Celebrating Independence Day in Los Angeles, Northern Virginia & DC!Living in the DMV we’re blessed to live so close to Washington DC and be able to experience the the National Fourth of July celebration. It includes a parade, a concert, and fireworks is something you need to experience. But if you want to be “closer to home,” we also have many fun options for Fourth of July celebrations in the Northern Virginia area. From huge daylong festivals with parades and fireworks to smaller, quieter celebrations, there really is something for everyone! My list includes several events in Northern Virginia and the “can’t-miss” celebrations in DC in addition to the best places to see 4th of July fireworks in Los Angeles. As always, check directly with the official websites for other details such a rain dates and other policies. For my friends in the Los Angeles area, I have included a list of the best places to see the fireworks.
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Fun Summer Activities for Kids
It's a new month and if you're like me, you're on the prowl for things to do with your children during the summer months. I've been looking for several different activities as my boys don't enjoy the same activities. This list will definitely help to avoid hearing the dreaded "I'm bored" statement from your children this year.
Here's list of summer activity possibilities for families in both Northern Virginia and Los Angeles. 
Beach Family Portraits at Leesylvania State ParkFamily photographers like to plan everything in advance (day/time/location/etc.) when it comes to family pictures to ensure we have an idea of what our clients want. However, I like to leave a little wiggle room in my schedule just in case there is a last minute emergency or a need for a last minute change for family's portrait session. A few Saturday evenings ago, I was contacted about my availability for a last minute beach session. Unfortunately, the family had to make last minute photographer arrangement and contacted me to have their family pictures taken. They selected Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge as their location for portraits. As you can see from the portraits the location is amazing for cool and unique portraits. Especially in the Washington D.C. area, there is limited beach access, so this location is perfect for the fun summer family beach pictures. From the pictures below, you can see how amazing the location is and the beauty of this amazing family.  Family Portrait Published in Toffee & Honey Magazine
I know it's been a while since my last blog post...but, it's been for good reason. As many of you know, I moved to the Los Angeles area earlier this month...moving is part of the military life. However, before I moving to Southern California, I received great news from the Editors of Toffee & Honey Magazine. One of the last family portrait sessions I photographed prior to leaving Woodbridge was featured in their Mother's Day Edition. In addition to being featured and published, it's a full spread (pages 48-49) in the magazine.
What to Wear for Spring Family Pictures As a professional photographer in Northern Virginia, “What to Wear” is a commonly asked questions when families are planning their family portrait session. I totally understand receiving these questions, because everyone wants to look their best, and styles and color trends are consistently changing. I share these posts as I want to make things easier for my clients. In addition to sharing these helpful tips, I also let my clients know, I’m willing to come to their home to help create a style/wardrobe for their family pictures.
Christmas season is a popular time of year for many families to send out holiday cards to their friends and family. This is a perfect time of year to share updated family portraits as well. This past fall, I received a telephone call from Donnie wanting more information about scheduling a family portrait.  Who's Ready For Spring? Spring in Washington D.C. and the surrounding area provides the most beautiful backdrop for family pictures – why because of the amazing Cherry Blossoms. We are blessed to live in an area where there is such a wonderful array of colors. When the National Park Service (NPS) announces the full bloom dates, there are many visitors that pounce on the area. Fall in Northern Virginia is another great opportunity for family pictures, however, I love spring because of the colors, but also the pleasing smell.
Many potential photography clients wonder why should I have a consultation with my family photographer? This is an excellent question.
If you’re not having a consultation with your photographer before your family or newborn portraits, you should and here’s why. Your photographer wants to ensure you’re receiving portraits of your family you’ll love and adore. The consultation is a fact-finding time for your photographer to learn about you, your family, and your wishes for the requested portrait session. It’s also a great time to get to know your photographer and to determine if you’ll be a great match. If you have kids, the photographer you like and want to hire may not be a fan of children or may only photograph children after a certain age. This fact-finding meeting will also help your overall experience with your family photographer and your expectations towards the result. It’s also a wonderful time to get answers to your burning questions. 7-Year Old Milestone PortraitsWhat's not to like about birthdays...they are so much fun. Cake, balloons, presents; need I say more. In addition to all these great birthday traditions, a milestone photo session is another great way to remember yourself or your child's birthday. To celebrate Gray's 7th birthday, we had a portrait session in Old Town Alexandria.  Brrrr...It's Cold OutsideIt's winter outside...as a matter of act it's extremely cold and snowing. However, when family members travel back to Northern Virginia for holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, many families still want to have an extended family photo. Just not in the cold.
You're first questions may be where can we go to get a great family picture during this time of year? Do we have to go outside in the cold to get a family picture? Do we have to travel to a studio or will the photographer come to us? These are all great questions. |
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Hello, I'm Tamieka, the owner of Tamieka Smith Photography a Los Angeles family photographer and Northern Virginia/National Archives Promotion Ceremony photographer in Torrance, CA. I am happy you came to visit the blog! I hope you find inspiration and helpful tips. In addition, to a peek into my life as a family photographer.
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