Candace is such an amazing photographer! I am so pleased about how my photoshoot turned out with her. She was attentive, real, and made me feel super comfortable in front of the camera. She is an expert at branding and kept my marketing ideas in mind for my shoot. She has a thorough interview process to really access your vision for the shoot. The final prints far exceeded my expectations! I couldn't recommend her more. read more

The Essence Photographer - Session Photography Near Me

Candace..she is simply phenomenal! When I needed business photos for my website and marketing, she was highly recommended. First off, she asked for examples of the feeling I wanted to capture, and boy did she deliver. Not only that, but she even helped me pick out the perfect outfits to complement the look. It can be nerve-wracking to pose for photos sometimes. But Candace, she's like a zen master behind the lens. She had this magical way of keeping me relaxed and at ease throughout the entire shoot. It was like I was just chatting with an old friend. angle wasEvery shot was meticulously set up, every angle carefully considered. She had these incredible tips and tricks that somehow managed to make me look even better than I imagined. The end result? Pure magic. If you're looking to spruce up your business headshots with a touch of artistry and class, look no further than Candace. Trust me, she's the absolute best choice, hands down. read more

The Essence Photographer - Session Photography Near Me

Candance was not only a master behind the camera but also a true professional. I get timid and nervous in front of the camera and she was able to provide me with great directions and cues that made me feel confident. She maintained a friendly and approachable demeanor and made me feel at ease throughout the session. She is open to all ideas but at the end of the day I trust her and she is just truly amazing at what she does. read more

The Essence Photographer - Session Photography Near Me

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I'm thrilled with the results of my photo shoot with Candace Smith - The Essence Photographer (@theessencephotographer)! Her encouragement and thoughtful guidance throughout the process helped me feel so comfortable and free to be my playful self in front of the camera. Unlike some of my previous photo shoots where the photographer has predetermined poses that are used over and over, Candace found creative ways to use the props and setting at hand to make this shoot uniquely different. My heart leaped when I saw the final images during our post-shoot consultation. I highly recommend working with her because she goes beyond the typical head shots and standard poses - capturing more of your true essence on film. Thank you so much, Candace! read more

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My experience shooting with Candace absolutely lovely, FUN and freeing. I was able to drop immediately into connect and comfortability with her and create some really beautiful images. HIGHLY recommend shooting with her and experiencing this one of a kind magic with a master of her craft. read more

The Essence Photographer - Session Photography Near Me

Candace was professional, and so much fun! We did family photos and a branding session with her. She kept all 4 kids engaged and happy to be photographed the whole time, and then made it easy to have solo photos of myself taken! I had a wonderful time, and I don't normally like my picture taken. Seriously I can't say more about how comfortable she made the session! read more

The Essence Photographer - Session Photography Near Me

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Candace makes the process so easy. She made me feel totally comfortable and the shoot was fun!

I had the pleasure of posing for an intimate photo shoot with Candace Smith. She was wonderful to work with. She gave me guidance before the shoot, with a journaling assignment to help me get in alignment with my goals for the shoot, and by inviting me to create and share an inspiration board on Pinterest. On the day of the shoot, she sent over the most wonderful, talented, and empathetic hair-and-makeup person who handled both my exterior look and my interior feelings as I had a bit of a melt down as soon as she arrived. Put together by her in more ways than one, I next received Candace in my home. I'd selected a series of outfits and we worked with all of them, parts of them, and in no clothes, in different locations around and on the balcony of my home. Candace helped me feel at ease with my body and encouraged me to play. The resulting photos looked a lot like the magazine shots in my original inspiration board, in a good way. I got to be whom I imagined I wanted to be, and I was also me. It was VERY hard to choose my favorites, there were so many good shots, moods, poses, etc. Candace is a talented artist, and she really cares about helping women feel beautiful, inside and in a photo! I now have beautiful shots that I can use for online dating, or share with a partner, or just savor for myself, to remember this intimate version of me from this time in my life. read more

She is so incredible, the process of creation started earlier and help me so much like a healing gift . I just re entering the world after a long journey af health crisis, accepting my body in it own new way, fist i was concern about the experience, but was so great. She is very kind, supportive, creative and profesional. The pictures are beautiful capturing the essence of the person and the place. As I was preparing the flowers show up as inspiration, she was so open and guide me into a deep creative process with grace and consciousness. I want to recommend this to everyone, great experience and beautiful pictures. read more

Candace photographed a gala I co-chaired for a local arts non-profit and the photos are incredible. She completely captured the spirit of the evenings from the cocktail hour to the concert. She was communicative, punctual and the photos are beautiful. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Candace as a photographer for headshots, branding or an event! Thank you Candace!!! read more

Candace I'm jumping on here to share some unsolicited love for you and your work. Peeps of FB. If you are thinking about working with Candace, I vote that you should totally say YES. She is amazing, knowledgeable, patient, fun and all of the things you would want in a photographer and artist. I will admit that even though I really liked Candace from our first chat, I was hesitant about the virtual aspect of a shoot -- but I'm always up to try new things, so I dove in. Candace was able to help me prep, calm my nerves and get a variety of looks. By the end, I was totally comfortable and excited to see the results. The experience was fabulous AND I ended up with some cute playful and original images for my marketing - which was, of course the goal. read more

I just attended another Women in Business event called the Goals Gathering and Gala and Candice Smith was the photographer at this event as well. I just so blown away at her uncanny ability to 'get the shot' in the most unobtrusive 'ninja' way possible. This is the sign of a true master. Thank you for sharing your gift with women in business, Candace. read more

We just completed our engagement photo shoot with Candace and I'm so excited we chose her to capture this special moment in our lives! I've admired Candace's style and artistic edge for years, so I knew she was the right choice to create something truly unique for us. She was incredible every step of the way. She helped us create a board to get clear on our vision, went location scouting, helped me setup hair/makeup and went over wardrobe with us. Candace had a great way of asking us questions and offering suggestions in a way that made the entire shoot feel easeful and exciting. I'm so happy to have such beautiful photos that feel like true art. Memories that will be in our family forever. Thank you Candace! read more

Candace is a great photographer because she not only takes amazing pictures but she also helps her models to feel comfortable with posing since a lot of her clients are women that has no experience with a professional photoshoot. As a work partner, she is extremely respectful and helpful towards the team, making the environment more fun and easy. I was extremely satisfied with my professional headshots and totally recommend her work for business or personal photography. read more

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I hired Candace to shoot me during one of the most difficult and vulnerable times of my life - when I was being treated for cancer. I've always felt self conscious in front of a camera. My shoot with Candace was the single time that I felt safe and genuine. She is able to get authentic shots because she just chats with you and shoots at the same time. She isn't directing you to look a certain way, or act a certain way or change the angle of your chin or smile for the camera. She just shoots you - as is. The result is authentic and genuine. She is very skilled and I highly recommend her. read more

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Candace is not just a "great photographer" - I've witnessed many of them in my career including Annie Leibovitz! Candace is like a HERO whisperer - she knows how to quickly bring out your authentic, heroic essence in it's full beauty, power and uniqueness. A photo session with Candace is unlike anything I've ever experienced. Candace invited me to use things that connected me to my personalities - different music, paints, colors, outfits, so it all felt more like a play session and I hardly noticed the camera. Working with Candace was FUN, EMPOWERING and will change how you (and your audience will see you forever! read more

The Essence Photographer - Session Photography Near Me

I used Candace for portraits for my college graduation to include with my announcements. I was totally last minute on getting them done as I didn't start looking for a photographer until two weeks before my graduation date. But Candace was so sweet and flexible in meeting with me only two days after I contact her and my photos were edited and back to me two days later! She was so kind in getting everything back quickly because of my last minute situation. She's very nice and professional, I felt very comfortable during my shoot! I recommend her to all in the area who want a good, drama-free experience getting some pictures taken and want a good value! I will definitely use her again!!! read more

Candace makes you feel very comfortable and gracefully pulls out the best in you to be captured in your photographs. She is also creative and has a great eye for detail. Highly highly recommend. read more

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I had the honor of shooting with Candice Smith and it was such a beautiful experience. Are energy worked so great together, plus she made me feel very comfortable. Candice is great with her creative direction and does great with capturing the best images of her work. I absolutely love my photos and received lots of great feedback from my family, friends, and business associates. It has been many years since I had a professional shoot, and I was so honored to have the opportunity to work with a professional photographer who is also a retired model. read more

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Candace did a superb job of taking a new photo of me for my website. She works with you outdoors in soft natural light and she gives you lots of options to choose from. Best of all Candace really sees you for who you are inside as well as outside. With her talent and skill, she provides you with a photo where you look real yet also look your best. I received many compliments on my new photo and am now using it for all my social media profile pictures. Candace is professional, reliable and fun to work with. I highly recommend her. read more

I've worked with Candace twice and both times have been absolutely amazing. She has a natural energy behind the camera that immediately makes you feel comfortable, seen, and safe. She has a gift of knowing how to connect your business/ brand vision into the moment while you are shooting. This has been the most important part for me because it really reminds me of how I want to show up while on camera. She helped to keep my vision at the forefront, while also managing to get awesome photos that feel beautiful and authentic. Love working with her and will use her for my photos every time. Highly recommend. read more

I needed new brand photos for my business but was honestly dreading the experience because my postpartum body looked SO different from the last business photos I had taken several years ago. The last thing I wanted was to be in front of a camera, but it felt important to me to have an honest, authentic set of shots to go with my new brand. Candace began putting me at ease from our first conversation and her support lasted through the shoot and beyond. She's not just skilled with the camera, she's skilled with PEOPLE. She's smart, kind, creative, and so easy to talk to and be around. Even though I was a bit of a nervous wreck on the day of my shoot, she saw right through that and helped me capture the exact shots I was hoping for. Add that to her overall professionalism, prompt communication, and inspired vision and she was just the perfect photographer to work with. I'm recommending her to all of my colleagues. Thank you so much, Candace! read more

Of the numerous photographers I've worked with over the years, Candace stands out as my top choice! She captures the essence of events, beauty & elegance of portraits in wild nature, and most amazingly created safe space to photograph me with my beloved in intimate bliss. Her work (see photos below) speaks for itself! read more

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Candace was so present and unobtrusive at the same time, which is the best quality for a photographer! The images I came out with were stunning and truly captured the feeling tone of the experience. I found myself smiling from ear to ear as I looked over the final photos, because they took me right back to those precious moments! I can't wait to put them on my website! I am so happy with the results from Candace. she was awesome! read more

Candace is the 1st professional photographer I have ever worked with and I'm so thankful for the experience she gave me. She made me feel comfortable in my own skin, embrace vulnerability, identify emotions in order to capture my story while making it fun and memorable. AND...the location (mansion) was spectacular with beautiful views! read more

I love the headshots I got with Candace! We got so much done so quickly, I was amazed. I appreciated her acknowledgments of me along the way and guidance about what makes for the best shots. And the results were fantastic. Recommended! read more

Working with Candace was hands down once of my best photography sessions. Not only did we have the pleasure of being in a beautiful Mexican setting in Tulum, but Candace's style was the perfect balance of fun, casual, professional and so genuinely sincere. With Candace's approach of gentle guidance I felt relieved to be free and have fun. Seeing the final results was truly mind blowing. The candid images from our retreat reaaaally captured some special magic that was actually magnified in the pictures. Reliving the experience through the images was not just a reminder of those precious moments but it gave them a whole new life, which created a deeper memory etched in my heart. Candace certainly has not just the skill but the intuitive eye that comes through the lens of a sincere heart to capture truly magical moments. I would certainly trust and recommend her for life's most special moments and occasions. read more

Candace was fantastic! She was our event photographer for a 2 day event and not only did she capture all the shots we were looking for she also captured the feeling and emotions that were occurring. She is truly a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend. read more

The Essence Photographer - Our dream team captured by Candace. - Session Photography Near Me

When Candace asked me what I wanted out of our upcoming photo shoot, one of my answers, was to be surprised by some aspect of myself that may come to light in the process. For sometime I've been on a quest to know and claim deep parts of myself and working with Candace was part of this. Did she ever deliver! One of my favorites was me naked climbing on a moss covered log on a rainy day in the middle of the woods. There I was - the female version of Tarzan with the glorious sparkling forest around me. Another favorite, was me frolicking in the spa, without a stitch of makeup, just enjoying myself with complete ease. Candace was fully present for me while not interfering as she deftly went about her art. I whole heartedly recommend Candace. You will be rewarded by her warmth, professionalism and will be drawn into the joy that she carries as she goes about her chosen art. read more

Candace is a skilled professional and has an incredible eye for detail. I was very nervous for the shoot and she made me feel really comfortable and at ease, she guided me into positions while encouraging my own playfulness to come out. I loved the finished photos, especially because she was able to capture my true essence in alignment to my brand. I'll definitely hire her again in the future. read more

Thank you Candace Smith and The Essence Project for such beautiful photos! Candace offered me photographs where her intention and commitment to capturing ones most authentic self absolutely shined through. She helped me and my relationship to my deepest inner knowings, essence, and soul, show up to be expressed and witnessed. If you are wanting help connecting to who you know yourself to be, to transformations you have undergone, and to show that to the world, be it for your business, dating profile, or for your own validation that your inner work is embodied and alive.. look no further, she is your lady! read more

This was my experience with Candace at a recent women's retreat: I went into the weekend with the main intention of getting in touch with myself and owning my beauty. And because I've never felt that I looked beautiful/perfect physically, I felt open to exploring and learning to own this part of me. I decided to be brave and do the photo shoot naked. I surprisingly felt okay about it because I knew I would have a sheet to cover me in strategic places. During the shoot, I felt able to fully embrace my body, which is quite the feat for me! I had shared with my retreat group after the shoot that I felt changed, but I had no idea what that really meant. I just knew that something in me had shifted. The morning after the retreat I woke feeling that change. I felt sensual, and found myself touching my skin, my neck, my cleavage.. I felt sexy! Candace's encouraging and enthusiastic attitude during the photo shoot gave me the safety to let this change happen for me. What I find so interesting is that I am feeling able to own my beauty but also am feeling my sexuality, which is a component I did NOT expect. What a beautiful thing! I feel so grateful for you! Thank you so very much for sharing your gift with us all. With love, connection, and gratitude, Nancy L. read more

Candace has a special talent and shooting with her was professional yet fun and personable! I enjoyed working with her creatively and highly recommended her for any self-branding photoshoot. Her expertise and knowledge is exceptionally valuable. read more

Had an amazing day with Candace while she did headshots for my daughter. She made it fun and easy for my 5 year old while we ran around the park. Thank you again for such lovely photos. I love everyone of them. read more

Candace is amazing to work with. She helped me feel comfortable and have fun, and drew out that inner essence that is what we want to show! I'll be working with her again and highly recommend you do, too. read more

Candace is an amazing woman and photographer. Our session together was simple, fun and elegant. She allowed me to express my inner creativity and guided me when it was needed. I loved her encouragement as well as patience. She has a connection to the lens that empowers her with an easy flow of images. Then, she continued communication as we discussed the photos after the session. I felt held by her through the entire process: shoot, review, and select. The most special gift was having the final photos with her logo and without. I really appreciate that! Thank you, Candace. read more

The Essence Photographer - Heather Kipnis Photographed by Candace Smith - Session Photography Near Me

Candace is exceptionally good at understanding personal and professional personas. She has an amazing gift of weaving your specific passion and personality into her beautiful photos. She is able to capture the true essence of who you are in every shot. Candace was a pleasure to work with and I highly recommend her to anyone looking to up their game, improve their brand image, or simply refresh their online presence. read more

The very first ad I put out with one of Candace's images got instant response: 'I want to be in that photo!' Candace captures the magic of my events which attracts the perfect people who are looking for what I offer. Medicine ceremonies and trips to the Amazon can be intimidating, but Candace's images clearly show the fun and connection that's happening and magnetizes my ideal clients to events that can be otherwise difficult to fill up. read more

I got to work with Candace while I was traveling to the west coast for business. One of the things I loved most about Candace and the way she worked is that she knows what it's like to be on the other side of the camera. She has a playful manner that inspired me to take risks and be who I really was in front of her camera. She delivered my proofs speedily and I was thrilled with the results. I highly recommend her for not only a beautiful finished photos but also for the end to end super positive experience. read more

I'm so grateful for the beautiful photos I had taken with Candace. Let me set the scene. I was presenting at a corporate event, and I hired Candace to photograph the event, and then take some professional head-shots for my business. We arrive early, and Candace immediate started to scout the location for great settings. I really appreciated how self-directed she was, because that meant I could focus on getting ready for my event. She took some wonderful shots of the event, in the scope that I needed them. I wanted to show the size of the room, and the number of attendees, while providing a sense of privacy for the attendees. She accomplished that directive with ease. We then set out to get some beautiful head-shots, that had specific requirements for my website. I loved the fun, playful way we achieved them. She was patient, well organized, and helped me to ground into my body when I was getting too heady. It really took no time at all to accomplish this photo shoot. She absolutely delivered. Once the shoot was over, she was speedy in delivering an easy-to-use digital album for me to choose. Once I chose the ones I wanted, she quickly polished them up. I now have a half dozen photos that are beautiful, represent my essence, and are incredibly versatile for all my marketing needs. I highly recommend Candace if you're looking for a highly professional, creative, and easy-to-work with photographer. read more