Kurz Studio Photography: Tampa Wedding, Engagement, Family, Child, Newborn, Senior Photography

Sebring Wedding Photographer: Ricky and Amanda er

2009-08-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had the privilege of photographing a wedding in sunny Sebring, Florida at the church I attended growing up. First United Methodist Church of Sebring. The wedding of Ricky and Amanda was lovely! They are obviously in love and celebrated with wonderful friends and family and bright, pretty decorations.

The bridesmaids' bouquets.

The family life center transformed into a sea of blue and green.

Amanda had a great splash of blue on her dress. It really complemented her eyes!

The bride's bouquet.

Isn't Amanda just precious?!

All the bridesmaids wore cute little green flowers in their hair.

Amanda walks down the aisle with her dad.

They had an awesome soloist.

See what I mean about the blue eyes?!

Their groomsman/mc for the night was hilarious. It was a great touch that he knew everyone already.

So happy!

Then the real dancing began. I mean it. These two were better than I'll ever be.

You can't dance in Sebring, Florida during August at a wedding with your shoes on. The photographer may need to keep shoes on. The bride and groom do not.

Some greens got mixed in with the bubbles. It matched the bridesmaids' dresses.

Wedding Photography in Sebring, FL

Sand Key Wedding Photography

2009-08-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

A large-ish sneak peek from Aneta and Nate's beach wedding at Sand Key.

I just loved the bridesmaid's dresses. Aneta went bold with the pink and it was stunning.

Handsome Nate.

Julie with Beach Ceremonies by Jules provided the beautiful arches.

We watched a storm pass to the north, but it didn't get the wedding wet, nor did it dampen any of the wedding party's spirits!

Sand Key Wedding Photographer

Cowgirl Trash the Dress Photographer Tampa

2009-08-20T19:51:00.001-07:00

Possibly my favorite shoot ever. This is Erin. Out on the ranch. With a cowboy hat and boots, and some other killer shoes.

If I could walk in shoes this tall, I would own 3 pairs of these.

Erin is rockin' the homemade zinnia bouquet. Who says you need to spend a bundle to look stunning?

Tampa Trash the Dress Photography

I'm getting tons of requests for Trash the Dress sessions. I just love shooting them. All the nerves from the wedding day are gone and we can just have fun playing dress up. You don't have to actually trash the dress to do one of these shoots. But if you aren't afraid to get a little wet or muddy, that's even better. My rates are pretty reasonable! Contact me at skippee_413@hotmail.com for more details.

A Tale of Two Boys: Tampa Beach Family Photography

2009-08-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

And my very favorite shot, because I remember how fun it is to be chased.

Tampa Family Beach Photographer

Tampa Cowgirl Trash the Dress on a Ranch

2009-08-17T20:52:00.001-07:00

And another dress gets trashed. This time on a ranch. By a cowgirl/vet school student.

More details tomorrow. =)

Tampa trash the dress photographer

Tampa Newborn Photography

2009-08-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

Oh, sweet newborn. Baby Ryan cuddled with me, then let me take pictures of him while he gazed about the room. I always wonder what they see. I am in love.

He has such a good big sister, too.

Tampa Newborn Photographer

Tampa Engagement Photography: Ballast Point Park

2009-08-10T18:54:00.001-07:00

Boys and the Beach- Tampa Child Photography

2009-08-06T19:38:00.001-07:00

A sneak peek at the family photography for the A family. Thanks for spending a lovely afternoon with me at the beach on Honeymoon Island. Your boys are precious.

Tampa family photography

Ybor City Museum and Gardens Wedding Photography

2009-08-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

Boston and Brenda's wedding at Ybor City Gardens/Museum was amazing. They had so many wonderful things planned. This is just a sneak peek at the photography. Many more photos are sure to follow!

Brenda picked the most colorful bridesmaids dresses. Do you see how the shoes coordinate? Mmmmmm.

The garden at Ybor City State Museum is gorgeous by itself, but the flowers just made it sing.

Or maybe the lovely music was from the violinist?

Fans were provided to help keep guests cool.

Most of those guests opted for fans instead of a dip in the fountain. =)

Brenda and Boston were glowing!

And did I mention there were was a cigar bar where they rolled Cuban cigars by hand?

Ybor City wedding photographer

Tampa Senior Fashion Photography

2009-08-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

Kelsey is a Tampa Bay area senior. This shoot combined a little bit of fashion with photography. The dress was designed and created by Tiffiany Gilstrap-Scott of CliqueDaCour. Pretty edgy, eh?

I just love Kelsey's red heels, too. Nice work, ladies!

University of Tampa Engagement Photography: Matt and Kati

2009-08-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

Kati and Matt's engagement session was scheduled to be outside in downtown Tampa. We were going to wander the streets around the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, snapping wonderful photos. When the day came for the engagement portraits, however, the heavens released their floodgates.

So we had to be flexible. The University of Tampa's Plant Hall is open all the time. It has a roof. We quick switched the plans and magic was made. UT provided some gorgeous photography backdrops!

But, really, I think it would be difficult to take a bad picture of these two.

Then the rain let up, so we could wander outside a little. Everything was so wet and fresh.

I get the best clients! I just love them!

Very carefully, Matt and Kati placed the ring in this flower IN THE FOUNTAIN! So scary, but so fun!

I love the porches at UT.

Thank you guys for being wonderful! =)

Tampa engagement photographer

Honeymoon Island Wedding Photography

2009-07-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

I may have gone a little overboard on the number of pictures I'm presenting from Nick and Tina's Honeymoon Island wedding just outside of Tampa. If you are a blog reader and you are bored, forgive me. I'm doing this to show potential clients more of what a real wedding looks like from start to finish. If you are a potential client, this is to show you more of the story of a wedding through photography. There were tons more pictures, but I picked just enough to show you the flow.

Pre-wedding portraits. We got a slight break in the rain and KNEW we needed to take advantage in case we were inside for the rest of the evening.

Enter the handsome groom.

New siblings joining in for some gorgeous photos.

See the incredible storm about to dump on us? Oh, Florida afternoons!

We sat in our vehicles for almost an hour, when, suddenly, the sky stopped spitting on us.

LOVE the orange gerbera daisies. My mom's favorite.

Huddling together under umbrellas waiting for the bride.

The brave Tina and her lovely ladies venture out of the truck in their beautiful gowns.

Is that an iPhone I see?

Steel drums complete the Honeymoon Island atmosphere.

The girls were so excited they couldn't stay in their seats long enough for Tina and Nick to get to the aisle! So cute!

The reception followed at Bellini in Dunedin.

I wish you guys the best, Nick, Tina, and family! It was a pleasure to be a part of your day!

Honeymoon Island Wedding Photographer

Tampa Senior Photography

2009-07-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

Meet the lovely Hannah. We met up in Philippe Park in Safety Harbor for this senior portrait photography session.

We explored a bit and found some great spots for pictures!

A little bit of beach left at high tide.

I just love this tree. Doesn't it make you want to go curl up in the grass underneath its protective branches?

Tampa Senior Portrait Photographer

Davis Island Engagement Photography: Sneak Peek

2009-07-25T20:55:00.001-07:00

Sneak Peek for Piper and Mark from ther engagement portrait session out on Davis Island in Tampa this week. We found some great spots to take photos on our adventure!

Such a fun, giggly couple!

I can't wait to get through the rest of your pictures!

Davis Island Engagement Photographer

Kurz Studio Photography Featured in Florida Brides Blog!

2009-07-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to be picked again for a feature in Florida Brides Blog last week. This time it was Pam's beautiful Honeymoon Island trash the wedding dress shoot.

This one.

You can see the Florida Brides Blog post here.

Modern, Edgy Tampa Wedding Photographer.

University of Tampa Engagement Photographer: Kati and Matt

2009-07-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

Another sneak peek from Kati and Matt's engagement session at the very rainy University of Tampa. I get to photograph the most fun people!

We've been camping!

2009-07-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

We spent this week in Cartersville, GA enjoying family and friends because of the wedding of a dear friend of Drew. This was also Eli's first camping trip! He LOVED it. The first night he couldn't sleep because he was so excited in the tent. He kept jumping around in his pack-n-play and throwing his head back and laughing.

I apologize that I'm behind on the blogging. I will get caught up in the next couple of days. Kati and Matt, I'll get your sneak peek up by tomorrow evening and get the rest of the photos to you shortly. =)

Breakfast on a big stone table.

We saw some deer in this open spot. First Eli asked if they were elephants, then trucks, then cows. He'd never seen one and just wasn't sure where to place them.

Eli and Natalie were due on the same day. Sweet cousins!

Boys love boats!!

We enjoyed our trip and are happy to be back in Tampa.

Honeymoon Island Wedding Photography: Sneak Peek

2009-07-11T18:16:00.000-07:00

Another sneak peek from a wedding from this week. Nick and Tina were married out on Honeymoon Island. It was so rainy, but with quick breaks in the rain everything worked out perfectly! Here is a look at the photography.

Honeymoon Island Wedding Photographer

Dade City Wedding Photographer: Sneak Peek

2009-07-10T09:46:00.001-07:00

A quick peek at some of the photography from Casper and Iina's beautiful wedding at St. Anthony of Padua Church in San Antonia, just outside of Dade City.

Tampa Wedding Photographer

Tampa Newborn Photographer

2009-07-07T19:29:00.001-07:00

Oh, babies! =)

Sweet Baby E came out to my mother's house in Sebring for her first big shoot.

She drifted in and out of sleep, perfectly content to lay on the big bed by herself. I have never seen a baby be such an angel for pictures.

Her mama, Katie, is so proud and so beautiful.

Pink toille and newborn feet! I need a baby girl!

Tampa, Florida and Sebring, Florida Newborn Photography returning soon to our website!

Rainy Summer Days for Tampa

2009-07-02T08:11:00.001-07:00

It has been raining ALL WEEK here in Tampa. Not just the typical afternoon Florida thunderstorms. We are used to those. No, these are the watch-out-when-you-see-a-clear-spot-and-walk-outside-at-6am-because-it's-going-to-start-pouring-again kind of days.

The baby and I are outdoor types. We like to jog in the neighborhood next to ours. We like to practice swimming and dumping buckets of water at the pool. Yesterday we washed the cars in the rain. The baby hung out in the car honking the horn for a while (much to the enjoyment of the neighbors at 8 am, I'm sure.) But there is little you can do outside when the lightning starts. We've built forts, done pilates, and rolled around on the floor inside. Today the sweet boy found some playdough. Good idea, buddy!

He sat up at the table like a big boy. He yelled "DAAAAAAH" (dot) while he poked holes in the pretty yellow softness for a while. I got out my camera because he was so cute. Then, when he knew I was engaged in taking the photos, he started this.

Oh... Boys!

Published: Engagement Portraits in Florida Brides Blog

2009-06-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

The engagement session in Ybor with Boston and Brenda was just published at the Florida Brides Blog.

Yippee!

Thanks, Boston and Brenda, for being so doggone good lookin'.

Thanks to Danielle and Cassandra at Florida Brides Blog for the honor.

Tampa Engagement Photography

Trash the Dress Honeymoon Island Beach Photographer

2009-06-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

Pam contacted me about trashing her wedding dress and I was thrilled when she said she was willing to get the dress wet! We decided to meet out at the beach at Honeymoon Island. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful evening with the pink sunset.

This beach is great. Pam is stunning. I couldn't have wished for a better combination!

Contact Kurz Studio Photography for trash the dress photography in the Tampa area, Lakeland, or Sebring.

Tampa Maternity Photographer: Ana and Alex

2009-06-24T19:06:00.001-07:00

Kurz Studio Photography's website currently only contains wedding photography, but we do much more! Like this Maternity Session! Contact us for rates!

I wasn't sure if this pregnancy shoot was going to get rained out. I was ready to cancel. But Alex and Ana had hope that there would be a break in the rain, so I came anyway. We watched it rain all around us, but in our little part of Tampa, the weather was perfect!

See the rainbow?

I can't get over how cute these two are.

It is almost like their love is tangible.

Sneak Peek: Clearwater Beach Wedding Photographer

2009-06-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

A pair of quick sneak peak photos from Amanda and Sean's wedding on Clearwater Beach.

Amanda had the prettiest orchids in her hair!

Clearwater Beach Wedding Photographer

100 Posts!

2009-06-19T19:28:00.001-07:00

This is Kurz Studio Photography's 100th blog post! Hooray!

And, because posts are always better with pictures, let's celebrate with a quick peek of Lisa from Tampa. =) Isn't she beautiful?

Tampa Wedding Photographer

Ybor City Engagement Photographer: Boston and Brenda

2009-06-11T17:40:00.001-07:00

Boston and Brenda were high school sweethearts. They met while attending Plant High and have been stuck on each other ever since. =)

Boston and Brenda's ceremony and wedding reception in and around the Don Vicente and the Ybor City Museum in, well, Ybor City. So they chose to do their engagement portraits in the same area. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE taking pictures in Ybor? Look at all these great textures!

And a stunning couple doesn't hurt, either. =)

Brenda picked the cutest dress and shoes for this shoot.

Tampa Maternity and Child Photographer

2009-06-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

A sneak peek from a maternity portrait session I did tonight out on the Tampa Bay Trail.

This mama and her babies are all so beautiful!

Rebekah Faith: Ybor City Photographer

2009-06-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

More photos of the lovely and talented Rebekah Faith. She has the most wonderful voice and is working to hit it big in Christian music.

Rebekah chose Ybor City as a backdrop for her new photos. The amazing Jess Waldrop came along to fix makeup, hair, and wardrobe as needed. (She does weddings, too!)

Maybe you will recognize the Columbia Restaurant's Ybor location in a couple of these.

Jess at work changing Rebekah's look before we head back out for some more photography.

Ahhhh. Rebekah has such pretty blue eyes.

Cocoa Village Wedding Photography: Joe and Emily Part Two

2009-06-02T08:03:00.001-07:00

After Joe and Emily's beautifully simple wedding in the Historic Derby Street Chapel, we headed out into the streets of Cocoa Village to get some great couple portraits. These guys planned a whole hour of photography time with just us and them. What a difference it makes when we have the time to explore, play, relax, and create some fun pictures!

This rockin' couch was right up in the front of the Derby Street Chapel. We couldn't resist grabbing some photos on it.

I think Emily looks a lot like Alanis Morissette.

The beautiful old doorknob was the perfect spot for a wedding ring shot.

A few more portraits outside the chapel door.

Then we hit the streets of Cocoa Village to find some great nooks and alleys.

This was an old dentist office Joe spotted.

Out to the water for a few more quick portraits.

Ybor City Engagement Portraits Sneak Peek

2009-06-01T09:16:00.001-07:00

Boston and Brenda, here is your sneak peek. I love the way these turned out! So fun to spend the early morning hours walking the streets of Ybor City photographing such a cute couple.

Cocoa Village Wedding Photographer: Joe and Emily

2009-05-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

Joe and Emily were married in the Historic Derby Street Chapel in Cocoa Village, Florida. It was fun to see the other side of the state and not as far a drive from Tampa as you might think.

Beautiful day for a wedding!

This cute little chapel didn't need many decorations.

The excited wedding guests.

The wedding rings. Isn't Emily's two-band ring neat?

Emily's mom welcomes people to the chapel.

Joe waits anxiously for the wedding to begin.

Time to go get the bride.

The first look. This is why, if I were to do my wedding over again, I would hire two photographers!

I just love the lace train on Emily's dress.

The kiss!

Don't they look happy?

Kurz Studio Photography Named One of the Top 3 Engagement Photographers in Tampa, FL!!!!

2009-05-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

Kurz Studio Photography has been named one of the top three engagement photographers in the Tampa, FL area! Woohoo!

You can view the article online here.

Top Engagement Photographers in Tampa, Florida
The top 3 engagement photographers in Tampa, Florida who provide exceptional personalized service by enhancing the romantic story of an engaged couple.

Thanks, Maxine, for the honor!

Tampa and Sebring Senior Photographer

2009-05-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

More pictures from the senior shoot with Megan on Clearwater Beach. I love how these turned out. The light was amazing.

Are you a senior in Tampa or Sebring? It is not too late to get portraits done before you graduate! You know you want better pictures than the school photographer took of you! =)

Contact Ellie at Kurz Studio Photography today!

University of Tampa Engagement Photographer: Tracy and Steve

2009-05-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

University of Tampa Engagement and Wedding Photographer

I got to spend the afternoon with the lovely Tracy and her husband-to-be, Steve. Tracy chose the University of Tampa for their engagement portraits.
UT seems to be awfully busy this time of the year, but we were able to get through the crowd and find some great little nooks for photos.

I'll start out with my favorite. This one was Steve's idea. =)

The heavy chairs and tables on the veranda are just amazing!

St. Petersburg Wedding Photographer: Sneak Peek

2009-05-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

Quick peak at BJ and Angela's beautiful sunset ceremony at the Bilmar Beach Resort in St. Petersburg.

Angela warned me ahead of time that this little guy would quite possibly steal her spotlight.
He came very close!

Tampa/St. Petersburg Wedding Photographer

St. Petersburg Vinoy Engagement Photography

2009-04-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

Nikki and Parker chose the lawn in front of the Vinoy Golf Club in St. Petersburg for a backdrop for their engagement portraits. I think they made a wise choice.

I love this gazebo!

I loved how smitten they were with one another. Such a cute couple!

Tampa and St. Petersburg Engagement Photographer

Tampa Senior Photography: Megan

2009-04-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

A few more pictures from Megan's Tampa Senior Portrait Session at Pier 60 in Clearwater.

Sebring Senior Photographer: Beth

2009-04-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

I met up with Beth at Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring to take some rockin' senior portraits. I had a blast. How beautiful is she?

The bluest eyes!

Factual Friday: Where's the baby?

2009-04-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

Here at Kurz Studio Photography, our baby has officially become a toddler!

That's right. This kid is walking!

Drew and I are quite thankful. (He weighs 30 pounds.)

So proud!

Tampa Senior Photographer- Sneak Peek!

2009-04-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

This evening, I got to meet up with the beautiful Megan and her mom for a Senior Portrait Session at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach. Here's a quick peek for now. More to come.

This one is my favorite!

Isn't Megan stunning?!

Tampa Senior Portrait Photographer

St. Pete Engagement Photographer:: Sneak Peek!

2009-04-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

A quick look at an engagement shoot from Saturday.
Nikki and Parker chose the lawn outside the Vinoy Golf Club in St. Petersburg. Beautiful spot!

Factual Friday: Tampa Baby Photographer

2009-04-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

Kurz Studio Photography of Tampa

My fact for this Friday... Babies are messy!

I walk into my kitchen and find this:

"Oh, hi Mama! Would you like some of this oatmeal I found?"

"No? It's pretty tasty!"

In the spirit of being factual, I must admit that I was the one who spilled the oatmeal. Little bit here was just trying to help me clean it up, I'm sure. ;)

Cocoa Village Wedding Photography: Joe and Emily

2009-04-14T13:58:00.001-07:00

Emily and Joe, I know you are waiting patiently to see more pics. I'm giving you a few more here before I get finished with the batch. You guys had the most beautiful wedding day!

Sneak Peek! Sebring Maternity Photography

2009-04-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

Tampa maternity photographer

Sebring maternity photographer

Brand New Kurz Studio Photography Site!

2009-04-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

It's a big day here in KSP land. Kurz Studio Photography of Tampa just got a much needed facelift! Our new site only covers wedding and engagement at the moment, but more is still to come. We can't wait to show the world!

We would like to thank the kind folks at SiteNami for their creativity and speed.
We love the new look!

What do you think?!?

Lakeland Anytime Photographer

2009-03-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

Lakeland Wedding Photographer

Downtown Lakeland is truly one of my favorite spots in Florida. Drew and I spent much time there while attending Florida Southern College. It is charming and wonderful! You will see what I mean.

I met up with a friend from middle/high school, Sarah Beth and her husband Cameron. Sarah has started her own photography studio recently. We are both lovers of modern, edgy pictures, and lovers of free things, so we met up and traded photos.

Factual Friday

2009-03-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

I just love my little family. My two boys light up my life.

We went walking out on the Tampa Bay Trail today and I got this shot. My baby is learning how to walk! And yes, that is a garbage dump behind us. But we like to think of it as rolling hills.

=)

Enjoy the weekend! The weather is beautiful these days.

Avon Park Engagement Photographer

2009-03-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

Avon Park/Sebring Engagement Photographer

I met up with the cutest couple this weekend in Avon Park, Florida. Katie and Nathan are both great teachers-in-the-making. We explored the Avon Park downtown and found some great backgrounds.

This one is my favorite! The clover growing in the tracks is just so happy.

Thanks for spending the morning with me, guys! I think the early wake-up was worth all this gorgeous morning sun.

Roxie and Abraham: Sneak Peek!

2009-03-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

Abraham and Roxie tied the knot this weekend in Sebring, and we had a great time capturing their celebration.

Here's my favorite photo of the day.

This one is Drew's pick.

We hope you lovebirds have an amazing time in Paris!

Kurz Studio Photography: Tampa Senior Portrait

2009-02-14T08:28:00.000-08:00

This week I had a blast shooting Sandra. I hadn't ever gone through downtown Clearwater, but I'm glad she showed me. What could be better than a girl in front of a purple brick wall?!!

Factual Friday!!!

2009-02-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

Twenty-seven years ago today, in California, Drew was born. Happy birthday to him!

Every year on our birthdays, we love to go to the Texas Cattle Company in Lakeland (we even got engaged outside, by Hollis Garden). It is the best beef I've ever had, and I grew up on a cattle ranch. Plus, they give a free steak if you go on the date of your birth, with proper id. Really great steaks, here we come!

Tampa Engagement Photography: Texturize!

2009-02-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

I am really having a blast putting texture on some engagement photos I've done recently in Tampa. Don't worry, if you don't like it I won't put texture on your photos. But if you are a fan, just let me know and I will add some fun!

Factual Friday #2

2009-01-30T12:22:00.000-08:00

This Friday snuck up on me.

Here's my fact:
I started really loving photography when I was in high school. I liked it before, but the only camera I had access to was an old Polaroid that my Grandpa bought me at a garage sale, and $10 was a lot for a fifth grader to spend on film!

So, in high school, when the school started paying for film, I really liked playing with cameras. I had to do a scrapbook for FFA, and I helped out with the yearbook. That really got me hooked. I bought myself a Canon Rebel (film) for graduation from high school and that started the era of my family giving me dirty looks and saying, "Ellie, really, put the camera away." =)

I took a couple of black and white film photography classes at Florida Southern College, where I met this fun guy named Drew. I got to be the lab monitor in the darkroom my senior year!

I swore that I was never going to go digital because I loved developing my own photos so much, but then Drew got a Digital Rebel during our engagement and I saw how great it was to see the results of your shooting quickly, instead of waiting for weeks.

When we moved to Tampa, I decided to give wedding photography a try and Kurz Studio Photography was born!

Have a super weekend!

Kurz Studio Tampa Engagement Photography

2009-01-26T08:28:00.001-08:00

I got to mosey on down to Clearwater Beach on this weekend totake photos of Matt and Casey. Casey is the sister of Danielle, whose wedding was done by Kurz Studio Photography last summer. This couple is crazy fun.

Casey wanted some good jumping shots. This was my favorite. Didn't you guys read the sign?

You probably can't tell from looking at the pictures, but Saturday started off cold. It was kind of like sticking their feet in snow, not sand. Casey and Matt, you are crazy and brave. =)

A snowball, er, sand fight broke out...

Thanks for keeping me entertained, guys!

Kurz Studio Tampa Engagement Photography

2009-01-26T08:28:00.000-08:00

I got to mosey on down to Clearwater Beach on this weekend to take photos of Matt and Casey. Casey is the sister of Danielle, whose wedding was done by Kurz Studio Photography last summer. This couple is crazy fun.

Casey wanted some good jumping shots. This was my favorite. Didn't you guys read the sign?

You probably can't tell from looking at the pictures, but Saturday started off cold. It was kind of like sticking their feet in snow, not sand. Casey and Matt, you are crazy and brave. =)

A snowball, er, sand fight broke out...

Thanks for keeping me entertained, guys!

Factual Friday

2009-01-23T17:53:00.001-08:00

I (Ellie) am starting a new blog tradition.

Fridays are going to be factual here at Kurz Studio Photography in Tampa.

"Are you normally lying, then?" might be your query...

No, I'm not normally lying. I just want to share more about who I am, so that you get a feel for me as a person not just me as a photographer. =)

So, I'm going to share a fact about myself. This week, I'm going to share a fact about my other half as well. We'll see if he's reading.

Okay, here I go!!

I am, at heart, a teacher. I taught pre-kindergarten special ed before I became a mom. I love working with kids. Especially the ones who are the biggest underdogs. I even got a masters degree in special ed, in hopes that I would do a better job of helping.

Drew is a web designer, at heart. He likes working with code and making beautiful pixels. He's good at it. He made the Kurz Studio Photography web site.

So as not to make anyone feel left out, I'm going to include Eli this week. Eli sucks his thumb. The left one. Does that mean he'll be a lefty?

Frozen Tampa!

2009-01-23T17:40:00.000-08:00

We had such a cold night last night. Very cold for Tampa! By 10 pm we could already see ice on cars out our window. Brrr! Eli and I got out early this morning to catch some photos of the pretty white stuff.

I bundled my helper up in two sweatshirts. I don't think the child could move.

Engagement Photos: Odessa

2009-01-19T17:56:00.001-08:00

I got to meet the sweetest couple yesterday. They suggested doing their engagement shoot in the backyard, and it really turned out great. Caylee and David make for the BEST pictures!

See what I mean?!

Kurz Studio Engagement Photography: North Tampa

2009-01-07T08:03:00.000-08:00

Kurz Studio Photography met up with Chris and Jess to do an engagement shoot in North Tampa. You can really tell how much these guys enjoy one another. We can't wait to be their wedding photographers when they get married in ROME! =) =)

Kurz Studio Family Photography: Clearwater Beach

2009-01-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

I got the chance to catch a couple of families in action at the beach at Sand Key, just south of Clearwater Beach. It was COLD. Still lots of fun, though.

None of these kids had ever seen a beach before. We had to show them the real Florida.

We found a neat, bright red lifeguard stand to take a few family portraits.

Kurz Studio Family Photography: Baby L

2009-01-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

I have the sweetest little niece. She goes NONSTOP! She is either running or sleeping. I love her to pieces!

Hay Bales!

2009-01-02T12:21:00.000-08:00

At the ranch (in Sebring,) we love to get the whole family together out back and have some hay bale races. Don't know what a hay bale race is? I'll show you.

While the cows cheer us on!

"Quotation Marks"

2009-01-01T17:38:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all!

I recently stumbled across a blog that I just love. I (Ellie) am quite strict about correct grammar, punctation, and spelling. It was trained into me in school. So I like to play with the English language. I had a friend in college who celebrated Pronoun Appreciation Day with me from time to time. To really appreciate a pronoun properly, try to go through a day without using one. Pretty difficult. (Hooray for pronouns!)

So along these lines, I find incorrect uses of English to be pretty amusing. I took much joy from reading The “Blog” of “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks today. Take a peek if you have a few minutes. =)

I think this one was my favorite.

Engaged! Jordan and Vickie

2008-12-30T11:49:00.000-08:00

We spent the week of Christmas in Sebring with our families. While we were there, we met up my old pal Vickie and her fun fiance Jordan. Jordan grew up on a cattle farm in the cold north, so they though it was fitting to do their engagement session on a ranch. These guys take some sweet pictures! Thanks for letting us take part in the fun!

A Teeny Visitor

2008-12-29T22:00:00.000-08:00

Last night as we came in from getting groceries, I found a new friend.

Here he is compared to my wedding ring. So itty bitty!

Have a good night, little guy!

Happy Christmas

2008-12-24T05:04:00.000-08:00

Kurz Studio Photography would like to wish a very jolly holiday to you and your family!

My wonderful mother took these pictures. She didn't get into photography until after I did at the end of my high school career, but she sure is good. She has a great eye. As well as a great heart. =)

Out!

2008-12-21T19:32:00.000-08:00

Kurz Studio Photography will be out of town until December 29th. We may occasionally have some dial-up internet access, but email responses will be slow. We apologize.

We do have a couple of great engagement sessions planned, so stay tuned.

We're doing fun things like chasing seagulls, digging in the dirt, and giggling with grandmothers. =)

Wedding Tip: Exit Shots

2008-12-15T08:31:00.000-08:00

Everyone wants a great photo of "The Exit" from the wedding. I know I did. We bought a ton of sparklers with visions of them framing the gorgeous photos of us leaving, beaming ear to ear, waving, holding hands up in victory, etc.

For us, it didn't happen. We walked out into the pasture (we got married on the ranch) for sunset photos. My mom handed out sparklers to entertain the guests while we were away. We ran back to try to catch a few sparkler shots before they were all gone. The sun was still up so they didn't really show up. Plus we missed the sunset pics. And, when we really left, the photographer was gone and we weren't wearing our pretty clothes any more. Boo.

When we shoot weddings, we are able to get good exit shots when they have been planned out with the rest of the wedding. Often most of the guests leave before the end of the reception. Also, "The Exit" is not on the mind of the bride or groom, so the bubbles/candy/birdseed/etc. gets used up by bored kids and doesn't make it into great photos.

Here is the fix. Plan "The Exit" into your wedding, and let those who are running the show know about it! Get people excited about it with your exit prop (the petals/rice/bubbles.) If you are having a long, leisurely reception, think about faking "The Exit" earlier in the evening, when more people are still around. You can walk out (remember to do this slowly, if you run there will be significantly fewer pictures) spend a few moments outside, and come right back in. This is also a great chance to take a few more bride/groom only shots.

Stefanie and James gracefully descended a flight of stairs off the porch as their guests threw cute white candy hearts.

Danielle and Nathan ran through a canopy of trees lined with loved ones. The guests threw birdseed from little lined picnic baskets.

Danielle and Jesse's family and friends wished them well as they set of as husband and wife with a cloud of bubbles.

Family Photos: K

2008-12-14T08:36:00.000-08:00

This weekend I met up with this sweet family to work on some Christmas photos. Little K's curls are AMAZING! =) K's mom and I finished our Master's Degree in Special Education at USF together last year.

We met at Philippe Park in Safety Harbor. What a neat park! Several miles of trails, beautiful views, not crowded, and fun playgrounds.

I love the pink shoes!

She wrote her K in the sand.

Swinging with Mom and Dad.

Announcing... Custom Birth Announcements!

2008-12-03T18:19:00.000-08:00

Are you aware that Kurz Studio Photography can design a custom birth announcement to tell the world about your new bundle of joy?

If you weren't before, you sure are now!

You have the baby. We take the pictures. You pick the colors. You pick the pictures. We design something with your family in mind.

Sweet little girl pink flowers...

Baby boy blue and brown stripes...

More neutral colors and fancy damask...

You get the picture. ;)

We can also design to fit more than the standard 1-3 pictures on the card.

We'll take care of the printing or give you the file so that you can print them wherever you desire.

Speedy Family Photo

2008-12-03T12:35:00.001-08:00

This has to be our fastest portrait session. Ever. (Not that I'm rushing you. You can have all the time you need.) =)

This is Drew's oldest sister and her family. They wanted a family picture for their Christmas card. We had things planned out but then, because of all the little ones and traveling, time got short. So we ran outside (where it was in the 30's), grouped up, grabbed the shot, and ran back in, all in under 2 minutes.

And, they turned out pretty cute to boot!

Strange Package

2008-11-30T12:35:00.000-08:00

Today I got this in the mail.

Um... Would you open a package from A. Trapp?

Marked Publix cheese?

Turned out it wasn't a trap at all. It was a movie I ordered for my sister from half.com.

Married! Chris and Danielle

2008-11-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

This weekend Drew, Eli, and I got to be guests at a wedding. My cousin Chris married the beautiful Danielle. We stayed firmly in our seats, but Drew managed to snap a couple of cute shots of them, baby-on-the-lap and all.

Eli and his cousin play peek-a-boo over the pew.

Grama sits on the wrong side of the church. See the groom in the background trying to get her attention. Also the worried look on Caleb's face.

Chris waits for Danielle.

Danielle is just precious.

The newlyweds! Congratulations!

The Rose Bowl

2008-11-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

We weren't in Los Angeles during the right time of the year to actually go to the Rose Bowl, but we still wanted to see it.

It was pretty rainy, but we managed to only get a little damp.

They did have some gorgeous roses around the stadium. Some of them even smelled good. (The kinds you buy at the florist hardly ever smells good.)

Drew's parents, Nonnie and Poppie.

Who's pinching the cheeks now, Dad?

Baby

2008-11-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

Oh, this little one just melts my heart.

With his cute brother.

And his gorgeous Mama.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T21:01:00.000-07:00

We are away to Los Angeles this week, but we hope that everyone is enjoying the cool weather (that we are missing!)

Light!

2008-10-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

I just love the way shooting into the light plays with my lens. I found these two boys playing the other day while the sun set and I couldn't resist catching this sunburst. If you would like some photos like this, schedule a shoot in the early evening, when the sun is low in the sky.

Sneak Peek!

2008-10-17T11:55:00.001-07:00

I got to photography the most beautiful new baby yesterday. This is a special surprise package for someone, so I'm not going to give too much away, but look at how much this little one is loved.

Looking for a gift idea? The holidays are right around the corner...

How about a photo session? Mom will LOVE it. (I know I would. I do have 3000+ photos of the first six months of my son's life, but I can always find a spot for another one.) Plus, then you can give the family photos taken as gifts as well. =) Or put them into a book!

And, we design custom Christmas cards that will fit the photo perfectly.

Check out more examples at our family portfolio.

Baby On The Swings

2008-10-16T12:47:00.001-07:00

I got to catch this beautiful baby and his Daddy on the swings the other day. I love that babies show pure, uninhibited joy.

Look at his eyes. He is telling you how proud he is that he can swing just like his dad.

Beautiful Evening

2008-10-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

The other night I was walking outside and I looked up. This took my breath away.

Yikes! What Is Going On?

2008-10-06T18:50:00.000-07:00

If you have visited our website this weekend, you may have noticed that a change is taking place. Drew is redoing the site! It is going to be GREAT!

But, in the meantime, it is not done yet. And he does have to sleep and go to work sometimes. =)

Don't worry, I can still be reached via the contact form, email, or phone. Hopefully he will be able to finish it up tonight and tomorrow.Thanks, Drew! You rock!

Another New Baby

2008-10-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

After years of no new foals at the ranch, there are now two. The little guy I took picutres of a couple of months ago is HUGE, and he has a teeny-tiny baby cousin to play with.

She is so sweet.

Itchy ears, great balance.

Mama is watching from behind to make sure she's okay.

Here comes trouble!

Jim says, "Don't forget about me! I like to be scratched, too!"

My New Pot

2008-09-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went out and got the kind of pot (or pan? What is the difference?) that I have been wanting for a long time. Technically my mother-in-law gave it to me for my birthday six months ago, but I found it today. =)

Drew and I had great fun taking pictures of it to send to her. I thought I would share the fun sorts of things a shiny surface can do in pictures.

I need to start selling something reflective so that I can take more of these fun pictures.

Wedding: Jesse and Danielle

2008-09-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

I know Danielle from the school where I taught before the baby came along. She is an awesome teacher. She also knows how to throw a great wedding! We were so excited to shoot this beautiful ceremony at the Westin Harbour Island.

This wedding was taking place smack-dab in the middle of the Red Bull Flugtag event. Outside this window are thousands of people hanging off hotel balconies. Some of them held up "10" signs for Danielle. I agree! She is stunning!

I love the nervous hands in this picture.

Danielle waits with her family.

The ring-bearer was such a cutie.

These gorgeous flowers were by Ian Prosser at Botanica.

The beautiful cake from Chef Michael at Let Them Eat Cake.

The ceremony is over. Let the party begin. These two are EXCITED!

We had such a great time shooting your wedding, guys!