I checked the weather forecast hours before her portrait session, and it looked fine. But minutes before Avni and her mom arrived, the rain drops started to fall. We were planning to photograph outdoors in the courtyard right outside the Chelsea studio, but Mother Nature had different plans. The flooding rains quickly convinced us to photograph in studio.
I pulled out the ring lights because they make gorgeous circle reflections in the eyes. Then I braved the rain and ran out to find the perfect flower to tuck behind Avni's ear.
My daughter turned 9 this past April. In the few short months since then, it feels like she has grown up more than she did in the whole last year. Her mannerisms, her sense of style, and her interests have all shifted reminding me that she is leaving behind the days of her childhood and beginning to walk (or run) the path leading right straight to the teenage years.
When this beautiful girl came out to the studio, her mom told me that she originally wanted her daughter to wear a pretty dress and then decided to let her daughter make her own decision about her outfit.
It's a hard thing. The heart of a mother forever sees our baby even when the eyes of a mother see the beautiful young woman our daughter is growing into. It's not that I don't want my daughter to grow up. The older she gets, the more fun I am having with her and our relationship is deepening in unexpected and meaningful ways.
And yet. I'm caught off guard by how fast it is happening. I completely understood why Avni's mom wanted to capture this time in her daughter's life.
So to you, Avni, I hope your sweet, playful spirit stays with you as you go through life. Your gentle way with words and strong determination make you a natural leader. I cannot image the ways your gifts with touch your family, your friends, and your community. You have so much to offer.
Be bright. Be happy. Most of all, be you.
At MMB Imagery, we hold an incredible passion for documenting the emotional moments that add meaning to our lives. If we can help you capture a stage that you love, please reach out. We would love to help!