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Sending Christmas cards to family and friends is like an unspoken tradition across the United States. It doesn't matter where you live, many people look forward to receiving christmas cards from family members and friends you may not have seen in a while. This is especially exciting for military families, as we are typically servicing (OConus or Conus) in areas away from our immediate and/or extended families. Have you taken your family's portrait to send out your latest Christmas card? 
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It's amazing to see how fast this year seems to be going...it's Thanksgiving next week. What are your plans? Will you cook an extravagant meal with a Turkey and all the fixins for your family? If you're a military family, will you be traveling back home to spend time with your extended family?
I'm thrilled we'll get an opportunity to experience the new F.A.O. Schwarz during this holiday season in New York City (see video below); as well as all the other things/places New York City has to offer for the holidays. For today's Friday Fives, I wanted to share five reasons why I'm thankful. Just a quick glimpse of the news and it's a quick reminder to be grateful and thankful. Here are my top five reasons I'm thankful. 
National Adoption MonthDid you know November is National Adoption Month? Many of you may not know, but I'm an adoptive Mom. Yes, my husband and I adopted our youngest son almost ten years ago. Like many couples we struggled with infertility. From the start of our marriage, we always wanted to adopt a young child, but wanted to have our biological children first. However, God had other plans.  Location...Location...Location for Family Portraits in Northern Virginia Location...Location...Location. Did you know many of the parks and Federal land in Washington DC and Northern Virginia require photography permits?
This includes Private Gardens, Fairfax County Parks, and all Federal land like the National Mall. Permits can range from $50 up to $250 per session. "My child won't last an hour, so mini session is a better fit"Have you ever made the statement “My child won’t last an hour, so a mini session works best for us” or “all we need is a one picture”? At first glance, a mini portrait session may seem like a wonderful idea. Especially since you may see or hear so many other families requesting the same thing. As a matter of fact, this seems to be very common request made by many parents in the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. area. However, once the session is going well; time is up.  The biggest challenge for families and mini portrait sessions are the ability for families to connect with the camera and themselves in a quick amount of time. The overall goal of hiring a professional photographer is to get beautiful quality family portraits. As these pictures will become a loving remembrance of your family's current stage. One of the biggest issues being overlooked is the ability for the child to warm up and connect with your family's photographer.
Which Portrait Session is Best? If you’re in one of the local Northern Virginia mom or parenting groups on Facebook, I’m sure you’ve seen the numerous requests for family photographer who are offering mini sessions. Many have become condition to hearing these words than many don’t know or understand the difference between the different types of portrait sessions. As the name suggests, a mini session, is a smaller version of a full customized portrait session. Many families use mini session to capture a milestone or to offer to clients who only have a limited budget.
For this week's Friday Five, i'm detailing five things that make a customized family portrait session different from a mini portrait session. Let Me Introduce Myself Happy Friday! Welcome to #IntroductionFriday. I currently live in the Woodbridge, Virginia (a suburb of Washington D.C.; in Northern Virginia), but I was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, AL. Yes, the home of the Alabama Crimson Tide. I am married, since December, 1994. I have four sons (two are angels). Traveling and new adventures are definitely two of my most favorite things to do. This is the main reason I joined the United States Air Force after graduating from high school. I wanted to see as much of the world as possible. Photography is my full time job, and I couldn't be happier. I enjoy meeting new people and helping them document their legacy for future generations; also the smiles. As I love to laugh and smile.
Choosing your Fall Portrait LocationChoosing your family’s location for fall portraits in Northern Virginia is one of the most important factors when preparing for your photo session. The location you select will be the backdrop to set the stage for your family’s entire session and will be an essential piece of every picture, pose and, ultimately, the finished product. I recommend picking a location that’s special to you, either a location you love, somewhere you frequent or a place that best represents your family. The family pictured below looks beautiful sitting on and standing next to a piece of history in the Manassas Battlefield Park in Virginia.   Can you believe the leaves in Northern Virginia are already beginning to change colors? Where has the year gone? While driving the streets of Woodbridge, I noticed several trees in my neighborhood were changing to yellow and red. Northern Virginia is such a beautiful and scenic area during the fall season; it's makes for a majestic location to take fall family portraits. With the monuments in Washington D.C. and the beauty of fall trees, no place is the same.
This is the time of year; many families contact their favorite photographer to schedule their family for updated family pictures. Of course, you’ll want to have the absolute perfect location for your family pictures; you won't be disappointed with any of the locations listed. This blog discusses some of the most beautiful fall locations for family portraits in the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. area. 
Happy Labor Day...my office is closed today to enjoy the beautiful countryside in Northern Virginia. However, i'll be back in the office tomorrow to answer emails and take calls.
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Hello, I'm Tamieka, owner of Tamieka Smith Photography. I would love to help you plan your family's sunset portraits in Northern Virginia (or surrounding area) or photograph your military ceremony — possibly both. Working with families and military members is my specialty. I hope you'll look at my recent work and all that’s available for you. I hope we're able to work together and I’m able to document your family’s history.
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