At the beginning of each of my photo sessions, I always make it a point to set my camera down, get on my knees and meet the little humans I'll be working with. I introduce myself on their level and usually ask for a high five.

(Sometimes I get one, sometimes all I get is a stare that says, "MOM! Who is this crazy lady?")

Like most of us introverts, little humans aren't always sure if they should trust the strange large adults who loom over them with cameras shoved in their faces. I mean, from their point of view, doesn't that sound intrusive?? 

So I start things off without my camera by noticing and pointing out something special about them. Their shoes, their dimples, their amazing hair, or beautiful eyes.

And just like I want their parents to feel like they can trust me, I want these tiny humans to feel that way too. 

Because at the end of the day, I'm not just looking for the perfect photograph with everything arranged JUST right. 

Kids have more than formal smiles. They have curious looks, eyes of wonder, and gazes of love and laughter. (And sometimes AMAZING stubborn, pouty, disgusted faces!)

It's my job to discover each of those faces and display those pieces of their personality for the world to see. 

But it all starts by showing each little one that they matter. Their smile doesn't have to be perfect, their dress doesn't have to be just right, and their hair will never stay the way we want it to. But who they ARE is glorious. Unique. And so precious. 

Cause isn't that how adults want to be treated too? 

Katie and Luke, you are such troopers! I was worried our photo shoot wouldn't happen with all the rain, the rescheduling, and the crazy weather! Thanks for allowing me to gain the trust of your two beautiful little women and for genuinely and wholeheartedly being yourself in front of my camera. Let's do it again sometime! ;) 

I pretty much say it before every shoot. "Sunil, why am I doing this again? I'm nervous that it will go terrible and they'll hate me and the photos won't turn out! I'll just stay here and never leave the house and be a hermit forever" 

He usually smiles and patiently reminds me that I do this because I love working with people, I love creating images that will last families forever, and I'm good at what I do. 

He's right. And he knows it. I always come home with a big smile on my face because I get to meet such amazing people with this job and really pour love into their family in the midst of our sessions. 

I took a few months off when I had Mary (if you haven't visited my blog in a while, SURPRISE! We had a kid!). And part of me loved maternity leave and staying home and not having work. 

But every spring when the grass gets green and the shadows get longer and the sun stays golden during those gorgeous sunsets... I just can't help myself. Photography is something I love - even if my pre-session jitters tell me otherwise! 

So when Becky reached out about doing a spring session (LOVED their fall shoot so much!) before they move away from the Kansas City area, I couldn't wait to get out there. 

Also, meeting up with previous clients again is like hanging out with old friends you haven't seen in ages. There's an amazing bond that happens when a family opens up and let's you photograph who they really are... and even though we only spend an hour together, I always walk away feeling like I've known them for years! 

(For the record, this photo below was a blooper and yet it makes me smile a LOT. Henry was so eager to be seen and noticed and I LOVE the expression in his forehead here! Bloopers often make my favorite photos.) 

Trevor and Becky, it really was a pleasure. I could've stayed in that random parking lot for hours with your kids as we sang, "THIS IS THE GREATEST SHOOOOW" and blew bubbles and found random thumb tacks on posts and pizza crusts in the grass. Promise me you'll come back often so we can do it again sometime. :)