She’s my niece.

I photographed her a few months ago in her grandparents backyard swimming pool.

Whilst a litle shy at first, she soon came to life in the water.

I entered her portrait in the Western Australian Photographic Federation Canon ClickWest competition.  The competition had more than 420 entries across four categories.  Ivy was chosen in the Top 10 and the photo of her appears in the ClickWest book and exhibition.

What I love about her portrait is that it encapsulates everything about being a kid – freedom, joy, fun, totally carefree.  The eye contact and her smile just make me smile back.  I hope she makes you smile too.

And just to be fair, here is her brother Kai.