Unique Christmas Theme Mini Session - CanceledHave you started thinking about your family's Christmas card and what picture you want to put on your card? Well, it's that time of year many families are starting to think about this as well as photographers coming up with creative and unique ways to make a memorable Christmas portrait. If you were on Facebook last week you may have seen many family photographers advertising Grinch portrait sessions. What a cool idea; right. It’s perfect for the holidays – it would make the best Christmas card and it’s unusual and unique. It seems like everyone could see the great possibilities as well. Within days of posting the theme session on her business Facebook page, an Arkansas photographer was getting so many calls for her theme portrait session she booked out quickly and had to initiate a waiting list for next year. 
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Cellphone WoesDo you have a cell phone? I do and they are popular and convenient to use especially for taking a quick picture of your child or something that may be happening around you. It doesn't matter if you're located in Los Angeles or Washington DC or anywhere in between, Moms are universal in wanting to get that little smile or quirky facial expression...myself included. Now that we're in a selfie generation, even business owners are resorting to taking selfies and using them as headshots. I beg with you, don't rely solely on your mobile device to photograph your family's special moments or your headshots if you're a business owner. Looking at the pictures below you can see why?  Cell Phone vs. Professional Portrait Visit to Northern VirginiaWho loves Facebook, Instagram, and the other Social Media platforms? Whether you own a business or not, more than likely, you're on one of the social media platforms. Last month, the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce hosted a social media panel to help business owners develop strategies to help increase their business visibility and social proof. The panelists included John Fillipone from Western Prince William Chatter, Tamieka Smith (me) from Military Wives & Moms of Woodbridge, Liz Whitt-Lee from Get Social with Liz and ST Billingsley from What’s Up Prince William. Their were a lot of great recommendations such as when is the best day or time of day to post on your business page (to get the most visibility and interaction), what information are people in groups looking to know or asking, and how to introduce yourself (your business) in groups. “The biggest way to grow your business online is find a way to help people without being overly promotional,” Whitt-Lee said. Each business will find success with different social media platforms. That's why it's essential to try different platforms to determine which one will work best for your company. “Don’t worry about being on every platform, it’s too much work for one person,” Billingsley said. “The other thing I say is — don’t hire a kid just saying because they know how to post something, that doesn’t mean they know what they’re doing. There’s a lot that goes in behind it.”  Inside Nova (2019) Best of Prince WilliamCongratulations Tamieka....those are the words I receive a few weeks ago. Tamieka Smith Photography of Woodbridge, VA was voted "Best Artist" by InsideNOVA Prince William. Out of 61 business and companies (27 photographers) list in the "Artist" category, Tamieka Smith Photography was chosen as the top artist. I was recognized by residents of Prince William County and readers of InsideNOVA.  Luxurious Story Box Every time a client orders a Story Box I get really excited for them; because I know they are going to fall head over heals when they receive this luxurious box full of family portraits. The story boxes are beautifully designed wooden box with a luxurious soft touch material on the interior with chrome hinges. The quality of the build is phenomenal. When I received this Story Box I was excited and can't wait for Major Day and his wife to receive this beautiful box.
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.
Protecting Your Family's PortraitsWhen selecting and hiring a family photographer to take your portraits, many don’t consider the importance a professional photographer takes to protect your family pictures. Unfortunately computers don't give us advance warning when it's about to fail and they can fail at any time, so I take extra care to protect your family images to ensure you receive delivery of your beautiful family portraits. Thankfully, I’ve never lost an image due to computer failure or corrupt memory cards. This is due to the necessary precautions I take to minimize this from happening and the process I use to ensure you receive your beautiful retouched portraits.  Here are the steps I take to protect your family’s pictures:
Tips to Look Thinner and Confident in PicturesHaving 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. 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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Hello, I'm Tamieka, the owner of and photographer behind 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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