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Challenges with being a Professional PhotographerBeing a professional photographer is exciting, thrilling, and filled with many opportunities. As a professional photographer, we have the opportunity to photograph various people from all walks of life. Whether it's photographing a wedding, family pictures, a baby's newborn photos or more. We get to photograph many celebrations that life has to offer. From the outside, being a photographer seems rewarding, easy, and fun, but there are times and things many don't get to see or experience that are outside the glitz and glam. 
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I attempt to attend the Imaging USA Conference by Professional Photographers of America every year. This year's conference was near Washington D.C. at National Harbor. If you haven't attended an Imaging USA conference, I highly recommend attend the upcoming year. As it's filled with loads of education, networking with other photography professionals from across the world, and so much more.  Recap of Imaging USA Photography ConferenceThis year was Imaging USA first conference after two years due to Covid. The conference was held in National Harbor only a few miles from Washington D.C. It was so nice to see so many photographers after months of only seeing them via Zoom or some other online conference platform. The day I arrived it was my birthday. When I'm in the D.C. area, I must stop and eat and Nando's. This trip was any different. If you haven't eaten there it is a must. Their grilled chicken is cooked to perfection. I always get the garlic bread. As you can see in the picture below, the food look delicious.  Imaging USA - Washington DCIt's the beginning of the year and I'm excited to be flying to Washington DC to attend one of the largest photography conferences by Professional Photographers of America (PPA) - Imaging USA. It's been two years since Imaging's last conference. The last conference I attended was in Nashville, TN. Due to Covid, last years conference was held digitally. It's been two years since I've seen many of my photography friends. This year will be even more special because my eldest son will be attending with me.
They are back in school...It’s the end of August; and what does that mean? If you’re a parent with school age children, this is the time we as parents are excited and overcome with joy, because the kids are heading back to school. Especially after the last 17-18 months of homeschooling (virtual) due to Covid protocols. I'm sure you've taken out the camera to document your child's back to school picture. Ha..ha...I did too. It's a tradition! If you're in the Los Angeles area, many of our kids went back to school last week. This has afforded me the opportunity to be at home and get work done instead of being the peacekeeper, referee, lunch superintendent, teacher, etc. How about you? It’s hard to believe I have a high school senior and a new teenager! I look at my kids and wonder where has the time gone.  They Grow Up FastOk...I'm sitting over here wondering where has the time gone. It seems like yesterday, I was bringing this fellow home from the hospital. Now I'm hearing him talk about what college he wants to attend next year. What happen? Who can relate?  Happy New YearAre you happy 2020 is over? You're not alone. With Coronavirus, the election, job loss, evictions and more disturbing news, I'm definitely ready to start a new year. Many, including myself, were extremely excited about the start of a 2020 - new year and upcoming possibilities of what the year would bring. Let along the numerical number 2020, I heard many say it was the year of vision. A year that many would see great opportunities. As a photographer that's new to the Los Angeles area, I was definitely looking forward to the possibilities of photographing families in my new state and local area. Since moving from the Washington D.C. area, this was going to be my first full year in LA and I was making plans to serve many families by photographing their memories.  My Story...Pregnancy and Infant LossOctober is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. August and December are two of the toughest months of the year for me. These months are the toughest because these are the months two of my sons became angels. Yes, unfortunately, I am counted in the statistics of infant loss. Please bear with me as I write this. Fifteen years ago, I was ecstatic to hear I was pregnant with my second child, only to hear a few months later my little angel was exhibiting signs of hardship and was probably going to die shortly after birth. As a person of faith, I prayed and hoped what I was hearing was untrue. I continued to carry my angel, but a few hours after birth he died. It was one of the toughest moments of my life. Of course, I went thru sadness and loss; honestly, it was rough.  Pregnant with my second son. Hi, It's Me Again...Tamieka SmithHi, it's me again. Our families life today looks totally different from what it looked like back on January 1, 2020. Like most these last few weeks and months have been tough. It's been one of the most trying and toughest year I've ever experienced; the year started with the death of Kobe Bryant, the quarantine (COVID), the death of George Floyd, and so on. With so much free time on my hand and the inability to photograph families and business portraits for entrepreneurs, I have used this time to do some self reflection, spend time with family, try new food recipes, and build new relationships.  Tamieka Smith Family Memories are PreciousFrom the very beginning, I've always been one of those moms whose had a camera in hand. From the time my children came out of the womb, I was taking every picture I could possible take. Whether it was eating at a restaurant, hiding under the kitchen table, or running around the house, I have photographed it. I'm sure there are many Mom like this; maybe even you. I literally have tons of pictures. For me, it comes in handy when they have little projects from school and they need a picture. I can go inside my picture box and let them pick out their favorite snapshot.
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MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHERTamieka
Hello, I'm Tamieka, the owner of and photographer behind Tamieka Smith Photography a portrait photographer in Torrance, CA; serving Northern Virginia & Washington DC. I am happy you came to visit the blog! I hope you find inspiration and helpful tips.
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