The studio has such a relaxed, friendly vibe that you immediately forget you're about to be photographed. The photographer is incredibly patient and professional, yet makes the session feel fun and natural -- no stiff poses, no "say cheese" nonsense. The photos themselves are amazing. Every shot captures genuine smiles and personality, whether it's a family session, a beach backdrop, or just everyday moments. You leave with images that look effortless but feel full of character. From start to finish, the experience is smooth and enjoyable. The staff make you feel comfortable, guide you through poses naturally, and ensure the end result is something you'll actually want to display. Highly recommend for anyone wanting professional photos without the awkwardness of a traditional studio. read more

I cannot emphasize enough the photographic skill and creativity of Richel Lavette. I recently hosted a once-in-a-lifetime fraternity "Chartering" event that included both an early afternoon initiation, as well as a 190 person celebratory banquet including dinner, numerous guest speakers and awards to be presented. She handled both events professionally and with a great eye for framing, lighting and spontaneity. Richel Lavette is the consummate professional photographer. Her skill set includes image set up, proper lighting, images that tell a story, taking charge of large group photos with incredible tact, and looking for the small details that make a good image even better. Ms. Lavette can see what others do not. Her experience, and speed in finding the right images tell an unparalleled story. She requires initial input from the client, and once she understands the priorities, Richel can work independently with little to no supervision. But, beyond her obvious skills as a photographer, she has a strong work ethic and is always ready to capture a spontaneous moment that some photographers simply do not see. Her people skills are outstanding, and is always encouraging people to smile, and have fun while being photographed. Her greatest skills? The ability to listen, interpret, and deliver spectacular results. Lavette Photo Studios is an excellent photo studio, and I give Richel, and her studio my highest recommendations. She earned it. read more

Great works, even if this was a small task, was done well, the owner communicated with me at every step. Thanks!!

Richel is very talented, patient and accommodating. She took our daughter's high school graduation pictures at sunset on the beach and the pictures were nothing short of amazing. She was a joy to work with. read more

Richel is a talented photographer with a great eye, great image options and great package options. We were thrilled to have her photograph our beach wedding. She adapted, rolled with the punches (no beach- gale force winds, etc) and produced a multitude of flattering and artistically pleasing photos to choose from. Cannot recommend her highly enough! read more

Love love love!!! Me and my boyfriend had some pictures taken of us at the beach back on august 10th for our 2 year anniversary. Richel was so nice and friendly and made the whole experience even better! It took about 2 weeks for us to get out photos back and we absolutely loved them. These are so of the best photos we have together! She had many different ideas of poses for us since we weren't really familiar with having pictures taken together and weren't to sure what to do but they all turned out lovely! I attached a few of our favorites!! read more

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I worked with Richel for a suprise engagement photo shoot and it was a fantastic experience. From coordinating a setting and coming up with ideas, she was a tremendous resource. The photos turned out beautiful and she was very easy and positive to work with. Would highly recommend. read more

We have been using Richel for our family photos for years. She always manages to capture wonderful shots, both formal and candid moments. Richel is tremendously kind and she is passionate about creating lasting memories for her clients. I would highly recommend her! read more

We met Richel through a special promotion that our mother's group offered. I am glad we did! She is terrific to work with. She made us all feel comfortable and was able to get tons of great pictures. Everyone who sees our pictures (I have some hung in our home, others I use online professionally and personally) comments on what great pictures they are. I plan on having Richel take our family picture every year and highly recommend her. She will make you and your family look their best. Well worth every penny! read more

We hired Richel to take pictures for memories on a bachelorette trip, and we had an absolutely amazing experience. Richel was so professional, friendly and accommodating to our schedule. We had to reschedule our shoot last minute due to rain, and because of the sun/lighting, Richel reached out the following day to see if we had time to take some more pictures because she wanted to ensure we were happy with the results and had great pictures! I would highly recommend Richel and Lavette Photo Studios to anyone who is in the Clearwater area. She was an absolute blast and made our bachelorette trip even more memorable. Thank you Richel!!! read more

We worked with Richel this April for our family portrait, through a Spring promotion she offered in our mommy's group. This was the first time we hired a photographer and we owe many thanks to Richel in capturing many precious moments in a tough situation, in particular, for a 20-month toddler who is curious with everything and always on speedy movements. Two weeks before the schedule photo session date, my daughter hit her left cheek and got a bruise. Although the bruise got lighter on the photography date, it is still noticeable and cannot be covered by the foundation. In the morning of the photo session day, my daughter fell down on the cobble ground while she played in the park, and got some red rashes on the right cheek. I felt so bad that both of her cheeks got some coloration just before the picture session. I expressed my concern to Richel and she said she would take pictures from certain angels and also do some Photoshop if needed later on. When the session started, I noticed another problem, my daughter was sensitive and seemed confused and fussy when seeing a stranger instead of mommy taking her pictures. However, Richel seemed understanding kids well and she was smiling, singing, and baby talking, trying to get into my daughter's world. My daughter gradually relaxed as time went by, and we got lots of cute pictures of her. my dad was impressed by Richel's lively style, and commented "she is super energetic and passionate." Our session was planned to be 45 minutes, but Richel extended the session to get more pictures while my daughter eased into a better situation. We are very happy about the pictures and will make a photobook out of it. The pictures look natural and everybody's personality flows out of them. I wish I could have met Richel earlier so that I could get some big belly pictures. We will continue using Richel as our family photographer and highly recommend her to our friends who would like a professional, natural style, kind, and fun person to work with. read more

Richel is an AMAZING photographer! She has been doing our family portraits for several years now, and the pictures are *fabulous* every time. She has a wonderful touch with young children, and can get the smile. She's so easy-going and easy to work with. We've had her take pictures at a variety of locations, both indoors and outside, and she easily accommodates special requests.I love that she always sends us so many great pictures to choose from. Would highly recommend! read more

We chose Richel to photograph our family beach weekend after reviewing and corresponding with several other businesses from Yelp. She was quick in her response and I was comfortable with her from the beginning. She came to the condo we were vacationing at and made the best of the storm rolling in, still able to get get some awesome photos of our 3 generation family. The photos themselves are great quality and will grace our walls for years to come! read more

We love the photos Richel took of our family and I must say we were very impressed with her care for choosing the right location and making sure all the aspects of the photography session went smoothly. She's a lot of fun to work with and I highly recommend her. read more

She's a great photographer! We chose her on the recommendation of a neighbor to take family pictures for our holiday cards and calendar. She did a great job and got some amazing pictures - including pictures of our teenage son's full smile, which is like photographing an elusive and rare endangered species! :) We got excellent family pictures and wonderful pictures of everyone. Very reliable and we are so pleased with the results. read more

We have used Lavette Photo Studios for our annual family portrait for many years. Richel is so kind and caring; she puts us at ease our our little kids are running amuck and not wishing to sit and smile. She is able to capture their attention and bring out their best side. Richel's photos are of exceptional quality. Thanks to her, we have beautiful family memories that we can cherish for many years to come. I recommend Richel without hesitation. She is professional, dependable and a great communicator. If you need a photographer, book her now! read more

My wife and I first worked with Richel Lavette in 2008 through a promo she ran with a mother's group my wife was a part of. She has done our family pictures every year since. She always selects a beautiful location - typically parks and other scenic areas. She is very easy to work with, very patient, and really seems to enjoy working with children. Her high energy and good cheer rubs off on her subjects - her enthusiasm always seems to make the kids really happy, and she is always able to coax a smile out of our sometimes reluctant kids. Richel's pictures are really great - we've used them in our Holiday card each year and friends always remark about the high quality of the pictures. She has a great eye not only for the posed shots, but each year she always manages to get some really natural, outstanding candid pictures of the kids. Each time we sit for a session with Richel we get a DVD with at least 70 outstanding, professional photographs. Richel is a terrific photographer and an even better person who is a real pleasure to work with. read more

My family has worked with Richelle since 2009, and we have had wonderful pictures with her every year since. She is great with our two young children, and always captures those inspired moments of sweetness/playfulness between them. Now we are expecting our third child and just had our maternity shoot with her. Having worked with another photographer for my other two pregnancies, I can easily say that this was the best time we've ever had! She kept me comfortable, and made me feel beautiful. My husband and I can't wait to see the pictures. We've already set up the newborn shoot and three month old shoot, because we know those pictures will be wonderful. For anyone looking for a non-temperamental, easy going, professional portrait artist, look no further, just call Richelle Lavette. read more

Amazing photographer!!! She captured the beauty and spirit if our family like no one else!!!

Richel does a great job of capturing our 3 year old son's personality...which is challenging since he rarely stops running. I'm always amazed at the photos she gets of him - far superior to other photographers. She has the patience and seems to truly enjoy working with children. She is able to quickly capture natural poses with him in outdoor settings, and even does a good job with the tired old parents. ;-) read more

We've been hiring Richel for the last 4 years for our family photos. The photos are amazing, we've had our favorites enlarged on canvas and everyone who visits our house comments on how amazing the pictures are. Richel has a knack for getting the kids to cooperate and smile. She has a unique eye for backgrounds and colors. I'm so glad we found her! read more