I cannot believe my niece is 6 years old already and neither could she. I still remember the first day I met her, it was the same day I met my birth mother and sister. My sister, Jessica, was only 6th months pregnant at that point.
For her sixth birthday Hailey asked her mother to throw a surprise birthday party for her. Somehow and someway my sister managed to keep it a secret. I've never seen a more surprised look on a child's face than my niece walking through that door. Hailey walked straight up to her mother and whimpered, "It's not my birthday." She was right, it wasn't, her actual birthday was two days away. It took a moment to sink in, but after that everything went smoothly.
Being the only photographer in the family, I always get the pleasure of documenting my nieces' for various events in their lives. Whether its the first day of school, a birthday, a random holiday or simply a day in the life of, I'm there. I even dedicated a full year of my life to following my sister and nieces around with my Hasselblad (a German, handmade, medium format film camera) for my senior photography project at St. Edward's University.
It was wonderful to get the chance to photograph Hailey's birthday. They may only live a city away, however it seems like I rarely get to see them outside of special occasions.
Happy birthday Hailey! Yes, you're now actually 6!
My youngest niece, Amanda, pondering how this is not her birthday
Amanda eventually getting over the fact that this is not her birthday
Hailey lacking all enthusiasm for my gift, a camera
I think they've grown tired of looking at the camera for portraits
