Bear with me folks, lots of pixs to post with these back to back portrait sessions lately

Two weeks ago, I had the honor to photo shoot for the first time, a child’s baptism. I had not been to one in a very long time, as a kid maybe so was not sure exactly on what to expect. The family consists of mommy Ana, Daddy David and little Maria. In Portuguese tradition, baptism is a huge event, even bigger than birthday parties and perhaps even bigger than sweet 16 at least for the parents they are. Ana contacted me for the event and we scheduled a mini session before the big day with little Maria. When they arrived for some studio shots, Maria was like a typical 2 year old, curious, happy and wanted to check out the territory. Once Ana changed her into her beautiful pearlie dress, it was downhill, little Maria started crying and would not stay by the back drop to take pictures. I was like, wow I am done, did not even start, this has never happened to me, the crying got louder and I was like ok, stay calm.  We tried giving her some of my boys toys, planes to be exact, and she liked that but she did not want to go in front of the backdrop, or perhaps in front of my camera. The JC Penny days starting ringing my memory, crying kids scared of the big camera thing which had a clown face around it and I did everything I could to make them smile,oh no not that again.

Luckily,I had had the idea of going outside to a nearby grassy area and I mentioned this as soon as they arrived. So when the crying increased, I was like ok, option B. Happily though, daddy David called Maria and both mommy and daddy asked Maria to show us her little teeth and she did and I was clicking away. I really did not think I would get any pictures but it was the shortest studio session ever. We then headed for outdoors when Ana could run freely and smile away, she played with white and pink rose petals, yanking them from root and tossing them in the air, poor little flowers but that is what 2 years old do and we played peek a boo and then more smiles and even a bunny visit. I was so relieved. Here are a few shots as well as the poster montage I did for the entrance of the event as well as some getting ready shots, did I mention it was like a wedding? Getting Ready session, Church, Reception, the works. Felt blessed to be there with this beautiful family.

Presents from her God Father…