Lisa Smiley Photography

Looking Sharp | Sacramento Family Photographer

2012-02-03T16:25:00.000-08:00

It was so nice to meet this lovely family and enjoy the afternoon capturing their beautiful smiles. We had our session on a weekend when rain kept threatening to halt our session, but fortunately for us, it stopped before and continued on after. I love it when that happens!

This sister and brother were just adorable with each other. Their eyes are amazing and I was blessed to capture these moments together!

I am thinking that these two just might break some hearts someday...

Love this! Thanks for allowing me in to capture it!

Super Sweet Double Cuteness! | Sacramento Family Photographer

2012-01-27T15:28:00.000-08:00

You are smiling right now. I just know you are. I mean, how can you resist smiling back at these two adorable boys!? Watch out mom & dad, they are going to be lady killers :) Actually, they were too sweet for that. But they will woo the girlies. The eyes will be the bait. Just too, too adorable!

It was such a pleasure meeting this adorable family! The boys were full of energy and just adored each other, which makes my job so easy and so fun. I loved capturing all the joy they had swirling around that family!

The colors were so warm and cozy this day, too. Such a neat addition to the warmth the family brought.

I do love the tickle fests :)

Oh my. Oh my. Can you feel the eyes just pulling you in?

Mom and Dad were pretty cute themselves. The sun shone upon them and all of it just reflected tons of love!

I get to see these guys again soon. So this exit isn't the end! :)

Do YOU have the Cutest Kid? | Sacramento Child & Charity Photographer

2012-01-25T16:07:00.000-08:00

LisaSmiley Photography is participating in the Charity Model Search to selectAmerica’s Cutest Kid and to raise funds for the non-profit Now I Lay Me Down ToSleep Foundation. (NILMDTS.org)

This is anfoundation that is very near and dear to my heart. Our family lost our firstson, Joshua, just 15 minutes after he was born. NILMDTS did not exist at thetime, but we did capture his moments with us on film to memorialize andtreasure the time we were able to spend with him. Those images are priceless tous now and I would not have changed it for the world.

NILMDTSdoes this for families today. Through remembrance photography that is free ofcharge to the grieving families, professional photographers capture thosemoments in time and give the families heirlooms to cherish, to remember, toembrace. I cannot tell you enough how much this benefits grieving families andhow much it helps in the healing process. It is such a blessing. This is acharity I support with my whole heart. I hope you will, too.

To raisefunds for this amazing organization and to cover it’s cost to send outprofessional photographer free of charge to the families, we are having this “CutestKid” event. So, is your child America’s Cutest Kid? We’ll give you theopportunity to prove it!

The prizewinners will receive a generoussavings bond and gift cards!

Model Search Special:

... $29entrance fee includes a 20-minute model session and one adorable imagesubmitted to the international gallery, entering your child into the “cutestkid” contest.

Finalistswill be determined by online votes.Each vote is $1 (no limit on the amount of votes you, your friends, and familycan cast), and all proceeds from votesbenefit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS.org). The top 25 vote receiverswill move on to the final judging round to determine the winners.

Grandprize winner and runners up will be determined from the 25 finalists. Thewinner and runners up are selected by photography experts.

Call (916)213-6753 or email lisasmileyphotography@gmail.com

now to enteryour “Cutest Kid” in this exciting contest.

*Contestopen to residents of the US. For more information, visit http://www.charitymodelsearch.org/

Bursting with Love | Sacramento Family Photographer

2012-01-22T12:59:00.000-08:00

Bursting with love for each other, I got to meet this family for their second year with me for their family portraits. I love getting together with them and seeing their love. It comes so naturally and genuinely. The sun bursting behind them (and my love for the ultimate sun flare images), just made the session even more memorable.

Seriously one of my favorite images. Love it!

I love the variety of the session. We took a couple different routes with the locations and I think it panned out quite well. So beautiful! Did I mention that I love capturing families? What is better than memorializing their love? Really, it's just a priceless thing for them to treasure and I'm so blessed to be a part of it!

Thanks, precious M Family for inviting me back again this year to capture you guys! Hope this year is your best yet!

Pouring Her Heart Out | Sacramento Family Photographer

2012-01-15T19:39:00.000-08:00

I first met this amazing woman when she taught my son a few years back. And that is what she does. She pours her heart out. I was so honored to capture this beautiful, loving family. It was such a delight to give back some of the joy she has given so many in the incredible job that she does teaching and nurturing our children. She has an amazing gift of peace and patience that comes through in her teaching style and really serves the children - and all those with whom she comes into contact-so very well. Truly.

The love this family shares is so evident and beautiful. I am happy it shows in the images, and it is just a treasure to see in person. Thanks for sharing your heart, Mrs. A, we love it!

In the Nick of Time | Sacramento Family Photographer

2012-01-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

Just at the right moment. In the nick of time.

This session was meant to be and I'm so glad it was! The weather was touch and go and we wanted to go! I was determined to get this gorgeous family in on this special day and I was so happy that we got it to work. There was a little rain, it was a bit cold, but all in all, this special anniversary edition photo shoot went off perfectly.

This beautiful couple were celebrating their anniversary that very day and I was so honored they chose to spend part of it making memories with me. I adored this session and the fun we had dodging the rain! I love that they were up for this urban grunge setting and I love how it is such a juxtaposition with the color and beauty that is before it.

This family was so fun and full of smiles. I just love what I do! I can't say it enough. I love, love, love capturing these moments in time for families.

Beautiful.

Thanks again for sharing your special day with me! I can't wait to capture more special moments with your beautiful family!

Totally Two | Sacramento Family Photographer

2012-01-06T21:04:00.000-08:00

Yep, he's two. And he knows it. He's got spunk, he's got energy, and he's got speed. I've got speed, too. And I caught him looking darned cute!

I loved this adorable family. I met them for the first time on our shoot and it was such a blessing. Mom and dad were so sweet and I loved capturing the very essence of their family. Yes, being two means having your own set of "goal" and sometimes in doesn't really include hanging out for pictures, but I think he did great, all in all!

Loved capturing the light of their love...

We had such lovely light. I'm a wee tad behind in blogging (cough, cough), but even though this was a couple months ago, the weather in Sacramento doesn't feel much different today. (insert YaY from me)

Just had to add this last one! The focus is on that sweet little guy who wanted to run the open field! Freedom! Sooo two, so cute!

The Corrdashians | Sacramento Family Photographer

2011-12-22T14:26:00.000-08:00

This session was a grand adventure! We had a ton of fun and encountered a scary pitbull, laughed and drove and got some fabulous shots of this gorgeous family. I love the fact that one of their friends called them the "Corrdashians" after viewing the sneak peek so I had to steal it to use here.

I was impressed with their adorable doggies. One, for staying calm during the whole pitbull issue (truth be told, I think we were divinely protected from an incident because none of the dogs seemed to notice each other), and two, because they smiled so nicely for me during the photo. I discovered some fun doggie tricks that help them focus a bit more, though they do make me look rather silly in the process.

See? They rocked it! Love this one.

Here are the cute posed kiddos...and below are the kiddos as they are..true siblings at play.

I was so pleased that they fell in love with their images..and loved that they were up for the setting. It was a blast.

These gals can rock it!

Thanks again, sweet C family for a great session! May your holidays be blessed and may your huge wall portraits remind you how you can all rock it!

A River Wedding | Sacramento Wedding and Engagement Photographer

2011-12-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to show you some images from a gorgeous wedding I shot with the amazingly talented Wendy Hithe of Wendy Hithe Photography. It was a beautiful wedding and both the bride and Wendy were a dream to work with. It took place at the the beautiful Le Rivage Hotel in Sacramento. The River was so beautiful in the background for this stunning wedding. Shannon and Sean had the wedding of their dreams and it was such an honor to be there to help capture it!

I just adored this tender moment between the mother of the groom and the bride. It was so sweet, and so neat to be able to capture that moment in time.

I couldn't help but capture the way the groomsmen set down their glasses and beers while taking their formal shots. It's like they got to be part of the wedding as well.

Married!

Shannon and Sean, the happy couple!

They had such a fun bridal party..everyone was so thrilled and happy for them on their big day!

The sun was perfectly setting ...such a beautiful back drop to a romantic scene..

The cake and flowers were stunning. Bella Bloom did a wonderful job on the floral design; I just loved the colors!

Shannon's sweet new daughter in law gave the sweetest toast. There could not have been a dry eye in the room!

Consider It All Joy {Southern California Newborn Photographer}

2011-12-11T14:54:00.001-08:00

Our family has been blessed by a brand new baby girl! Alexis Joy was born to the great delight of our family and specifically, to my youngest brother and his beautiful wife. Brother Anthony welcomed her with great happiness as well! She is perfect, just perfect.

I had the great pleasure of capturing her in the first days of her life on a trip to Southern California, where I grew up and my brother still lives. The experience was true to Alexis' middle name: an utter Joy! She was such a doll and slept well for me, allowing me to get her into those sweet little newborn positions and making room for her brother to grab her sweet little toes and kiss them with all his love.

Yes, she is adored by all. Who can blame us!?

I love how we caught some "smiles" at this tender age. Clearly, she loves her daddy already!

I just couldn't resist this! Now if this had been a client of mine, and not a relative, I may not post this sweet and silly spontaneous moment on the blog, but since it's my blood (and since I know my brother and sis-in-law are OK with it), I just had to share. I hope it's not TMI, but it really was a funny moment!

Back to some sweet tenderness with daddy...

We love you so much, Alexis Joy! Welcome to the world!! Love, your auntie Lisa xoxo

Capitol Fun! | Sacramento Family Photographer

2011-12-03T21:54:00.001-08:00

I had the pleasure of photographing this darling little boy when he was just 6 months old with his beautiful mama. Remember this darling face?

And now look at him! Even cuter as time goes on! He is quite the little prodigy...leaning the violin at two years old and keeping his parents wrapped tightly around his little finger!

Daddy got to join in this time and it was fun to roam around the capitol to see what we could see...

It was just a beautiful day. And this family made the most of it!

Love. I feel so blessed when my clients keep coming back to me to document their lives. It's something that is truly valued and cared for..the preservation of a family captured in images. Thanks for including me, precious G family!

Tons of Fun | Sacramento, CA Family Photographer

2011-11-30T13:06:00.001-08:00

Oh my goodness, I had so much fun with this darling family! They were such a pleasure to work with and I am in love with their gallery. Each photo just makes me smile! Here is just a sampling, I am sure your smile is already well placed, big and wide for this one!

This was a beautiful day at our location, but there were TONS of people! Many photographers, families and friends. I had to do a little magic to get the look we wanted without all the people in the background, and I think it was worth it! Interestingly, the ducks that are so often there, were not. Funny day.

These girls adore their parents. And each other. It is just soo darn cute to watch and enjoy!

Ah! Be still my heart. Such tenderness!

I thought this one was great for their grande finale :) Thanks so much, incredible "N" family, for making this profession of mine so dang enjoyable and blessed!!

Darling | Sacramento Family & Child Photographer

2011-11-27T09:48:00.001-08:00

I got to meet these two gorgeous brothers through mutual friends and what a pleasure it was! They are so sweet with each other and so stinkin' adorable, it was hard to leave! Check out the amazing hair these guys have! And the eyes and lashes are sure to steal a few hearts down the line...

Why does it always seem that the boys get the amazing lashes?! Really, it hardly seems fair :)

Just adore this last one. Sweet baby in the buff...be still my heart!

Lovin' to Pieces | Sacramento Newborn Photographer

2011-11-19T22:17:00.001-08:00

I had the wonderful TREAT of capturing precious baby W on his eighth day of life on October 31st! he was such a good boy for me, too! He slept so well and was so darling, it was hard to leave. I loved every minute and so enjoyed getting my little baby fix yet one more time!

Mom and Dad are first time parents and utterly in love. Who could blame them? Check out this cutie pie!

Mom was so, so stunning and she shines from the inside out! She was actually my son's teacher last year. He was so nurtured, challenged and loved as her student and enjoyed being in her class so very much. This new little guy will have all that and so much more...how very blessed he is!

Just love these tender mom and babe moments...

Well, it was Halloween, so I had to bust out my orange blanket. It made me happy. I love orange!

I love the look of a babe in a cocoon. Be still my heart.

Thank you, sweet M family, for having me in to capture these special and fleeting moments for you.

Double The Fun! | Granite Bay Family Photographer

2011-11-10T13:01:00.001-08:00

I so enjoyed meeting this darling family with absolutely the sweetest twin girls on Saturday morning a few weeks ago. It was early early, but they were up for it and just so wonderful to watch. They clearly adore each other...almost as much as their doting parents adore them!

You all were just a sweet blessing for my morning! Thank you so much for spending it with me and letting me capture this very special time in your lives. You all have a treasure in each member of your family and it's obvious you see that very clearly!

Class of 2012 - Caleb: Class Rep For LSP | Sacramento Senior Photographer

2011-10-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

Meet Caleb, another one of my incredible senior reps. We did our shoot some time ago, but alas, here he is in his full glory on my blog. I was so happy to go out and shoot with him and so very pleased he brought along his guitar. This senior is very talented, participating in student government, music, a band, and drama all the while keeping up his grades, working part-time, being very active in his church and being a great friend, brother and son. He's got a lot on his plate, to say the least.

But he holds himself up with integrity and honor and I so appreciate that. It shows in his smile and his countenance.

Caleb rocked it...literally! I think this next image is going on his first album :)

And this is the smile every mother loves to see ...

As luck would have it, we found this perfect purple wall right where we were shooting!

Congrats, Caleb. I know it's a busy time, but you have the faith and determination to get through it all! Just remember to keep having fun!!

Watch out ladies...

BFFs | Folsom Family and Child Photographer

2011-10-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

It has been busy around here...blessed and busy! As it is, it seems that this beautiful session slipped on by in my folders and I haven't shown it to all of you! This wonderful gal pictured won a session that I auctioned at a fundraiser for Cristo Del Rey High School. She was sweet to call and make it all about her daughter and one of her daughter's best friends. But you know I had to capture of few of her, too!

These gals have been friend since they were little, and it was so neat to see how they clicked..how they were just two peas in a pod together. They requested a jump shot, saying they were "experts" at it. I think I may have to agree!

So so pretty...loved the light that gently cascaded them...

Yes, they rocked it together!

At the end of the session, I suggested cooling off and that's what they did! I love it!

Two peas in a pod? Or Charlies Angels? Well, there was one bestie that couldn't make it, which would have made this image even more complete.

Thanks for letting me capture your friendship and your love!

Keepin' it Rollin' | Sacramento Family Photographer

2011-10-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun to deliver this order to my amazing clients yesterday! This family was so much fun! They heard of me through an auction for which I donated a session to benefit Cristo Rey High School. It's a college preparatory high school for urban young people with limited educational options. They were not the actual winners of the session but I think we all won with this session! I had so much fun meeting this family and hanging out with them. I adore how the images came out and was blessed to hear they did, too!

Are these kids gorgeous, or what?! Seriously, those eyes. Watch out, Mom and Dad!

And now we see where they get those good looks!

The rolled on over in this amazing car. It has 10,000 miles on in and it was born in the early 1970's. Amazing. It has been in the family for some time and with the way they take care of it, it will be for many more! I loved including this little piece of their family history in the shoot.

Thanks again, sweet S family! Looking forward to Senior pictures next year and many more years to come!

Class of 2012 - Beautiful Miss T | Sacramento Senior Photographer

2011-10-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to get the opportunity to go out with this lovely high school senior and her mom to capture her in this amazing time of her life! She had so many adorable looks, it was hard to choose, but here are some of my favorites!

This shot below has a neat story behind it. While mom was away for a moment, I shot a few of Miss T with some beautiful light behind her. I loved them. Mom didn't see these until the gallery, and I was thrilled to here they were among her favorites. The image below actually looks like an image taken of Miss T when she was two. They showed me the image, and it's so neat to juxtapose them! It was one of her all time favs and now she has this one to put by it, 16 years later! I love that!

Love this shot with the neat Ziggurat in the background!

Thanks again for letting me capture these special moments and time of your life!

I Heart Faces Challenge - A Touch of Sun | Sacramento Children's Photographer

2011-09-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge over at Iheartfaces is "Touch of Sun". I went out to my backyard today to play with my new lens and captured this while I was there. I just love sun flare these days, but this one was so different. It almost looks like he is being seen through my eye! In a way, it's a little eery, but I am really liking it. Anyhow, head on over to Iheartfaces and check out the other amazing entries!

Golden | Sacramento Family Photographer

2011-09-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

You may recognize one of the members in this beautiful family. She is one of my gorgeous senior reps, Class of 2012, and you can see more of her first session with me here. After taking her images, her family asked me to take their family portraits...something that hadn't done in a very long while! I was honored and blessed to be asked and of course, gladly accepted.

Not only are they all easy on the eyes, their hearts are huge and beautiful, too. It was so fun taking them to this fun, urban location. They were a little surprised when we got there, but I think they were convinced soon after. I just love juxtaposing such beauty next to grit, texture and interesting backgrounds. I think it just further shows them off, don't you?

This family is golden. They are precious with each other and cling to their faith in God as a rock and a foundation. It shows.

Seriously, is it even fair to have ALL the members of your family look like they belong in fashion magazines!?

Over 20 years of marriage and they can still rock it!

Thank you so much, precious {R} Family for making this session so enjoyable! I am blessed to have been the one to put your first family portrait on your wall to show off to the world! God Bless~Lisa

Ten | Sacramento Family Photographer

2011-09-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

I was so privileged to photograph this extended family a few weeks ago. I am such an advocate of yearly family pictures and it's always a beautiful thing when extended family can also join in. These kiddos are so lucky and blessed to have both sets of grandparents nearby to share their lives with. It was so neat to capture them all together on this special session.

You would not believe how long this adorable couple have been married. Don't they look like newlyweds? Seriously, it's a beautiful, beautiful relationship.

I loved capturing them all together, but also had so much fun capturing their nuclear families.

And last, but not least, here's Fabio. A very important member of the family that I was required and hired to photograph. No problem, he's a cutie too!

What To Wear | Sacramento Family Photographer

2011-08-31T23:17:00.000-07:00

Like me, many of my clients would love a little help planning clothing for their family photo session. It can be a daunting task, really. So I give them help by providing them with information in their client welcome packet and I provide as much advice as they desire. I have had clients take photos of all the outfits organized on the floor for me to see and I have had clients take pictures at stores while shopping. It's all great! I love to be involved because clothing is a very important part of the shoot! I love what coordinating outfits, textures, accessories, textures and colors can do. Doing it well will really enhance the photos and make the family just POP for the viewers eye.

All that being said, here is some more help for my amazing clients. I am getting pretty booked for the next few months and I look forward to seeing what is coming my way in terms of clothing choices. I know it's hard to make these decisions, but while the weather is still warm, check out these examples. You can either go buy what is shown, or use it as a starting point... a springboard, if you will, for your own choices. Either way, I hope it helps get your creative juices flowing! Enjoy the journey...I look forward to capturing some amazing beauty while photographing your family!

Boudoir Boutique! {Sacramento Boudoir Photographer}

2011-08-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

Exciting Announcement and Mini Session Event!! Lisa Smiley Photography is partnering with the fabulous Kimberly Dunn Photography to bring you an exquisite opportunity on October 15th! Our Boudoir Boutique sessions are filling up fast, so be sure to contact me ASAP to book your session!

Beautiful Sarah | Natomas Charter Sacramento High School Senior Photographer

2011-08-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

Meet Sarah. She is one of my amazing and wonderful senior reps for this year! She is an beautiful individual, inside and out. She actually shares several passions of mine, which made it really fun to hang out during our shoot. She is super sweet with a very caring and carefree attitude about life. I loved spending the time with her and getting to know her better during our time together.

She really rocked the shoot. But she is also pretty darn talented behind the camera as well! She started a photography club at Natomas Charter and takes some sweet images!

Her sweet spunky personality just makes you smile when you are with her. I'm telling you, she is a real blessing to be around!

I loved that she wanted to incorporate her love of reading and education into her shoot! We had so much fun nearly taking over this small bookstore!

We ended in a wide open field and got some shots of her softer side...so beautiful and elegant!

If you are interested in booking a Senior session, please call Lisa at 916.213.6753 or email me at lisasmileyphotography@gmail.com

So Precious | Santa Rosa Newborn Photographer

2011-08-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of capturing this precious 4 day old in Santa Rosa just a couple days before leaving for my vacation. I'm so glad she came a little early as I might have missed the prime time to get these adorable sleepy shots. It's always best to capture newborns within the first 10 days of life if you want these types of images, and my ideal is 4-7 days. So she caught me before I went and the fabulous drive to Santa Rosa was even more greatly rewarded when I got to meet sweet J.

I love baby parts. So tiny, so precious, so sweet. Love her little toes here. I also love how they are so bendy...they are so used to their comfortable womb stay, this is their preference at 4 days old. Well, usually. Sweet J was wanting to stick one leg out during a good part of the session. It was adorable.


I love capturing motherly love.

The beautiful family...I'm thinking that she might be pretty darn good lookin'!

She was so tiny that this darling cocoon just enveloped her, but I love the way it looks...like a little pea in the pod!

I just couldn't resist this one! Dad is already wrapped around her littlest finger and she seems to know it! Love!

In Love | Sacramento Engagement Photographer

2011-07-27T23:23:00.000-07:00

When Mrs. B-to-be asked me to shoot their engagement session, I was thrilled. I knew she was stunning inside and out, and couldn't wait to meet her fiance. We were met at our location by several skunks out for an afternoon stroll. No worries, they behaved themselves...and the setting was perfect for the country feel the couple wanted.

During the session, they told me they met when friends set them up. What I found out after the session, is that another client of mine had a hand it and was excited to know that I was the one to photograph their engagement session. Small world, huh!

Mr. B and Mrs. B-to-be were lovely. I appreciated his tender and sweet ways with her and their smiles were contagious. They have a very special relationship that is rooted in their greater shared faith. It's beautiful to see and capture. Here's to years together without end. Congratulations!

Laugh | Sacramento Family Photographer

2011-07-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

I had such a neat time with this family! The brothers were so sweet to each other and I especially loved how the older boy knew how to get his younger brother to laugh. They are good buddies, to be sure.

I love it when I get the opportunity to take the kiddos away on their own, while the parents enjoy a nice walk and some time together. I get to know the kids better and they just shine. Are they beautiful, or what!?

Then, it's fun to get the parents in on the action. Here I was going for a serious look and loved how Mom absolutely brought the subtle sexiness to the image. Love it! Doesn't hurt that I got my yummy sun flare in it, too!

Like I said, this family was full of laughter and sweetness. I loved their interaction together and it made me smile the entire session! I love, love, love capturing families!

I'm not sure Mom and Dad were ready for some of my instructions and the poses I suggested, but I do know they ended up having a great deal of fun with them! It's a good time to reconnect and forget I'm there. Thanks, lovely T family, for allowing me in to capture some really special moments!

Wishing You a Wonderful Independence Day Holiday!

2011-07-01T23:08:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to drop a note to wish you and yours a very Happy 4th of July! I'm looking forward to a bit of R&R with the family. Hope you get some, too!

Keep Smilin'!

Lisa

Get your Senior Rep Applications in! Class of 2012, You Rock! {Sacramento Senior Photographer}

2011-06-28T16:32:00.000-07:00

Lisa Smiley Photography is now conducting a search for some outgoing and wonderful senior reps from high schools in the Sacramento, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove, Carmichael, Davis and Folsom areas! We will be accepting 1 to 2 students to be reps from each school.

If you are going to be a graduating Senior in 2012, this is your amazing opportunity! So what is the opportunity?

-You get a fantastic, personalized complimentary senior session!

-You get a free accordion album to show off some of your favorite images!

-You get personalized senior rep cards with your amazing image to pass out to the seniors you know!
-You get watermarked images for your Facebook profile!

-You get the opportunity to earn even more free images and goodies from your session and even another session!
AND,
If you refer 10 or more seniors to me who book a session, you will be entered into a drawing
to win a KINDLE! Just in time for college!

Sparkling | Sacramento Family Photographer

2011-06-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

I had such a fun time photographing this beautiful family. They truly sparkled in their love for each other and it was fun to see them play together. It was an early morning session, and the kiddos handled it quite well, especially for summer! I, on the other hand, found my left leg planted in a knee-high hole toward the end of the shoot. Fortunately for me and the rest of the shoot, I was moving slowly around mom and daughter and fell straight down into the nicely camouflaged varmint hole. Still have the bruises to show for it, but, as you can see, it was well worth it!

I just love the relationship these two have. They get along so well and are so sweet with each other. With those smiles and dimples, I think they may need to be looking out for one another pretty soon!

And it's not hard to see where their good looks come from...

Thanks so much for letting me capture your sparkling, beautiful family! I think it was just

the perfect time!

Double the Love {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2011-06-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

Look at the love this sweet mama gets...double the love! Her gorgeous twin boys crown her with perfect glory and they are blessed by her amazing smile and love and dedication.

What a fun opportunity it was to catch this beautiful trio before they begin their new adventure in Texas. California and those here that love them (and there are many) are going to miss them terribly, but lucky for Texas! They are coming your way!

It's not really hard to see where these handsome boys got their looks, is it? Mom is fabulous, both inside and out!

We had so much fun on our session and got to do a little role playing. As I mentioned before, they are headin' to Texas, so mom got some goods and we got in the mood for some cowboy love (incidentally, there is just one Cowboy fan in the family and might I mention, he is rather excited to be moving to Dallas!)

They humored me with some jumpin' love :)

It is going to be very sad to see them ride off into the sunset, but it was sure wonderful to know them here for the time I did..and Texas isn't that far, after all.

I Heart Faces | Let's Hear It For The Boys {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2011-06-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

This week's theme over at I heart Faces is "Let's hear it for the boys". These are mine :) I love this photo and the fun they are having in it! Be sure to check out all of the other fun submissions over at I heart faces! I am sure they will all be tons of fun!

Peekaboo! {Sacramento and Santa Rosa Maternity and Baby Photographer}

2011-06-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

And that's it! Just a cute little Peekaboo belly at 8 months! I loved this shoot with some dear friends of ours. She is beautiful and 8 months pregnant (she started out very tiny, so haters step aside...she is healthy and eating just fine :) ! He was our best man at our wedding. It's so wonderful to be able to share this time in their life with them. The anticipation of their sweet little girl to come is just so exciting! We can't wait to meet her this August!

Yes, she can still do this! She is an avid Yoga aficionado and still goes as much as she is able. I must admit, her getting into this pose made me gasp, but she did it with grace and beauty. And where is the baby belly? Here in the next photo:

Their home in Santa Rosa was a great starting venue for some beautiful shots of her alone and with her handsome hubby.

Then we ventured off in the wine country to find some more vineyards and found this pretty field after some off-roading and rock climbing. Seriously. But it was all safe. Really.

I just love photographing pregnant women. It is such a miracle and an amazing and wonderful time to capture.

I had to throw in some more yoga poses. We did these the next morning at her home. Stunning.

Thanks for such a fun and wonderful session! I can't wait to come back soon and meet your sweet little miracle and capture her for all to see!

A Happy 1! {Sacramento Family & Baby Photographer}

2011-06-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

See this happy little guy? How lucky am I get to capture him again! He is now the big 1 and was ready to play again. I photographed this sweet little guy and his mom and dad at his 6 month milestone back in November and the second time was even better! He is a very curious and beautiful 1 year old and it was so neat to see him with his doting parents.

They are smitten, that's for sure! I love the image below. Did I mention that he's very active? Well, there just so happen to be a police helicopter circling above our location for at least a half hour. When he wasn't looking up, he was seeking the adoration of his loving parents. His look below says it all. "I know you want me to look at you and sit here and be darling, but you know, my parents are back there, and, well, that's where I'm headed..." And dad is watching and ready. Love it.

I can't help myself with the sun flare thing. I must have it. I love the mood it adds to this image and the tenderness it brings out between mother and child.

Mr. B is one happy one year old. And I am one blessed photographer to capture him right here, right now, at such amazing cuteness! Thanks, S Family, for inviting me into your lives once again.

BabyQ - Waiting for Baby J {Santa Rosa Maternity & Newborn Photographer}

2011-06-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we enjoyed one of the sunny days in Northern California outside. We went to a lovely "BabyQ", a family friendly bbq baby shower for some friends that are expecting a baby at the beginning of August. I am honored that they have chosen me to capture some maternity images in a couple weeks and their sweet baby girl when she comes in just a couple months. But at the BabyQ, it was fun to capture a little sneak peak of the miracle on the way and the people welcoming her into this world.

Here are the gorgeous Mom & Dad, followed by some fun images of friends at the celebration.

They also asked me to make the cupcakes for the party. I haven't yet posted them on my sweets blog, but here's a little sneak peek. They were Cookies and Cream and Red Velvet topped with Cream Cheese Vanilla Buttercream. The toppers were also made by yours truly out of fondant. Yum!!

Here is the lovely hostess, Sweet L. So enjoyed getting to know her and chat with her about her upcoming wedding!

Loved this capture of Mom and Dad...and baby bump to boot...

Mom is a fellow lover of all things sweet and I was so pleased with her the enjoyment of the cupcakes :)

A Double Celebration | Sacramento Event Photographer

2011-05-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of photographing beautiful S's First Communion Celebration and her 8th birthday party last weekend. It was such a fun time with so much beauty and adventure for her. She is sure to remember it for a lifetime!

Not only did she have the commemoration of a wonderful spiritual time in her life, but she got to share it with so many family and friends who adored her and came to celebrate with her. It was really an amazing time and I was blessed to be there to capture it.

Now hold on, sweet readers, there is lots to behold ahead, from tiaras, to swimsuits to pinatas. So much fun in one day!

Miss S was absolutely radiant in her dress and veil. And possibly even cuter with her darling brother by her side...

Her friends and family were tons of fun to capture as well!

And look how she adores her dad...I don't know, but I might venture to say she's got him wrapped around her little finger. :)

Yup. Wrapped.

And the true fun begins for an 8 year old girl!

Just as sweet and sassy as can be. To be fair, this was her "silly" face and I asked her for it :)

Thank you, fabulous photographer, Jackie Shandy-Pinto, for entrusting me to capture this special day for your daughter and family! I had a great time doing it and allowing you to enjoy the day with your family and friends. It truly was a privilege.

I Heart Faces |Yellow {Sacramento Lifestyle Photographer}

2011-05-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge over at I Heart Faces is Yellow. I just love this capture of sweet H dancing in the street in her fun yellow and white dress and wanted to share it once again!

Feel free to check out many of the other fun "yellow" entries at I Heart Faces!

I Heart Faces | May Flowers {Sacramento Photographer}

2011-05-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't resist this weeks fun challenge over at I heart faces! I just love photographing flowers and they are in amazing bloom right now! This is one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy! Have a great week!

Be sure to check out the I Heart Faces website for more botanical beauty!

It's Senior Rep Application Time! Class of 2012, Step Right Up! {Sacramento Senior Photographer}

2011-05-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

If you are going to be a graduating Senior in 2012, this is your amazing opportunity! So what is the opportunity?

-You get a fantastic, personalized complimentary senior session!

-You get a free accordion album to show off some of your favorite images!

-You get personalized senior rep cards with your amazing image to pass out to the seniors you know!
-You get watermarked images for your Facebook profile!

Does all this sound wonderful to you? Are you outgoing and willing to be diligent in sharing your images and experience with Lisa Smiley Photography with your fellow seniors? Then you are in the right place! Fill out our application by June 30, 2011, and you will be considered for some of these amazing rep model opportunities!

Fill out the application here and your response will be sent directly to Lisa Smiley Photography!
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{This is an example of the cool front of a 2011 Senior Announcement card. I have many to choose from and you get your choice of images! Just another thing to look forward to as you apply to be a senior rep with Lisa Smiley Photography! }

Fields of Beauty | Sacramento Portrait Photographer

2011-05-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

I couldn't stand it any longer. Day after day while taking my kiddos to school I pass by some glorious, beautiful fields. They are constantly changing and last week, they were gold and fabulous. I just had to get out there and shoot! So I did. Here is beautiful J, modeling my fields :) Well, in reality, she is actually making the fields even more beautiful, don't you think?

We had a good portion of the golden hour to shoot in and, though we were on serious lookout for snakes and swatting major bugs, it was well worth it. I just love the outfit she chose and the fields were enveloping her in majestic beauty.

We went a little western and threw in the hat and I think this is one of my favorites of the evening. Followed of course by Miss J and her gorgeous laugh. Seriously, her inner beauty just emanates from her and makes her outward appearance even more fabulous!

While we were shooting, the sunset and the timing so close to Mother's day was reminding of us our loved ones - my sweet mom and her sweet mom-in-law - who have recently gone to their sweet glory in Heaven. This little lady bug and the stunning sunset set the stage for enjoying our memories of them and remembering them with love. I was so grateful for that! Thanks, Miss J, for coming out with me and enjoying such a special time!

LSP Client Photo Contest and Giveaway! Go Vote Now!

2011-05-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and so is the commemoration of Lisa Smiley Photography’s Anniversary! I want to share something very special with all my past clients for their incredible support of LSP! You have all blessed me so much and I want to give you the opportunity to get one more very special print from your last session!

So how are we going to do this? Through a fun “favorite photo” contest! Here is how it will work. I have chosen just one photo from my sessions this past year and they are all posted on my Facebook page. You will have the opportunity to vote once for your own photo and invite your friends and family to vote for it, too!

The photo with the most “likes” by Friday May 27th at 10 pm will win a beautiful 11x14 Metal Shadow Box Image of the photo! That is an incredible $325 value! It is a contemporary high end frameless, beautiful mount. The image is actually baked into the metal! It is really cool! The image appears to be floating on the wall as it is set upon a 1” inset inside the edge of the mounted image.

It’s easy to vote! Just get your friends and family to vote for your photo and don’t forget to vote for your own! All they need to do is “like” Lisa Smiley Photography and “like” your photo!

Thank you so very much for being the best clients ever! I adored capturing the light in you and giving you some incredible memories to cherish! Wishing you the best of luck in getting this one special image!

And remember, if you refer two clients to me, you will receive a generous credit toward your next session, so don’t hesitate to share the love and get some back yourself!!

Thanks so much! Lisa

The photos pictured here are examples of the giveaway shadow box!! Cool, huh!?

I Heart Faces | Wind {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2011-04-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

This is a fun week over at I Heart Faces. The challenge is wind! I thought immediately back to my session the lovely L Family. We had such an entertaining session (in so many ways!), not the least of which was the wind that would kick up from time to time in our little urban location. I went back through the images and found this doozy to share. Ah, the wind. Sometimes, it can just cause us to smile.. after it has first rubbed our nerves a bit!

Head on over to I heart faces for the rest of the entries..they are bound to be beautiful and fun!

Beautiful Birthday Girl {Sacramento Children's Photographer}

2011-04-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to share this post with you! I am debuting a little bit of what is to come in the future with some video "fusion" in my sessions. Though I don't have any video of this session captured, I have been playing with it and a slideshow like the one above is going to be part of it, so thanks for checking it out!

I had such a neat session with miss A and her mom, Kimberly, a friend and fellow photographer last weekend. I called her up and told her we just really needed to go out and shoot together to get her new camera broken in and played with. Little did I know it was perfect timing for her daughter's 12th birthday session! We had a grand adventure at the location I took them to, including some mud-dodging and non-so-much mud dodging. The light was fabulous, Miss A was gorgeous, and we had such a fun time shooting together.

Did you love that song with the video?! I chose to use it because I thought it would be so lovely for my friend while viewing the captures of her daughter. It is by a friend and one of my favorite vocalists, Shirley Bunnell. Beautiful, right?

Here are some of the images from the slideshow of the gorgeous Miss A:

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE sunflare? Love it!!

There's that yummy sunflare again:)

Gorgeous girl - inside and out! She was so wonderful and cooperative, too. A dream to capture.

Babies & Bumps {Sacramento Newborn and Maternity Photographer; Event Photographer}

2011-04-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of photographing this amazing "Babies & Bumps" event put on by Sacramento Parent Magazine. It was such a neat event that had tons of amazing sponsors and vendors, providing everything a mom-to-be or new mom could possibly want or need. It was great to see so many women being served in such a special way. I had a chance to chat with many of them and they were all so appreciative of the event and what it was providing for them. Needless to say, I took a ton of photographs, so this is just a small but fun sample of the event. If you are ever in the state of pregnancy or "new-momness" when this event comes around again, you should definitely check it out. You won't be dissapointed!

I think the image story above is so much fun! They had a station at the event to show the older siblings how to change diapers. It was A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E. And so helpful! The sweet older sibling above was a bit reluctant to go it alone, so Dad stepped up. How utterly SWEET is that!?

There were some fun vendors, including Elizabeth from Fancy Feet Dance Academy and Parties who entertained the older kids while the moms enjoyed the vendors.

All these older siblings were killing me!? Just how cute can you get?!

Music Matt was also there and the kids were VERY entertained by his talent. I hadn't ever seen him perform, but he was great with the kids and entertaining for all!

More great lessons for the older kids..such a great event!

Pioneers {Sacramento Children's Photographer}

2011-04-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

I am blessed with the privilege of being the photographer for both my sons' classes this year and I am loving it! I get to participate in all the events and see all these gorgeous and fun kiddos on a regular basis. This week is exciting week for the 4th graders. They are heading out to Sutter's Fort to experience the Old West in a very fun and educational overnight field trip. I will be there to capture the event and am sooo looking forward to it (though I'm hoping it doesn't rain!). But until then, I had to share some of the adorable pioneers. Every single one looked amazing in their period outfits...this is just a small sample!

Bloomin' {Sacramento Photographer}

2011-04-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

All this week I have had the pleasure of enjoying these amazing tulips. I normally don't post much still life on the blog, but I love to photograph it! I just couldn't resist sharing these and their beauty.

Monday was our 13th wedding anniversary and my hubby surprised me with these wonderful beauties along with some decadent desserts. They were fabulous to begin with, but they change every single day and it's so amazing to watch. They are such a beautiful creation and I sit in awe that I get the opportunity to behold such beauty. I know it's just a little thing, but really, why did God have to make them so beautiful? I am glad that he did and blessed me with it and I just had to capture it to make it last longer!

I hope you are having a bright and beautiful weekend!

Fabulous E! {Sacramento Children's Photographer}

2011-03-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

You have seen this beauty appear on my Facebook page this last month, but I haven't shared most of her beautiful session with you yet. I just loved this session! It was one of my all time favorites. It was a favorite not just because precious E did an amazing job in front of the camera, but because she is my adorable niece and it was so much fun to go out and play with her. It was just us, and she was so wonderful and cooperative, it made my task a breeze! I just loved our time together.

I have always thought she is beautiful, but it was really neat to see her in so many different ways during this shoot. I think her beauty really shined through.

Seriously, she is a natural. I just can't handle these! I know there are a lot of pics here, but believe me, they are just the tip of the iceberg for E's session. Sooo much fun!

We even had our time in the mustard. She was such a trooper. It was all of 45 degrees out during our session. We spend a bunch of time bundled up and getting heated by the car heater in between locations and changes. And then we stopped for hot chocolate, of course!

I love you, E! Thanks so much for coming out and having fun with me! Let's do it again really soon. As we said, when it's warmer out! :)

And the Giveaway Winner is...

2011-03-19T21:16:00.000-07:00


Congratulations to "dkick" I (Debbie Kick!) on winning the free session with me! I had my youngest help me out with the random drawing. He picked the hat to use and the name out of it. Congratulations to Debbie! Even though she won, it seems that she is planning on donating it for a worthy cause and then buying it back! You have the biggest heart, Debbie!

Here's what she said (she references cupcakes..for those of you who don't know, I make sweets, too. But the photography business has pretty much put the sweet business on the back burner) :

: "luv love luv to you and your new website. If I were to win a prize I would donate the gift to a local charity for an auction that benefits some amazing, high achieving high school students who work very hard to break the cycle of poverty in their lives. Then I would have to buy it back at the auction so you could take our family photo!You are so talented and creative with your photography, but I miss the cupcakes. :)"
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Thank you all for supporting me with your business and wonderful, encouraging comments! I hope to be able to capture you all very soon! Have a great week!

Miss M in the Mustard {Sacramento Children's Photographer}

2011-03-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to know sweet Miss M and her family. I have photographed her before on several occasions, and will get to do it again soon! Her mom just told me that she gets her braces off at the end of the month, so a brother/sister shoot will be coming soon. Congrats M! You are a beautiful young lady and I love to watch you grow into an amazing young woman.

We couldn't resist getting out into the mustard fields blooming like crazy around town. It's just beautiful with seas of gold and green. They very well may just be weeds, but since they aren't invading anything and making life more beautiful, I am just fine with them staying awhile!

I'm thinking that Miss M got into the session. She rocked it, don't you think?

The light toward the end of the session was just beautiful on her, falling on her hair and creating such a pretty sun kissed warmth.

I'll end with this last picture of Miss M in the Mustard this year, along with one of last year's images. It's crazy how fast our children grow. Let's remember to cherish, cherish, cherish each and every day we have with them!

I wanted to also give you a quick reminder! If you would like to have a session like this with me FOR FREE, please check out this post and you might win it! You have only until Friday, March 18th, so get your entries in now!

I Heart Faces: Sun Flare Challenge {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2011-03-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge over at I heart faces is Sun Flare! I love capturing sunflare during my shoots and this is one of my favorites. I love how it drenches the image in warm, yummy light and how it just begs warm weather to come and stay. There are some great images over there, so be sure to go check it out!

And I wanted to remind you that my website launch and giveaway is still happening! You have until this Friday, March 18th, to check out my new website, become a Lisa Smiley Photography Facebook liker and comment on my blog post below. I hope you can join in the fun and enter to win a free session with me!

New Website and Giveaway for You! {Sacramento Photographer}

2011-03-08T12:15:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to announce that my new website is launching today! I can't wait for you all to see it and I hope that it answers questions, gives you inspiration, and motivates you to get those cherished images captured!

This is so exciting for me and I want to share my excitement with you! So I am offering a giveaway as a special incentive for you to head on over to my website and check it out! I'd love to know what you think! What am I offering you a chance to win? A free session with me!

And what do you have to do to enter this giveaway? First, please head on over to my new website (you can also access the website through the "website" tab above, or through the "info" section on my Facebook business page) and take a look around. There is lots of information for those of you who have been wondering what Lisa Smiley Photography is all about. There are examples of my work, tidbits about me and my philosophy and inspiration, and other fun goodies to share. Head over and browse on through it! Then, click on the link to my Facebook business page and become a "liker", leaving me a comment that you either are a new fan or a continuing fan. If you would like to leave some love, feel free! Lastly, come back here, to my blog, and leave some love, telling me that you have checked out my website, "liked" me on Facebook, and what you would use your winning session with me for. Do you want to capture your family? Your child alone and in the beauty of Spring? You as a couple? You are also welcomed to tell me what you liked most about the website. That's it! I will do a random drawing next week, so don't delay! Get your entry in soon! Only entries that have complied with the details above will be counted in the random drawing.

Thanks for your time and support! I can't wait to hear from you!

*The free session is valued at $150. If you win and you would like a newborn session or a session with more than four people, the $150 will be credited toward your session! The free session giveaway is for the session fee only. The session must take place before April 30, 2011. You may win if you are not in the Sacramento and surrounding areas, but you must be willing to travel to within 30 miles of Sacramento by April 30, 2011.

The Many Faces of the Gorgeous Miss H {Sacramento Children's Photographer}

2011-03-06T21:04:00.000-08:00

This is a larger post than usual, but I just had to share the many faces of Miss H. We had so much fun dodging the raindrops and finding places to continue our shoot despite the rain. She was such a trooper! This sweet girl gave me so many fun looks and entertained me with her sweet stories. At more than one point in the shoot, she mentioned she "took good pictures" and well, she was right!

We didn't get to go to all of the locations we planned out due to the rain, but we made the most of the ones we did get to!

I just loved capturing her playfulness. She was full of smiles and laughter and it made the dreary weather so much brighter!

Thank you so much for playing with me, Miss H. And yes, we can do again, just like you asked...and yes, I will bring another treat :)

I Heart Faces - Anything But A Face

2011-02-28T11:13:00.000-08:00

When I saw the challenge posted for I Heart Faces this week, I knew just the photo I would use. The challenge this week is "Anything but a face". You can have a face showing, but the focus really has to be on something other than a face. I love this image from this session. The kids were being kids and the parents were taking it so wonderfully. That's what I love about my sessions...they are relaxed, fun, and real. The kids don't have to stand at attention and are not forced into uncomfortable poses that frankly, just don't look real. Your session with me is about you. Your family. Your kids. They way you are and they way you are now. Not some cold, sterile environment that is pumping out families and kids for the sake of getting them back to you in one hour. I let you be you. And sometimes we end up capturing the goofy and challenging aspects of your life right now. But we always capture who you are as well. Trust me. Check out this beautiful family's sneak peek from last September and you will see.

Now go check out other interpretations of "anything but a face" over at I heart faces!

Get Ready for your Spring Shoot! {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2011-02-24T21:28:00.000-08:00

I cannot wait for Spring, but our weather here today says I must. Just a little longer! I thought we could all get inspired to start planning for some fun Spring photo sessions while we wait. Here is one idea for a family wardrobe. Keep in mind that it is so much fun to add scarves, hair bows and flowers, and many layers even on top of these for a fun and contemporary look.

I love helping my clients with their wardrobe planning since I want to make your session perfect for your family. Clothes do make a difference and accessories can add a lot in helping tie it all together. My desire is to bring out the light in you and your family and it helps to wear what compliments you best! So shoot me an email or give me a call and let's get planning! I can't wait to see you for your fresh new spring shoot!

I Heart Faces - Fix it Friday #87

2011-02-18T18:48:00.000-08:00

Just checking for another I Heart Faces Fix-it Friday! This image was shot by Andrea Riley (see the SOOC image below). Above is my edit. I cropped it, gave it a little levels and curves love, did a color balance layer adjustment to get some of the red out, then ran a Florabella bw action, adjusted the layers, lightened in areas that needed it and sharpened. Voila! I love these type of beautiful images, especially when it's dad and baby. Just something about big strong dads getting to hold their precious little one and really focusing on them in this way. Just melts my heart, I tell ya!

There are many other fun edits that will make your heart swoon over at I heart faces!

Damascus Road Christian Bookstore {Sacramento Commercial Photographer}

2011-02-18T13:47:00.000-08:00

I had a blessed opportunity to photograph a brand new store in our neighborhood, Damascus Road, which is celebrating it's official Grand Opening starting today! The owners, Telly and Judy are wonderful, helpful people and they are there for their customers. It's a real treat to shop around the store and enjoy what it has to offer. They have something for everyone, and if you go this weekend, you can take advantage of many specials they are offering. Be sure to check out the link above for more information. You can also check out the Natomas Buzz, our local online news for more information.

John and Telly are so helpful and very welcoming.

Your kiddos might enjoy this back end of an SUV! They actually did it themselves from junkyard scraps!

They have a sitting/reading area and kids area for both the young and the young at heart.

10 {Sacramento Children's Photographer}

2011-02-15T23:03:00.000-08:00

This sweet 10 year old was such a trooper! He was all for adventure when I told him we were going to look for some new locations in a nearby city. When we got to the location I had in mind, he thought it was totally cool. But it was chained up and off limits. Though he thought he found a way in, I had to use my better judgment and ditch the great location for, well, our security and well being. And the law. The things we must sacrifice...

So we came to another new location and it was going well and fine until Mr. Security guard with a really bad attitude came out and decided we should not be outside of a public building unless we worked there. Hmm. I did mention (in a very calm manner) that he could have been a tad nicer about the way he said it, but I didn't argue with him since I had an impressionable 10 year old with me and I wanted to show some love and grace. We just want to take some pictures, Mr.!

In the end, we found some fun places to play and had some good times being silly and laughing at ourselves. This kid is pretty great and it's so fun to have him one on one. He's growing up so dang fast and when I looked at these images, it really struck me. How did he become ten? 10? Really? And he looks even older in some of these pictures. Must. Hug. Lots. And pray even more. 10 will be 20 in no time. I'm cherishing 10 now.

I Heart Faces - Red ! Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T12:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! How appropriate for the challenge over at I Heart Faces to be red today! I do have some Valentine photos to share with you, but I couldn't resist posting this one. You may recognize these darling twins from last July, when they were just 6 weeks old. I love love love that I captured this shot of them and cannot wait to see how their relationship unfolds! You can't help but wonder if it will be exactly like the image...one a darling little fun-loving and maybe mischievous girl and the other a more subdued, easy-going sweetie. Who knows..and that is what is so fun about it! It could even be completely opposite! I hope to see them again soon to find out for myself, but until then, here's some fun red with two darling loving girls atop!

I Heart Faces - Fix it Friday #86

2011-02-11T11:56:00.000-08:00

Is this little girl gorgeous or what!? As you may know from my current facebook search, I am currently looking for a red head to participate in a fun photo session! When I saw this come up for Fix-it Friday on I heart faces I just had to play a little. It's the first time I have participated in this and it was fun!

Here is what I did with my edit. I first opened the photo in ACR and increased the exposure and fill light a bit, using recovery and blacks to bring it to where it looked right to me. I then opened it in CS5 cropped it, and ran Coffee Shop's Powder Room action. I used various layers from the action, adjusting the opacity of each. Included was an eye defining and sharpening, skin softening and a skin lightening layer. I flattened the image and used the patch tool to take out the dark circles under her eyes. I then used another action to whiten the whites of her eyes and take out the red a bit. I also took some of the red out of her skin. Finally, I used Florabella's Cosmo action and adjusted or deleted various layers.

She is just too cute..and I love the photo, too..such a sweet pose.

Here is the original that I had to work with:

Be sure to check out some of the other fun edits today and thanks for stopping by!

Meeting a Mentor

2011-02-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to meet a photographer that I admire. She is a mentor of sorts, and I have learned so much from her Clean Color tutorial and her blog site. Erin Cobb is her name and she was visiting California all the way from Alabama. She was so sweet to organize a Meet & Greet for some of her California fans. Matt and Merilee, a totally adorable and sweet couple who are Erin's clients, opened their fabulous home to welcome us for the Meet & Greet.

It was fun finally meeting Erin, after conversing through her blog and email. She was exactly as I had pictured her (well, she does have photos on her site!). She had an adorable personality (again, totally evident from her emails and site) and was just so fun to meet.

There were about 10 other gals there who came to meet Erin and express their gratitude and admiration. She has impacted many people with her work and it was so fun to share that with them.
Melanie was one of the adorable professional photographers who drove to Orange from the Ventura area. I was fortunate to sit by her as she was so easy to talk to.

Nobody busted out their camera until Erin did! So funny. But we came out of our shell later and were able to grab some shots.

Kendra (on the right) is also a professional photographer from Murrieta California. She is a doll and brought her bestie, Sarah, along who is a photographer as well.

Merilee provided us with a delicious array of decadent desserts. That girl can bake..and if you know me, my other business, and my major sweet tooth, you know I have some standing to say so :)

Debbie was another sweet professional photog that came to the Meet & Greet. I am looking forward to getting to know her as well. Meghan is Erin's adorable sister who has a great etsy shop and lots of style! It was so fun to meet her as well, especially after reading several posts on Erin's blog that included her.

It was a neat opportunity to get to join up with this group of gals. Though it was in Orange, CA and not Sacramento, we were able to combine it with a weekend of visiting family and going to Disneyland for my youngest son's birthday. I'm hoping to someday make it to Alabama to see all the beauty that she captures through her lens. In the meantime, it was great having a tiny piece here!

A Hubby's Gift {Sacramento Portrait Photographer}

2011-02-08T14:43:00.000-08:00

I was so happy when I got the call for one of my mini valentine sessions from this pretty lady. She said she wanted to do the session as a Valentine's present for her husband. She had never done a session with just herself before and I was so pleased she called me. I really think every woman should take the time to do this for herself every so often...to see the beauty inside and out and to enjoy a little bit of pampering. Of course, she was so sweet to do this as a present for her husband, but I loved that she had a great time doing it and that she loved the pictures. She was able to appreciate her beautiful self, too.

She wanted a session outdoors, and she wanted it to be sensual, but not over the top. I can't show most of the images here, but I did want to show you some. I think she looks beautiful and I cannot wait to hear what her husband does when he sees them! She ordered a special book for him which I think may be his best Valentine's gift yet!

10 {Sacramento Child Photographer}

2011-01-31T14:10:00.000-08:00

10. I cannot believe it, but that is what he is! My baby is 10. Double Digits. Yikes!

Even at 10 he was super sweet to agree to a very impromptu quick photo session. I just wanted to capture him. Just him. At 10. I love him so much. I love the moments we captured and I have many more to share, but I just had to start my Monday with this one. He looks old to me. Older than 10. But he is still my baby!

I Heart Faces - "Innocent Wonder" Challenge

2011-01-24T21:58:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge at IHF is "innocent wonder". I think the theme is pretty open to interpretation, but I really like how this photo captures the theme for me. This sweetie was from a recent session and I was fortunate enough to get her in front of my camera again. The first time she was five days old. It blesses me so to have parents trust me with these moments and milestones. She is almost a year now and very full of innocent wonder, indeed!

Be sure to check out all the other interpretations this week over at IHF!

A Birthday Mix! {Sacramento Event Photographer}

2011-01-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

Hearts Full of Warmth {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2011-01-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was one of coldest days of the season so far. The entire day was 38 degrees, which is pretty darn cold for this California gal! This incredible family and I spent nearly two hours playing around in the cold and I have to say, they were troopers! Even though it was hard to take off the jackets for the pictures, they did great cuddling up and having fun as a family. Yes, we were still bitter cold, but with hearts full of warmth, this family shined!

Mom and dad humored me for the shot above and they all got into it for this next shot!

Thanks to the {A} family for coming out in the cold and being so great about it. And thanks for the delicious hot chocolate when we done. It hit the spot! You guys are the best!

I Heart Faces - Smile ! Photo Chosen as a Favorite!

2011-01-10T20:56:00.000-08:00

*A little update on the challenge...my picture was chosen as favorite by the founders of I Heart Faces. So Fun!

The challenge over at I heart faces this week is "Smile"! As you can imagine, it was very hard to choose one for this. Thousands of beautiful smiling faces and all so adorable. But again, I saw this one and it gave me pause. I took this at my dear friend's daughter's fairy party. This is the beautiful birthday girl and, though her smile is subtle, it speaks volumes about how she feels about her day, her beautiful face art and how she is pleased with who she sees in the mirror. I was so blessed to help capture the day!

Sweet Baby L {Sacramento Newborn Photographer}

2011-01-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of meeting this cutie pie last week! At just two months old, she had plenty of adorable baby chubs to allow me a solid baby fix and it was a treat! I also got to meet her older sis, who is stunning and establishes a beautiful precedent for baby L's future. And as you can see, they both get their looks from their pretty mama!

Sweet older sister who was so sweet to me and made me some beautiful jewelry to take home!

Since she is two months old and out of that sleepy newborn state, Baby L didn't sleep much for me, but she did provide some adorable smiles. Thanks, sweet one!

Announcing Valentine's Day Mini Sessions! One Day Only!

2011-01-05T15:43:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce a fun-filled day of Valentine Mini-Sessions for your sweet valentines! I will be holding these sessions on Saturday, January 29th.

Here are the details:

The complete session package is $150.

The sessions will be 30 minutes for 1-2 children.

each additional child is $25.

The session package includes:

30 minute private custom stylized session

Online private viewing gallery of 6-10 artistically retouched images from the session

1 8x10

2 5x7s

8 wallets

***

Additionally, if you participate in this limited offering mini session, you may also order custom photo Valentine cards! You can choose from the beautiful cards featured in this post for $40 per set of 25 cards and envelopes. They are a great love note to send to friends and relatives and to pass out to teachers and classmates.

I will also offer custom accordion albums like the one featured below.

A lovely bonus : For each additional $100 purchase, you will receive a $20 print credit!

The sessions will be held outside, weather permitting, with thematic props and goodies. If there is inclement weather, the sessions will be held inside.

Payment is due at booking to secure your session time. Secure PayPal payment is available.

*Spaces are extremely limited, so call or email soon to book yours!

(916)213-6753

lisasmileyphotography@gmail.com

Sales tax will be added to all orders.

This is an example of the custom wallet accordion album that will be available!

Looking Forward to Valentine's Day!! Save this Date for a Mini Session - January 29th!

2011-01-03T14:16:00.000-08:00

I am currently working on the details for a fun Valentine's Day mini session extravaganza to take place Saturday, January 29th. Sessions will be limited and they will be LOTS of fun, so you don't want to miss out! I will be offering some fun cards like the one above for you to enjoy and I have some great new props to round out the session. More details will be coming soon, but I wanted you to get ready and save the date!

I Heart Faces - Best Face Photo 2010 Challenge

2011-01-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge over at iheartfaces is faces! Specifically, the best face photos of 2010. Wow, this one was a hard one to choose. Now I know how hard it is for the people who have to judge these challenges. I had many that came to mind from this year, but in the end, I kept coming back to this one. I just love it. For some reason, it just says childhood to me. And it makes me smile. The freckles, the stage of teeth growth, the sweet innocence... I also like the composition. It's not traditional, and I know it may not be some folk's favorite, but I really like it!

I had the blessing and honor of capturing many, many beautiful faces this past year...and it was so fun looking back through them. I'd love to know some of your favorites from my site so feel free to leave a comment and let me know!

And don't forget to check out all the other amazing faces by clicking the button below.

Little Miss Sophia and her Extended Family { Sacramento Family Photographer}

2011-01-02T14:42:00.000-08:00

Remember Little Miss Sophia? I first met her when she was just 5 days old. She was the cutest little darling. You can see her sweet baby shoot here. And here she is at 7 months old. How adorable is she?

She brought her extended family along for the shoot. It was plain to see the love at first sight has continued on.

Grandma and Grandpa form a steady base for this family rockin' in at 35 years of marriage! So inspiring!

Did I mention how adored this sweet girl is? Here's proof!

Her auntie just completed the Sacramento International Marathon in December. She's got some good shoes to fill!

I love it when I get to capture families as they grow! Thank you, Miss Sophia, for bringing back your family and letting me meet even more of them this time around! I had so much fun with you all and really enjoyed seeing the love so openly shared! Happy New Year to you all!

Thank you and Happy New Year !

2010-12-31T13:14:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of you, my clients and readers, for making this year a fabulous beginning for LSP! I loved capturing your light and can't wait to see what 2011 brings!

Thank you, Kimberly Dunn Photography, for the photo!

A Gingerbread Tradition {Sacramento Family Lifestyle Photographer}

2010-12-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

Family Ties {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2010-12-18T21:24:00.000-08:00

You have seen the gorgeous couple half of this beautiful family here, and now I get to show you the rest of the family and all of them together! This was such a fun shoot. It was a kid shoot, family shoot and engagement shoot all in one. As you may recall, I photographed this beautiful couple while in Southern California over Thanksgiving break. Well, shortly thereafter, they had the blessing of celebrating their wedding day. So here I am with the honor of presenting their family as a whole!

During this shoot, I took the kiddos around first on their own and got to know them a little better. They got to have fun as kids being kids and enjoying their time together. You could tell how much they love each other and it was so fun to capture. I also got some of them on their own. That's when the gorgeousness really came out!

I have to say, I think the shot below is one of my favorite of the whole session. This was not posed...I was actually photographing the couple and the kids were hanging out playing. I caught the boys hanging out in this little boat and had to capture them. They were totally enthralled in the "guy" conversation they were having and I just love it! All we were missing was the fishing poles!

Beautiful..just like I said :)

And mom brought some hats she just had to see them in at the end of the session. I couldn't resist ending with them!Congratulations to a beautiful couple!! You have a beautiful family and I am so blessed to be able to capture you!

The Beautiful {V} Family {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2010-12-10T13:04:00.000-08:00

I have been friends with this family for nearly 20 years. I have seen these beautiful girls grow up to be beautiful women and it's been such a blessing. Mom is one of my dearest friends and is always so wonderfully encouraging! They are an incredible family with incredible love for each other and for the Lord. I was so thrilled to be able to capture them this year!

I couldn't resist sharing a bunch of photos of this family, and since I will be settling in for a "cold winter's night" shortly here, I am going for it. Enjoy!

LOL..this last picture was just for fun. I noticed this pitch fork sitting against the wall for some strange reason, so I had the girls pick it up and pose.

Love {Sacramento Engagement Photographer}

2010-12-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

While in Southern California for Thanksgiving week, I had the great blessing of photographing this lovely couple just a week and a half before their wedding. They are getting married tomorrow and I'm so thrilled that we were able to do this in time! The beautiful bride is a friend of mine who moved to Southern California and met her handsome fiance after her move. They are adorable together!

We met at a park in Orange County that I had never been to and it was so incredible! Many thanks to Jaimie Bowman who recommended this great local to me. Thanks also to Toki Lee who was also helpful in suggesting locations! The local had so much to play with and the light was beautiful. I had so much fun capturing their love...

As part of their love, they are blending two families and I got to capture that as well! Three darling children and the family photos are coming soon, but I wanted to share this post to capture their engagement and show their love as a couple.

Wishing you the most incredible and blessed wedding day tomorrow, S and S! Thanks for inviting me in to capture these special moments!

Cotton Candy and Ghosts {I Heart Faces - Scenic Black & White}

2010-11-30T14:41:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge over at I heart faces is Scenic black and white and I just knew I had to take up the challenge with one from our recent trip to Oregon. I was having fun experimenting with getting that incredible cotton candy look you can only get with a tripod and slower shutter speeds. The waterfalls there are magnificent and with this one, you could walk right up to it. I love the way it looks, but the fact the fact that my family looks really cool and "ghost-ish" makes it even more special...to me, at least :) Be sure to check out all the other entries over at I heart faces by clicking the link below!