Most kids are total naturals when it comes to modeling—and they sure know a good location when they see one, too. As we moved around Jacksonville’s Friendship Fountain, right downtown on the river, little Alice took in the whole scene. In between hugs with her mom and races around the park, she would stop and gaze out at the waterfront skyline. Checking her lighting, perhaps? With an occasional glance towards me, she moved around the camera as if the hard work of a portrait session were as easy as a day in the park.

Childhood portraits don’t get any more authentic than this. Thirty seconds later, it’s on to the next emotion. It’s so much fun just keeping up.