Sugar and Spice and everything nice - that's what this little girl is made of. When I know I have a two year old coming to my studio for a photo shoot, I prepare myself mentally for a challenge. You just never know how they are are going to test you. Some run crazy and don't sit still for a second. Some hang on mom or dad's leg and refuse to smile even when you sing songs, jump up and down and make a complete fool of yourself. But every now and then you get one who is comfortable from the start, cooperative and simply adorable. That was this child.

She traveled with her mom all the way from South Georgia and our shoot was scheduled on a day that was cloudy and threatening to rain. So, we started her photography session inside my studio, under bright lights in a small space that is typically not ideal for shooting busy 2 year olds. However, this sweet child went right in, sat in a little white wicker chair and let me shoot away without any problem.

Of course, don't get me wrong -- I still had to sing and pretend to dance with a giant talking Dora doll in order to evoke smiles like this one, but that just comes with the job of being a child portrait photographer I suppose and, honestly, I have fun with it. I mean, when else can you get away with acting a little crazy and let your inner child out like that?

After we did some indoor shots, the weather started to cooperate a bit and we were able to head outside after all. This is when I got to see her true personality as she explored my garden, found spiders, lizards and told me all about the snails that had come out during the rainy morning.

She wanted to pick flowers for her mother and of course I could not say no. The outdoors definitely brought out her busy side and I followed her around as she laughed and talked and showed her mother every little treasure she found. Of course, Dora had to come outside with us and stood watching from the garden.

When she found my daughter's blue ballerina costume, she insisted in putting it on and how could we resist? She danced and twirled and was very happy to dress up.

I love this portrait of a tiny ballerina. She wanted to walk into the woods, not afraid of the wet grass, the spider webs or anything else -- just happy to be twirling and dancing and looking like a true princess.

When her mom scooped her up to bring her back inside I was finally able to get some sweet mother-daughter photographs. Just look at that sweet little smile. I know she steals her mom's heart every day.

I love this shot of her little pout while she cuddles against her mother's shoulder. As a child portrait photographer who sees lots and lots of children, I can tell you that this was one of the most enjoyable shoots I have done of a two year old. I had a great time and the photos we were able to capture show that she did also.

I want to thank her mother for coming all the way to Alpharetta to see me at my studio. I had a great time and it was an honor to be able to capture these moments.

Plus, she took my giant talking Dora doll home! woo hoo!! :)

I can't wait to see you again (the child, not the Dora doll).

Sleighbells ring, are you listening? .... Probably not yet, right? After all, it's only the second week of October. Not even Halloween! Why are we singing holiday songs already? Well folks, it is actually prime time to start thinking about holiday pictures.

Fall is the busiest time of year here at ddkportraits and to fit everyone in, get the photos processed and out to you in time for you to make your holiday cards and get them in the mail, we need to get busy!

This beautiful child has been a client of mine since her birth. I was thrilled to spend an hour or so playing dress up with her and getting these great shots.

She was so cooperative and sweet and amazingly still for a two-year old! I remember taking her newborn shots and thinking how beautiful the shape of her face was -- like a perfect heart. As she has grown, she has only gotten more adorable and her bright eyes and pretty smile captured MY heart once again.

This pretty red ruffle dress was my favorite. I love little girls in ruffles and bows. She even kept her headband on -- something my two girls would never have done at this age. Just look how pretty she looks in red against the lush green ivy and red berry bushes at my outdoor studio!

Look at those eyes and that pouty mouth! She is looking up intently at my oldest daughter (who is working with me this Fall to earn some money for a new western saddle) and she, like most little girls, is just mesmerized by her.

Even Mom joined in for some play time. As the weather was a little "iffy" -- anyone in Atlanta knows how much rain we have been getting -- we had to go from indoor studio to outside and back again. This happy girl was fine with this though and was very cooperative with each location and outfit change we put her through.

I just love this shot showing her playful side!

As the shoot progressed, the sun started to peek through the clouds a bit and we were able to head outside once again. This time, in a purple velvet dress with matching bow and yet another pair of shoes, she was all giggles as my daughter danced around and played with a giant Elmo doll. I think we were all laughing at her!

I think this Mom got plenty of photos to choose from. I am excited to see which she chooses for her holiday cards.

Love how the hat frames that beautiful heart-shaped face. I bought it prior to the shoot with her in mind. This is just one of several great shots of her in it.

This shot is one of my favorites from the shoot. Even though she isn't smiling a full smile, every sweet detail of her face can be seen. Just look at those curly lips!

Mom bought my most popular "Have it All" package (see my info page for details), which includes a CD with all of her full resolution files and license for copyright. Good thing, because I don't know how she could possibly choose only a few photos from this super successful shoot.

I want to say a big THANK YOU to this Mom for trusting me to do these shots! I had a great time. It is clients like you that make this job more of a play-date than work. This shoot just reminded me that I am NOT too old to play dolls and dress up!