It's hard to believe that it's been three years since I first met sweet Gemma Bean and her amazing mom Jamie! I have been photographing Gemma since she was just 3 months old! This family is very special to me not only because I've been watching Gemma grow for the past three years, but because Jamie was my very first client that had no previous connection to me. When I first began my photography business four years ago the first year was spent building my portfolio by giving huge discounts and many free family portraits. A year into business Jamie contacted me to photograph her baby girl and I was beyond excited. It was my first real official client and I was overwhelmed with a variety of emotions among them utter excitement and fear. When I met Jamie for the first time my fear quickly dissipated. She was so nice, easy going and down-to-earth. Not only did she hire me to photograph her most precious gift on earth Gemma, but also hired me a few months later to take some portraits of her extended family! Until Jamie my clientele consisted of a small circle of people I knew either through teaching or my son's daycare. Don't get me wrong I am grateful for each and every one of them. Without them I would not be where I am today, but there's just something about your very first client who has no reason to trust you, doesn't know anyone in your circle, but takes a chance on you anyway and Jamie has continued taking chances with me every year since! I love all of my families I photograph, but Jamie and Gemma will always hold a special place in my heart.

Watching Gemma grow from a newborn to the sweet little lady she has become is absolutely wonderful. The love and bond between Gemma and Jamie is so special. Jamie is an amazing mother and an incredible woman! I look forward to seeing them every year. I love that Gemma calls me her friend Sarah! She is so sweet and it's so much fun to see her personality develop through the years. Her true colors shine when the camera's out and she never disappoints me. The trick to photographing children is to just let them be themselves. They are in control and it's my job to be ready for whatever they throw my way. They are unpredictable keeping me on my toes and I love every second of it!!

When I arrived at Jamie and Gemma's house Gemma was finishing her breakfast while rocking a diamond studded princess tiara. Most kids don't remember me and take a bit of time to warm up, but not Gemma. She had been waiting for her "friend Sarah" to come and take her picture all morning! She was in full diva mode and much to my surprise allowed me to pose her.

family portraits | Sarah Kane Photography

I'm sure you can see why I was very excited. I knew if this was a fleeting moment of cooperation it was perfectly fine because it doesn't get much better than that! She was perfect. When Gemma saw the picture she told her mom "Sarah told me to put my hand there".

Family Portraits in Richmond VA | Sarah Kane Photography

Ok so I was wrong. Clearly it does get much better. Gemma was blowing me away!! With this picture Miss Gemma needed no direction. This pose was all her!! Well, enough talking. Who wants to see more adorable pictures?