Pastel Portrait of Baby by Bonnie Lee Turner

Portrait of Baby Emily

To capture a child is sometimes difficult. Their features change so much, and so fast. I think it generally takes a minimum of 6 months to a year before a child's personality begins to bloom and their unique facial features become readily apparent. Emily was just about a year when I did this portrait. Her wide eyes and suspicious look really made me laugh. You could tell she wanted to know more - to know why, and when....and she was drinking it all in with her big, beautiful brown eyes.

On the day I photographed her for reference photo's, I began with her hair carefully coiffed in a pair of barrettes, but she wouldn't have it, she kept tugging at them, as if to say "I want to be free!". So, that is how I ultimately captured her - with her lovely, flowing red hair drawing you, the viewer to her big, beautiful eyes, and her chubby, rosy cheeks with her bottom lip sucked in. I'm not quite sure if she was feeling too happy with me, but I was very happy with her - the perfect portrait of a sweet little girl - a moment in time to be cherished for ever. - Bonnie Lee Turner