I had so much fun photographing a dear friend of mine this past weekend. Normally I prefer to use natural light with the occasional supplmental fill light from a flash or another source. I find natural light is usually much more flattering on people. I rarely attempt any kind of dramatic lighting becuase I find it much harder to control and I do not have the luxury (yet) of a fully functional indoor studio.

Wouldn't you know it? It rained. We both have crazy schedules so changing the date was out. I was desperately hoping for at least a break in the very very dark sky of rain and would at least have liked a lighter overcast day. I didn't need full sunlight but absolute darkness seemed to be all I was going to get. I was doomed to darkness for the day. 

Luckily for me Kayla is such a good sport that she let me torture her with experiments. I thought for certain I had done a terrible job and that I would be lucky to have taken a few nice pictures. Boy, was I wrong! Apparently the camera LOVES her (because she is gorgeous) and there were so many wonderful photographs that I was overwhelmed with delight.

Let me tell about my dear friend a little. She is one of the most beautiful people I have ever met. You see, Kayla radiates from within. She has the most amazing smile that comes up from the depths of her heart and beams all around her like a halo. She doesn't need make-up (in fact she wasn't wearing any). Her kindness and gentleness sweep you up in their embrace and her laughter draws you in. This lady has charisma. Not the shmoozy kind of charisma, but the natural easy charm of a genuine loving soul. I know where that love comes from. Kayla is deeply devoted to her love for the Lord. She is passionate about her faith in Christ and she wears it as her crowning glory.