The One with the Morris Girls

Can I just say that I love this picture because it is not only adorable, but it is also hilarious, and it also depicts real moments in life.  Sometimes someone else gets all of the metaphorical puppies, y'know? 

Even though Charley was less than thrilled about the photo shoot, she and her big sister, Hollyann, are definitely two of the cutest little girls I have ever met.  When their wonderful mama asked about doing a shoot, I was thrilled!  Not only would I get to catch up with an old friend, but I would also be able to meet her husband and two adorable daughters whom I had seen so many sweet pictures of.  Then, I got a bonus when her amazing parents popped in with their two new and absolutely adorable puppies.  Although all of the attempts to cheer up Charley didn't quite work as we had hoped, the photo session was still an absolute joy and so fun.

This session was a reminder to me of what photography is for me.  I could never fully explain what photography is to me as being my job.  No session has ever felt like work to me.  They are never stressful.  Somehow, they are always relaxing, regardless of unforeseen changes in weather or children who aren't in the mood to be photographed or equipment malfunctions.  Every moment I capture with my camera is a blessing to me.  Every time that I sit down to edit photos, I get to relax.  I get to forget the world, get into the zone, listen to music or an audio book, and just be me.  I will edit and re-edit and "work" for hours without realizing what time it is.  As Kayleigh apologized for Charley's lack of smiles, I easily reassured her that it in no way was an issue for me.  This wasn't only because I knew that Charley is adorable enough to pull off the pouty look, but also because it really did not bother me.  I have had multiple session when the parents do everything they can think of to bribe a smile from a child and are apologetic when the attempts do not bring out smiles, but never once has it really bothered me.  Because regardless of what or who I am photographing, it makes me happy to be able to save precious moments and memories for other people.  Because in the end, that is all that matters: that you can remember a person by happy memories through pictures.  That's why photography isn't a job to me.  It's a joy.

I am hoping to get at least one good smile out of Charley next time I see her, but until then, here are some of my favorite snaps of the Morris girls.