Photographer Sheri Kendrick of Enchanted Forest Photography likes the ‘Burg so much that she moved her studio here 18 months ago. You’ve probably seen her snapping photos around town at various events such as Folk Fest or holding photo sessions in one of downtown’s alleys.

How long have you been taking pics?
Enchanted Forest Photography just celebrated its 11th birthday. We started the business on a 20-acre piece of land in Pasco County, thus the name Enchanted Forest Photography.

Why did you choose Downtown St. Pete for your studio?
I decided to move downtown because of the sense of community. I love the diversity, the artsy feel, and most of all, I love the people. And to boot, I love LOVE all the nooks and crannies and old brick walls and alleys–they make for fabulous backdrops!

Where’s you fave place to shoot?
I photograph a lot of babies in their first days of life and for that, my favorite place to shoot is the front room of the studio using only the window light. When I’m photographing toddlers, families, high school seniors, local artists and professionals, I regularly go for walks around downtown St. Pete and look for cool spots to do urban style images.

Who/what are your inspiration(s)?
My inspiration, as far as other photographers, is definitely Anne Geddes. I never get tired of looking at her work. It is magical. The real inspiration for what I do is my own family, my children and my desire to keep in tact the memories of a childhood that seems to disappear so quickly.

What’s the most memorable photo shoot you’ve ever had?
I think my most memorable photo shoot was when I got a call from a woman whose husband was expected to die from cancer in the upcoming days. She wanted a last portrait of him and the two of them together. We set up a photo shoot for the following morning. The gentleman was dressed and looked very handsome, not at all like a very sick man. He was able to go out in the back yard so we spent most of the photo shoot outside. They laughed together. I cried several times throughout the session with them. Later that day, the wife emailed me and told me not only was she happy she scheduled the session because of the photos she would gain but she told me with all the doctor visits and family visits and hospice visits that had consumed them for the last several months, the photo shoot was the first time they had taken the time to just be. She told me she hasn’t laughed with her husband in a very long time and would never forget how she felt during the photo session. She said her husband was also very grateful as well. He died 2 days later. That is an experience that still, 10 years later, takes my breath away to think about it.

Enchanted Forest Photography is located at 529 Central Ave.
To schedule a shoot with Sheri call 727.209-2306.

You can get a first-hand experience with Sheri at these special events:

Sessions With Santa  (Dec. 9, 10 and 11). Have your child’s picture taken with Santa! The emphasis on this event is “the spirit of giving” so participants are asked to bring in a toy to be given to a local child in need. In addition, 15 of all proceeds from this event will be given to ASAP Homeless Shelter. For details click here. 

Miracle on Central Avenue  (now through Dec. 17th) bring in a toy, and get a free mini session.  For details click here.