Every once in a while, someone steps in front of my camera and you can just tell — they’ve got it.

This gorgeous Dobbs Ferry kid came into the studio because she has her sights set on acting and modeling. I’ve photographed her mom before for headshots, so it was especially fun when she trusted me with her daughter’s first set of photos.

Her mom jokingly calls herself the world’s worst “momma-ger,” which makes me laugh because you can see how much she adores this kid. She’s simply along for the ride, doing everything she can to give her daughter the chance to see where this dream might take her.

And this girl made my job VERY easy.

She showed up in simple, totally age-appropriate clothes — a tank and denim shorts, a little floral dress, sneakers, a denim jacket. Nothing overly styled or trying too hard. And I loved that, because the photographs became about her. Her expressions, her personality and that little bit of cool factor she seems to have naturally.

We did some more serious portraits, some black and white, and plenty where I just let her move around and be herself.

And those big laughing shots? Very sophisticated photography technique over here: I gave her a balloon and told her not to let it hit the floor. 😂

Sometimes that's all it takes.

I loved this shoot. I have a feeling this isn't the last time this kid is going to be in front of a camera.— Mary Jane