Thank you to all the photographers that shared their best images featuring happy kids in this photo contest made possible by our friends at PhotoTalk.biz. Portrait photography is an art, and photographing children's portraits might just be the ultimate challenge in portrait photography. For this contest, submit your most beautiful images featuring happy kids for a chance to win prizes that will help you take your portraits and your business to the next level. If you're a professional photographer looking to build your business or an aspiring professional eager to take the leap, Lori Nordstrom and PhotoTalk.biz can help!

A special thanks to friend and professional photographer Lori Nordstrom for her collaboration as a guest judge. Lori Nordstrom owns a boutique studio specializing in children and family portraits located in the picturesque town of Winterset, Iowa. Lori began her career photographing her own kids in her backyard almost 20 years ago, and is now known not only for her simple and sweet portraits of children, but as a leader in the photography industry in the areas of business, marketing and sales. (we know for a fact that she's SUPER excited to get to know you!). "There were so many fun, cute and inspiring images!  Happy kids are probably my favorite subject to photograph, and while I love all kinds of expressions - you can see true happiness in many different looks.  I loved seeing all of your versions of "happy kids", and as much of a joy as it is to capture these images, as a profitable business, you'll always be able to sell portraits of happy kids, too!  A mom can't resist a sweet expression on her little one's face. " - Lori

Grand Jury Winner

"The lighting in this image is beautiful!  I love the colors of the leaves and the definite "dreamy" look on the little girls face as she happily looks through the leaves to the sky or clouds or something imagined. This image will be a treasure both for the parents and for the little girl as she gets older.  I hope it always reminds her to dream." - Lori

Runner Up

"I love that the maker took the captured moment in "I'll always be here" to black and white.  The girls appear to be sharing something just between the two of them - the little one being mischievous and the older lettering know by her adoring look that she's there as they grow together - no matter what.  This is another image that will be precious to mom in this moment, but will be a keepsake and memory for the girls as they grow up together." -Lori

Runner Up

"I love the look in Rylie's eyes - she sees something that makes her happy.  I love that she has chipped nail polish - a true sign of her age, even with the perfect hair and bow and earrings.  This image also has beautiful natural lighting.  The eyes draw you right into the image!" - Lori

Amateur Winner

"I travel a lot and see the happiness in kids no matter their circumstances, so I loved the kids in their "Ifugao traditional costume".  This image would have been stronger if the happiest child - the one on the far right, would have had more light on his face so our focus could be drawn there.  The bright white costume of the woman between the two boys takes your eye away from the boys happy face.  I would love to see this image re-exposed for the happy face of the boy." - Lori

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People's Choice