Meet Anna. She and her family are from Brazil. I have a special place in my heart for the country of Brazil, not because I’ve ever been there, but because my husband served a mission for our church there for two years before we were married. He talks of his time there often, and his love for the country and the people is real. One day he hopes to go back. One day I hope he takes me with him. 😉

For his birthdays in the past (to bring some of Brazil up to the States) I’ve made Pao de Qeijo and have taken him out to Brazilian Steakhouses. I’ve also learned a word or two in Portuguese. 😉 I felt a little sorry that my husband wasn’t there on the photo shoot with me because I bet he would have loved speaking in Portuguese once again (although he claims he’s a bit rusty).

Anna brought along her parents and her younger brother to the shoot. Her dad and brother trotted off somewhere in Dow Gardens, while her mother was an excellent helper for my reflector. In fact, this was the first time I’ve ever used a reflector, and I have to say, I’m already in love with it. I was able to shoot in places that I normally would have avoided since I was able to bounce that beautiful evening light back in Anna’s face. Those pictures have become my favorite of the whole shoot.

I’m always grateful when the sun chooses to shine on the day of my photo sessions. Don’t get me wrong! I also love what an overcast and cloudy day can do for someone’s skin. But there’s something about that gorgeous back light that I adore. It gives the pictures a little extra something.

Anna, you were a dream to shoot and pose! These pictures of you turned out stunning.