I am really lucky that photography isn't my full-time job. Why? Because I get to be really picky about who I work with. When someone calls to book a session, I take care to let them to know upfront how I work and what to expect. If that doesn't meet their needs, I'm in a position to turn someone down. So, in that way, I'm fortunate. I have a small list of clients that love my work and offer me more than enough challenge.

The newest on my roster is Lila. I wasn't sure if it was possible, but she managed to get cuter since December.

She loves being outside, collecting rocks and climbing around her favorite trees.

I'm a sucker for gadgets, and cameras are no exception. I recently went to visit my nephew Hugo, and I forgot my gear. Can you imagine? 

I did have my point-and-shoot camera in my purse. I always have that in my purse-- you never know when you'll need it. 

That day, I took a bunch of pictures of Hugo with my small, cheap camera. 7.2MP, nothing crazy. Fits in my pocket.

Here's one of my favorites from that day:

It's a nice picture. I followed the basic tips-- the sun was at my back, lighting my subject. I turned my flash off. The white balance is a little funny, probably because I had the camera set on "tungsten lighting." I also have my camera on panoramic mode. This was an accident, but it worked in my favor for this picture. 

When I had some time to really sit with the image, I thought that it should be in black and white. I like the simplicity, and Hugo's eyes pop in color or black and white, so why not?

Whew! Now my heart is really skipping beats. Knowing that I didn't need the fancy stuff to make this happen is pretty awesome. 

Now go! Do it yourself.

I met this sweet little baby on Sunday. After I left, I called serveral friends-- "She smells like dreams!" I cried.

She's perfect.

It's been a while since I've taken pictures in 2010, so I've decided to open my photography up again and get inspired.

For the months of March + April, I'll be doing free portrait sessions. Here are the specs! Read carefully.

1. I need to know you personally. We should be friends on Facebook, interact on Twitter, colleagues, or have close mutual friends. If you're a stranger and you're reading this, I'm sorry.
2. Sessions are roughly 1-2 hours.
3. We will agree on a location. I'd prefer Greenfield, Easthampton or Northampton. No studios.
4. You can't be in a rush to get the images back. Any mention of a deadline-- forget it. I'll do my best to get the pictures processed within a couple of weeks, but I can't make specific promises.
5. I'll get you the pictures on a CD. I can't guarantee how many images you'll get back. It depends on how long the session is.
6. I reserve the right to turn down requests. I'm offering this as a mutual personal benefit, for my growth and not as a business offer. What you get is a great set of pictures to use for social media sites, gifts, work and other purposes-- for free.
7. You OK me to upload some of the pictures on Flickr. I'll clear it with you first.

Contact me to schedule some time. (Or via Facebook or Twitter.)

I'm pretty busy during the holidays-- lots of pictures to take, presents to buy... Needless to say, my December weekends book up pretty quickly.

A couple of weeks ago, I took some photos of Lila. Her mom had mentioned she was a tough one to photograph, as like most kids, she is always moving! While her mom was right-- Lila is a tough one to photograph-- Lila is also one of the coolest kids I've worked with. What a personality!! It was such a treat to work with Lila and her family.

(A side note-- I also love design, and Lila's mom has such a great eye for modern kids decor. I could have taken tons of pictures just to source from.)

Anyway, here is Miss Lila.