Some of my favorite pictures taken at my wedding were by my then 6-year-old niece Wren. During the reception she commandeered at least three of the disposable cameras left on guest tables. The pictures came out slightly crooked and often rear-focused. But what I love about those images is that every single person she photographed, from the most exuberant revelers to the most reserved guests, smiled brightly at this diminutive photographer. There is something about being asked by a small child to look at a camera that just breaks down everyone’s barrier. As a professional I try to get to that moment when my subject is no longer self-conscious.  They are just being themselves. That’s what makes beautiful photographs, moments we all want to remember. A daughter’s hug, a mother’s loving expression when she looks at her child. My apology to Lee’s family for using this blog entry to ramble, but during my recent photo session with the delightful Lee, I was reminded what great photographers children are. In hopes of getting Lee more comfortable being photographed, I let her take over my job for a little while. She carefully balanced my heavy camera in her hands, pointed it at her parents and found the shutter button. Her parent’s are looking at her with such warmth and compassion. It is one of my favorite pictures of the day and one only a child could take.

Photo by Lee, 3