Gary Kaplan Photography

This is the reason I do this....

2012-01-31T00:13:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I get these wonderful emails and calls thanking us for the images we captured and rather than post them all over the internet like it was some sort of prize we cherish them and keep them close to our own hearts. This time a call came in and it moved me in a way that you will understand. I am very lucky to have been given a second chance in life. I never understood why this gift was given to me until I started to shoot Weddings years back. To me photography is not a business, nor the sale of photos and albums or packages either. Some people think photography is about the cameras, but to me they are just tools. I am an Artist and I listen with my heart. I capture love. The love of your best friend who is about to become your Wife or Husband. The love of your Children. The tear in your eye and the smile of joy. Love comes in many ways and yet the essence of it is always feels the same. My life is filled with stories that people who trust me to capture their stories and my gift is to listen and feel. This is my business, my life, my joy. I would like to share with you a call from a beautiful family we had the opportunity to spend time with.
Gary Kaplan

To watch the this video full screen: Click here

Oliver & Lane's Wedding - Anna Maria Island, Florida

2012-01-29T14:50:00.000-05:00

This was such a beautiful wedding! What a perfect day for this beautiful couple to tie the knot. An intimate affair that had all the right details - thanks to the staff at The Loft 5!

Another Award! Voted WeddingWire Bride's Choice for 2012!

2012-01-29T14:10:00.001-05:00

We are once again elated to announce that Gary Kaplan Photography has been awarded this prestigious award - 2012 WeddingWire Bride's Choice award!

I know I say this a lot, but I can't say it enough. It means so much to me that my clients appreciate everything I do for them and want to share that appreciation with brides everywhere. These awards wouldn't be possible without all of you. Thank you!

Gary Kaplan Photography Voted The Knot Best of Weddings 2012!!

2012-01-29T13:37:00.002-05:00

The Knot readers and real brides selected Gary Kaplan Photography as one of the best photographers for 2012! We will be featured online and in the magazine as a top selection for wedding photography.

Jason and Mandy Yesterday

2011-09-05T13:20:00.003-04:00

Just a sample of more to come. I am so happy that Jason and Mandy chose us to honor their Wedding. Here is a sample of so many images of the day...

Thea's Moment

2011-08-09T10:04:00.006-04:00

We thought we would give Thea a preview before she saw her Wedding images. Look out for her Wedding in her own gallery soon.

Preview of our newest passion. Family Sessions

2011-08-05T12:49:00.004-04:00

I am not new to this. My Dad and I shot baby portraits when I was a teenager. So now in honor of my Dad we will be shooting family sessions once again. We would like to explain the details before your interest level increases. Our sessions are not the supermarket or the department mall type. We don't care about selling you tons of images. You get a disk edited and copyright free. What we do care about is capturing precious moments that will end up telling a story of your love for each other. We want to spend time with you in a place that is comfortable and enjoyable for the kids. The park, the zoo, Maui, Paris, your backyard. We need to get to know your personalities and see the inter-actions of your family. Only than can we capture what we feel is truly a valuable family experience. If this is what you are looking for feel free to call for details. We are booking fast. Sessions start at $1,500.

Stop in the Name of Love.

2011-08-05T12:45:00.003-04:00

I love this image. I call it "The Hand"

Image of the month :)

2011-08-05T12:34:00.002-04:00

Robert & Jennifer at Safety Harbor

2011-08-05T12:26:00.003-04:00

What a great wedding day. Rain in july and plenty of it. Safety Harbor has all these great places to shoot even in the rain. And the sky was full of glory to celebrate a beautiful wedding.

Saint Marrten Wedding

2011-08-05T11:52:00.007-04:00

We really had an adventure in Saint Marrten last month. Eight days of enjoying what I call my home. Besides New York and Florida. Got to meet Amy & Chris and shoot two days of wedding celebrations. I may just post a whole gallery on our web site just for the

them.

Creative Asia

2011-02-13T19:27:00.003-05:00

Yes we are proud of this award.

The Vinoy and all its Romantic Flavor...

2011-02-13T19:18:00.002-05:00

I love to shoot at the Vinoy in Saint Petersburg. It's history is so incredible. The opportunities for creative imagery are overwhelming. Here is one of the images captured. A special moment in time...

Night Surprise

2011-02-13T18:49:00.009-05:00

So there we were on location 11pm and the Bride decides to do the unthinkable. No light but the night sky and a camera flash which maybe with a little luck will go out ten feet. Years of experience dictates this will be an artistic shot full of grain and darkness but after five years of the development of our newest light enhancement device I call "The Blaze" I decided it was time to test it out. Yessssss a lifesaver in the making!

2011-02-13T18:43:00.003-05:00

We love this image taken of Taylor and her Dad as they make a grand surprise entrance to the Ceremony at Tampa Palms. We created this images using some of our newest software developed by Gary.

Some of my favorite Images we captured in the last few months...

2010-09-19T12:13:00.005-04:00

Soma Hair Technology

2010-07-07T16:42:00.004-04:00

We are so pleased to be involved with Soma Hair Technology. They make hair products and have retained us to design, photograph and assist in concept marketing for the launch of their Vegan hair products. Here's a sneak preview of one of the advertising designs we just finished up. Even though our main focus is Wedding Photography were find it refreshing and enjoyable to be involved in the fashion industry also.

Our Newest Advertisment

2010-06-27T13:11:00.002-04:00

This is our newest advertisement appearing in South Asian Bride Magazine.

Adriana & Nick

2010-06-27T11:59:00.005-04:00

What a beautiful Wedding. From the Rolls picking the couple up at the church to the sparklers placed in the centerpieces when they made their grand entrance.

We just love these sorts of moments....

2010-06-27T11:57:00.002-04:00

Jason & Ciah

2010-04-27T11:25:00.000-04:00

What a cute couple! Wow did they have fun...

Scott & Anne Reception at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center

2009-12-16T20:23:00.014-05:00

The night was as beautiful as a fairy tale wedding story. The band was wonderful and I would like to give praise to Jennifer McCrackin of QuickCare Event Planners for doing such a wonderful job... Bravo!!!

Dean Guitar Advertising Shoot with Gary Kaplan Photography

2009-11-25T19:58:00.004-05:00

Gary Kaplan Photography had the pleasure of shooting Angela Ryan for a Dean Guitar promotion. Dean Guitars is a manufacturer of fine quality musical instruments. Since 1977, Dean Guitars has been providing guitar players with the finest in electric guitars, bass guitars, acoustic guitars, amps, cases ,banjos, mandolins, and related gear. You will not find a better guitar anywhere.

Toni and Jeff at the Rusty Pelican with Gary Kaplan Photography

2009-11-25T11:54:00.004-05:00

This was a great day for all of us. It was the first time we got to use our new lighting system that Gary Kaplan Photography developed and have been working on for the past four years. No more worries about shooting at sunset or even in the dark... And for Toni and Jeff well all we can say is "what a wonderful day it was"

In a Grand Way at the Hyatt

2009-11-25T11:43:00.005-05:00

It has been a while since we posted on our Blog... So many things have changed. We have been published in some national magazines and now have a new group of associates to better serve you. So here we go in the next few days a line up of some of the images that we have taken in the the past few months... Starting with Mike and Courtney's Wedding at the Grand Hyatt...

Monique and Justin (The streets of Ybor)

2009-11-24T12:04:00.003-05:00

Hurry get the shot before someone gets run over! We just had to see if the new lighting system really worked. The wedding was an event to remember starting at Longboat key and ending at the Columbia in Ybor City...

Neha & Shalin at the Omni Resort

2009-11-23T19:39:00.003-05:00

Both Neha and Shalin have become good friends and why not after spending two days with such a wonderful family and friends. I am sure that this is just the beginning of their adventure...

Hair Show at the Ritz...

2009-04-15T11:23:00.000-04:00

Guess what I like to do when I'm not shooting Weddings and Events? Yes, Fashion! Fashion! Fashion! I love photography! So here are some random shots I took at the Ritz! And for the Brides, a few select fashion hair and make-up artists have agreed to work with us for your special day! I'm sure we can tune the look down a bit if you want. Just give me a call for details... Gary

Colin Cowie welcomes Gary Kaplan Photography as part of his group!

2009-01-24T08:35:00.007-05:00

What a great honor to be chosen as one of Colin Cowie's group. Having created extraordinary affairs for A-Listers from Oprah Winfrey to Jennifer Lopez and Author of the new book Cowie Wedding Chic, Colin creates stylish celebrations as well as TV Shows and wonderful Recipes.

"Gary and I met in Tampa not long ago and he showed me some of his photography work archived on his IPhone. Even though the images were small and I was staring at a phone screen, I could feel the passion and life in his pictures. Emotional, energetic and exciting were words that seemed to call out, defining his work. and making a strong enough impact on me and my staff that I immediately knew he should be part of my group. Gary has the wedding bug! As he say's " I'm in love with love". And what bride and groom wouldn't want a wedding photographer that feels each picture with emotion and love.

TO SEE MORE OF THIS STORY CLICK HERE...

In a Grand Way... Sophia and Hissan Celebrate their Love!

2008-10-06T22:49:00.005-04:00

It was truly an enjoyable day. With over 300 guests the celebration never seemed to end. Beautiful words spoken about love, life and the reason we were all gathered... FAMILY! The passion my wife and I have for these events seems to grow every day.

September Award Image

2008-09-17T01:11:00.000-04:00

Something about this image stops time...

Brooklyn as I see it...

2008-08-13T10:42:00.005-04:00

Wow do I love the Brooklyn bridge. Dumbo park and the street markets. Lana asked us to do their engagement session in New york before we head down to cover their Caribbean Wedding in March.

Amanda & Josh "So many Artistic Images!"

2008-08-13T10:27:00.005-04:00

We really had a great time at Amanda and Josh's Wedding. We shot over 1,100 images. So many artistic and photojournalistic moments we lost count. Each Wedding creates it's own life and this one was no exception.

A Very Special Day

2008-08-13T10:19:00.008-04:00

Claudette and Mark's Wedding was so special. Each image a moment to treasure. I even caught Alex interviewing a guest.

Our Hair and Makeup Team

2008-08-12T10:52:00.002-04:00

You all know that we have been involved in the fashion industry for many years as well as weddings. We have many of the top industry make-up and hair artists working with us on a daily basis. We now will offer these services as part of our own team. This is a sample of some of our makeup work taken at a recent event. Most Brides don't go this extreme but who knows! Feel free to call to get more information about this service.

August Award Image

2008-08-11T11:08:00.003-04:00

This month I decided to exit the box and display an image I shot in New York City last month. It just go's to show you that it is not all the expensive equipment it is the sensitivity to moment that makes an image a memory. I shot this with my Iphone. I was very curious (nosy) why a man dressed so nice that looked like he could even own the building was sleeping on a bench at 2am?

Shelby Kaplan's Grand Image Award for August

2008-08-10T20:38:00.002-04:00

Keeping up with the family tradition (three generations of photography) we are pleased to showcase Shelby's image of the month. I think she has the Kaplan spirit...

Women of Dali Fashion Show

2008-06-24T23:18:00.011-04:00

Shelby Kaplan models a Dali-inspired ensemble during the Surreal Fashion Show on June 13. which previewed a new exhibit, “Women: Dali’s View,” at the Salvador Dali Museum. We were very proud when our daughter Shelby got involved in this project. Many thanks to everyone involved for putting together such a great show.

Kaitlin and Josh Florida wedding

2008-06-15T15:01:00.002-04:00

Kaitlin wrote us such a sweet email this morning just before I was going to post a few images of their special day. Thank you Katlin for the nice comments. Ellie and I felt truly honored to be part of your day.

A Tropical Destination Wedding that Dreams are made of...

2008-06-14T23:24:00.001-04:00

We had the pleasure of shooting Kylie and Chris at a wonderful Destination Beach Resort in Sint Maarten. They are the first couple to receive our Newest Fine Art Image Collection. Here are a few samples from the Collection... We would like to thank Rene, Brenda and Renzo from Mary's Boon. We would also like to announce that depending on the time of the year we will not consider it a Destination Wedding in Sint Maarten as well as Anguilla... To view these images with greater detail visit our "Featured Destination Wedding Gallery" at www.garykaplanphotography.com

Erin and Gary's Day is close at hand...

2008-06-13T15:09:00.000-04:00

We are really looking forward to spending time with these guys. Next week is W-Day yesssssssssssssssss! They truly were made for each other...

Rachel and Marcelo Engagement and Wedding Images

2008-06-12T10:40:00.002-04:00

Rachel has been a friend for many years. We are so happy for them. Marcelo is a great guy and a pilot. If you need a private tour or just looking for an adventure give him a call. Here are a few images from the Wedding at the Vinoy Hotel and Engagement.

May Award Image

2008-06-12T02:57:00.002-04:00

Jen and Billy " Sunset Beach"

Caleb jam's with Ringo Starr... New CD on the way! Images by Gary Kaplan...

2008-06-10T15:32:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of shooting the images for Caleb's newest CD. I'm very proud of him. At age three, Caleb won a national drum contest and, had the privilege of performing and recording with percussionist "Sheila E". He has been a guest on the Rosie O'Donnell Show. Performed in Madison Square Gardens for the WNBA, the NY Rangers, and the NY Knicks. TD Waterhouse Center was the backdrop for his Orlando Miracle (WNBA) half-time performance. Again in Philadelphia for the 76ers during half-time. ESPN twice featured him in their game highlights. Caleb has performed on the Wayne Brady Show. He has JAMMED with "RINGO STARR". Caleb performed in Virginia Beach at the 2008 JAZZ INFORMANCE Show just last month.

Dyna-Lite presents Gary as their VIP Photograher

2008-05-15T04:11:00.019-04:00

We are very honored to be in the current spotlight as Dyna Lite's VIP Photographer. To view some of our Fashion and Wedding images and more information on Dyna-Lite click this link DYNA LITE VIP SPOTLIGHT

RangeFinder Magazine Feature Story "Gary Kaplan Focus Found"

2008-04-30T06:45:00.001-04:00

Each year thousands of photographers from all over the world meet in Las Vegas for the WPPI Awards event. We were honored to be featured in their publication Range Finder Magazine. The following is a quote from the article.

"Each one of his chosen shots is like the climactic moment in a romantic movie. It’s the shot of Ingrid Bergman as she decides to get on that plane – not right before; not just after. It’s Debra Winger’s triumphant smile as Richard Gere carries her out of that box factory. Every one of Gary’s images sings with the epic emotion of the day.

Beauty Launchpad April Issue Features Gary's Images

2008-04-16T21:07:00.012-04:00

Beauty Launchpad an Industry Fashion Magazine published an article about Albie Mulcahy, an old friend from Matrix and Ivanka Ska featuring our photography.

WPPI Las Vegas Awards

2008-04-07T08:20:00.010-04:00

Press Release: Gary Kaplan wins Two Accolades of excellence. Gary Kaplan has received special honors in the WEDDING & PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS INTERNATIONAL (WPPI) 2008 Awards of Excellence Print Competition. Designed to recognize outstanding photographers, the judging was held in Las Vegas, NV on March 15, 2008. Gary received Awards in the Advertising / Fashion category. Kaplan competed against an international field of photographers to win such honors. The 2008 competition included 2653 prints in 19 different categories submitted by photographers from all over the world.

John & Doreen "The Best is Yet to Come"

2008-03-25T13:57:00.000-04:00

It was a perfect day for wedding. There was happiness in the air. Family and friends joined together from all over the country. Tony Bennett was even on hand to share some of their special moments.

"A Grand Celebration"

2008-03-24T08:45:00.003-04:00

I spent the last week out of town, but all I could think about was getting back to capture this wedding. I just love being part of such a special occasion and feel honored to be selected as their photograher. Best of luck to you Karl and Catherine. Even rainy days bring beautiful sunsets sometimes...

April Award Image

2008-03-23T13:33:00.002-04:00

The Pick of the Month Award". We will display one photo per month that expresses our love of photography and art...

March Award Image

2008-03-12T06:11:00.005-04:00

The Pick of the Month Award". Ellie and I will display one photo per month that expresses our love of photography and art...

Ellie's Pick of the Month

Gary's Pic of the Month

Michelle and Eric "Wedding Day Images"

2008-03-09T20:41:00.012-04:00

The Mirror Lake Lyceum is a very special venue. If the walls could talk I am sure they would tell you so many stories of love and joy. Eric and Michelle found themselves intrigued by the history of the Lyceum and so did I. Attached are just a few memories of the day. Thank you Brian for being such a great host.

Gio and Michelle's Wedding

2008-02-15T13:23:00.016-05:00

Gio and Michelle's wedding was so much fun. The photos not only tell the story of their special day but of the love they shared with friends and family. We wish Gio much luck at the academy, with Michelle by his side we are sure he will come out on top!

Victoria and Bryan "How did they get up there engagement"

2008-02-15T10:33:00.029-05:00

Leave it to Bryan to get Victoria up a tree. Bryan is an adventurer with a wonderful sense of humor and personality. Victoria now officially has her hands full.

Sunday was the day! The wedding really went well! Lots of friends, family and love in the air. Victoria and Bryan chose our custom lighting package because they knew the wedding was going to be full of action and dancing like there was no tomorrow. Ellie and I captured over 1,100 images that memories are made of.

Maybe climbing the tree on the engagement was Bryan's way of getting Victoria to practice for the wedding?

The Powel Crosley Estate Wedding

2008-02-14T01:43:00.002-05:00

Tina and Jordan

I never noticed the Compass on the ceiling of this room?

Dean Guitar Shoot

2008-02-14T00:10:00.000-05:00

Dean has the finest guitars in the world! They build electric guitars, bass guitars, acoustic guitars, amps, cases, and so much more. We really had fun shooting this. The lighting was a challenge, and I love a good challenge. The girls really got to show their artistic creativity with hair and make-up.

News from the Capital

2008-02-13T13:05:00.000-05:00

We were honored to have been selected to cover the Wedding of Sherer and Lt. John-Paul. Since than John-Paul has received his Wings of Gold. Father of the Bride Johnnie Byrd former Florida Speaker of the House of Representatives had a great time at the wedding as well. You can view some of the photos in the News from the Capital Publication.

WPPI International Awards

2008-02-13T10:58:00.000-05:00

Gary Kaplan Photography Wins the Accolade of Excellence in the WPPI Fashion Print Competition. Designed to recognize outstanding professional photographers, this event was held in Santa Monica, CA on November 7th 2007. Gary Kaplan competed against photographers internationally to win such honors. This competition included over 2,700 print entries from all over the world.

Michelle and Eric " Artistic Engagement at the Park"

2008-02-10T07:52:00.000-05:00

Michelle and Eric are really sweet. Eric happens to be one the most intelligent people I know. He is the ultimate computer guru. Just spending the morning with them shooting was so enjoyable for Ellie and I. We are really looking forward to the wedding and have been planning some very unique artistic images just for them.

Jessica Marie Lunsford Foundation

2008-02-08T06:52:00.000-05:00

As most of you know our studio is always involved in some sort of community work. We created this billboard size studio image for the Jessica Marie Lunsford Foundation. A kind hearted friend of mine built this Motorcycle and donated it to the Foundation.

Surprise Dinner Guest

2008-01-14T08:37:00.000-05:00

We had two surprise guests show up last weekend at a Wedding. We were not sure if they were adding us to their dinner list or we were adding them!

Our Cozumel travels and points south...

2007-12-18T11:24:00.001-05:00

From shooting images of Classic Violins to Harley Davidson's we both enjoyed our recent cruise.

Photo Shoot with Jovan

2007-12-18T10:03:00.000-05:00

We recently had the pleasure of shooting with an up and coming music artist "Jovan" It was really fun as well as a creative session. Keep your eye out for his new release.

A Thanksgiving Makeover for Six!

2007-12-17T10:02:00.000-05:00

Bay News 10

Tampa, Florida - By Isabel Mascarenas, Reporter

A local business gets into the Thanksgiving spirit and reaches out to women in need.
Hair salon owner Mikel Sandoval of Mikel's says, “We think of ourselves as the look good, feel good, place to be."
But for owner Sandoval and his team, those words have never meant more than on this day.
"What a better way to build self esteem than with women wanting to get back into the job market?” asks Sandoval.
Six women who are surviving serious hardships, from homelessness to abuse and illness, are getting back on their feet with help from Metropolitan Ministries and Mikel's. There's 51-year-old Radell Wilcox, mother of 11 and a cancer patient. After one week of chemo, she's lost all her hair. At Mikel's she'll receive a new human hair wig.
25-year-old Jaimie Ramirez is the mother of a 19-month-old girl who found herself homeless when her daughter was just 2-weeks-old.
The ladies receive new hair styles with color, special scalp and hand massages and eye brow reshaping.
Radell got fitted for her human hair wig in strawberry blonde just like her own. Then it's off to make up the last step in a 4-hour makeover.
Radell says she wasn't ready for all the pampering, "I'm happy, I'm happy this is a blessing. A lot of people put time and effort in this I'm thankful. It's lifted my spirit so much the chemo took so much out of me."
Jaimie has gotten her GED, gone back to school and is hoping for a job as a medical secretary.
Jaimie says, "I didn't give up. I had to do this for my child, do this for me and when it's done, the end result will be great."
The women found the courage to get help and both say now their new look gives them the self confidence they need to move forward with life.

Tampa photographer Gary Kaplan documented the makeovers with hundreds of photos, some of which you can see in this Bay News slideshow.