Our Top 5 Tampa Engagement Session Locations

If you’re engaged, you’re in the right place! Today we’re highlighting about our Top 5 Engagement Session locations in Tampa.

Tampa has a lot of different scenic spots, whether you want waterfront, riverfront, or beautiful greenery. We know that choosing a location can be overwhelming, so we want to help make it easier for you.

1. The University of Tampa

From the beautiful architecture to the riverside park across the street, the University of Tampa provides you with a diverse set of backgrounds without needing to travel! No wonder it’s a favorite among our clients. This campus offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Known for its iconic Moorish Revival-style architecture, including the striking minarets of Plant Hall, the University of Tampa provides a unique and romantic backdrop. The lush park on property, with its water views and serene atmosphere, adds a touch of elegance to any shoot, making it ideal for couples looking for a picturesque setting.

2. tampa river walk

The Tampa Riverwalk is known for its stunning waterfront views and has the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Stretching along the Hillsborough River, the Riverwalk provides a variety of backdrops, from serene waterside paths to vibrant cityscapes. The area is also home to popular spots like the Straz Center and the Tampa Museum of Art, which add cultural and artistic flair to your photos. At night, the Riverwalk also lights up, adding beautiful, bright colored lights to decorate the backdrop of your photos. The combination of lush green spaces, modern sculptures, and the relaxed yet energetic atmosphere makes the Riverwalk an ideal spot for Tampa engagement sessions.

3. Armature Works

Armature Works in Tampa is a trendy and versatile spot, offering a blend of industrial charm and modern style. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, Armature Works features exposed brick walls, large windows, and a lofted, airy interior that creates a stunning backdrop for engagement photos. The building’s unique architecture is complemented by the lively atmosphere of its vibrant shops and eateries. Whether you're capturing intimate moments in front of the glass windows or enjoying the chic ambiance of the food hall, the diverse spaces within Armature Works provide endless opportunities for creative shots. The building is home to local favorites like The Canopy rooftop bar, Oak & Ola, and an array of artisan shops, all of which add character and variety to your engagement session. With its combination of modern style and historic charm, Armature Works offers a dynamic, trendy setting perfect for couples looking for a contemporary yet intimate location

4. Curtis Hixon Park

Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa is an exceptional choice for sessions, offering a vibrant urban setting with a mix of modern architecture and lush green spaces. The park's wide-open spaces and beautiful landscapes create a romantic atmosphere, while the stunning city skyline adds a contemporary touch to your photos. Iconic buildings like the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and the Tampa Museum of Art make a dramatic backdrop, blending cultural landmarks with natural beauty.

5. Ybor city

Ybor City in Tampa is a vibrant and historic neighborhood that offers a unique and eclectic backdrop for engagement sessions. Known for its rich cultural heritage and charming cobblestone streets, Ybor City exudes character and old-world charm. The colorful buildings, historic architecture, and iconic wrought-iron balconies create a perfect setting for couples looking for a blend of vintage and urban vibes in their Tampa engagement photos. Landmarks like the Ybor City Museum State Park and the striking neon signs along 7th Avenue add a fun and dynamic touch to any shoot. Whether you're drawn to its lively atmosphere or its quiet, tucked-away corners, Ybor City's distinct character provides a memorable setting for your engagement session and offers a stylish contrast to more traditional wedding venues in Tampa.

At Limelight Photography, we believe that your engagement session should be as unique and special as your love story. Whether you're planning a destination wedding or looking for the perfect spot for a trendy engagement session in Tampa, the city offers an abundance of stunning locations to capture the magic of this exciting time. From the historic charm of Ybor City to the modern elegance of Armature Works, and the picturesque beauty of the University of Tampa and Curtis Hixon Park, each location provides its own distinct vibe and atmosphere. With our expertise in modern engagement sessions, we’ll guide you to the perfect setting that reflects your personal style and vision. No matter where you choose, Limelight Photography will ensure your engagement photos are timeless, beautiful, and filled with the authentic joy and love you share. Let’s create memories together that you'll treasure for a lifetime!

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How to Get Great First Dance Photos

Of each of the joyous moments that occur on your wedding day, taking to the dance floor with your new spouse is likely to be one of the most exciting. Although, if you’re the type to shy away from the spotlight, this experience can be nerve-wracking, too – particularly as it comes with the added pressure of ensuring that your moves are dazzling enough to be captured on camera.

Of course, there is undoubtedly nothing to worry about when it comes to having this special moment photographed. Alongside trusting your professional photographer to do their job, there are a few actions you can take in order to make sure that the experience runs smoothly.

Choose the right song

It’s hard to get great candid shots if you don’t feel completely comfortable, so you’ll want to do everything you can to make sure that your first dance feels as natural and enjoyable as possible. While there are lots of details you’ll need to give your attention to (such as the space and lighting options available to you), your choice of song can go a long way in allowing you to feel good and truly be yourself in this moment.

It’s best to choose a song that means something to the both of you as a couple; a song that you’ve bonded over and that will make for some great memories of your special day. This way, you’re guaranteed to find that relaxed, happy energy that you exude translates to your photos. 

You’ll also want to think about the kind of images you’d like to have of your first dance. If you’re after romantic photos that move you, you may want to choose a slow ballad, while if you want your images to capture a vibrant, lively dance floor, you may want to choose a song that’s more upbeat.

Involve your guests

The only thing better than sharing this meaningful moment with your new spouse is also experiencing it alongside the friends and family who mean so much to you. As well as adding to the fun, getting your guests up and dancing will allow your photographer the opportunity to get some great action shots.

Of course, this day is entirely yours, and having your first dance surrounded by your guests doesn’t have to mean that the attention is taken off of you and your partner. By taking dance lessons prior to your wedding day, you can wow each and every one of your attendees when you take to the floor – plus, their surprised faces are likely to make for some humorous photos.

Meet with your photographer

While you’re likely to have chosen your photographer because you enjoy their style and way of working, they’ll never know exactly what it is you want from your photos unless you communicate it to them.

Naturally, a professional photographer will come equipped with plenty of creative ideas and techniques that’ll make your photos look stunning. Despite this, there may be certain angles that you think you’d like best, or a particular vision for your images that you’d like to achieve. By setting up a meeting with your photographer prior to your wedding day, you can make sure that you’re both on the same page when it comes to getting great photos of this intimate moment.

Have fun with it

If you know how you’d like your first dance photos to turn out, that’s great – but if not, there’s no need to worry. As long as you allow yourself to let loose and have fun with your partner, and keep a smile on your face, you’re guaranteed to be left with truly beautiful photos worth treasuring.