All posts by Tracy Gabbard

Cold, cold, go away! (Tampa, Clearwater family photographer)

So many beach sessions lately and they are SO windy and cold! 🙁  This particular night wasn’t to bad and we were lucky enough that even though it rained (I mean RAINED!) ALL day, it cleared up just in time to head out to the beach.  It was such a fun session even though the littlest member of the family DID NOT like the sand!  Infact, he ended up with his shoes on as he basically refused to walk with them off.  Hey, when your two years old, you have ways of getting what you want! 🙂  Anyway, heres a few sneak peaks for mom and dad (they already got a quick sneak peak on facebook… join the fan club at www.facebook.com/tracygabbard)!

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Marvelous Maternity… WOW! (tampa, clearwater maternity photographer)

This awesome couple came in for a maternity session with an open mind and willing to try anything! Check out these awesome images that we were able to capture!  AND can you believe, mom is only two weeks away from having her little one?!  Just a quick tip for any mommies to be that are considering a maternity session with any photographer, usually the best month to have your photos taken is right about 8 months but this couple “rocked it” anyway!  Anyway, enjoy these stunning images!

And just a reminder…. don’t forget to join the TGP facebook fan club!  Easily done right here… www.facebook.com/tracygabbard pppllleeaaassseee help me get past the 200 fan mark! 🙂

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Happy Birthday little Miss. Two Year Old! (tampa, clearwater childrens photographer)

Meet “Little Miss Thang” 🙂  She was so much fun to chase around at her house, which is, by the way, on the registry of historic homes in a local city!  We played outside and inside and captured some great images for her two year old session.  Enjoy mom and dad…. gallery is “in the works”!

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Happy 50th Anniversary! (tampa, clearwater event photography)

A couple things to mention before I tell you about this amazing evening I was honored to photograph…But first, did you know that TGP photographs events?  Ever been frustrated at a birthday party, baby/wedding shower or another event because you want to capture the night but it is impossible to get pictures AND enjoy yourself?  Call TGP to help out!  For more information and availability call the studio (727) 491-6476.  Second… Join the TGP fan club on Facebook!  Tracy now has her own facebook link at www.facebook.com/tracygabbard Join the club for instant updates on the blog and extra sneak peaks at sessions or current specials!  Hope to see you there!

Now for the fun stuff!  This couple was awesome and married for 50 years!  Their wonderful children threw them an amazing anniversary party at the Sandpearl Resort (which is an awesome place to stay!) Everyone had a great time (as you will see) Here are some fun images from the night….

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Have to blog the wonderful grandchildren who helped keep the parting going on the dance floor (okay, so most of them anyway :))!

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Now this is the “Bride” and her Maid of Honor 50 years later!  And what is behind them?  Yes, that is her wedding dress and the Maid of Honors dress!  Can  you believe that?  So incredible!  They were so cute during the party.  They sat together and they were just like old girlfriends whispering, giggling and chatting through the whole night!  It reminded me of how I hope to be with my close girlfriends after that many years of friendship!

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Two year old on the move! (tampa, clearwater children’s photographer)

This little guy was on the move and even though mom thought he was less than cooperative (getting pictures taken is not most two year olds favorite thing to do, until they visit TGP of course :)) the pictures turned out great!  Here are just a few of the many favorites!  If you are a TGP Facebook fan you already got a sneak peak with some different images but here are a few more for mom and dad before they get their gallery!

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This next one is one of my VERY favorite images and I have already uploaded it to the home page of the TGP web site so that is cycles in the images when you log on!  LOVE it! 🙂

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Model already! (tampa, clearwater baby photographer)

Oh…. 3 month olds are one of the hardest ages to photograph.  They don’t curl up and sleep like newborns but neither do they sit up or have much control over their limbs.  They are SOO smiley and happy right up until they see the camera, then they are mesmerized and the smile disappears behind a curious stare.  All that being said….. look at this 3 month old!  I was told during the session that a very special “Aunty”  had been prepping her all week and discussing the importance of looking at the camera and smiling!  I think it helped! 🙂  She is absolutely adorable and there are just too many cute ones not to share so here is a bunch!

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Okay- so she was a little “drooley” (is that a word?:)), as most babies are but this next image is a great outtake!  Yummy mom!  How did that taste???? Not that any mommy really cares but it sure does look funny!

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Graduation is coming soon! (clearwater, tampa high school senior photographer)

This adventurous High School senior traveled two hours to get to the beach with TGP for a quick mini session with cap and gown.  Due to “unforseen circumstances” she was only able to get there a few minutes after sunset.  But because she traveled SOOO far we made the best of our 15 minutes left of shooting time!  Here is a quick sneak peak for her, I know she is worried that her travels were in vain… now she can see how great she looks even after the sun sets!! Enjoy your sneak peak “Miss Graduate” :), I cant wait for our full session!

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Chilly but perfect! (tampa, clearwater, beach family photographer)

Since almost every family member I have lives up in the cold artic of Minnesota and all my cousins have new children and families I LOVE it when they come to visit and I can capture some family moments for them.  I watch all their “babies” grow up via facebook and am always wishing I was able to help capture their memories through the camera!  You might have seen a few more sneak peaks of this session if you are a TGP Fan on facebook but here are some new ones for “the blog” 🙂

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Boudoir Session! (tampa, clearwater boudoir photography)

Well, its around the corner… Valentines DAY!  Can you believe it?  It is the never ending question…. what do I get my “significant other”?  TGP has the perfect solution but you have to act now!  An amazing album of classy, yet sexy images of JUST YOU!  What guy wouldn’t want that?  And how romantic!  Tracy Gabbard Photography now has special boudoir collections just for these special sessions. If you schedule a session before January 20th get your hair and make up done FREE with your session by Got 2 Have Glam and if the scheduling is done right she will even do it in studio!  Call the studio SOON (727) 491-6476 to schedule your session.

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Introducing…. (tampa, clearwater family photographer)

Leslie!  I have been getting my hair done by Leslie for many years now.  I don’t know why it has taken me so long to tell everyone about her.  Her salon is awesome and she has the best web site www.got2haveglam.com.  I mean really what hair stylist has their own web site.  There are few coupons on it under “specials” .  Anyway, she is AWESOME with color and styling and is always on the “cutting edge” (like that:)) of all the new styles, colors and products!  Make an appointment and tell her I sent you!

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Awful Weather, Awesome Family! (tampa, clearwater beach family photographer)

I think this session had every type of weather except for heat!  It was SOOO cold and windy on the beach on this evening.  I would normally have liked to reschedule but part of this family was from out of town so we made the best of it and trudged on!  They were all TOTAL troopers for the whole session.  Despite the cold wind they all had fun together as a family and made the session a blast!  I think that is one of the best parts of my job, getting to meet amazing people and families.  So, to my beach family, thank you so much for a fun session!  I will get your gallery to you ASAP and thank you for being patient with your sneak peak as it took me a little longer than I anticipated!

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And a couple of “outtakes” for a smile… do you think it was a little windy? 🙂

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Silliness! (tampa, clearwater, children’s photographer)

Silliness was just how these kids were!  They were full of energy and happiness (as you can tell) for the whole session.  I was honored when this mom called from New York and asked if I could fit her in while they were here on vacation during Thanksgiving.  Thankfully they came back down for the Christmas because our session was rained out for the first scheduling! 🙁 Anyway, these kids were a blast and kept me hopping the whole time I was there.  Their images completely reflect the session and their little personalities, fun, candid and energetic!  I love all of the images, it was so hard to choose which ones to post….

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Blissfull Happiness… (tampa, st. pete family photographer)

This was a family reunion of sorts, although part of the family coming in from Germany was snowed in and couldn’t make it!  What could be so special to fly in from Germany?  This couple was getting MARRIED!  How amazing is that?  They were so sweet and totally in love.  This session was full of laughter and the families were great to work with!  I hope you all had a wonderful ceremony and great sunset dinner afterwards “B” family! Enjoy your sneak peak… lots of fun images in your gallery which will be on its way soon!

On a side note… join me on facebook if you haven’t already!  Just click here…. TGP Facebook Fan Club

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Thank you! (Tampa, clearwater family photographer)

A special thank you to my wonderful clients!  I love seeing all the repeat clients and meeting new ones each year!  It was a great season for Tracy Gabbard Photography and I look forward to growing this year with lots of new clients.  January is already starting to book so if you are having a baby or want “milestone” pics for those little ones be sure to call and schedule soon!  I am looking forward to photographing for some local charity events this coming year and would like to add a few more to my schedule.  So, if you know of one coming up that needs photographer send me an email with the info and I will get back to you as soon as I can.  Here is a quick recap of the literally hundreds of holidays cards that went out by TGP and a few more peaks at some of my favorite holiday images that I couldn’t share in blogging as I never know what ends up on holiday cards.  Have a great holiday everyone!

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Tampa, Clearwater children’s photographer… Busy as a bee!

Ohhhh blog…. so neglected!  Finally settling down form the holiday rush.  I am working on a “recap” holiday blog post that will hopefully come this week!  But here is a session I have been wanting to share for a couple weeks and just haven’t been able to get time to do it!  I love when I get the opportunity to photograph my friends children!  This little one was one of my first babies and she is now a busy two year old! She reminds me so much of my daughter with the curls and the *attitude*!  I love being able to capture these images of her for her family!

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Wheeewww, two on the move! (tampa, clearwater children’s photographer)

This has to be one of the best editing sessions… I cracked up almost the whole time I was editing these!  See that first image, how the little girl is a little blurry… well that is EXACTLY how this session was…. “on them move” she was a big blur in my camera lens but wow…. what a doll baby!  I have to say, it was not the best time for her as it was the afternoon, right at nap time but these two were hilarious!  We pulled out all the stops to get them together (hence the fish crackers all over the floor :)) and I think you can tell they had a little fun together and dont worry mom, all those crackers can be edited away if need be :)!  There are some beautiful images also but there is no way to post them all so here is a great preview for mom and family….

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“Fun in “town” (tampa, clearwater family, children’s photographer)

This was a great session in a small downtown area! This “little man” has been modeling for years and has even been in a national commercial (you can see why!)! Mom needed a few updated head shots and wanted some “mom and son” pictures as it is SO rare for moms to actually be in the pictures (I totally get that one!).  I love the setting in these and the night was so beautiful if it wasn’t for the sunlight getting low I could have kept this session going for a long time!  Its so easy to work with older children and adults! 🙂  I forget that sometimes!  Enjoy your sneak peak mom and your gallery will be there by the end of the week!

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Last but not least…. we played a little trick.  I counted to three and mom splashed him…. he was a little surprised to say the least! 🙂

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Tampa, clearwater family photographer A touch of fall!

A touch of fall… or autumn I should say.  That is what I felt like when this family joined me in studio with their awesome clothing colors!  These colors look so warm and “rich” I really enjoyed the change of pace!  This littlest member of this family was part of my “Littlest Model Search” over the summer (which I plan to have again soon…stay tuned for details!) and now has become part of the New Beginnings Plan which will give him sessions with TGP throughout his whole first year.  Anyway, this was his 3 month session and it was decided that we would try for some family photos also.  And although, in my opinion 3 months is one of the hardest ages to capture, look at this beautiful family and adorable 3 month old! Why is 3 months so hard?  Because they are not sitting yet but they are past that “curling up” stage.  They have NO control over their limbs which constantly swing infront of their adorable little faces and although they are super smiley face to face they become mesmerized with the camera the moment it goes in front of them.  They are however, super squishy and loveable and that is why I don’t care how hard they are to photograph… I love to do it anyway!  Enjoy a sneak peak “L” family! Gallery is coming quickly!

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Threes a charm! (tampa, clearwater children’s, family photographer

These kids are great!  I love getting see repeat clients each year and being able to watch them grow and change.  I usually try to stay away from playgrounds for photoshoots because there are always so many kids playing around it can make it difficult to isolate the family/child that is being photographed.  BUT going against my good judgment I found this beautiful park/playground that is very near this families home and I just couldn’t resist it.  I figured Sunday morning… no one will be there… HA!  Jokes on me!  It was actually very crowded but we worked around it and got some great results!  I think it was worth it!  Thanks for a great session “P” family!

On a side note… have you joined the TGP fan club on facebook?  If not, just click the facebook logo above under the TGP logo.  Get updated with all blog posts, specials, pictures that are not even necessarily on the blog and fun happenings!

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Last but not least I had to share this one… I always like images where the family is looking up at me so I asked the kids to lay down and look up at me… they were so funny!  They just couldn’t do it because it was so bright, even though we were in the shade!  So I said, “close your eyes and look at me on three, One….two…..THREE”!  Oh well, it was a good try!  one

Want some easy holiday shopping?

If you have had a session with Tracy Gabbard Photography check out the TGP Boutique for some great shopping!  AND don’t forget to join the TGP fan club on facebook.  Just click the facebook logo above under the TGP logo and it will take you straight there!  There are blog updates, more sneak peaks that just on the blog and lots of other great stuff!

product ordering email

Tracy Gabbard, Tampa Family Photographer

Who rules the roost? :) (tampa, clearwater family photographer)

Now, I know that in most families the kids are the center of attention.  But in this session I was lucky enough to capture it!  We had a great time at this session hanging out and “playing”.  It took little “Miss Thang” about 2 minutes to warm up and “turn it on”!  And then I pulled out the FAN!  I don’t know what it is about that fan but once that comes out…. all bets are off!  I never know what is going to emerge from the model of the moment…even for 4 year olds!  Once that was out she didn’t want me to turn it off.  Here is a quick sneak peak of all the fun!

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Preciousness! (tampa, clearwater newborn photographer)

Okay~I had the hardest time narrowing down these images for a blog post but considering what happened on our first try at the session I am adding in a few extras for mom and dad!  What happened you asked? 🙂  Well, while holding this precious baby I reached into my car and dislocated my shoulder (old injury)!  I had not even taken any pictures yet!  I did however, keep the baby safe in my other arm! The worst part… I could not get my shoulder “back in” so I had to drive myself to the ER for a little help!  Yes, embarrassing!  I guess it will be a good story for her baby book!  We did get in a VERY successful rescheduled session as you will see and this family is participating in the TGP New Beginnings Plan so I will be lucky enough to photograph her several more times throughout the her first year!  I already can’t wait to see her next time!

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Okay- so I guess the second one in the set below is more of an outtake but it cracks me up every time!  I love it! 🙂

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Late Night Blogging! (Tampa, Clearwater family and children’s photographer)

I don’t usually blog these Sneak Peak of Santa sessions because they are usually a surprise for the families Christmas cards.  But this mom said it was fine so I wanted to make sure to do that for her! This Sneak Peak of Santa was an add on to a regular family session.  I am still scheduling for the mini session’s on November 14th so if you are interested or know someone who might be send them my way!

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Super fun family session! (tampa, clearwater family photographer)

I knew this was going to be a great session when I left the room to let the family get changed and they were laughing and having a great time together!  Many dads come to sessions with the “do I have to be here attitude” and sometimes that really shows through in the images.  But this dad was awesome!  Patient, involved, interested and it really helped create a fun relaxing session.  The rest of the family including the kiddos were just as fun and I think I even heard a “that was fun” comment after the session… that is the best compliment a photographer can get! Thank you “L” family for a great session!  I really had the hardest time choosing what images to blog as there are SO many great ones I can’t wait for you to see the rest!

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This is one of my favorite in studio shots ever!  I love it!

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Can you see the drool in the second picture below?  Caught it just as it is dripping down!  To funny!

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Then the real fun started…. we pulled out the fan, cranked up the music and the girls “turned it on”!  They were a blast!

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Popular Beach Sessions (tampa, clearwater family photographer)

Remember the beach session that was rained out?  Well, here it is again… this time MUCH more successful!  I know why mom (fellow photographer friend…Tara- www.tarafriedley.com) is so skinny because she has two busy and I mean BUSY boys!  They were LOVING the beach and all the freedom that goes with it.  Here are a few sneak peaks for mom and dad as I know they are waiting patiently!

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Family of five, and thats just the kids! (tampa, clearwater family, childrens photographer)

Okay- I know that it looks like a lot of work and I can’t say this was an “easy” session but wow!  SO much fun!  Five kids ages 12, 7, 4, 3, and 1…. and ALL of them were great!  I think a video tape of this session would have made u-tube.. two crazy people, a photographer and a mom trying to get all the kids attention at once!  FUNNY!  There are SO many great life style images and mom will love them all but she did want ONE where they were all looking and happy so we did our best to accomplish that!  She will be happy to know that we actually have more than one but I am only posting one of those “classics” for this post as I want to give a sneak peak of the kids and share some FUNNY outtakes, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for a good laugh! Gallery coming soon “N” family!

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The little guy was not so crazy about the grass…. but he sure looks cute trying to get out of it!

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And last but not least…. these two images crack me up every time I look at them!

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Beach, beach beach…(tampa, clearwater family photographer)

So I know that this mom has been waiting on pins and needles for sneak peak!  She would NEVER say anything to me but I know she has been wondering when… and because I am delayed in getting this to her I will post a couple extra images!  She knows I am right! 🙂  Anyway, another great beach session with out the sunset!  I am thinking the sun is hiding from me these days.  It seems as if the evenings I am not out on a session the sunsets are just beautiful!  Either way, these turned out great!  Enjoy a few extra images “G” family and you can look forward to getting your gallery this week!  Thanks for being patient!

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Look how “engaged” daughter and daddy are together!  I love when I can capture those moments!  It’s like they forgot I was even there!

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Look at her face on this first image below…. PURE JOY!

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Last but not least… mommy and “baby”!  This little one (who I am sure you have seen many times on the blog) was all about daddy that night but at the end as she was winding down she “turned on” all that love that “babies” have for their mommies!  I love the second image… I can just feel my own daughter looking at me when I hold her and nothing else exists but her and I for that brief moment.

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For the ladies ONLY! (tampa, clearwater boudouir photographer)

For the ladies only, well, not really it is ultimately for the guys (as most things are, right ladies?).  This is the perfect gift for the man that seems to have it all!  It is a great gift for the holidays, anniversary, birthday or even Valentines day which is just around the corner (I know, don’t go there, it is not even Halloween yet!)!  These sessions are SO fun and SO classy.  There is one fee that includes the session, the private on line gallery, the editing process and a custom created 8×8 photographic album.  The albums are so beautiful and the perfect size for a suitcase or special drawer as they are probably not ones you would put out on the coffee table :)! Here is an example of one of the albums.  I blurred out her face here and there just for privacy.  If you are interested in the details call me!  There is still time to schedule one and get the album completed before the holidays but it MUST be done in October.  Because each album is custom created it takes some extra time to get them completed.   Oh- you DO NOT need to have the body of a size “zero” model to look great!  Posing, lighting and photoshop make everyone look great… and who cares anyway, your man wants to see you as YOU!  Believe me, he will LOVE this gift!

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Mini Session Update! (tampa, clearwater family photographer)

Sneak Peak of Santa mini session update!  I had 2 families change from a the Sneak Peak of Santa mini session to full family sessions.  That opened up a couple of spots for it!  If you are interested or know a family that might be please let them send them my way.  These are so much fun and are really a great deal for everything you get.  Take a quick look at the details and if you need more call or email.  I don’t expect the openings to stay open long! There is also a sample card (each session gets its own custom created card) and a few images from previous sessions to see for an idea of what Sneak Peak of Santa is!  It really is one of a kind and as far as I know Tracy Gabbard Photography is the only local photographer doing it!

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More High School Senior Photography! (tampa, clearwater high school senior photographer)

You may have seen this senior before from his on location session but his in studio session was just as great.  No worries mom’s,  the first two images were shot for an ad, not a normal part of a high school senior session! He agreed to help me out with this particular project! I think he the one image could be a Calvin Klein ad… what do you think? 🙂  Enjoy!

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