Capturing the Unexpected: A Photographer's Journey to Discovering Hidden Gems in Tampa Bay

By Tampa Bay Living Magazine staff

Starting in photography can be exciting and daunting. With so many cameras, lenses and accessories available, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. However, anyone can become a skilled photographer with the right mindset and willingness to learn.

Alison Amick, a family and lifestyle photographer based in St. Pete, has honed her craft through years of practice and experimentation. Her work has been featured in various publications and brands, including Huggies, Pampers, Enfamil and Baby Dove. In a recent interview with Tampa Bay Living Magazine, she shared her passion for photography, advice for aspiring photographers and the top locations in the Tampa Bay region to get the most memorable shots.

Tampa Bay Living Magazine: What inspired you to start a career in photography? 

Alison Amick: You won't believe this, but I was a fisheries biologist before I got into photography. Seriously, I was out there studying fish every day. Then, one day my boss said, ‘Alison, get in the Cessna and take photos of fish spawning.’ And my journey began. 

I had zero experience, but when I started learning to use my camera, I fell in love with it. Though, I'll tell you, as much as I loved photographing for science, I realized I'd rather photograph people. Crazy how things turn out, huh? One day you're studying fish; the next, you're here, talking about photography in a magazine. Life's funny that way.

Tampa Bay Living Magazine: What do you think are the essential skills for aspiring photographers who are just starting out? 

Alison: Many seasoned photographers would tell you, ‘The first thing is to learn shooting in manual,’ ‘Understand the exposure triangle,’ and stuff like that. But I've got a slightly different take on this. You can have technically perfect exposure, but if it doesn't move you, then it's like, what's the point? Also, with the world of mirrorless cameras becoming so prominent (don't kill me, traditional photographers), digital displays allow you to see your photo’s exposure in real-time. Exposure is important. Really important. But mirrorless cameras are helping new photographers get that right easier. 

Here's what I think. First thing, get to know your camera inside out. It's like your paintbrush; it's the tool you use to weave stories and create art. Dive into that manual and figure out every little feature of your camera.

Next, dig into the art of composition and storytelling. Photography's not just about capturing a moment; it's about conveying emotion, telling a tale. Get the rules of composition down, then start playing around with them. Critique your work, but remember to pat yourself on the back too. After all, photography's a journey, not a destination.

Tampa Bay Living Magazine: What camera equipment and accessories do you recommend for beginners? 

Alison: Well, now that's a biggie! But if we're focusing on digital photography, here's my take. You just need a camera that gives you control over the settings - nothing too fancy, but something that allows you to get hands-on with your photography.

And when it comes to lenses, stick with a prime lens while still learning. Your kit lens can be tricky with the whole changing aperture as you zoom in, making it challenging to get the hang of your camera. I'd recommend a 50mm or 35mm lens to start with. They are nice and simple, and they take great shots.

Tampa Bay Living Magazine: How do you approach finding and capturing interesting subjects for photography? 

Alison: My advice? Shoot what you're passionate about. Let your emotions guide you. Pay attention to the light, the shadows, the shapes, and how changing your viewpoint can transform everything. I started with fish. It wasn't really my cup of tea. But then I moved on to people, especially kids, and I was hooked. There's something special about capturing everyone's unique traits and helping tell their stories.

And it's funny how things turn out. I have this friend who was all about photographing squirrels in the beginning. Then she became a big shot in the child fashion photography world. Now, she's back to her roots, taking pictures of squirrels and birds! It's a full circle, is it? But that's the beauty of photography; it can take you on unexpected journeys.

Tampa Bay Living Magazine: What advice would you give to someone who wants to improve their photography skills? 

Alison: Here are my two cents: keep learning and never stop clicking. Sign up for classes, watch YouTube from artists you are drawn to, stay curious, and make sure you're taking photos daily. Experiment with what you learn, see what works, and, more importantly, identify what doesn’t.

Consider a 365 project. It's a fun challenge where you take a photo daily for a year. You’d be surprised at your progress, and it's a fantastic way to see your growth and evolution as a photographer. Stick with it and watch your skills soar.

Fort De Soto Park, the largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, is a great place to capture stunning shots, according to Alison Amick. Credits: Alison Amick

Tampa Bay Living Magazine: What are some of the most picturesque locations in the Tampa Bay Area snapping memorable shots? 

Alison: We're spoiled rotten living here in Tampa Bay, aren't we? We're blessed with so many gorgeous spots that are just a dream to photograph. Our beaches, for starters, are a big hit. Honeymoon Island and Fort De Soto are hot favorites among photographers for a good reason - they're just stunning.

Then there's Philippe Park in Safety Harbor. Such a gem! And don't even get me started on Boyd Hill - I have a soft spot for that place. When picking a location, look for spots that let your subject shine, areas free of distractions like cars or clutter.

Remember, the location is there to serve your story or to be the story, not steal the limelight. It's like the supporting actor to your lead character - it should enhance the story, not overshadow it.

Tampa Bay Living Magazine: What time of day do you recommend for the best lighting conditions at these locations? 

Alison: Let's get real - light is the make-or-break factor in photography. Bad light equals bad photos; no two ways about it. Now, if you're shooting without a bunch of equipment to create your own light, my go-to advice is to try to shoot during the softest light of the day, usually the first hour after sunrise or the last hour before sunset. This is especially true for beaches. 

Caught in the harsh midday light? Find some open shade for your subject.  It works wonders. Phillipe Park is great for daytime photos; there is tons of shade, so you have much more forgiveness from that yucky light. Remember, it’s all about working with what you've got.

Tampa Bay Living Magazine: What kind of subjects can one expect to capture at these locations? 

Alison: At places like Fort De Soto and Honeymoon Island, you're in for a treat - they're teeming with wildlife. You'll see everything from birds and fish to boats, beach-goers, colorful umbrellas, and even sand dunes. It's like a photographer's playground, with plenty of subjects to capture!

Philippe Park, however, gives you a different kind of beauty. It's right on the water, so expect stunning water views. The park's also home to majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss, which add a unique charm to your photos. And let's not forget the Tocobaga Indian mound - its stairs and contours create some really interesting lines and add a lot of visual interest to your shots.

Tampa Bay Living Magazine: Are there any seasonal considerations to keep in mind when photographing in the Tampa Bay Area? 

Alison: If you're like me and love family photography, you'll want to keep a few things in mind when shooting in Tampa Bay. Summer sunsets are dreamy but late in the day and can coincide with grumpy, tired kiddos. Plus, our summer evenings can be a wildcard with unpredictable storms.

So, think about sunrise shoots in the summer - you'll love the light. When spring comes around, be ready for the wind. It can send hair flying all over the place, and that can be distracting for both you and your subjects. Try finding a spot that's shielded from the wind if you can.

Winter's a bit nippy, especially near the water. It's always colder on the beach, so make sure you and your subjects dress warmly. A chilly subject isn’t a happy subject!

If you want to capture animals and wildlife, seasonality dramatically impacts their behavior. Wildlife may aggregate at certain times of the year or lay low if it's cold (think iguanas falling from trees). Also, I hate to say it, but red tide is a thing here. It's going nowhere, so be aware that it happens seasonally and affects your ability to photograph around the water. 

Tampa Bay Living Magazine: How do you recommend navigating the crowds at popular photography spots in the area? 

Alison: Ooo, this is a fun question. Now, dealing with the crowds is an art in itself. Here's the deal: just because a place is swarming with people or photographers, it doesn't mean it's the only game in town. Feel free to explore other spots. But if your heart's set on a particular location, there are ways around it.

You could edit people out later or, even better, use them to enhance your narrative. Just be aware of where others are relative to your subject. For example, when I've had the joy of shooting on Clearwater Beach at sunset, I just make sure that no beach-goers are 'touching' my subjects in the frame. This little trick makes it much easier to remove them in post-processing if needed.

Tampa Bay Living Magazine: Are there any lesser-known locations in the Tampa Bay Area that you would recommend?

This question is like asking a fisherman to give up his honey hole. But, Sawgrass Lake Park is lovely, as are the murals popping up everywhere. Fort De Soto is my photographic heaven on earth. 

Tampa Bay Living Magazine: Is there anything else our readers should know? 

Alison: Here's an important note if you're doing photography for hire in Hillsborough County: secure a permit and provide all the necessary insurance details. Yes, it may feel like a hassle, but it's important. This process helps the county track the revenue that public spaces generate through photography and video work. So go ahead, do the right thing, and pull that permit. Trust me, it's a straightforward process and worth doing by the book.

Ansel Adams, a famous American landscape photographer and environmentalist, said something that spoke to me early on: ‘There is no such thing as the perfect photograph. There's the one you can't improve anymore with your current abilities, but there's no such thing as the perfect photograph.’

This quote perfectly captures the idea that photography is more about the journey and continuous learning than striving for elusive perfection. Photography is the art of expressing oneself and sharing a unique world perspective. Like any form of art, it evolves with the artist and their skills.

About Alison Amick: Alison hails from St. Petersburg, renowned for her dual roles as a Master Family and Lifestyle Photographer and a dynamic commercial photographer trusted by leading brands like Huggies, Pampers, Enfamil and Baby Dove. Her work is recognized by prestigious bodies like the National Association for Professional Child Photographers, Click Pro Elite and the Professional Photographers of America.

She's also the owner of Little Llamas Children's Boutique and Portraits, a magical destination merging her passion for photography and love for children.