Archive for January, 2012

The Most Versatile Toy Got Even Better

…and I got to photograph it!!  Sarah’s Silks is a collection of toys that inspire imagination and play like no other.  I love them, my kids love them, my clients kids love them and on and on and on.  I was so excited when Sarah contacting me about photographing the new toy in the Silks collection ~ the Pocket Play Silk (coming soon!).  They’re wonderful and here are some super cute kiddos showing you how much fun you can have with them.  We could only get them back from the kids because Sarah, so thoughtfully, had a gift bag of silky goodies for our perfect models!  Thank you, Sarah and the lovely families that shared their little ones with us…hope you had nothing but fun!  Enjoy!

A Vintage School Yard for Cupcake’s Trendy Tots!

I absolutely LOVE working with Cupcake | children & maternity!  The boutique is full of unique, quality, fun clothes that can actually stand up to a kiddo’s (and a washing machine’s…ever notice how the cheapies from you know who go crazy crooked after a wash or two?) wear and tear.  Lately, I’m noticing a wonderful trend…we’re all getting a little pickier about who gets our dollar and how many of them they get.  I’m sick of buying horribly made products at super cheap prices, only to have to re-buy them because they fall apart immediately.  I’m putting a lot more of my hard earned dough into “investment pieces”…for me and my kids.  It actually ends up being a lot cheaper (and cuter) in the end.  Especially if you go for Cupcake’s Tea line…so versatile and affordable…LOVE it!

In the Fall, we did a “Back to School” shoot to showcase the fall styles and local kids.  It was awesome!!!  We had hundreds of submissions to our casting call but we could only select 20 to model the designs.  What a day!  We were fortunate enough to secure a private location that was perfect.  There’s a vintage schoolhouse hidden in west county and they let us use their play yard for the shoot.  The kids had a blast!!!  All they had to do was wear super cute clothes and play on toys that hadn’t been played on in probably 50 years (yes, I did a safety check..and I really think we need to bring those things back…the plastic safe stuff is just no fun ;) )

Enjoy the images and way-too-cute models!  Stay tuned for the Spring Casting Call (Jenny’s already got some super creative theme up her sleeve!)

Brian & Marisa – The Proposal

One of the most exciting events I’ve ever gotten to photograph (and that’s saying a lot!).  This thoughtful boyfriend contacted me months ago with his secret plan.  He knew his girlfriend wanted an amazing surprise proposal and would love to have it photographed…not such an easy task.  He figured it all out though.  From setting up a fake photography workshop, to getting her parents there and hidden.  It was perfect – she was blown away (and not just by the ring…which blew us all away!!)  They’re both so fortunate to have each other and I’m so honored to have captured this beautiful moment for them!  Congratulations, Marisa & Brian – enjoy your images and show!


Welcome, Lucas!

Not only are births magical because there’s a tiny perfect person braving entry into a whole new world but sometimes there is a woman truly becoming a mother.   And, a man realizing that he truly is a father.   There’s nothing like delivering your first child.  Lucas’ parents were absolutely amazing.  His mom was radiant & gorgeous as she so lovingly focused on bringing him here and his dad was so strong and steady as he supported mom.  I’ve never seen two people work together in such unison and with such dedication.  It was beautiful & inspiring.  I’m so honored that they invited me to be a part of it.  Thank you Nicole & Jason…Lucas is a very lucky (and adorable) little man!

Welcome, Lucas! from Mariah Smith on Vimeo.

Welcome, Sabrina!

As many of you know, photographing a birth is one of my favorite things!  I absolutely love births and think they should be celebrated for the miracle that they are.  The anticipation, joy and beauty are unmatched and I’m always honored to be invited to share in this.  These are the true firsts for your baby…first breath, first look, first touch…it’s the absolute beginning of so many wonderful things and witnessing it is unexplainable.   This birth is even more special to me.  My beautiful niece, Sabrina was brought into this world with a laugh (literally…her mama’s an amazingly strong woman!) and I’ll be forever grateful that I got to be there.   Thank you so much, Ben and Dana for giving us another perfect little girl!

Welcome, Sabrina! from Mariah Smith on Vimeo.

Welcome, Skylar!

Get a New Camera for Christmas?

WANNA LEARN HOW TO USE IT?

Mama Shots Tuesday Night Series {winter 2012} is here…YAY!!!   The requests for these digital photography workshops have been coming in everyday since the holidays…I LOVE it!   I can’t wait to show you all what you can do with those fancy cameras!

The Tuesday Night Series starts on April Feb 21st and continues for the next 4 Tuesdays.  Classes are from 7-9ish at my studio in Downtown Sebastopol.  You can register for as many as you want but I highly recommend taking the whole series (and with a friend ;) . Being able to come back week after week really lets all that knowledge sink in and gives you time to figure out what you need to ask about in the next class!   The whole series is only $199.  To take them individually, your 1st class is $69 and each additional is $49.

Don’t forget to order your Workshop Workbook.  You’ll get all my presentation slides plus plenty of room for your notes.  Trust me, at only $25 this is a must have!  Contains probably the most valuable piece of paper ever!  Ok, maybe not the most valuable ever but just ask a Mama Shots student if they ever go shooting without the “chart”.

Here’s the important part…REGISTRATION DATES!  Spots are limited and will go fast.  Mark your calendar and be ready!

Mariah Smith Photography clients ~ OPEN NOW! (I just love treating my clients)

Students registering for the entire series ~ 1/17

Students registering for individual classes ~ 2/7

You can register for the entire series and the Workbook with this handy dandy PayPal button or send me an email to let me know a check is coming.  And, yes, even if you’re not an MSP client, you’ll be able to click that button BUT it won’t count…I know each and every client ;)

*Your spot is NOT reserved until payment is received*




For more information, please visit the Mama Shots Website

Hope to see you there…just look how fun it is!!

Mr & Mrs Nelson

Guess who’s in a magazine???

So, a little over a year ago I realized that I had no idea how to be a mom and an entrepreneur and remain sane.  My sad attempts at curing my stress with vodka & lots of tears just didn’t seem to help (oddly, enough).  I figured I needed to pull myself out of my “woe is me” mantra and suck it up.  But, just try telling me that…you would have lost your head, literally.  I needed to hear from women who knew EXACTLY what I was going through.  So, I found me some.  And, not just any Mompreneurs – but, the most amazing Ambitious Mompreneurs ever!  I love these ladies!  They absolutely rock and can tell me suck it up and get to work anytime.  In fact, all of our businesses are doing really well in a time when most aren’t.  I’m not saying it’s entirely because of our monthly meetings but if you say it, I won’t deny it ;) .  Oops, it was a NY resolution not to use emoticons but I may just have to scrap that one!

Anyway, read a little about our wonderful group and the awesome local businesses that are owned and operated by mama’s with little kids!  They are truly inspiring!  And, thank you North Bay Biz for thinking so, also!

Ambitious Mompreneurs

And, yes – that’s my beautiful little photog in training, Anika and my “too cool for school” son, Dylan.

Mr & Mrs Topol