Photographing children is a creative journey that has no fixed rules and is full of energy and the unexpected. This is how I see life.
How do you experience life? We all come from such a diverse range of backgrounds which influences not just "what" but also "how" we see through the viewfinder of a camera.
A child running through a field: I look for the jubilation in its face and feel its energy and joy whilst panning with the camera. A naked child refuses to wear anything but a santa hat: I love how the light plays with its forms and cheekiness and I see the innocence. Others might see this and find it disturbing or shy away. A child shy in a corner hugging bear, or confidently moving across the backyard dragging her favourite doll through the grass. This is what life is about.
Often I photograph the subject looking away. This may reflect some of my own insecurities or shyness. Photographing with direct eyecontact can be confronting but not worth anything unless I connect with the subject. I need to know they can see me, not just the lens. Each child will react differently to allowing themselves to be photographed, depending on their level of confidence in themselves and in me as the photographer.
I was told "Women will never make as good a photographer as men as they are too emotional". If I didn't use my emotion, my photos would be meaningless to me... how could I then expect my work to touch anyone else? Passion is a flame that comes from within. It's important to keep it alive in everything we see.
Best wishes,
Nicole
http://www.nicoleboenigmcgrade.com