My Kind of Girl

The mom of this lovely young lady called me and asked for me to do her daughter's first communion portrait. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I love working with kids of all ages, but I seem to be having a pretty good run of preschoolers and babies of late. Older children, especially ones that don't run away from me are something unusual for me. My photography style also tends to be on the casual side. How does one do a casual First Communion portrait? To me, the occasion just doesn't feel casual.

One more thing that had me pondering about this session: did you know that white is a really tough color to photograph? It's very easy to over expose white and lose all the detail. I had some experience with this, having photographed a bride earlier this year. I know all the tips and tricks by heart. But still, I worried before hand. Let's face it, I worry about every session. For me there is no such thing as just another photo session. I want every single one to be wonderful. More than wonderful. I can't just phone it in. Not ever. I have to give my all.

I was fortunate in that the family had some wonderful window light for me to work with. I met my little subject and she was absolutely beautiful in the dress her grandmother made for her and her hair done up like a princess. She and her brother were both great kids. They shook my hand, let me instruct them, and the brother even held my reflector. You know what I loved most about this lovely little girl who looked so proper in her white dress? I loved that when I looked her in the eye I saw a sparkle of mischief. There was a kindred spirit hiding in there. . .my kind of girl.