It is really hard to take pictures of my children. Not because they aren't photogenic but because it takes an act of Congress to get them to agree. I get it. Caroline has had a camera in her face since she was about 6 minutes old. It does require them to stop playing with their Legos or baby dolls.

But this time was different. I have spent the last 4 months researching and learning portrait photography. And in the last month I have been building a studio in my sunroom. I have learned how to use studio lights so I can take portraits anytime of day in any weather. But I need to practice. Do you know what "feathering" a light means? Well I didn't either until a few weeks ago and it has changed my photography. But I need to practice.

So I bribed Caroline with a new dress that she could pick out and I promised that she didn't have to get to fancy. All I asked was that she brush her hair (which apparently is a lot to ask of an 11 year old these days). And she totally nailed it. It took me 20 minutes to get this look. I had to readjust lights and V-flats but it is a start. And she looks beautiful.