Meet Jenna. Sweetest little 3 yr old ever. She loves her new dress and adores her new shoes (fashionista in the making? I think so!!!) Simply put, she's a doll!

Still, despite her beauty and fabulous attire, the one fact remains ... Jenna is 3! I love 3 yr olds. They are silly and goofy and undeniable adorable. They are also clever and wildly independent. And independence is important to a 3 yr old. This independence paired with the adorable silliness, however, can prove to be quite a challenge for a photographer.

And when I hear the word "challenge," I can only say one thing, "Challenge Accepted!!!"

And so we began ...

She clearly had the upper hand from the very beginning!

"Eyes on my, sweety," I coached.

Nope.

Several shots later I thought, "Let's try a new outfit!" Gives Jenna time for a break and perhaps a change of attire would spark new interest.

Checking out the new kicks. It's all good ...

Still admiring the new dress ...

"Now look at me, Jenna!"

Nada

"Oh, where's your sunglasses? We should put them on!"

Sunglasses on, pushed up so they look hip and fancy ... everything is cool.

"Now look up here and smile."

"Please look at Marybeth, sweety."

I just kept on shooting. One of these shots she was bound to look at me with a big cheesy, mom-worthy grin.

"Deep Breath ... I can do this. I can outsmart a 3 yr old!!!" I thought.

Now this may have been one of the most ridiculous thoughts I've ever had. I mean, I've raised three 3 yr olds. It may have been many moons ago, but I still recall their fierce indpendence and undying tenacity. If banded together, 3 yr olds could possibly take over the universe.

But I'm not a quitter.

I took that deep breath. "Look at me, Jenna."

WIN ... sorta. I mean, she did look at me!

"Now smile!"

Again ... she listened.

Let's try this one more time but ...

"Look at me AND smile."

Applause rang down from the heavens and the little baby angels rejoiced.

And this is how I almost, barely, not really (mostly just got lucky) outsmarted a 3 year old.

I had the priveledge last fall of taking a journey with MaKynzie through her childhood and teenage years. She is an amazing young woman with a great deal of talent! We traveled everywhere that had meaning to her as a child, and now as a young adult. From her grade school, to her first dance studio, Sleepy Hollow State Park, The Zoo! and even her grandmothers house ... we pulled out the stops, each place remembering and capturing memories to last a life time.

Here is MaKynzie's Life Story ...

Took a trip to where her education began ... MaKynzie's grade school

On the swings at her school's park where many a recess was spent.

Painted Hands. 15 years later ... not so tiny anymore.

Sitting in front of her grandmother's house where she spent her afternoons after school.

MaKynzie has a great passion for dance which started as a young child. We made sure to get her posing next to a statue that gave her inspiration.

MaKynzie has trained as a dancer at Fusion Dance Center since she was a child.

Took a little visit to the zoo. One of MaKynzie's favorite places to go as a kid.

Visited Uncle John's Cider Mill. Even tried a little frozen cider!

One of MaKynzie's most important memories is camping at Sleepy Hollow State Park. We visited at sunset for some amazing shots!

MaKynzie is proud member of the Holt Rams Dance Team.

Happy Graduation MaKynzie. I wish you the best of success after graduation! I know you will do amazing things!!!

To book your "The Story of My Life" photo shoot call Marybeth at 517-366-1830 or email at mb@marybethsmithphotography.com.