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Are digital files included in the session fee? This seems to be one of the most popular questions many photographers receive in today's digital environment and that includes my studio. Depending on the photographer they answer may "yes" or "no". Why do many photographer's include the digital files with the session fee? In many cases the simply answer is supply and demand. If many consumers are asking for the digital files, why not give it to them. That's what they want...right! Why pay a photographer to print a picture when many drug and big box stores offer one hour printing so prints are available for pickup within an hour. Also, it's easier to store the image on my computer or phone. In addition, we want to share our favorite image on social media. These are the typical answers and responses a photographer hear from prospective clients.
According to a recent study, many people in the United States do not print their images and store them only in one location. Are you one?  Fifty years from now, will you be able to use the same computer as today, or will the CD/USB drive be around to view those digital images? Chances are...probably not! Ever three to four years, new technology is released. For example, when personal computers where introduced to the market, floppy disk were all the rage. I'm sure several people don't remember or have never heard of the floppy disk. We have a different approach!
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Black Friday Special: Half Off Session Fees!!
Now is the time to purchase your photography session! Buying a session for yourself or a loved one – professional photography is the most special of gifts! This offer is valid for a limited time only 20 Minute Mini Session for $425. The session includes:
Cancer is a frightening word! For those fighting the battle; the all dreaded the day when they heard the words or someone in our family tells them they've been diagnosed with cancer. Everything as we know has changed and the world stops in time. What's next? What can I do to fight the battle? These are just some of the questions many ask once the diagnoses is given. Susan G. Komen is an outstanding organization fighting in the battle against cancer. Each year, there is a Race for The Cure run that happens throughout the country. This past weekend, Maryland hosted it's 24th Annual Race For The Cure run. It was filled with so many survivors and their family members cheering them on. While there are so many survivors, there is always the opposite side of the coin. Yet they were there to celebrate the lives of the ladies that meant so much to them.
The race began with thousands of people lined up at the starting line waiting to cycle, run, and walk. Once the race started they were off to the races. There were even cheerleaders cheering them on!
 For some reason, many people always find a reason not to take a family portrait. As a photographer, these are some of the most popular things I hear; it's too expensive, I don't have time, I need to lose weight first, I need to get my hair done; you name it I've heard it. If we decide to take pictures ourselves, the Mom is missing, because usually she's the one taking the pictures.
Location, Location, Location! It doesn't just apply to real estate. Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. is full of historical locations, monuments, and scenic roads. Choosing a photo shoot location might seem like a big deal (for some overwhelming) but it really doesn't have to be difficult. A location usually drives some of the other decisions you will need to make about your shoot so it’s important to choose the right place. We're in the Washington D.C. metro area so there are several possible locations such as a beach, historical sites, monuments, flowers, etc. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you decide on a location: 1. What kind of theme do I want? If a particular building or natural backdrop would work well with your theme, look around your area for spots that meet your requirements. If you don't know what kind of backdrop you want, take an afternoon drive for inspiration. It's easy to overlook beautiful spots that are practically in your backyard. Ask family, friends or of course us, your photographer for ideas too. For example, the image below is from a neighborhood in Northern Virginia.  The National Archives is just beautiful. A few weeks ago I arrived at the museum just as the sun was beginning to rise. The sun was an instant spotlight covering the name of the museum. It's always an honor when I get contacted to photograph a promotion or retirement ceremony that being conducting at The National Archives Museum. If you haven't been to the Archives previously, it's a Washington D.C. must see. It has all of the nation's documents housed in the Rotunda.  Prior to going inside the museum, the member, family members, and friends all gather together outside and socialize. A lot of time, it's the first time co-workers get to meet the member's family. Instantaneously, it's like they've know each other for years.
About a month ago, I was on the telephone with a fellow Air Force spouse discussing photographing her husband's retirement ceremony at The Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. I'm always honored when families entrust Tamieka Smith Photography to capture their most treasured memories that will be discussed and shown to future generations. The Air Force Memorial is located in Arlington, Virginia overlooking The Pentagon, The Washington Monument, and U.S. Capital. It was the perfect retirement location for the Fitzgerald's. We had been experiencing rain all week long, so we were conversing a back-up plan just in case we got rained out. Thankfully it didn't rain; but it was a little foggy. Lieutenant Colonel Fitzpatrick was surrounded by his wife, children, Mom, extended family, friends, and coworkers as he was pin with the military retirement pin and received his signed letter of retirement from President Barack Obama. 
Tips for Beautiful Fall or Winter Portraits
There is a special kind of magic that comes with outdoor, winter photo sessions. The snow lightly falling and icicles hanging from the branches create a lovely backdrop for any photo session. Here are some tips to make your winter or fall photo sessions go smoothly.
Dress warmly.
You will be surprised at how often this is overlooked. Since you’ll be standing outside for possibly two hours, short sleeves, thin fabrics, and open toe shoes will not be comfortable for very long. Shivering makes it hard to look happy and pose properly. This can be challenging for many clients. Our clients want to look nice, but not look so over dressed (i.e. coats). We recommend layering and thick fabrics (i.e. wool). 
 Pictures are in high demand lately. You don't believe me! Look at your mobile phone, I'm certain there's a camera. What about your iPad or tablet, does it have a camera? Do you have a DSLR or shoot and click camera? Although we are taking countless pictures, we no longer print or display those pictures in our homes. These images tend to stay in digital format whether they're on our computers, smartphones, or on the CD from our last photographer. Don't allow your digital images to become lost or damaged. Old Technology  Technology is constantly changing! For example the diskette to the right has been obsolete for years. Many of the devices we rely on and use to store our families history and pictures will no longer be available within 5 to 6 years from now. Sadly, this means you will have to continuous transfer your portraits to ensure you don't lose them and hopefully they don't become corrupted.
Earlier this summer, Tamieka Smith Photography, a Northern Virginia (NOVA) family photographer based in Woodbridge conducted charitable portrait session benefiting INOVA Children's Hospital at Pottery Barn Kids in Fairfax, VA. The event was amazing! It truly was a kids wonderland. We blew bubbles in the store and the kids were amazed. The store had several different room themes ranging from Princess for girls and Star Wars for boys. In the midst of one particular portrait session, this little guy grabbed a book and began reading. He was deeply captivated with the words (pictures) of the book. Doesn't he look the cutest?!!  These are just a few of the images from our amazing Pottery Barn Charitable Portrait Event. I can't say enough about how amazing this event was and how we were able to help a wonderful charitable organization. I hope we're able to do this again!  |
Author
Hello, I'm Tamieka, owner of Tamieka Smith Photography. I am currently located in Northern Virginia and I would love to help you plan your family's portraits or photograph your military ceremony — possibly both. Working with families and military members is my specialty. I hope you'll look at my recent work and all that’s available for you. I hope we're able to work together and I’m able to document your family’s history.
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