My obsession with dissecting photography blogs began a few years ago when I started planning my wedding. I can’t even tell you how many tens of thousands of hours I’d spend looking at blog after blog with my mouth open in awe of the amazing images before me, and admittedly a little jealously in my heart. Green inside because I wanted the savvy to make pretty pictures too 🙂

One of the blogs that became part of my daily rotation (yep, blog stalking is like daily vitamins for me) belonged to my talented friend Navy aka Navy Sou Photography, whose photographs always manage to make me smile. But, my favorite posts were always the ones that featured her and my longtime friend Alvin’s adorable daughter Mya. As Navy says till this day, Mya is her muse. And clearly, it’s easy to see why …

Well you can only imagine the cocktail of fear, panic and utter delight that found its way in my throat when I received an email from Navy asking if I’d do a session with Mya. I nearly dropped my phone in the street when I read that message. I immediately called Tommy and well, I’m not even gonna sugar coat it … I freaked out. You see, I didn’t want Navy to realize I was totally a clueless novice compared to her super duper veteran skills, plus how the heck was I ever gonna even come within a bazillion miles of matching all the beautiful pictures she had taken of Mya throughout the years? It felt like Mission Impossible, except no Tom Cruise and no million dollar budget and definitely no special effects. Just me, my camera and my Kelly Moore bag filled with lenses. The odds didn’t look good.

But like a good husband, Tommy encouraged me to step up to the challenge. And though I never told Navy I almost canceled on her at the last minute and faked like I had to go to work, LOL, I kissed all my lenses and my camera, and said little prayers to each piece of my equipment before we headed out for a late afternoon session in San Juan Capistrano.

Aside from being a fabulous photographer and an amazing mom, Navy is also beyond creative and epically fashionable. So of course, Mya came fitted with awesome outfits and incredible props in tow.

And quite honestly, how can you not take a good shot when there’s this much fabulousness in front of you?

And of course, the weather was perfect as was the light. So with all of these elements combined, my prayers were definitely answered 🙂

After years of being momma’s muse, Mya clearly has fierceness down pat. Seriously, all I really needed to do was click and she provided all the magic.

And yes, Coca Cola, I think I’ve discovered your new “It” girl!!! Check please 🙂

Mya, my love, thank you for being the most amazin little 4-year-old model a photographer could ever ask for! You are heaven sent, your smile is infectious and your soft giggles remind me why children are the most precious gift that life has to offer.

And to Navy and Al, your daughter seriously makes me want to fill my entire home with fabulous and fierce babies just like your little girl. She is the epitome of each of your best qualities … sincere, sweet and kind like Dad … fun, fashionable and gorgeous like Mom.

And of course her bright aura and beautiful spirit is simply a reflection of the love you share for each other …

Mya, I cannot wait to see what your future holds. But one thing’s for sure … as sure as the sun is bright and as long as helium-filled balloons continue to dance in the skies above, you will be amazing no matter what you do 🙂 *hugs*

Too see more of the incredible Little Miss Mya, click here or on the slideshow below!