Tampa Bay Wedding and Portrait Photographers: Visit to the Florida Aquarium Tampa Bay

I loved the seahorse exhibit, even though the sea-dragon display was closed when we came through. Seahorses have always fascinated me – they are so weird!

Being new to the area, Ed and I are really enjoying “playing tourist” around Tampa. Recently, we saw an ad for half-price admission to the Tampa Bay Aquarium and couldn’t resist! It may not be the largest aquarium, but its got some nice exhibits and some fun things you usually don’t see at these types of facilities like an outdoor bar with live music and a view of the bay, and a cool splash park for kids. The atrium-style upper floor gives people a chance to get really close to a variety of birds (which are free to fly around without enclosures), turtles, and fish.

On the upper floor, you can see lots of animals without glass between you and them. I was just a few feet from this owl. Thankfully, there is glass around the gator pond. This is as close to a gator encounter as I want to get!

Apparently, the Aquarium is also a popular Tampa Bay wedding venue as well, and I can see why! I would love  to photograph a wedding at the aquarium, as photo ops abound both inside and out. I have been working on establishing some network connections within the wedding vendor community in the area, so maybe I can make it happen! The hardest thing about the move from Arkansas to Florida was not booking any weddings this summer – I am totally going through withdrawals!

Is it just me, or does this jellyfish look like some kind of Star Wars vehicle?

By far what caught my attention the most were the mermaids – yes I said mermaids. In what I consider a pretty smart marketing move, the aquarium has performances at set times by their in-house mermaids. Using small air hoses, and cleverly designed fins, they are able to do swim routines, and interact with the kids on the other side of the glass by waiving and blowing kisses. One of the girls has even figured out how to shape a heart out of the bubbles from her air hose (mermaids are very clever creatures, you know). They perform in a tank full of fish, rays, and sea turtles. I for one would have absolutely loved to have this job when I was younger. Hey, I’d love to have the job now except that I’d have to wear a bikini top in public!

Some of the mermaids at Tampa Bay Aquarium.

We have also enjoyed going on photo-walks with the Florida Center for Creative Photography group, and I will posting some images from some of our outings with them shortly. We will also be doing a modeling photography session this weekend on the beach and I am really looking forward to that!

Spring Portraits with real baby ducks!

I am so excited to be able to do spring mini-sessions this year with real live baby ducks! This is something I have wanted to do for years, but never had the opportunity. We will also have a bunny for just good measure. These adorable critters will be in the studio Friday, April 22nd and Saturday April 23 – Easter Weekend. So break out those Easter outfits and call (479)566-9856 to book your 30 minute session. Remember, Mother’s Day is May 8th, and what momma doesn’t love getting pictures as presents! Sessions are $50.00 plus tax and include 30 minutes in the studio, an online gallery, and one 5×7 of your favorite image – a great deal! Space is limited, and time slots will be given on a first come, first served basis. This is going to be SO much fun, and I hope to see you there!

P.S. My google linked number listed above seems to be flaking out on me. You can also call (479)839-4321 or email me at steelyjoestudio@gmail.com

Trip to D.C. part 1 – National Zoo

I just realized that it has been awhile since my last post. That is partly because I am busy (which is good!) and partly because I went on a trip to visit family in Washington D.C.  for a week. I know what some of you are thinking – “a trip in the middle of wedding season? Are you crazy?!” Well, yes, but I went because my sister starts a new job with the government soon and will be leaving to 4 months of training, so it was now or much later if I wanted to see her. My grandparents have lived in D.C since before my mom was born, and I think I have been to just about every attraction in town (some of them multiple times). But my husband had only been to D.C once briefly, so we decided to play tourist and let him pick out some things to see and do. I love well-run zoos, and the National Zoo is one of the best. The grounds are beautiful and the animals are very well cared for. Here are a few of my favorite pics from the zoo. I will post some images from the rest of the trip soon.

We lucked out and the Pandas were outside! They can be hard to get a good look at, especially if they are inside and the crowds are large.

napping panda

These sea lions made me sleepy just looking at them! They make that rock look really comfy...

cute little money in the small mammals house

The intense stare on this lioness' face was caused by a screaming toddler in a stroller behind us. As the family walked past the enclosure, the lioness intently followed them with her gaze until the family was out of sight! I couldn't tell if she though the baby needed saved or eaten...