My name is Angela and I'm the artist behind the images of Angela Smith Photography. I'm a wife, mother of two young children, and lover of all things photography.

I am located in Sherwood, Oregon and service the greater Portland Metro area. While I enjoy photographing subjects of all kinds, I have found that my passion lies in capturing life's most treasured moments - the miracle of a newborn, the confidence of a high school senior, a young couple in love, and a bride's tears of joy on her wedding day.

I want to thank you for visiting my blog. Please kick your feet up, grab a cup of coffee, and share my passion with me!

Tuesday, August 31

A letter to Nadine

I can't stop thinking about you. It must be the time of year, with the race just around the corner and all. Whatever the reason, you've been on my mind a lot. I miss you more than I can express and the way you lived your life is a constant reminder of the way I want to live mine. You are withouth a doubt someone who made this world a better place and I'd like to think at the end of my life, I might have done the same.

Granmda 1

You were such a beautiful woman. Not only in your appearance, but deep down into your soul, you were beautiful. Kind, loving, giving, patient, generous, loyal.. The list goes on.. One of my favorite things about you was your sense of humor. I will never forget the year that you drew Curt's name in the gift exchange and gave him the gift of snowman poop. His reaction of not being certain if you were serious or not only made it better. I think about times like these and it makes my heart ache. Because I miss you, of course, but also because I'm left wishing I had taken more time to talk with you. And to listen.

Granmda 2

I wish you had been able to see and hold my children. I try to remain thankful that I got to share the news of my first pregnancy with you - I realize it's more than my younger cousins will have - but I can't help but feel ripped off somehow, and a little jealous of my older cousins who got to have you in their children's lives.

Granmda 3

I admire how content you were. You lived simply, and you were content. Your home was small, and the only one I have ever known you to live in. And you raised five children there. Most days, I struggle with the two I have. I cannot imagine raising five - especially in such close quarters. Yet you did it, and you did it well. I don't think I've ever heard you complain either. About anything.

Grnamda 4

I adore your faith and loyalty. Mom gave me your Bible and it's one of my most treasured posessions. It sits proudly on my mantle and once in awhile, the kids and I will sit down and look through it. I love the family tree section and wish it was filled out more completely. And I love that it has your handwriting in it.
I told them the story about the fifty dollar bill that you found in it. About how you were worried about your finances, so you opened up your Bible to pray, and there it was. That's one of my favorite stories.

Grandma 5

I'm grateful to have you and Grandpa as an example of what a marriage should be like. I doubt it was perfect (although I can't ever remember seeing you fight). I'm certain there were difficult times. But through it all, love remained. You treated eachother with love and respect and you built a strong foundation on which to raise your family. You welcomed others into your home and helped those in need.

Grandma 6

I hope you know how often I think about you. Your clock hangs in my dining room and every time it chimes, I smile. I can't see a rosebush without thinking of your beautiful rose garden (and you pruning in your bra). :) I sometimes call my daughter by her middle name, just so I can say yours, and I wish I had just given her your name as her first like I had wanted. I wish I could tell you how much you meant to me, although I'd like to think you knew.

Grandma 7

Friday, August 20

Kylee : Senior

She's beautiful, funny and creative. Her smile is contagious.

This evening, I met up with Kylee and her mom Lori in the Pearl District. I love working with girls like Kylee - she was so easy to talk with and such a natural in front of the camera. But I'm sure it's hard not to be, when you're as gorgeous as she is.

I know I'm jumping ahead a bit in my editing, but I wanted to put a little peak up for Kylee and Lori. Thank you both so much for an enjoyable evening. I truly enjoyed our walk and conversation - enjoy your peek!

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Wednesday, August 18

Lily : Newborn

It's no secret that I love photographing newborns.

I've been blessed to experience working with so many different subjects, which has allowed me the opportunity to discover what I truly love. While newborns are one of my favorite subjects, they are also my most challenging. The baby needs to be fed, warm and sleepy, which all seems simple enough. The challenge comes not in getting the baby asleep, but rather in keeping the baby asleep while moving from set to set; from pose to pose.

The challenge becomes even greater as the age of the newborn increases. I prefer to photograph newborns between the ages of 5-10 days old, when they are still sleepy and have that newborn curl. Of course, I don't always get to choose the age at which I photograph my subjects. Take sweet little Lily for example. Mom called me to schedule a session when Lily was already 5 weeks old. They live in Seattle and were going to be in town for two days the following week, and wanted to set something up.

I'll be honest, I felt a little panicked. A six week old? They're driving so far. What if the session is a complete disaster? I explained to mom that most of the newborns on my site are much younger, but that I would do my best to capture the images that she wanted, and prepped her on things she could do to help make the session successful.

By the time Lily's session rolled around, I had convinced myself that I wasn't going to be able to get her to sleep and had a mental list of "awake" poses to do with her.

Mom did everything I suggested. And Lily proved me wrong.

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Kelsie - Class of 2011

Kelsie is a beautiful, beautiful girl.

Sure, she's easy on the eyes - that's apparent the moment you meet her. But what is also apparent almost immediately is how beautiful her soul is.

Kelsie is kind. Caring. Easy to talk to. Faithful. Intelligent. Always smiling. (Always!)

I absolutely loved every second that I got to spend with Kelsie earlier this week. I have no doubt that life has incredible things in store for her.

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Friday, August 13

Neil & Michelle : Engaged

I'll be honest, I never thought I'd see the day...

Don't get me wrong, I adore Neil - he's like a brother to me. I've literally known him half my life. I just never really saw him as the settling down type. And, if I'm still being honest, maybe part of me never thought he'd meet that special someone that could settle down with him.

Neil is intelligent and practical. He's hardworking and stubborn. Always honest (even when you don't want him to be). He's very opinionated and a loyal friend.

Neil first introduced me to Michelle almost two years ago and we just clicked. Like, instantly. Since then, we've developed a very close friendship and I love her like a sister. She's made me laugh and has seen me cry.

Michelle is genuine. She's outgoing and kind. She knows who she is and isn't afraid to be herself. She is accepting and loving. Always honest and a perfect match for my friend.

I am so thankful that Neil & Michelle found each other - because they work so well together, of course - but also because I now have two friendships where I used to have one.

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