Welcome to the Thomas Bruce Studio blog!
Our goal is to keep you updated on the latest happenings around the studio- including sneak peeks, new products, current specials and maybe even a few photographic tips and tricks to help you improve your own personal photography skills.
The original Thomas (left) and Bruce (right) receiving the distinguished Dissinger Trophy, among other awards, in 1976.But first, a little history… Thomas Bruce Studio has been creating award-winning portraiture since 1973. Its founders, Thomas Burgin and Bruce Evensen opened the studio in its current location in St. Petersburg, FL specializing in elegant portraits and wedding photography. Five years later, as the business began to grow, so did Tom’s family, so he moved on. Bruce carried on with the name to become one of the most respected photographers in Florida, as well as earning the highest honors granted by the Professional Photographers of America, that of Master Photographer & Photographic Craftsman.
Affectionately nicknamed “Papa Bruce”among his peers, Bruce’s mastery of classical portrait lighting led him to teaching on state, national and international platforms. He quickly became Florida’s studio lighting guru. In 1996, I took my first class with Bruce and we quickly became good friends. Years later, when he began thinking of retirement, my relationship with my long-time friend and mentor took a turn when he asked me to take over as the new owner.
(left to right) Thomas, Bruce, and Carol reunited at Florida’s professional photography convention in 2014.The studio changed hands in 2009 and “Papa Bruce” has since sailed off (in his fishing kayak) into the retirement sunset. The most common question seems to be “who is Thomas Bruce?”, and the answer now is simply “I am!” The second most common question is, “so are you going to change the name?”– hell no! I’m proud to be associated with the name and outstanding reputation of the studio that Bruce built in the Tampa Bay community. We’ve added a little more of a contemporary portrait feel to the classical style of lighting, but we’re still carrying on the tradition of being Florida’s most awarded portrait studio since 1973.
Thomas Bruce Studio specializes in families, business portraits & headshots, high school seniors, and photo restoration. We are also proud to be the official senior portrait photographer of Shorecrest Preparatory School and Canterbury School of Florida!
Our community involvement includes The Ronald McDonald House, Flashes of Hope, Heart Galleries, Brookwood of St. Petersburg, The Florida Orchestra, and the Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St. Pete.
Please visit our website at: www.thomasbruce.com