Her big blue eyes have melted my heart for two years. And then her sweet, sweet smile, the way she never backs down from what most little ones would fear. (I’m sure this causes some fear for her mom and dad!) Little Elena is full of life and energy; she’d rather throw a ball than almost anything, and I love her hugs.

Elena’s mom is a lady after my own heart. She loves and appreciates photography and pictures in general. When they come to visit, Brandi and Tyler go to work just like I do.  It’s refreshing for me to just let her mind work with my props and backdrops. We work together to create the images that Brandi envisions. Well, at least we used to, until little Elena began having a mind and ideas of her own, LOL – And we just roll with it. These are such precious days and if I could magic wand anyone concerning photography, I’d hope they understand the swiftness of passing time. These babies grow up and if you haven’t captured more than just on your phone, you are taking a huge risk of losing it all. That’s another post for another day.

So if you know me, you know that I will do just about anything humanly possible to photograph everything outside. That’s where I’m in my element. I know how to find the perfect light, to use it to wrap sunshine around your hair, and how to capture you at the most flattering angle.  Inside is just not my favorite. But when it’s cold, and you need to do an extended session with a little one, even I know that inside is the place to be. That being said, I’m very happy with what we captured, and Elena’s additions to our vision just made them sweeter.  Outside is still my favorite, but so so many of these inside images made me smile when they popped up for editing.

Brandi and Tyler, thanks for bringing sweet little Elena to see me, and Tyler thanks for jumping right in and always helping us with props and backdrops.  I know you must be ready to go long before we give it up, but you are such a good sport.  It goes right back to what Brandi said in the PJ Brides group yesterday, you will do anything to support your wife and daughter.  That’s the true definition of love.

Those eyelashes!!  I didn’t realize how many shots I’d made of Elena’s lashes until I downloaded the whole session.

We always do a quick Harry Potter set, because Elena’s mom loves this series.  I am a huge fan too!

I know her dress is up, but that smile!!  She’s so stinking cute.

That’s how we got those smiles.  Tyler was off the backdrop letting her throw the ball to him.  Then while the smile was still big, I’d snap away.

More eyelashes!

Elena LOVES to color!  She’s meticulous and careful.  She thought she’d accidentally colored on the desk and she was distressed until I told her it was just fine.  I hope this mean’s the walls are safe at the Berry home.

I don’t even know what to say about this picture, and I’m never at a loss for words.  Just beautiful!

We even needed to color in bed.  Isn’t this adorable?

Lashes again, sweet fingers, and look at the concentration on that little face.

And then we’re a cowgirl – talking on the phone. You can guess which part was Elena’s idea.

Oh my, I adore this little girl!