Avalon turned 5 and her momma asked me to take her birthday portraits.  I was really looking forward to the session because I knew exactly how spunky and out-going Avalon was.  This was Avalon’s first solo shoot with me because the last time I photographed her it was during her baby sister, Haven’s newborn photography session.  Child photography can be SO much fun especially if you have a child with the right personality and Avalon is the epitome of that.  We had to reschedule because the poor kiddo had the stomach bug the day we were originally supposed to meet.  But it all worked out perfectly because we had the most beautiful morning to play.

We met at one of my favorite Lancaster county locations.  When I asked Avalon’s mom, Jess, where she would like to go for the portraits she replied “You choose!  You are the one who needs to be inspired!”  I love that!!  I also love that Jess shares my belief that portraits should capture a child’s true personality for the age that they are at.  She, again, like me, allowed her 5 year old to help choose her portrait day outfits.  I allow my own children to choose their ensembles for the individual sessions I do with them each year and then mom picks for the annual family portraits 🙂  Jess said she had originally chosen some white dresses for the portrait session, but then quickly realized that white dresses were truly not “Avalon”.  So, after some discussion they compromised on the outfits you see in the images below….my favorite being the floral dress, mardi gras beads, cheetah print leggings and hot pink boots.  She rocked the outfit and the entire portrait session.

I love when a client trusts me so much that they just have a seat and send me off with their child to do my thing.  I find that in most situations that it works best for the child and I to work together without mom or dad’s watchful eye.  It gives me a chance to get to know the child instead of chatting with the parents and it gives the child the opportunity to express who they are without correction or direction from mom and dad.   Avalon opened up and told me elaborate stories about the location we were at.  She has quite an imagination.  I am really looking forward to watching her grow….it’s sure going to be entertaining <3