So here it is for everyone who requested to see the outtakes from this portrait session. Often times, clients ask me why we need 2 hours for a portrait session. Can't we just take a quick portrait? Well sure we can but if we're working with small children or babies, it may take some patience and creativity to get their attention. For this reason, it's rare that I do mini sessions. You really have to work it to get what you want and it takes time, patience, and commitment to get an expression like this.

This portrait of us together, to me, is priceless. It's something I've been wanting to do for a long time. I really wanted something clean, simple and natural. An image that focuses on just the essence of our relationship. Ultimately, I was looking for a pensive emotion. Why? Maybe it's just a reflection of my personal style or my personality. As a creative, I tend to go through different moods and styles. Sometimes I like props to help tell a story or add a little whimsy. Other times I'm looking to create something that focuses on the parent-child relationship without any distracting elements. In this series of images, you'll get just a little insight into the planning and effort a portrait session takes. FYI, I had a specific pose I wanted which is reflected in the first image. All of the silliness, was what helped to get my daughter to relax into a state of calm for this image.

 I am so grateful for my mom who helped me get this shot. (i.e. Camera was on a tripod). Looks like she's going to learn photography whether she wants to or not. Haha! She was so patient with all of my "little's" shenanigans."

Scroll down to see all of the silly antics.

I'm thinking that the above image will be printed as a large canvas for my house. I'll get to look at everyday and remember her "smallness." I think it's important for children to have a tactile testament of their parents love displayed where they live. It may even give them some small sense of self-esteem in their hearts. Here's a study to that references this claim. http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1994-06-19/features/1994170178_1_family-photo-gallery-child-images Oh, her and daddy will have their portrait made soon as well.

Yup! She thinks it so funny to lick me. Eww Gross!

The only way I was going to get the expression I wanted out of her was to play and be silly. So why not just get the wide grins and bursts of energy out in the beginning.

This is one of my favorite outtakes. This big grin is one she always does lately. She dances around me while I sit and wait patiently for her to come back to me.

It looks like I'm posing for myself but I'm really just waiting for her to come around to the other side to get in place.

When I asked her which one of the portraits she liked the most.......she chose this one of course! What kid doesn't like to be held upside down from their ankles. I love how it shows the true nature of childhood.

A little sass in her step. 

This one speaks for itself. Feet in the air and kid rolling around on the floor. 

Here we are winding down a little bit and playing with toys.

This next shot evoked the pensive look I was wanting but just didn't quite tell the story. Plus, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I hate the way my neck looks. (Ugh! feeling a little vulnerable writing that.)

 Finally, the shoot is over and I'm breaking down the set and lights. Just a quick outtake of her relaxing and enjoying her play time.