Studio 656 West

Exceptional 5.0(240)
In high demand
  • 362 hires
  • 6 similar jobs done nearby
  • Based in Saint Petersburg, FL
  • 26 years in business
  • 1 employee
  • Background checked

About Studio 656 West

Hello! Thank you so much for considering Studio656West Photography for your photography needs! I am a PLATINUM TOP PRO ON THUMBTACK, the highest achievement to be reached at Thumbtack. I've been with Thumbtack since 2014 and have been a TOP PRO since 2016. I'm very proud of that! I've met the most amazing clients on this journey, and many have become repeat customers when they come in from out of town. I stay in touch! I genuinely love what I do, helping to create lasting memories for people and it's always an honor to be hired, knowing that I'm entrusted with them. In our settings Thumbtack has listed that the only way we deliver your photographs is either a photo album or prints, NEITHER of which I do. My files are digital files and are sent to you after being edited which allows you to download them directly onto your computer. I don't know many photographers who still do prints or photo books, but I don't provide my files that way. Digital download from me to you is the fastest way to get your files😊 I am also the Editor of Gulfport Living Magazine, a monthly that features all of the places, people and things that Gulfport, Florida has to offer! I do the cover article and photo, most of the other photography as well as write features, cover local events and put the entire magazine together at deadline. I supervise a cadre of local writers as well as our expert contributors from the community. I covered high school sports for the Tampa Bay Times Newspaper as a freelance photographer for 2 years, shooting football, baseball, volleyball, track and field, basketball, swimming, and soccer. I have a LOT of experience in different styles of photography! I am an on- location only photographer .. (no studio since Covid.) I will travel to you or if you prefer, you can travel to me. I live in Gulfport, Florida, a funky, artistic, eclectic beach town that is part of St. Petersburg. I love to photograph at the beach or a green space like a local park. We have SO many beautiful places in Tampa Bay to choose from! I'm also known for my sunset photography. I do a LOT of surprise engagements, family and couples' portraits at sunset. So many people visit Florida and love our beautiful sunsets. They do make an awesome background for photos! I also have studio backgrounds and can travel to my home or office for headshots or similar requests. I use a bounce flash and try to use natural light whenever possible. It looks more natural and beautiful on the skin. I offer several different photography services, which include family portraits, surprise and staged engagements, maternity, headshots, children, pets, couples, events, (corporate or traditional), real estate, graduation/senior portraits, small beach weddings under 20 people and almost all sports. If you have something special in mind that's not listed, just ASK!! As a photojournalist, I shoot with a more critical eye than most photographers. I like to use natural surfaces, like trees, sea oats, old doors, anything with a tactile feel, in my photos; it adds a sense of realness that traditional style photography does not. I use natural light as much as possible! I offer a complimentary phone consultation with every prospective client and can help with location and clothing decisions if needed. I stay in touch with my clients throughout the entire process and am always available for questions or concerns. After we connect, the best way to reach me is by messaging as I'm often on the phone with consultations. Let me help preserve your memories~ Thank you so much for considering Studio656West for your photo needs.😊

Reviews

Stacey K.Aug 2025

Leigh is absolutely wonderful! She made my daughter feel so comfortable for her senior session! Would definitely recommend!!

Lane P.Jul 2024

Was very responsive, provided suggestions, she just really helps you through the process of planning your special moment. Helped my proposal be even special with her insight. Plus she takes really amazing photos and knows her stuff! She really is the sunset queen, and highly recommend if you're considering a sunset proposal.

Ana M.Apr 2023

Working with Leigh made the entire process effortless and I had so much fun throughout the whole photo shoot! I loved all the spots we shot at in Sand Key Park and I think she did a phenomenal job at executing the exact vision I wanted! Thank you so much for such a fun and enjoyable session! :)

Michelle P.Sep 2022

I absolutely loved working with Leigh. She was great at letting me what to expect and recommended a beautiful setting for the photos. She made me feel so comfortable, and the photos were absolutely beautiful. Leigh was able to capture me in the best light. I will definitely work with her again.

Niomi D.May 2022

Leigh did an AMAZING job photographing our 17 person group! We had a lot of little ones and Leigh and Doug were so patient and had all kinds of creative and fun poses for them to do. The pictures were superior quality and just breathtaking. Thank you for capturing our family in such a beautiful way!

Keith H.Sep 2021

Best family and beach photos we've ever had. We will be using Leigh for all of our photos in Sarasota.

Tatiana S.Aug 2021

We had such a great experience with Leigh doing our photo session at the beach this past July. She captured exactly what we were looking for and was able to work with our whole group as well as with each couple, we got a beautiful sunset after some rain that gave us the perfect sky. It was wonderful working with her and we highly recommend her. Thank you Leigh for a wonderful first photo session experience!

Casey F.Aug 2021

Leigh did an amazing job capturing our sunset engagement photos. She kept us smiling and made me feel super confident in myself to ensure a superb outcome! She is fantastic!!!

Charise P.Jun 2021

Leigh was AMAZING to work with!! She was so fun and cheerful and kept my kids attention when we took the pictures. You could tell she knew what she was doing. And the pictures…..just speechless on how great the shots were!! I told her what I had in mind, the type of pictures I want, the background, the style and she was on point with the location we went to. I just can’t say enough good things about her. She’s worth every penny and we will definitely use her again if we go back to the area. She was a pleasure to work with!

Ashley G.Feb 2021

My husband and I hired Leigh to do our maternity photos while on vacation in the area. It was cold and very windy and she still managed to do a fantastic job! She was so friendly and very easy to work with. We had a great time with her and love the way the photos turned out. We would / will absolutely use her again if we’re in the area!

Services

Studio 656 West★ 5.0
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