Family Pictures; when you hear these two words what emotions come up?  For some it may be excitement and yet for others it can be overwhelming and stressful.  Having your family portrait taken is a great experience that you'll never forget.  Family pictures help you create and remember fond memories of your loving family at each stage. However, many parents, especially Moms have stated this day can get very stressful and overwhelming.  I want to ensure this feeling doesn't happen to you. 

Did you know, If you’re stressed it will be on display in your portraits.  I want your portrait experience to be filled with fun and your portraits to be carefree and full of fun.  Here are some tips you can use during your family's portrait experience to help you relax and enjoy the moment:

Tamieka Smith Photography is in Los Angeles, specifically Torrance and serves the entire Los Angeles (South Bay) metropolis.  I frequently travel to visit other cities and states.  In addition, I periodically travel to Northern Virginia to photograph military ceremonies at The National Archives museum and other military installations around the Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland (DMV) area.

All of the pricing for Tamieka Smith Photography can be found online.  If you have a specific question about pricing, do not hesitate to call me at (213) 212-2251.  I would be thrilled to speak with you.

Your LinkedIn profile picture plays an important role in determining how many visits your profile receives. Profiles with professional headshots normally receive 14 times more profile views. They are also 36 times more likely to get a message from other professionals as well. The type of picture you upload on your profile is one of the deciding factors for profile visits and views. Therefore, it is extremely crucial for you to look approachable and professional.

If you’re wondering what makes a good LinkedIn picture, you’ve come to the right place. Since LinkedIn is a professional recruitment platform, you should upload a picture that has a professional tone to it. For that, even if your headshot taken by a professional photographer, you must not think twice. 

​In this article, we share with you some tips that will help you look your best for a professional profile picture on LinkedIn.

​There are so many things that go into preparing for professional headshots; posing, lighting, clothing, and even the location for your headshot.  However, did you know makeup plays a pivotal role in your headshot?  Yes, it does.  So I have written this post to ensure you have the best makeup tips possible so your headshot is far from boring.  You want a headshot that's a freaking rocking portrait. 

Before someone hires you or your company, more times than not, your prospective client will look for a portrait of you; either by looking at your website or social media.  What will you client see if they discover a portrait of you?  You want your headshot to be the best image of yourself; as your face is your name – right.  First impressions are crucial!  That why it’s important to ensure you have the very best makeup tips and photographer when taking your professional headshots.
 
When preparing for your headshot, you want to ensure you start with a clean slate.  Yes, having a freshly washed face is the thing to do. 
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BEFORE:

​Our families are important! When it comes to having family pictures taken most Moms (including myself) look for a professional photographer who will be patient and kind to our children.  Taking pictures can be nerve racking (will your children cooperate, will my husband smile, etc). 

That’s why I have compiled a list of questions to help hire the photographer that will be a great match for your family.

Updated: September 5, 2022

Having your portrait taken can be overwhelming.  After considering what to wear this spring for your family portrait, the next thought is how will I look?  I’ve have had many clients express to tell me “I look fat” in pictures. 

Before, we get started, I must confess, I’m not always a huge fan of my pictures.  In addition, I’m always looking for ways to look best and hide the flaws I don’t like.  As a woman and professional photographer, I know many of us women are self-conscious about the way we look and want to look thinner and beautiful in our pictures especially the pictures with our family.  I thought it would be helpful for you ladies to share a few helpful tips for your next portrait.  
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1. THE RIGHT CLOTHES.
This isn’t a posing tip, but it’s so necessary to include in this post! The clothing you choose makes a huge difference. Avoid bulky or sheer fabrics and choose fitted items (not too tight or loose). Ladies please avoid strapless and sleeveless tops — although they might look great in real life, they probably won’t translate well to the camera.  
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You've visited and glanced through my pricing and galleries and have liked what you saw; now what's next.  Yay, you've decided to hire Tamieka Smith Photography to photograph your family portraits, event, or military ceremony in Northern Virginia or surrounding area.  So, what’s next; to secure your desired date?  I’ll ask you to complete two things next; sign an agreement and pay a retainer.  The retainer is paid at the time you decide to hire me to save your date. I’m unable to hold a date and time on the calendar until this payment is received. This is to ensure that you're as committed to your portrait session or event, since I will be turning away other work.   I’m sure the next question is; how do you pay? You’ll receive an invoice by email or you may submit payment securely online in the online store or via the appointment page. 
 
Here's the outline of scheduling Tamieka Smith as your NOVA family or military event photographer.
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Updated: September 5, 2022

The National Archives Museum in Washington D.C. is the home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights and it is one of the prized locations for military members and their families for promotions, reenlistments, retirements, or commissioning ceremonies.

However, many military members and families are unsure who to contact to schedule the Rotunda for their upcoming military ceremony.  If you are in the Washington D.C., Maryland, or Northern Virginia (DMV), and would like to know who to contact, how many people can attend the ceremony, and how far in advance to contact the museum, this is the blog for you.

When I started my photography career, I looked for someone to help me answer questions.  Someone I could call upon about photography.  Unfortunately all the people I called or sent emails to wouldn't return my telephone calls or emails.  It became extremely frustrating. 

After conducting a search on Facebook, I came across a photographer in Destin, Florida.  I call her and told her who I was and what I was trying to do.  Thankfully she was extremely helpful and answer every question I had and even offered to help me with any additional questions I had in the future.  After experiencing her helpfulness, I wondered why other photographers were so unhelpful.  I couldn't understand.  I also read countless books, attended photography conferences and workshops.  Of course, I began putting in numerous hours practice with my camera and using Lightroom and Photoshop.  It was my own journey of trial and error and the beautiful journey of learning the profession of photography.