I love toddler sessions because they teach me to let go of any sense of control and just follow their energy. It’s amazing that even at the age of two, so much of our personality is already developed. Wilma was bubbly, curious, independent, and playful — and rightly suspicious of the stranger with a camera trying to coax her into a tent fort! So, we changed plans and her wonderful mother started reading to us both instead. The camera (and person holding it) melted away, and I got to see Wilma’s shyness fall away and her wonderful smile and laugh slip out.
This was my first photoshoot in my home studio, and I’m so lucky to have this sunlit space for winter shoots. It felt extra cozy with Mr. Bear and wool blankets and children’s books covering the floor. We ventured outdoors for just a bit, before Wilma let us know she was ready for her long-promised reward of apple juice and camera-free time with mom. As a youngest child myself, I was taken back to how wonderful those mom-and-daughter-only days were, and so it was fun to get a glimpse into that relationship with Wilma and her mom. Thank you both for this warm, happy session — I am excited to see Wilma grow even more fully into who she is!
