Have you ever stumbled upon a moment so tender, so delicately woven into the fabric of your life, that it takes your breath away? As a Saint Pete engagement photographer, I’ve come to realize that these moments—these fleeting glimmers of connection and memory—are where the soul of storytelling lives. For Shane and Ashley, their engagement session at North Straub Park was just that: a love letter to life, laughter, and their beautiful family of four.
📍 Location: North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
🌐 City of St. Petersburg Parks Info
Just a few steps from the iconic Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, this waterfront park became the perfect canvas for capturing Shane and Ashley’s love story. Imagine golden hour sunlight filtering through mature oak trees, warm Gulf breezes carrying soft laughter, and the joyful sound of paws padding across the grass. Their two dogs weren’t just adorable companions—they were the heartbeat of this engagement session.
As a Tampa engagement photographer who specializes in candid, lifestyle sessions (especially ones featuring pets!), I know how precious it is to include your four-legged family. Whether it’s a puppy stealing kisses or a senior dog nestled quietly at your side, these are the moments that last a lifetime. On this particular day, their older pup—gentle, wise, and deeply loved—was a steady, soulful presence throughout the session.
Why Include Your Dogs in Your Engagement Session?
Because they’re part of your story. I offer pet-friendly engagement photography throughout Tampa Bay, from Downtown Saint Pete to Ybor City, because I believe the best stories are the most complete ones.
If you’re searching for a dog-friendly photographer near the Vinoy Hotel, you’ve found your match. Whether we’re taking a golden hour stroll through North Straub Park or chasing waves at Upham Beach, your pup is more than welcome to tag along.
Why North Straub Park is a Gem for Engagement Sessions
Located in the heart of Downtown St. Petersburg, North Straub Park offers a perfect balance of tropical elegance and urban charm. This waterfront gem features brick walkways, stunning views of the Tampa Bay, and vibrant greenery that make for timeless photos. It’s situated between the Museum of Fine Arts and the historic Vinoy Hotel—both architectural landmarks worth incorporating into your shoot.
📍 Address: 400 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
📷 Nearby Attractions: The Vinoy Hotel, Museum of Fine Arts, Saint Pete Pier
Tips for a Dog-Friendly Engagement Session
As your go-to dog photographer in Tampa Bay, I want to help make your session stress-free and memorable. Here’s how we do that:
- Bring treats and toys your pup loves
- Coordinate outfits in earth tones or soft neutrals
- Choose quieter times (mornings or weekday evenings) to avoid crowds
- Let me know in advance so I can prep location-specific guidance
Want more tips? Check out this blog: Why Every Couple Should Include Their Dog in Their Engagement Session
Highlighting the Emotion: A Session to Remember
What made Shane and Ashley’s session unforgettable was the genuine connection they shared—with each other and with their pets. As a Vinoy Hotel photographer familiar with capturing intimate moments in the area, I was drawn to the stillness and emotion in their interactions.
Their senior dog passed shortly after our session, which turned every frame into a cherished memory—proof of a life lived fully and loved deeply.
Want to see more heartfelt moments like this? Explore these sessions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can we include more than one dog in our session?
A: Yes! I’ll help you structure the session to keep everyone engaged and relaxed.
Q: What’s the best time to shoot in Downtown St. Pete?
A: The golden hour (just before sunset) provides the most magical light, especially near the bayfront parks.
Q: What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
A: We’ll reschedule. Your comfort and the quality of light are key.
Client Love
“Our engagement photos with our two dogs were more than we could’ve dreamed of. Hernan captured the spirit of our family with such care, especially our senior pup who passed a few weeks later. These photos are now treasures we’ll keep forever.”
— Ashley & Shane
Let’s Plan Your Pet-Friendly Engagement Session in Tampa Bay
Whether you’re looking for a Saint Pete engagement photographer or dreaming of a session by the Vinoy Hotel, I’m here to help you capture those fleeting in-between moments.
📩 Click here to inquire
📍 Serving: Tampa • Saint Petersburg • Sarasota • Clearwater • Dunedin • and beyond
📷 Instagram: @stillsbyhernan
🌐 Learn more about Hernan
📌 More Engagement Sessions You Might Love:
A Dog-Loving Engagement Session at North Straub Park | Saint Pete Engagement Photographer
If you’re looking for the perfect mix of historic charm, waterfront serenity, and pet-friendly joy for your engagement session, then North Straub Park in Downtown Saint Petersburg, FL checks every box. This lush waterfront park nestled in the heart of downtown was the backdrop for Shane and Ashley’s emotional engagement session—complete with their two beloved dogs. As a Saint Pete engagement photographer and lifelong dog lover, this session was everything.
📍 Location: North Straub Park
🗺 Address: 400 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
📸 Photographer: Stills by Hernan
📲 Instagram: @stillsbyhernan
Why North Straub Park is a Gem for Tampa Bay Engagement Sessions
Just steps away from the iconic Vinoy Resort and Golf Club and the St. Pete Pier, North Straub Park is a picturesque waterfront space lined with banyan trees, wide open lawns, and views of Tampa Bay.
🛎️ Vinoy Hotel Address: 501 5th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
🏨 Originally opened in 1925, this historic hotel is now a luxury Autograph Collection resort perfect for wedding prep and elegant stays.
The proximity to both the Vinoy and Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete makes North Straub a dream for couples who want diversity in their engagement shoot: modern art deco vibes, classic architecture, and peaceful nature—all within walking distance.
Dogs, Downtown, and Devotion
This wasn’t just another engagement shoot—it was a farewell to their beloved senior dog, who had been part of their lives for over a decade. We walked under the banyan trees, stopped to soak in the pastel sunset, and let the dogs roam the wide walkways that line the waterfront.
As a Tampa dog photographer, I’ve learned how to let dogs guide the story. Every nuzzle, every paw print, every soft look between Ashley and her senior pup—those unscripted moments became the soul of this shoot.
Tips for Planning a Pet-Friendly Engagement Session in Saint Pete
Looking to include your furry best friend in your photos? Here are my top tips as your go-to dog photographer in Tampa Bay:
🐾 Bring their favorite treats and toy
🐾 Leash up! (We can remove the leash in post-editing if needed)
🐾 Walk them before your session to release energy
🐾 Plan for breaks—especially if you’re including senior pets
🐾 Coordinate your outfit colors with your pup’s collar and fur tone!
North Straub Park is also walking distance to local dog-friendly spots like Cassis St. Pete, The Canopy Rooftop Lounge, and Annata Wine Bar if you want to extend your date night post-session.
Local Highlights Nearby for Additional Photo Stops
🌴 Saint Pete Pier – Modern, architectural lines meet natural beauty. Perfect for golden hour glow.
🎨 Museum of Fine Arts – Classical columns and quiet courtyards for an elevated look.
🏛️ Downtown Saint Pete Murals – Add a colorful splash of artsy energy to your gallery.
Book Your Engagement Session in Downtown Saint Pete
If your dream engagement session involves pups, palm trees, and the heart of downtown charm—let’s make it happen.
📸 Visit: www.StillsByHernan.com
📩 Contact: Let’s plan your session
📍 Locations Served: Saint Pete • Tampa • Clearwater • Sarasota • Lakeland • Dunedin
🐾 Specialist In: Pet-Inclusive Sessions | Golden Hour Shoots | Downtown Walkabouts
Related Sessions You’ll Love
- Downtown Tampa Theatre Engagement
- Ybor City Editorial Engagement Session
- Upham Beach Engagement with Dogs
Final Thoughts
What made this session unforgettable wasn’t just the location or the soft sea breeze—but the palpable emotion. This was a real moment in time—a celebration of love, companionship, and a final memory of a beloved dog. As your trusted Tampa engagement photographer, I’m here for those stories. The ones with depth, nostalgia, and heart.
If this sounds like the kind of session you want to remember forever—I’d be honored to capture it for you.