About Jeff Jansen — Tampa Bay Family Photographer

Photographing families in Tampa Bay since 2010

I’m Jeff Jansen, a Tampa Bay family photographer based in New Port Richey, serving families across Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, and surrounding areas.

I spent years photographing weddings and over the past few years, I’ve become a grandfather. That’s when everything shifted—I realized I’d rather capture the everyday chaos of raising kids than spend another Saturday night at a reception. So, I made the switch to family photography, and I’ve never looked back.

If you’re hoping for perfectly posed, everyone-looking-at-the-camera photos where nobody gets dirty feet, sweaty, or off-task via a meltdown… that’s not what you get with me.

If you’re okay with kids running a little wild, hair doing its own thing, and photos that feel like real life—bare feet, big hugs and kisses and all—then you’re in exactly the right place.

Why I photograph families now

Here’s what changed: becoming a grandfather gave me a front-row seat to what really matters in family photography. It’s not about getting everyone to cooperate for five minutes. It’s about capturing who your family actually is—the way your kid tackles you when they’re excited, the way bedtime feels like a full-contact sport, the way you and your partner exchange that look over their heads that says, “we’re exhausted but we’re doing this together.”

I left wedding photography behind because I’d now rather photograph your daughter discovering a seashell than worry about perfect centerpieces. And I’d rather capture your son mid-tantrum (because sometimes that’s the most honest moment) than chase poses that feel nothing like your actual family.

This work matters because these seasons don’t last. Kids get bigger, routines change, and the days blur together. My job is to pause it for an hour and hand you back pieces you’ll want to hold onto.

What a session with me feels like

Think of it less like a formal photo shoot and more like hanging out while a quiet friend follows you around with a camera.

I’ll tell you where to stand for good light, give you simple prompts—walk here, snuggle up, tickle them, whisper something ridiculous—and then I let your family be exactly who you are.

A few things to know:

Kids don’t have to “behave.” If they’re shy, wild, clingy, or all three, we’re good. I’ve been around enough kids to know that cooperation is a myth.
I don’t need you to be “on top of it.” You can be tired, a little awkward, not sure what to do with your hands—I’ll guide you through all of it.
I care more about connection than perfection. The natural connection you have with your family.

My style is warm, natural, and relaxed. I chase soft, golden light and real moments—nothing too stiff, nothing too staged.

My style is warm, natural, and relaxed. I chase soft, golden light and real moments—nothing too stiff, nothing too staged. Lifestyle & candid – real connection over stiff poses

Your job is simply to show up and be together. I’ll take care of the rest.

The introvert advantage

I’m very much an introvert, which probably sounds like an odd thing for a photographer to lead with. But here’s why it matters:

I’m not going to show up and dominate your session with loud energy or constant chatter. I won’t overwhelm your kids or make you feel like you’re performing.

Instead, I watch. I notice the small stuff, the way your baby grabs your finger, the way your toddler climbs into your lap when the world feels too big, the way you and your partner look at each other when you think nobody’s watching.

Being quiet and observant means I catch the moments most people miss. And honestly? Kids respond better to calm than chaos anyway.

Get to know the human behind the camera

I live in the Tampa area and will never get over how good the sky looks at sunset here.
I’m a grandfather, which means I understand that “well-behaved kids” is a fantasy and real family photos are always a little messy and sometimes crazy.
I have a soft spot for younger kids, babies, toddlers, preschoolers. They’re honest, hilarious, and completely uninterested in pretending, which makes for the best photos.
When I’m not photographing families, you’ll probably find me reading at a coffee shop or at home in comfy clothes with my grandkids.Underneath it all, I really just want you to feel seen and to have photos that feel like you, not some Pinterest version of a “perfect” family.