It's amazing to see how fast this year has went.  Thank you to all for your amazing and wonderful support this year.  I'm so grateful for the clients who have put their trust in me to capture your family's memories and military milestones.

I hope this holiday, you're able to spend a lot of time with your family and document those memories with lots of pictures.  If you're using your cell phone and struggle with taking bright clear pictures, check out this blog for tips.  It will be a lifesaver this Christmas.

If you're looking for a way to wow your family, definitely check out my family's 20 year recipe for Flaky Biscuits and Apple Butter.  They're the sure fire way for you to get praise.  

From my house to yours...Merry Christmas!  ​

Updated: May 22, 2020

Now that Thanksgiving is over, and the family Christmas tree is decorated it’s time for some holiday treats.  The holidays are an exciting time for many families and it's usually a time where many families come together and bake.  The aroma of cookies, pies, and cakes are everywhere.  One of the most significant parts of the holidays is getting out old family recipes and reminiscing about the treats our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers use to cook and bake.  As a military family, I’m always looking for ways to recreate that feeling of being home; biscuits and apple butter can't get any closer.  The biscuits can be prepared and eaten during breakfast or for dinner with a meatloaf and mashed potato meal.

In my free time, cooking and baking are some of my favorite things to do.  My go to thing to make is homemade biscuits (recipe may be found here).  Those warm steamy little pieces of bread...oh my gosh. And during the fall and winter, I like to make apple and/or pumpkin butter to accompany those biscuits.  Both butters are simple and easy to make and are an excellent food item to have and eat during this time of year.   

It’s the time for holiday parties and gatherings and with them come lots of food, drinks and… more food.  Goals regarding your weight whether it is to lose weight, avoid weight gain, or just healthy eating seem more difficult when the holidays and their abundance of delicious foods, treats and goodies come around.  How can one stick to their goals with so much temptation around?  Let’s break it down to before, during and after.

Before your holiday party make sure to have your regular meals that day at home.  Don’t try to save your calories for an evening event, you can end up eating more calories overall when you show up to a party hungry.  Along with eating your regular meals, make sure you are stay hydrated!  Dehydration can lead to over eating as well so don’t forget your water and make it your beverage of choice to avoid extra, and many times empty, calories from beverages. 

​Have you seen the albums?  I haven’t shared about the albums in a while so today I thought I’d show you a little peek at the new album options that are available to Tamieka Smith Photography clients.
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An album is a great way to showcase your family’s portrait session.  It tells the story of your family in no other way.  And it lives on to tell your story to future generations.  My goal as family photographer in Northern Virginia, is not only to capture the memories of your family but also to create a tangible heirloom that you’ll be proud to share with friends and family, and look back upon for years to come. 
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Now, I get it. Albums are a luxurious product.  However, they’re worth every dollar.

The Christmas season is upon us! As the holiday approaches, we begin to plan what gifts we would like to purchase for friends and family; thoughtful mementos that express our love and gratitude.  Think back a few years… do you remember two of the gifts you received? Now think again, is it easier to recall a memory of an experience you had?  As a military spouse, I have moved 12 times since being married and each time it is inevitable that we discuss how much “stuff” we have accumulated and the need to lighten the load.  Can you relate?