Photographing Children Photo Workshop, Second Edition

Introduction

The sheer miracle of childhood is something few can deny. The intrinsic innocence, honesty, spontaneity, and whimsy of children have been the subjects of prose, poetry, and paintings throughout the history of man. Since the introduction of the art and craft of photography, the depiction of children has been a popular and passionate quest.

What a thrill it is to have such a long and fun-filled career as a photographer of children. It has always been my desire to share the passion and the craft with those who feel the same stirrings of attraction to this field. I know that some are put off or discouraged by the threat of the supposed technical challenge of photography and equipment.

It truly makes me sad to think of the unexpressed vision of those who hold back due to that fear or intimidation. I believe this challenge is manufactured; the flames of fear continue to be fanned by some manufacturers of camera equipment, authors of books, and teachers of photography.

Don’t get me wrong; there is a place for understanding how to better execute fine photographs technically, but your vision, passion, and personal tastes have a deeply profound effect on what you produce. It excites me to think that I can be any part of encouraging you to follow your bliss, your heart, and your passion for photographing children. That has always been my point of view whether teaching, mentoring, or producing children’s photographs.

Even when working in the darkroom, I was interested in keeping ...