A little boy and his momma | Cleveland Family Photographer Tess Smith Photography

Monday, April 18, 2011

Carter | Cleveland Child Photographer

Just a quick sneak peek at this busy boy. Happy Monday.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

The H Family | Cleveland, Ohio Family Photography

Oh Artie. You have such a serious little face. I have to be honest... the camera loves it, I love it and we all know your mommy loves it. We celebrated this little guy's birthday a few weekends ago. It's hard to believe that this sweet little man is already a year old. Your parents are in love with you and each other... and THAT is a beautiful thing. I'm so blessed to know your family. Your momma is a talented artist, knitter, and graphic designer. Your pops knows his way around a kitchen and has even worked a few shifts with my hubs.
Chris and Jen, you've created such a beautiful child. He is surrounded by the most immense amount of love. You're great parents and he's lucky to have you. God has given you so many blessings and I know you're thankful. I hope you enjoy these photo's. Thanks for a great afternoon and helping me conquer one of my biggest fears! (It's silly, I know!) Enjoy!!!












Sweet Callie Girl, 9 months | Northeast Ohio Baby and Child Photographer



Oh sweet little Callie. She's nine months old and full of so much personality. Her smile is addicting and I can't help but laugh out loud when she scrunches up her nose and smiles her big toothy grin. I met Callie three months ago when her parents asked me to document her at six months.  It's a blessing to be asked to come back and capture these babies at all of their milestones. For Callie's nine month session we met at a little park near their home. The weather was amazing. Halfway through the session someone was calling my name and I looked up to see Finn's mommy! They were having his baptism celebration nearby. Before heading home I snuck some cake and snuggled baby Finn for a few minutes.

I hope you enjoy your sneak peek, Mandy and Dave. I think the world of this little one. She's growing beautifully. You are beyond blessed. I can't wait to capture her at 1 year.





Friday, April 8, 2011

Artie is ONE!

My sweet friend, Jen invited us over for a birthday party for her handsome little man. I did her maternity pictures, and her newborn shots. I was able to capture a few details for her when I arrived. When all the kids showed up I switched to mommy mode and made sure my kids had a good time at the party.

Jen, I can't believe your little guy is a year old. This, in my opinion, is where the fun begins. I love babies. But watching my children grow and develop is such an adventure. And if you think that first year goes too quickly... I'm sad to say the rest are exactly the same. Artie is such a stud. He's a very sweet and easy going little guy. Enjoy him, I know you do.

 That sweet little crown is available at Doodies Booties. She also made the bowtie and suspenders below!



Jen is also a graphic designer and made all of the signs and cupcake toppers, herself.




what to wear | Cleveland Family Photographer

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Smile Pretty Now | Northeast Ohio Family Photographer

Tips For Preparing For a Family Photo Session



I've scheduled a family photo session for my own family with a very talented local wedding photographer, Kayla Schneider of Full Bloom Photography. Our session won't be until later this year but I've already started preparing for it.  I scheduled at a time that would be convenient for my family. My husbands work schedule will be less hectic, my youngest child should be full of smiles and new accomplishments. She'll be about 10 months and she shouldn't be walking quite yet but might be standing on her own. Those are the most important factors for MY family. My older children should do just about anything for a piece of chocolate. Heck... I'd do just about anything for a piece of chocolate!

I've started to piece together what we're going to wear. I've chosen a color scheme based on something I loved. For your own session I'd suggest the same. Pick out your favorite piece of clothing and go from there. I've added textures, ruffles, and accessories to give the photo's a lot of jazz. I like a lotta jazz! I've enlisted the help of my friends who are local crafters and etsy sellers to help with the accessories and even the outfit for my oldest. I'm excited to see what they come up with based on the ideas I've given them.


Next I'm adding dimension and details. Bubbles, balloons, letters, garland, etc... I'm packing a box. Photographing a family does not have to be sitting in front of a camera and throwing a cheesy grin on your face. When I shoot, I shoot for emotion. I like to evoke a feeling. I enjoy capturing little details. Tucking hair behind your little girls ear, The look on a parents face when their child did something insanely adorable. A family being just that... a family. Running, jumping, playing and enjoying life. A few weeks ago I took some shots of a family and some of my favorite images are of a little boy opening a band aid. I caught his serious little face concentrating on the task. And then the joy when he did it all by himself. It's the little things.

Lastly- My plan for the shoot is to go with the flow. If we get mud on our pants... we get mud on our pants. And the beautiful images I had in my head will be just that... with mud. At the end of the day jumping in those mud puddles will bring about a true genuine smile and REAL laughter and that's what I wanted after all.

Here's a sneak peek of the Massey Family. I'll be sharing their photo's soon.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Bowling Party | Cleveland Event Photographer

Meet Kyle. He's HILARIOUS, sweet, charming, loveable, creative, and has one of the biggest sweet tooths known to man. :)


He had a bowling party for his birthday and we were lucky enough to attend. Happy birthday, Kyle! We had SO MUCH FUN. We can't wait to go back again.