10 Unpopular Opinions From a Tampa Wedding and Branding Photographer
- Nina Bashaw
- Jul 9
- 5 min read
10 Unpopular Opinions I Stand By
(Even If They Get Me Uninvited to Brunch)
By Nina Bashaw | Tampa Wedding Photographer & Branding Specialist
Let’s be honest—there are things we all think but don’t say out loud. As a full-time creative and small business owner, I spend a lot of time observing trends, behaviors, and industry norms. And sometimes? I just can’t keep my mouth shut.
So here it is—my completely unsolicited list of unpopular opinions, straight from your favorite Tampa wedding photographer and Tampa branding photographer who will always keep it real. These opinions are funny, slightly spicy, and totally me. Take them with a grain of sea salt on the rim of your margarita.
1. Fondant is a crime against cake.
I’m not saying I won’t photograph your fondant-covered cake beautifully (I will!), but I will internally be wishing it was smothered in rich buttercream instead. Fondant might look smooth and sleek, but it tastes like sweet rubber. I’ve styled food for brands and bakeries as a Tampa branding photographer, and trust me—people can tell the difference. Pretty is great. Delicious and pretty is better.
2. Pumpkin pie is wildly overrated.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’ll happily sip a pumpkin spice latte like any self-respecting GenX woman. But pumpkin pie at every fall dinner party? It’s a little tired. The flavor’s fine, the texture is meh, and honestly, there are so many other cozy desserts to bring to the table. Give me a homemade apple crisp, a brûléed cheesecake, or a warm berry tart and I’ll be the happiest Tampa wedding photographer in the room.
3. I don’t believe in overprocessed branding photos.
Look, I love a beautiful image—obviously, I’ve built an entire career on it. But there’s a line between thoughtful editing and turning your clients into porcelain dolls. When I photograph weddings, senior portraits, or branding sessions, I aim for clean, natural edits that enhance the light and color without erasing reality. In my work as a Tampa wedding photographer and branding expert, I want you to recognize yourself in your photos. Real skin, real texture, real beauty. Over-editing might be trendy now, but it makes every gallery feel one-dimensional—and eventually, outdated.
4. I like the beach for vacation, not for weddings.
Unless we're jetting off to a private island in the South Pacific (in which case, I’ll happily pack my sandals and camera), beach weddings aren't usually the dream people think they are. Between the wind, the sand, and the blazing sun, it can be more chaos than romance. As someone who photographs weddings in Tampa, I’ve seen a lot. Veils flying off, groomsmen sweating through their suits, and makeup melting before the ceremony even starts. Give me a garden venue, an elegant ballroom, or a cozy vineyard instead.
5. Engagement photos ARE optional.
Surprised to hear that from a wedding photographer? I get it. But here’s the thing: you should only book an engagement session if you want one. With experience in Tampa wedding photography I offer engagement sessions because they’re a great warm-up before the big day—but if you’re confident and comfortable already, you’re not obligated to take them. I care way more about you feeling good than sticking to some checklist someone found on Pinterest.
6. Why is every restaurant only serving brunch all day on weekends?
Listen, I love brunch as much as the next girl. But sometimes, I’m just not in the mood for French toast and mimosas. Can a girl get a loaded salad instead of biscuits and gravy? As someone who photographs food regularly and wearing both hats as a Tampa wedding and branding photographer, I know variety is key. Let’s mix it up, restaurants! Some of us just want a protein bowl or roasted veggie wrap before 3pm on a Saturday.
7. Taylor Swift is overrated.
Yes, I said it. She’s talented, yes. A marketing genius? For sure. But not everything she writes is gospel, and I don’t need 17 versions of the same heartbreak ballad on repeat. If you love her, I support you. I’ll even photograph you in a Swiftie-themed bridal robe at your wedding if that’s your vibe. But I’ll probably be humming Fleetwood Mac or James Taylor in the background while I do it.
8. Blurry wedding photos aren’t “art.”
I know it’s the current vibe on Instagram, but please don’t confuse lack of focus with intentional creativity. One or two motion blur shots for effect? Fine. But an entire gallery of soft-focus images? No thanks. As a creative behind both weddings and branding shoots in Tampa, who wants your wedding photos to actually last, I promise you’ll want those key moments in crisp, clear detail. In five years, you'll want to see your dad’s proud smile or your partner’s teary eyes—and not wonder if the photographer forgot how to focus.
9. I don’t feel the need to overshare my life on social media.
Social media is a powerful tool, especially whether I’m capturing wedding vows or personal branding in Tampa. But not everything needs to be online. I’ll share my work, some behind-the-scenes, and the occasional personal moment—but I’m not interested in documenting every meal or oversharing my private life. There’s beauty in mystery and power in boundaries.
10. Can we stop with the lip filler?
Before anyone gets upset, I’m pro self-care. I love a good facial and fully support doing what makes you feel confident. But it feels like lip filler has gone from enhancement to full-blown cartoon. As a trusted Tampa photographer for weddings and creative professionals with their branding, I’ve seen how this can even distort expressions in photos. A little goes a long way, and natural beauty still exists. Let’s bring back balance.
The Real Me, Your go-to Tampa Branding Photographer
Hi, I’m Nina. your go-to photographer for Tampa weddings and small business branding, a food stylist, a creative, and a human who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. I believe in wedding photography that feels real, in people who laugh loudly, and in capturing moments that will actually matter 30 years from now. I believe in fresh light, honest edits, and showing up with integrity in a world that’s full of filters. Whether I’m photographing your wedding, branding session, or sourdough bread here in Tampa, I’m all in—rooted in storytelling, style, and connection. And if you’re someone who values authenticity and humor, I think we’ll get along just fine.
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Thanks for reading this blog post about 10 Unpopular Opinions From a Tampa Wedding and Branding Photographer! I'm Nina Bashaw, a Tampa wedding photographer and Tampa branding photographer dedicated to honest, timeless storytelling. If you're planning a wedding, growing a brand, or just love real talk with a creative edge, let’s connect. Reach out to me or follow me on Instagram!
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