A gem, once cut and polished, shines brilliantly and has many facets.

Here’s Z.

She’s my 8-year-old daughter’s best friend. Or, as my daughter likes to say, “best, best, best, best friend in the world.” Z. will be moving to Florida very soon, and we’re all very sad to see her go. Ever since she was a baby, Z. has spent so much time with and been so close to her grandma. Z.’s grandma wanted me to photograph her granddaughter at her house, doing some of her favorite things.

When I was picking out images to blog, the thing that stood out to me was how the different facets of Z.’s personality were captured. Serious and grown-up. Yet, young and child-like. Mischievous. Funny. Giggly. So, so active.

Z., you will be missed very much. You are a gem.