Golden Hour and Quiet Courage
The air hung still over Davis Islands Beach, the Tampa skyline softening into a watercolor of amber and rose. Salt kissed the breeze, waves lapped gently, and my camera waited—poised to witness a moment years in the making. This wasn’t just a proposal. It was a declaration, a rebellion, a quiet “we exist” in a world that still questions the right to love freely.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I don’t just photograph these moments; I live them. Every shutter click is a testament to resilience.
The Ask: A Secret Plan, A Bold Heart
Weeks earlier, Alex (name changed for privacy) had confided in me: “I want to surprise Sam where the water meets the sky. Somewhere that feels…us.” We chose Davis Islands for its quiet grandeur—a secluded beach where mangroves frame the downtown skyline, a metaphor for love that thrives even in shadows.
Alex’s hands shook as we planned. Not from fear, but the weight of perfection. “What if they see you?” she asked. I smiled. “I’ll vanish. Just focus on their eyes when you kneel.”’
The Moment: Tears, Tide, and a Ring
They arrived hand-in-hand, Sam oblivious, laughing at a shared joke. I lingered behind dunes, tracking light and emotion. Alex paused at the shore, her voice steady but soft: “Remember our first date here?” Sam turned—and froze.
Time suspended as Alex knelt, ring glinting in the dying sun. Sam’s hands flew to their mouth, tears merging with the salt air. “Yes,” whispered before the word fully formed.
I captured it all: the shaky exhale, the tremble of fingers sliding on the ring, the kiss that lingered like the tide. No poses. No prompts. Just truth.
Why Authenticity Matters in LGBTQ+ Photography
For queer couples, vulnerability is a luxury. So many sessions feel performative—forced smiles, heteronormative clichés. My mission? To create space where you breathe. Where your love isn’t “tolerated” but celebrated with the same artistry as Shane and Craig’s lush Fancy Free Nursery wedding or Sam and Kylee’s Hotel Escalante engagement.
How we do it:
- No stereotypes: Your story isn’t “gay” or “lesbian”—it’s yours. We focus on connection, not caricatures.
- Safe collaboration: Share your vision, whether it’s Dani and Kailey’s whimsical Bonita Springs session or Renee and Liesbeth’s Islamorada portraits.
- Community-first: As a queer-owned studio, we donate 5% of LGBTQ+ bookings to Equality Florida.
The Political Is Personal
In a state where rights feel fragile, choosing a photographer isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s safety. Will they misgender you? Assume roles? At Stills by Hernan, you’re met with:
- No “Who’s the bride?” questions.
- No binary language unless you request it.
- No tolerance for hate. Ever.
Our work with couples like Patrice and Samira, whose downtown St. Pete vows defied convention, isn’t just photography—it’s activism.
The Art of Invisibility
The best LGBTQ+ photography feels unseen. Not the couple—the photographer. I blend into landscapes, becoming part of the environment so your moments stay intimate. At Davis Islands, I used:
- Natural light: Backlit sun flares to halo Sam’s tears.
- Silent shutters: No mechanical buzz to break the spell.
- Distance: 200mm lenses to protect your privacy.
The result? Frames so raw, you can hear the waves in the silence between “Will you…” and “Yes.”
Love Stories That Defy Limits
Alex and Sam’s proposal joins a tapestry of queer joy we’ve documented across Florida:
- 🏳️🌈 Weddings: Like Shane and Craig’s botanical celebration, where vows were exchanged under a canopy of ferns.
- 🏳️⚧️ Engagements: Such as Dani and Kailey’s Bonita Springs session, where laughter echoed through citrus groves.
- 💖 Elopements: Renee and Liesbeth’s Islamorada portraits, where the ocean mirrored their quiet strength.
Your Love, Your Legacy
To LGBTQ+ couples considering a Tampa or Naples photographer: Your story is a revolution. Let’s tell it with the same boldness as Jeff and Hailey’s Hotel Haya wedding or the quiet defiance of Patrice and Samira’s downtown vows.