The Wonderful Cast of Listen to your Mother, Sacramento! | Sacramento Headshot Photographer

In case you haven't heard yet, I am blessed to be part of the amazing "Listen to your Mother" cast for the Sacramento show. It's being held this Sunday, Mother's Day, at the Crest Theatre at 7pm.  If you are wondering what it is all about, here is a piece about it from the founder, Ann Imig. It is going to be an amazing night of laughter, smiles and even tears listening to some incredible personal stories of motherhood.

I was also privileged to be able to take the head shots of all but one (well, two if you count me) of the amazing cast members.  Seriously, they just radiate their beauty from the inside out. It was such a fun and crazy time shooting the images, but then I got to know them with our first and second rehearsals, and let me tell you, these are some pretty fabulous people that you will want to hear from. I knew I had captured beauty while shooting, but to hear their stories and get to know them, well, that made their beauty even more magical and real. If you can, you should join us for an awesome evening this Mother's Day!

"Listen to your Mother" a nationwide event in 24 cities and has a combination of local writers, artist and wonderful regular people taking the stage to read their personal stories about all of the shades of motherhood.  Some of the proceeds from the show will also benefit the  non-profit, 916 Ink, which gets kids ages 6-18 writing and telling their own personal stories.  I hope to see you there! Here is where you can buy tickets. Or, feel free to show up at 7 the night of the show! 

* Missing from the post is Dierdre Fitzpatrick and my headshot was done by my friend and fellow photographer, Mindy Newton.. 

WINNER ANNOUNCED! Giveaway and Fun Feature in the new Posh issue of Chic Magazine! | Sacramento Portrait Photographer

Today, the "Posh" issue of Chic Magazine  launched and it's beautiful! I love the Chic Critique forum and all it has to offer professsional photographers.  Their fabulous Chic Magazine has so many beautiful images and informative articles for everyone - it's just a beautiful magazine to look through and enjoy some current fashion and photography trends.

And, in this issue, I am thrilled to be part of the "Street Chic" feature. You can see a fun shot of me in action taken by the uber talented Ligia Bremerman at a recent "trash the dress" session we did as part of an amazing retreat.

I just found out about being featured last night, so that was a fun surprise!

The issue is on sale now, so I hope you check it out! To encourage you a bit, I am giving away one  free digital issue! Simply enter via Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Boudoir Boutique! {Sacramento Boudoir Photographer}

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!

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

  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 :)

Fields of Beauty | Sacramento Portrait Photographer

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!

A Hubby's Gift {Sacramento Portrait Photographer}

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!