Her photography often takes place after a complete makeover at her studio. Amber uses a style that she accurately describes as “ethereal, natural, and bright.” Warm pastel tones and glowing highlights show in her photography. The light helps keep skin looking soft and warm, as well as accentuates catchlight in the eyes of her clients. Her skill with both makeup and camera helps bring out the best side of each of her clients.

4. Ailyn La Torre Photography

A mother of three with a passion for capturing love stories and milestones, Ailyn La Torre is one of the premiere wedding and portrait photographers in Tampa. She favors natural light images, with wedding whites and soft pastels contrasting with the darker groom’s colors. We like how her images have a soft, timeless quality without feeling overprocessed. Many have a strong documentary flavor as well, with her subjects immersed in the actions of their big day. Ailyn is a wedding specialist, and it shows in her composition and captures!

5. Beth Kelly Photography

Having studied journalism and fine art at the University of Florida, Beth Kelly brings an impressive 20 years of NYC fashion and photography experience to the Tampa area. Her work merges journalism and fine art, capturing the true reality of people as much as the beauty of the moment. Beth covers a diverse spread of work, including events, families, headshots, dance/fitness, and weddings. As natural light photographer, she uses her eye for lighting and composition to achieve professional results using a creative flair all her own.

6. Jonathan R. Photo

Jonathan Ridgely is a commercial, editorial, and portrait photographer in Tampa with a photography and writing style that speaks to us. In his own words: “I live in a crazy beautiful world that most people fail to see. Light, texture and the raw grittiness of it all sing to me and inspire me.” Few photographers manage to capture this so bluntly in not only words but also work. Jonathan’s style has a classic, polished feel, with tasteful vignettes, cool color casts, and well-chosen subject poses. His love for photography even extends to the charity world — he partners with Heart Gallery, shooting portraits for foster children.

7. Stephanie Muther Photography

Specializing in families, events, weddings, engagements, high school senior portraits, and newborn images, Stephanie Muther is a top choice for portrait photographers in Tampa. She embraces a style of freedom and candidness by avoiding stiff poses and forced compositions in her work. Best of all, she works in a collaborative manner. Stephanie prompts her clients to share their vision of what a successful shoot will be, then she does her best to make it come true.

8. Theresa NeSmith Photography

Theresa NeSmith works with high school seniors, families, and children. She also dabbles in fine-art boudoir and the highly underrepresented timeless beauty sector of photography. Her style employs muted tones and bright highlights that imparts a soft, timeless flavor to her images. She works in studio, on location, and in the outdoors. Theresa’s combination of natural lighting, timing, and composition helps create images with true impact and authenticity.

9. Janet Ramos Photography

In a world of smartphone photography, Janet Ramos clearly lays out the value of her work for a potential client. In her own words, “Portraits taken with a professional are an art piece, an heirloom and a precious commodity of time we can never get back.” Looking at her photography, we can see how she brings knowledge of good modeling technique, natural light knowledge, and tasteful color grading to her work. She uses subtle vignettes and creative compositions in settings that, while beautiful, many photographers would struggle to make something magic with. Her work shines by bringing out the best in her clients and showcasing her personal style.

10. Joe Leone Photography

Joe Leone is a vacation, family, and portrait photographer in Tampa with a preference for natural light and outdoor compositions. He works with strong natural light techniques, as well as gorgeous beach and urban park settings. Joe captures the smiles and connection of families in the area working in tandem with his client’s wishes and his own vision. His work has a classic portraiture signature, with bright lighting, shallow depth of field, and subjects with eyes to the camera.

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