Lifestyle photography allows me to connect with people on an amazing level because I am invited into a clients home or to a location of great importance to each individual. I get to share a personal moment of true emotions, like this beautiful girl finally getting to wearing her new hat.

Sweet princess, if through this wicked witch's trick, a spindle should your finger prick... a ray of hope there still may be in this, the gift I give to thee. Not in death, but just in sleep, the fateful prophecy you'll keep. And from this slumber, you shall wake, when true love's kiss, the spell shall break.

It must be a curse for mommy photographers to have their own children hate to smile for the camera. I have come to realize this with my own two-year-old daughter. My husband and I took our daughter to a beautiful garden on a rather warm day in Florida, and I was about ready to give up trying to capture a photo of my child smiling. Every time I would say "Sophia, smile for mommy!" I would get a "NO!" or simply be ignored. That's the life we live, right? It was Sophia's idea to rest under a gazebo in the rose garden. I was very lucky to glance over at her at this exact moment, because she had not only naturally propped her legs up on the bench, but had this subtle smile playing across her lips. The lighting just added to the wonder of this image. Whether it was the roses, butterflies or just that moment that made her smile, I finally got my photo... and I learned that children will eventually do what you ask of them, just give them time.