Oooh, it feels good to be back in the saddle again. Or really, to be back in the position I really love—playing with children and documenting their funny looks, shyness, boldness, and general hilarity. I’ve written before about this sentiment, but it’s still true of my process as a photographer: I fall in love with your kids as I edit the images from our photoshoot. And as a mother, I see the value in documenting THIS period of life, this stage of quirks, because time keeps marching on. Children grow. They never stay the same, so this time is worth capturing.

I had the joy of shooting portraits for a birthday surprise for a grandmother. And, from what I hear, the results of our covert photoshoot were entirely worth the cost of staying silent about our fun in the library a few weeks ago! These five children—with a sixth on the way—filled me with joy and it was absolutely a privilege to spend time with them.