Pre-meditated Perfection

I have often wondered what it is that propels a portrait session from good to fantastic. After giving it way too much thought, I've come to the conclusion that there isn't just one thing that can make or break it. However, there are always ways to increase the odds. The session I did on Thursday was unbelievable, and one of the easiest sessions I've shot all month. The thing that made it so easy to create great images in this case was the amount of planning that went into the session before I ever pulled out the camera. This little angel's Mom and I have been talking about this session litterally all month. We planned the session for after her nap, in a location that would have great light at that particular time of day. Mom did some searching on the internet to find what kind of artistic vision she had for the finished product, and coordinated every little detail from the bow to the dress, to the antique furniture (which, I might add, I am TOTALLY coveting now.) She even sacrificed her back yard to the weeds just for this one day. I'm telling you, there wasn't any detail she over-looked. The result was that we had perfect light, great props, and a cheerful, cooperative subject. Luck? I don't think so.
A, I am SO SO sorry... you are going to have one heck of a time choosing! :-)