Delta Dawn photographs parties for New York's elite. At one party she feels that she'd be better suited in the photos rather than taking them. Delta ingratiates herself into the family to become part of the picture.

"As a photographer, Delta Dawn observes the seemingly perfect lives of New York City's elite: snapping photos of their children's birthday parties, transforming images of stiff hugs and tearstained faces into visions of pure joy, and creating moments these parents long for. ARE MADE OF BEAUTIFUL LIES But when Delta is hired for Natalie Straub's eleventh birthday, she finds herself wishing she wasn't behind the lens but a part of the scene--in the Straub family's gorgeous home and elegant life. THE TRUTH WILL BE EXPOSED That's when Delta puts her plan in place, by babysitting for Natalie; befriending her mother, Amelia; finding chances to listen to her father, Fritz. Soon she's bathing in the master bathtub, drinking their expensive wine, and eyeing the beautifully finished garden apartment in their townhouse. It seems she can never get close enough, until she discovers that photos aren't all she can manipulate"--

"Mary Dixie Carter's The Photographer is a slyly observed, suspenseful story of envy and obsession, told in the mesmerizing, irresistible voice of a character who will make you doubt that seeing is ever believing. Delta Dawn comes from humble beginnings, but in her work as a photographer for the children's parties of New York's elite she is used to moving, unnoticed, through their luxurious homes. As she observes their seemingly perfect lives, she adds to this veneer by transforming the images of their crying children, stiff hugs and unsmiling faces-editing the images to make sure the parents see the party they want. The party they may later, looking at the pictures, believe really happened that way. When Delta is hired to take pictures of Natalie Straub's 11th birthday, she finds herself wishing she wasn't behind the lens. She would fit so well in the pictures with the Straub family, wouldn't she, in their gorgeous home, their elegant life? This time editing the pictures isn't enough. Delta begins by babysitting for Natalie, befriending her mother Amelia, finding chances to listen to her father Fritz; soon she's bathing in the master bathtub, drinking their expensive wine, and eyeing the beautifully finished-and currently occupied-garden apartment in their townhouse. It seems like she can never get close enough. Until Delta discovers the one thing Amelia Straub wants most is also the perfect way for Delta to become permanently a part of the picture"--