A few months ago, Thomasena contacted me wanting to determine my availability to photograph her husband's promotion ceremony and party that would follow. Since I was traveling to Little Rock, AR at the time we played telephone tag for a few hours.  We were finally able to speak over the phone and we arranged a day and time for us to get together to speak about her wishes.  I'm so glad we were able to get together and I was able to photograph such a special moment.

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!

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!

I had the honor to capture Lieutenant Colonel Mittlemark's promotion ceremony in the National Archives Rotunda.  Promotions are a happy time in the military member's career as well as for their families.  It is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize their outstanding achievement in front of their family, friends, and co-workers.  Ceremonies held at The National Archives are extremely different from a traditional promotion ceremony.

Promotion ceremonies held in the Archives are different due to the location of the ceremony and the surrounds.  It was held in the National Archives Rotunda.  I have photographed in the Archives previously, but it's always breath taking.  The Rotunda is home to the nations original birth documents - The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and so many more.  With the Constitution serving as the backdrop, Major Mittlemark new rank of Lieutenant Colonel was pinned on by his wife and mom.  He was administrated the Oath of Office swearing to uphold the constitution; the very document behind him. 

Congratulations on your promotion to Lieutenant Colonel.

I would be honored to capture your promotion or retirement ceremony in the National Archives.
Contact us today and we can schedule your event.

Stacy and Victor celebrated their upcoming baby’s arrival surrounded by friends, family, food, and presents. They had their baby shower overlooking the National Harbor.  The food had a caribbean flare with red beans and rice, smoked spicy chicken wings, curried chicken, and more.  Stacy and Victor congratulations on your upcoming bundle of joy!
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Baby K. has amazing parents and a great support system of Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, and countless friends.

A military promotion is an exciting time.  This morning, I was fortunate to capture another special moment for a fellow Air Force Veteran.  The promotion ceremony for Major Bowen was held in the Rotunda of the National Archives in Washington DC. The National Archives is the ultimate location for this special occasion since the ceremony takes place in the rotunda where the Constitution of the United States and Declaration of Independence are housed. This is where the officer recites the oath and is pinned to their new rank.  I'm always honored to not only capture this special moment but to witness it; i'm grateful to the men and women who serve. Thank you Maj. Bowen for your dedication and service. 
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We are so excited to announce Tamieka Smith Photography has partnered with Pottery Barn Kids and INOVA Children's Hospital to hold a charitable portrait event.

Have you ever glanced through one of their catalogs?  It's a piece of art!  If you're anything like me, you have bunny ears, circles, and stars on catalog pages for everything you want to buy from the store.  Well now is the perfect opportunity to have your child(ren) photographed in the store and have a printed portrait memory.

We are currently setting up a portrait event with Pottery Barn Kids in Fairfax, VA.  All session fee profits will be donated to INOVA Children's Hospital and you will receive beautiful custom portraits!  

The event is scheduled for Sunday, July 10.  The first portrait session will start at 11:30 am.   The suggestion donation for a session is $99.  Sessions will be by appointment only so be sure to book soon!  Don't miss a great opportunity to donate to a wonderful hospital and create beautiful art with the people you love the most!

To schedule a session, click here.

For more information or to learn how to schedule your own session, visit here.

Are you planning your promotion or retirement ceremony at the National Archives Museum?  Are you in need of a professional photographer?  

Well you have found her!  Tamieka Smith Photography has captured many events at the National Archives.  Our studio is very familiar with the strict photographing requirements at the National Archives.  Tamieka will coordinate with you about your schedule time for the Rotunda.  Thereby capturing family portraits before the ceremony and during the ceremony.  

To see a small collection of portraits taken at the Archives Museum, visit Tamieka's Pinterest Board.

​To schedule your Archives Museum event, contact the studio by telephone at (571) 250-5073 or email.

Being promoted is an exciting time, but to have it at The National Archives as a backdrop to a military promotion is tremendously memorable.   Of all the places to hold your event, this definitely a must!  The hall is surrounded by several historical items such as the Constitution and great wall paintings.  

This week, I had the honor of photographing Maj. Barnhart's promotion ceremony.  Keeping true to form, everyone, including myself was wowed with the building and being able to see the constitution and just being in such a historical environment.  

Below is a quick look at Maj. Barnhart's ceremony.  Congratulations again on your promotion and for allowing me to photographing your memorable event!

Back to School
Can you believe school starts next month?

It seems like school was just dismissed for summer a short time ago, now we're preparing for back-to-school shopping, pencils, backpacks and more importantly having our children captured at their current age.  

Did you buy your child's school pictures last year?  I didn't and let me tell you why!  

• My children's pictures and the parent next to child's pictures look exactly the same.  There is no distinction and my child's character doesn't stand out.  
• Last year, my school charged $52 (per child) for one pose (all sheets looked exactly the same)
• I didn't get a choice of images to make a selection
• 2-minute portrait session per child
• My child's picture looked the same as when I was 10 (same backgrounds/set-ups); that was 30 years ago!