FEATURED POSTS

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?

​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. 

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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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​Memorial Day is the unofficial start of the summer season, the day we head to the beach, bring out the barbecue grills and have fun with family.  However, this year in Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland we’ll be experiencing rainstorms and attempting to stay dry.     
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The Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C. have all fallen off and it’s spring, and we all know what spring brings…unpredictable weather.  It can be cold and rainy one day and dry and warm the next day.  It can be difficult to schedule and plan family pictures with unpredictable weather?  These are some tips that will help you plan a unique indoor session you’ll love.  

Living in Northern Virginia we can experience unpredictable weather at a moments notice; what if you can’t take family pictures outside?  Or what if it’s pouring down rain?  What is the next recourse?  It’s time for an alternative strategy that will be fun, practicable, and allows you to create family portraits you will love and adore to have on the walls of your family home.

​Roll out the red carpet, the new Reveal Box is here!  The Reveal Box offered by Tamieka Smith Photography, a Northern Virginia Family Photographer, is an incredible and innovative way to present your family portraits.  This box can turn a plain box of pictures into a frame where you can change the images at will.  Each box is handcrafted with real leather from Italy with a window to allow your favorite images to be revealed.   It would be a great addition to your coffee table and a star in your living room. 
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Did you grow up singing this jingle?

​I am so excited to share this new product with all of you!  I’ve been searching and wanting to integrate a folio box in my product lineup to find just the right one that you would love.  I wanted to find something modern, yet still luxuriously timeless.  The quality of the build had to be phenomenal, but the box itself also had to be appealing. 
 
This Folio Box is handmade with real Italian leather.  It makes viewing your family’s portraits and experience unlike any other.  Gently open your personalized box of family photographs and one by one experience the memory of your family portraits again and again.

Have you been searching for a Northern Virginia Photographer that offers the finest quality prints and art products available to preserve your family’s history?  Are you looking for a photographer that can transform your digital (pictures) images into works of art?  Have you hired a photographer previously with every intention of transforming your family’s pictures into a canvas or an album, but somehow haven’t had the time?  Me too… We all get busy and have every intention of creating that beautiful piece of art we love.  With my own experience, I’ve learned we all need a little help and guidance.  Would you love for your family photographer to take the reins of creating what you love and design and deliver your wonderful family album and/or frame and hang my recent family portrait.
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​If you’re like me and want to have someone who will take on the hard work of photographing your family, creating an heirloom family album, or hanging your family most recent framed portrait; I’m your family photographer.  ​Continue reading below and you’ll learn more about the archival prints and finished work that’s available to preserve your family’s legacy.  
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When I got married over 23 years ago and had children, my husband and I realized we had to do fun family things for Valentine’s Day.  As a military family, we didn’t have family living nearby to drop our children off with, so we had to be creative.  While living in Northern Virginia things haven’t changed.  At this point we have created a system of different ways to celebrate this love holiday together.

Since Valentine’s Day is on Wednesday this year; instead of a date night, my husband and I have a date lunch.  Even if we can’t go and have lunch at a fancy restaurant, just sitting together eating a sandwich and chips is romantic.  Because we don’t have to yell at any of our children; it’s just us two.  However, as a family photographer, I know you’re probably looking for ways to celebrate your family on this holiday and document the memories you’ll create.
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Let’s discuss a few awesome ideas you can do with your family and make memories that will last generations.
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Now my eldest is the king of this game.  It has taught him how to be strategic and think several moves ahead.  It’s to the point where no one wants to play because we know we’re going to lose…I know it’s sad.  
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Another one of our favorite family games is Trouble. 
 
We love all these games, because they’re appropriate for children and adults of all ages.  ​
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