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!

Wednesday, March 16

Happy Birthday, Brother : Personal

I hate him.

No, you don't.

No. Really Dad. I HATE him.

I don't remember a lot from my childhood, but I do remember how much my brother and I fought. And I remember this specific conversation with my Dad.

I guess it all makes sense. My brother and I are as different as night and day. These differences are apparent from the moment you meet us - my brother strongly resembles our mother's side of the family; I look just like my dad - but they run much deeper than our physical appearances.

I'm the serious one; he's the fun one. I'm practical; he's a dreamer. I love rules and structure; he loves to bend, and sometimes break the rules. I am always planning and thinking of what's next; he lives for the moment.

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I don't know exactly when it happened, but I think it started in high school. Instead of seeing our differences as a dividing wall between us, we started to see how our differences complimented each other and added value to our relationship.

He has a great sense of humor; I love to laugh. He loves to play music; I love listening to music. He's a good listener; I like to talk. He reminds me not to take life too seriously; I would like to think I keep him grounded.

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My brother is one of the most amazing people I know, and I'm not just saying that because he's my brother. He's generous, kind and loyal. Absolutely hilarious. An amazing father, and a loving husband. He's a supportive and loving brother. Anyone that has met him knows exactly what I'm talking about. And they know how blessed they are to call him a friend.

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Happy birthday, Tony. I am so proud of the man that you are, and feel incredibly blessed to call you both my brother and my friend. I love you.

Tuesday, March 15

Aslyn Ryan : Personal

I was the first. Well, besides the doctors, nurses, her mom and her dad... I was the first to hold her. Even before the grandparents. Sometimes, it really pays to be a photographer...

With the birth of my brother's first child, we knew they were having a boy, and I was invited in to photograph the birth. It was an amazing experience. Upon finding out they were expecting number two, they decided to switch things up. Not only did they decide to have a private delivery, they also decided not to find out the gender. Even though I begged. And pleaded.

The baby's due date came and went, and I {im}patiently waited. And waited. Nine days after her due date, my sister in law went into labor. I packed up my gear and headed to the hospital, eager to meet my new niece or nephew. At 6:39 pm, Aslyn Ryan was born. Shortly after, I was welcomed into the delivery room, where the secret of her gender was revealed to me.

I was honored to document her big brother meeting her for the very first time.

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After we had taken some photos (and I had a chance to hold her) the grandparents came in. This is my mom holding her granddaughter for the very first time.

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My brother holding his son - this is my absolute favorite photo from the hospital that night.

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To see more images and view the slideshow, click here.

Monday, March 14

Graham : 9 Months

Last weekend, I met with Graham & his family to do his 9 month portraits. The weather was cool & cloudy, so we started off in the studio.

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I prefer to photograph children (non-newborns) outside in a more natural environment. Mother Nature doesn't always allow for this, but the rain held out for us, so we made a quick trip downtown for a few more shots.

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Tuesday, March 1

A New Appreciation : Las Vegas Photo Shoot

As you might already know, I was recently in Las Vegas attending the 2011 WPPI convention. I had a long list of classes I wanted to attend and things I wanted to do while I was there, and at the top of my list was to meet Shannon Hollman of Thousand Words Photography. Shannon and I have been friends for almost 4 years, however we had never actually met. In the midst of planning the trip, I came up with the idea that Shannon should take photos of my husband and I in the desert. She had done a session for another couple last year while she was there, and I figured with this being the year of our 10th anniversary, it made perfect sense. Shannon quickly agreed to my proposal and we set a date & time.

I have to admit, being on the other side of the camera was quite an experience. I stressed about what my husband and I would wear and how we'd do as subjects. In the week before we left, I went to the mall four separate times. I purchased and returned outfits. Should I wear my hair straight or curl it? I over thought the entire process. During the session, I was clueless. How should I stand? Where should I look? Do I smile or not? Was I squinting? I would be lying if I said it wasn't a huge relief once the session was over. And it made me appreciate my clients and what they go through that much more.

Through it all, Shannon and her husband Jeremy were amazing to work with. The session was fun, playful and relaxed - everything it should be. And the results? Amazing! I couldn't be happier with the results and have posted a few of my favorites below. You can see even more images on Shannon's fabulous blog. Plan on spending some time on her site - you will not be disappointed.

Shannon and Jeremy, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It was such a pleasure to spend the day with you and we're so happy we could be a part of your first In N Out experience. We are so grateful for your friendship and for your willingness to share your amazing gift of photography with us! xoxo

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