TA Schmidt Photography

Our lives have changed over the weekend...

taking our daughter down South for the start of her college experience.  We have been preparing for it for some time now excited about the adventure, new learning possibilities and unlimited future. It really is a dream come true with a beach town school, a comfortable dorm right on campus and the right classes in the proper order at a great time.

It is amazing how you can be intellectually ready but emotionally clueless.  I have to say this has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done. Even with texting, cell phones and iChat I already miss her more than I could imagine. For you senior parents please make the time to spend as much time as you can with your kids now. Get all the hugs you can and enjoy every minute. 
peace,
tom s

August is nearly finished...

The hot month we all dread each year is nearly complete and it's off to an Indian Summer and a long cooler fall!  High school football and volleyball are right around the corner so the action packed evenings are starting to fill the schedule.

If you have friends that have not been photographed yet have them call us at 244-2636 to get on the book!  There is jsut over a month's time left before the first of the YB deadlines...
peace,
tom s

Our giant newspaper...

tabloid for the Senior 2010 will start hitting the mail boxes tomorrow.  Out last 50% offer of the year is starting today so now is the time to schedule your appointment or your reshoot if you were unhappy with some other session you may have done elsewhere.

Over the weekend we added yet another cool prop into the Hall of Lights. Of course you can always stop by for a quick tour to see what we have that you may be missing from your senior session.  With the ONLY Hollywood style portrait park in the North state you may be missing a ton of shots you should have got!
peace,
tom s

A rare day off...

I took yesterday afternoon off to hang out and shoot at the Napa facility for the Oakland Raiders training camp.  My good friend and fellow photographer John Swentowsky arranged the trip with the Sacramento Booster club. 

Since I have been a huge QB Jeff Garcia fan since he played with the 49ers (and since then with the Eagles, Bucs and now Oakland) it was a chance to see one of my fav players up close and personal.  Got photos of all the players, and even old coach Brown!

It will be interesting to see who starts QB during the real season.   Garcia was always on his toes, helmet on and ran everywhere. The "future super star"  Russell spent a lot of time dogging it and had his helmet off more than on.  It was shocking the size difference between the two. Garcia looked like a little high school point guard next to the huge JaMarcus who could easily pay defensive end!
cheers,
tom s

Bay Bowl tonight...

The Raiders and 49ers square off in just a few hours for the second pre season game of the year.  After the niners kicked some tail during the  joint camp earlier in the week it will be a show of PRIDE to see what  the silver and black can come up with to save face.   If Oakland gets killed again I am sure the Monday training camp in Napa I will be at will be VERY interesting!

Lots more seniors next week with even more postings as I get caught up...
peace,
tom s

A little bit of hitting going on...

Got to shoot the fun scrimmage down in Anderson last night. Here are a couple images of the action...
tom s

The Modeling Illusion...

Lately there has been an increasing number of sessions from people that want to model or have kids they want to throw into the modeling game. While it all looks like fun and games on TV let's see the reality of it all, shall we?

First... It is NOT going to happen here in Redding.  Really...why do you think all the movies and TV shows start in Hollywood and NYC?  That is where the talent is, that is where the money is and that is where the clients that hire the models reside.

Second... Just because grandma says Suzie so soooo cute she should be a model does not mean you should sell the farm and head to LA LA land.  For every job that comes up you can have 50, 100 or 250 people fighting and scratching for a shot at the brief fame and money.  Lottery tickets give you about the same odds.

Third... If you are the One in a Million it is still horrific work. Deadlines, model calls, crazy locations and even crazier people you have to work with while fretting about every ounce of weight you put on and every zit that appears over night.

Yes it is possible, but make sure you and your kids have and education and a backup just in case the world does not agree with your dreams.
peace,
tom s

TGIF...

After a busy week we look forward to next week being even more intense.  Starting Monday with a photo shoot at the Oakland Raiders training camp! A ton of seniors mid week and our latest mailer hitting the streets by Thursday or Friday.  Check out the cool pix of your friends, the half price special and the 2 for 1 offer to get you and your buddies looking great!

With luck I will be at the football scrimmage tonight down in Anderson.  Stop by and say Hi if you see me on the field!
cheers,
tom s

The hits keep on coming...

Our new Hall of Lights has been a hit this year with the soft romantic "candlelight" and the stylish props and elegant feeling.  We like to keep adding new scenes and ideas throughout the year to stay fresh and energized.  Remember you are always invited to do a studio tour before your session.  A chance to walk around the studios 3 camera rooms, the portrait park and browse the many albums we have for ideas.

Yearbook deadlines start crashing down to us mere mortals in only 6 weeks.  Call now at 244-2636 to lock in your appointment!
cheers,
tom s

We all need some heros...

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill paid tribute to the Royal Air Force, saying, "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."

 

On this day in 1940 Churchill made this one of his most memorable and lasting quotes. It also reminds us that we are all here beause of the work and support given to us by family, staff and friends.  None of us can go it alone, we need to depend on others to make it all work and for all to do well.

Every day is a good day to say Thank You to all of those that keep you on track and out of trouble.   To all my friends, family, staff and clients I want to take time right now to thank you for all you have done for us for all these years.  I hope my skills and vision have given you what you wanted and hope to continue our relationship for many years to come.
peace,
tom s