When I made this photo, after college and before grad school, I knew in my heart that I wanted to be a professional photographer. This photo sealed the deal. I was so moved to be able to distill the essence of a moment, of a feeling -- the pure joy and freedom and openness of being a little girl -- into a photograph. I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, beyond how difficult I knew it would be, that I wanted to make photography the focus of my life.