Girl with the Look, originally uploaded by lmentler.

I love this picture of my great friend's daughter. She was very excited to have her picture taken. She gave me a number of poses and dazzling smiles, but this photo is more classic. The way she just looked up without thinking about the camera. When I look at this picture, I am drawn to her eyes immediately. The innocence of a child captured in a split second. 1/80 of a second to be precise! ;)

Young Tom Sawyer

Little one, originally uploaded by lmentler.

I am fortunate to have friends that let me practice my photography on their children. This is my son's best friend. I loved the way that he was exploring near the fence. I followed him and hoped that he would glance in my direction. The overalls, the whitewashed fence ... I can't help but think - Tom Sawyer.

My Boy

My Boy, originally uploaded by lmentler.

My son playing in the backyard on a beautiful fall day.

I have always had an interest in photography. My father was a photographer and my husband dabbles in photography as a hobby. I have had a camera since as far back as I can remember and I have always relied on my pictures to remind me of important moments and events in my life. Since my son was born, I have taken numerous pictures of him and his little friends. I have been developing myself in the area of children's photography-trying to capture their essence, not always a smile. My friends and family have given me great feedback on pictures that I have taken of my son and of their children as well.

My name is Laura. I am excited to use this blog to show some of my photos. I am an aspiring children's photographer.