1st Birthday Celebration | Boho Style Photo Shoot | Baby Photo Session

I just love this beautiful Smash Cake Photo session. This little one did so well for her photos. The Boho style had fit her so well. She was so adorable becoming a little flower girl with her cute flower crown. We went with a clean white feel for the shoot. The tent and decor were white with a pop of color. The delicious cake was also white. She got icing all over her little toes.

Here are some tips when doing a smash cake photo session.

• One of the most important things is to start early. We all know how quickly our little ones can get cranky. So the earlier in the day the better. Make sure they have a good breakfast.

• The cake is usually the focal point of the shoot. The cake can be what you want it to be. Big, small. It can also be the child’s favorite character. The cake is the fun part. Make it count!

• Wardrobe, you can have one outfit or multiple outfits. Make it fun, cute, and creative. Make sure it goes along with the decor.

• A smash cake session can be just about the child or the whole family. You can incorporate the other sibling or relatives, like grandparents. The parents and favorite pet can also be part of this special occasion.

Cake: @deliciouslyhomemadebakery

Decor: @deykeys_event_decorations

Location: New Tampa Nature Park

Here is more information on our packages:

https://www.mirsalgado.com/portraitcollection2021

Check out this live video:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CGFfWRUAGD0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Thank you for letting us be apart of this beautiful milestone in her life.

Tampa Quinceañera Party | Tampa River Center

Anahi had a great time at her Quinceañera. A Quinceañera and Sweet 16 is a special moment in a young girl’s life journey.

This was a last-minute planned event. Tampa River Center was very accommodating, thanks to Mrs. Cherie Barnwell from Parks and Recreation Department.

Anahi’s beautiful flower dress was brought by her grandmother from Guadalajara Mexico. The beautiful rose pale was also from Mexico. She also had a mariachi band. She had so much fun and they all danced the night away.

Location: Tampa River Center

Tampa Photographer

@mirsalgadophotography

How To Photograph a Quinceañera | Photography Tips

Ah, summer! The best time to throw a party!

I’m going to share with you some tips and tricks that I use for quinceañeras or parties and what it takes to photograph some amazing moments. This guide will ultimately show you what to do during an event. Live and in-the-moment, I take you on my journey throughout the event from prep to packing up! You can also read more about behind-the-scenes here: Esmeralda’s Quinceañera Party!

Prepped & Ready To Go!

This may seem like a no brainer, but I can’t tell you how often I’ve seen a photographer lose track of their bags, or forget which bag has what. You want to make sure that you have all of your photography equipment and gear ready and handy at any moment. For instance, the most efficient method that I have found is using a small suitcase and maybe an extra backpack. It keeps everything neat, organized and protected. After all, who wants to lug around a whole bunch of bags, and miss a perfect photo opportunity. I find its easiest with a suitcase with wheels on the bottom. Chances are, you already have other personal stuff you need to carry in or just want the stress and hands-free option. Whatever kind you choose, make sure to find a bag that suits you best.

Always Arrive Early!

Sure, I know those relaxing mornings sipping on your nice hot coffee are great, but dawdle on this day and you run the risk of getting caught when all the guests are arriving. With quinceañera parties as big as this one, you always want to arrive at the perfect time, without the stress of coming in at the same time as guests. My suggestion is to always arrive about one hour to thirty minutes early. This gives you some time to look around the venue to spark new ideas, set-up your equipment, and greet the family. Excited for the day, you head towards the venue, scoping out perfect shots.

Set-Up Time!

The power and elegance of a venue come to life when you see all the decorations set up. You want to start by setting up all of your flashes and video lights around the reception area. If you’re doing video too, you want to make sure that your microphones are ready and set up as well.

Ready, Set, Snap!

At this point, you’re ready to start shooting some great pictures! I start by meeting with the birthday girl and family to take some “getting ready” photos and solo portraits shots. For portraits, always remember to find a spot that has some shading.

Then we move onto taking snaps of the quinceañera’s damas and if they have them, chambelanes. You want to make sure to talk with them throughout the shooting process so they all feel comfortable, this will ensure that the photos come out looking beautiful. Guide them through any poses or where they should stand to get some great shots!

Quince’s are far from your regular backyard BBQ. You want to make sure details are never missed. That’s why I always make sure to use video light when shooting details and decorations.

From prep to the party, the next step is work with some different lighting for picture taking. Flash is great when you’re working with video. Make sure to get with your videographer if it is another member of your team to time when flash is needed. In these photos I took some snaps with the camera flash off. This allows the lighting from the back to illuminate the photo.

I hope this guide will help you photograph any Quinceañera - no matter how big! Just remember to use these trusty tips and breathe!

Watch The Video Below to Journey With Me Throughout This Quince!

Venue: Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club

Camera 1: Sonya7rii / http://amzn.to/2DcLI6G

Camera 2: Sony a99 / http://amzn.to/2FtmGCh

iPhone 7Plus: http://amzn.to/2G93lYk

Lenses:

Sigma Art 18-35mm 1.8 / http://amzn.to/2oU7vvw

SONY70-200 mm 2.8 (newer version available)/ http://amzn.to/2FmbBXU

Have A Sweet 15/16 Or Quinceañera Coming Up?

First Birthday | Sophia's Unicorn Smash Cake Family Session

Sophia’s Unicorn Smash Cake Family Session

We had the honor of working with this lovely family again for Sophia’s first birthday! We worked with her parents, previously on their Maternity Shoot for Sophia. Now, Sophia has turned ONE and gets to celebrate by smashing up her birthday cake for this fun unicorn-themed birthday family photo session.

First, we took some beautiful photos outside where Sophia could run free and play. She was all smiles while she got to run around between takes with mommy and daddy. Mom and dad each got to take some one-on-one pictures with the birthday girl as well.

We then headed into the studio for some decorative photos and an outfit change for our sweet birthday unicorn.

Now, its time for the fun! Sophia got to eat away at her beautiful unicorn cake and get a little messy.

I’m sure it was was her favorite part of the session.

Vendors:

Unicorn Cake: Baked by the lovely, Tatiana Moran-Alvarez

Outfits: Etsy

Decorations:

Michaels Stores

Target

Home Goods

Party City

Have a Birthday Coming Up?