Springtime Family Pictures at Maymont Park in Richmond, Virginia

We are in Virginia for a little while for my husband’s job and I know that we aren’t going to be here forever so we want to experience and see everything that we can! We had heard a lot about Maymont Park in Richmond, Virginia so we spent a Saturday morning exploring the amazing grounds of the estate turned into a public park. It was beautiful! And packed with people. Luckily we were able to find a pretty little shaded spot away from the crowds to take some family pictures of our own. I constantly take pictures of our daughters, Neve and Ellie, but rarely do we get a picture of all of us (self-timer to the rescue). It was lovely and satisfied all of my Springtime-y photo cravings.

Family, PersonalKayla SmithApril 22, 2021richmond, virginia, family photos, babyComment

Planning for Stress-Free Family Photos on Your Wedding Day

Family portraits are such an important reminder of a wedding day but unfortunately, they can be one of the more stressful portions of the day. The last thing I want is for you to get the energy zapped out of you by family pictures (especially if bride and groom portraits are afterwards!). Here is my best advice for making sure family pictures go smoothly.

WeddingsKayla SmithFebruary 20, 2019wedding planning, wedding, wedding photographer, family photos, weddings, bride, groom, portraitsComment

My Favorite Spots to Take Photos in Palo Duro Canyon

I have taken engagement, family, senior, and wedding photos in Palo Duro Canyon literally dozens and dozens of times. It never gets old for me! Each time I’m driving on the flat plains and then suddenly the world opens up into the canyon, I am amazed. It is absolutely my favorite place to take pictures around Amarillo, Texas. It is beautiful and versatile. And because of that versatility, I thought it was necessary to create this blog to show some of my favorite spots within the canyon to take photos. These little sub-locations within the canyon are completely different from one another and it’s hard to choose a favorite among them. They all look great any time of year but some can look drastically different from one season to another and on those, I’ve noted which season the picture was taken in.

Kayla SmithFebruary 19, 2019palo duro canyon, engagement photos, family photos, senior photos, locations, amarillo, texas, amarillo texas, texas panhandle, natureComment

The Mauldin's | Palo Duro Canyon Family Photos

The Mauldin's family photo session in Palo Duro Canyon was one of those sessions that I got too distracted talking to the family and getting to know them when I should have been taking their pictures! I'm sort of kidding but I really did love getting to know this wonderful couple and their energetic, spirited kids. I can tell that they have a ton of love for each other. When a little girl tells her mom several times in an hour in the most sincere voice, "I love you, Mom," you know they've got something special.

FamilyKayla SmithDecember 8, 2017palo duro canyon, fall, autumn, family, family photographer, family photos, mom, kidsComment

Jillian + Lila | Palo Duro Canyon

There's a first time for everything, right? Well Jillian + Lila was my first dog birthday photography session! Jillian (human) contacted me a few weeks ago about celebrating Lila's (dog) 1st birthday with a photo session and obviously I jumped at the opportunity. I understand what it's like to have a special relationship with your pup so to do a session honoring that relationship is so important to me. There really is no love like the kind between a dog and her owner.