One of the things I love most about being a photographer is the chance to reconnect with old friends. Lori and I became friends right after I had graduated from Youngstown State. About a year later, she was offered a job as a radiologist in Columbus and I decided to tag along for the adventure. We lived together for a year and then she was ready to head back to Northeast Ohio, while I stayed in Columbus for another 11 years. We found each other on Facebook a few years ago, but still had not seen each other since she moved to Cleveland. I was ecstatic when she contacted me to photograph her adorable daughter, Hanna, for 2nd birthday photos, now that I am back in Northeast Ohio.

Since they were driving in from Westlake for the photos, we opted to have the session at the studio in case of any weather issues that day. Hanna is such a sweet little girl and we had a great time while creating her photos. Of course, with any two-year-old, there will be a meltdown here or there, but no worries, I just wait them out. Some of those mini meltdowns produced the most serious and amazing looks from this little beauty! A great portrait does not always have to be happy and smiling and I love capturing those pure emotions from my subject, smiling or not. With younger kids, I know that I need to work fast because they tire of the experience much quicker  than older children.

So many beautiful images of little Hanna, it was hard for me to pick my favorites to share!

I don’t show many black and white images, because I love color portraits. This one felt perfect being black and white.

This was the last photograph from our session. Hanna was done with me, but I wanted just one more image from her.

If your little one has a birthday coming up and you are considering professional portraits to create memories of the milestones in their life, be sure to contact me to discuss portrait session options. Whether your child is turning 2 or 12, time flies and you will treasure the photographs from each wonderful stage of their life.