Finding My Golden Hour: How I Ended Up in Bayside Cove
Posted by Sienna Blake | Fashion & Wedding Photographer
Three months ago, if you’d told me I’d be living in a small coastal town in Florida, running my photography business from a cottage behind an inn, I would have laughed in your face. Miami was my home. The hustle, the energy, the endless stream of clients—that was my life. I’d worked for five years to build my reputation as a fashion and brand photographer, and I wasn’t about to walk away from it.
And then I came to Bayside Cove for a two-week shoot.
I’ll spare you the rom-com details (though trust me, they’re good), but let’s just say that sometimes life has other plans. Better plans. Plans that involve waking up to the sound of waves instead of traffic, knowing your neighbors by name instead of apartment number, and finding a community that feels more like family than any place you’ve ever lived.
The Big Move
When I first drove away from Bayside Cove after that initial shoot, I cried for the entire two-hour drive back to Miami. I’d left behind something—someone—who made me feel more like myself than I’d ever felt before. For two weeks, I tried to convince myself that long-distance could work. That I could keep my Miami life and just visit on weekends.
But here’s what I learned: when you find your place, you know it. And Bayside Cove was mine.
So I packed up a U-Haul, kept my Miami apartment as a home base for client meetings, and moved my life here. Crazy? Maybe. But it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.
Building a Business in a Small Town
One of my biggest fears about leaving Miami was that I’d lose my career momentum. I’d worked so hard to get where I was—how could I just walk away from that?
Turns out, I didn’t have to.
Freelancing means I can work from anywhere, and with Tampa just an hour away, I’ve actually expanded my client base rather than shrinking it. I’ve landed three major clients in the Tampa area, shot two editorial pieces right here on Bayside Cove’s beaches (the light here is absolutely magical), and I just photographed my second wedding at The Golden Hour Inn.
The best part? I’m not just surviving—I’m thriving. And I’m doing it on my own terms, in a place that feels like home.
What I Love About Bayside Cove
Let me count the ways:
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The Light - As a photographer, I’m obsessed with light, and Bayside Cove has the most gorgeous golden hour I’ve ever seen. Every evening, the sky turns shades of pink and orange that would make any sunset jealous.
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The Community - Everyone knows everyone here, and at first, that terrified my city-girl heart. But now? I love it. I love that the woman at the coffee shop knows my order. I love that people wave when they pass you on the street. I love that this town showed up for me in ways I never expected.
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The Pace - Don’t get me wrong—I’m still busy. But it’s a different kind of busy. I have time to actually enjoy my work instead of just rushing from one shoot to the next. I have time for morning walks on the beach. I have time for life.
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The Inspiration - Every corner of this town is photo-worthy. The historic downtown, the cove at sunset, the local businesses with their charm and character—I’m never short on inspiration here.
What’s Next
I’m still taking clients in Miami and Tampa, but I’ve also started offering destination photography packages for couples who want to get married in Bayside Cove (and trust me, you want to get married here). I’m working on a photo series showcasing local businesses, and I’m even teaching a beginner photography workshop at the community center next month.
But mostly? I’m just living. Really, truly living. And that’s something I didn’t realize I’d been missing until I found it here.
So if you’re ever in Bayside Cove, stop by The Golden Hour and say hi. I’m usually around—probably with a camera in hand, chasing the light, and feeling grateful for the day I took a chance on a two-week photo shoot that changed my entire life.
Until next time,
Sienna 📷
Comments:
Cole Brennan | 2 hours ago You forgot to mention that you burned my pancakes last Tuesday. Twice. But I guess we can focus on the romantic stuff instead. 😏 Love you, babe.
Sienna Blake | 1 hour ago @Cole Brennan - I was DISTRACTED. You were walking around shirtless. That’s on you.
Ruth Martinez | 1 hour ago @Sienna Blake - Honey, we’ve all been distracted by that. Welcome to my world for the last 15 years. 😂
Jessica Chen | 45 minutes ago I’m so proud of you, friend! Remember when you called me crying from your car? Look at you now! ❤️
Sienna Blake | 30 minutes ago @Jessica Chen - I remember! Thank you for talking me through all of it. Couldn’t have done it without you. 💕
Read Sienna's love story in The Golden Hour Inn by Jessica Hopewell.
