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).