The most talented photographers out there have brought their own unique lenses that have successfully created sub-niches in this challenging art form. From newborn and child portrait photography to fairytale-esque children photography, what haven’t we seen?
If you’re an aspiring children’s photographer, keep reading. We have rounded up some of the most talented Indian children photographers to be on the lookout for.
These experts share their unique photography journeys. They tell us why they chose to photograph kids and reveal some of the biggest challenges they have faced as they developed their own unique styles.
What’s more? They are here to give you a couple of professional tips and insights that you can learn a lot from.
Table of Contents
Ready to be inspired?
Kriti Agarwal, Delhi-India
candidemoirphotography.com Read Bio
1) Why did you decide to specialize in kids’ photography?
I began in 2014 with pre-wedding and couple photo sessions. In 2015, during a photoshoot for a friend’s family, I realized that photographing kids is a lot more fun and full of life. The more sessions I did, the more my love for this genre of photography grew. I decided to pursue it.
2) What is the biggest challenge when it comes to photographing kids?
The biggest challenge is a blessing in disguise. You can’t ask kids to pose as they tend to do the exact opposite. So, I capture them as they are. It takes time for kids to open up. You can’t expect them to smile at someone pointing a large instrument at them! So I take my time to gel with them and make them feel comfortable.
3) How would you describe your style of child photography?
As my brand name suggests (Candid Memoir Photography), my style is truly candid. I position the kid and the family according to the lighting I want, make a frame, and ask them to simply enjoy their moment together. Sometimes, the kids want to run around, especially in open parks, and I let them (of course, I run behind them!). It helps me capture the child’s true essence.
4) What is the secret behind taking a good portrait of a child?
Let them be themselves. Allow them to indulge in the activities they like. Don’t force them to smile. Make them feel special and become their friend. Crack silly jokes and laugh hard with them.
5) What camera and lenses do you use the majority of the time?
I am a Canon user and my favorite go-to lenses are 50mm and 85mm prime. I also love my Sigma 35mm 1.4art too.
6) When you are not taking photos, what do you do?
I love art. I love painting planters, coasters, and watercolor paintings. I’m still learning but to me, art is therapy.
Durga Chincholi, Pune-India
1) Why did you decide to specialize in kids’ photography?
My short time in the Indian Army took me to extreme parts of this country. But more than the natural beauty of this country, its culture and people’s emotions have always intrigued me. It was during my pregnancy that my love for photography and the desire to capture life’s intimate moments came together. When I saw my son’s smile for the first time – that innocent and natural smile – it just stuck. I had found my calling.
2) What is the biggest challenge when it comes to photographing kids?
Matching their energy level! You have to be quick and on your toes because the perfect shot always comes in a flash. I have had to climb trees, slides, swings and even get into funny positions just to get that one perfect picture.
3) How would you describe your style of child photography?
Raw, real and authentic – showcasing each individual personality at its best. I always advise parents not to go overboard with props but to plan photoshoots in an environment in which their child is comfortable. I myself have been amazed with the results.
4) What is the secret behind taking a good portrait of a child?
Let them be kids and never school them. Let them do what they feel like. Give them the freedom to run helter-skelter and you’ll witness some of the most joyous smiles and laughter.
5) What camera and lenses do you use the majority of the time?
I use a Canon 5D Mark II along with 24-70mm Lens. It gives me the freedom for wide to tight shots. I also use Sony A7 III to make films of the family sharing their experiences or messages that they have for their kids when they grow up.
6) When you are not taking photos, what do you do?
Documenting my family and playing with my kiddo (he is a handful!).
Anamika Singh, Mumbai-India
anamikasinghphotography.com Read Bio
1) Why did you decide to specialize in kids’ photography?
Although I started off as a wedding photographer, I have always been drawn to child photography. Children are pure, spontaneous, and full of energy. They all have diverse personalities, which makes every session interesting. My style of photography being primarily storytelling, the joy lies in documenting unscripted moments with these little humans. Being a mum to an 8-year old, my photography journey and love for this genre have grown with him and the years spent in the proverbial Kingdom of Childhood.
2) What is the biggest challenge when it comes to photographing kids?
Getting happy pictures every time! While parents love to plan a session in a particular way, kids have their own plans! Patience is definitely important to get the best shots. I prefer to let kids be to capture them in their element.
3) How would you describe your style of child photography?
My style of child photography is a mix of lifestyle, documentary, and stylized/posed. It depends on the age group. For newborns and sitters, I love doing posed as well as lifestyle sessions. For older kids, I prefer lifestyle and documentary styles. I tend to always keep my photos real, raw, and authentic.
4) What is the secret behind taking a good portrait of a child?
Just let kids be kids and you’ll be surprised at the possibilities.
5) What camera and lenses do you use the majority of the time?
I mostly use 85 mm or 35 mm on my Nikon D750 or Nikon Z6 II most of the time.
6) When you are not taking photos, what do you do?
When I’m not taking photos, I’m editing them! Jokes apart, I love writing, DIY crafts, and curating content for my social media accounts.
Meghna Rathore, Delhi-India
meghnarathorephotography.com Read Bio
1) Why did you decide to specialize in kids’ photography?
My interest in photography began as a kid and turned into a passion after I had my first child. Clicking pictures of my little angel was the best part of her growing up. My family used to love my pictures. So I decided to turn the passion into a profession. I trained under renowned photographers, and learned the nuances of newborn and maternity photography.
2) What is the biggest challenge when it comes to photographing kids?
When people see the final outcome of a photoshoot, they believe the kids enjoyed the process. In reality, kids can get cranky while posing for a long time. I ensure that they are comfortable during a shoot. I let the kids enjoy the setup instead of pushing them to pose. I then try to capture the candid moments showcasing their various moods and emotions.
3) How would you describe your style of child photography?
Natural and candid. I believe that kids’ photoshoots are about capturing their real personality. To achieve this, I let them enjoy the setup and behave naturally. I use a mix of natural lighting and studio lighting to highlight their emotions.
4) What is the secret behind taking a good portrait of a child?
There are three main factors. First, let the kids take their own time. Don’t force them to pose. Help them feel comfortable. Spending time and connecting with them will help them enjoy the setup and process.
5) What camera and lenses do you use the majority of the time?
I use a Nikon D720 DSLR. In terms of lenses, I have a range but mostly use Nikon 24 – 70 mm and 50 mm.
6) When you are not taking photos, what do you do?
I spend time with my family, cook for my kids, and watch movies with them on TV.
Maternity Moments Studio, Delhi-India
maternitymomentsstudio.in Read Bio
1) Why did you decide to specialize in kids’ photography?
I have been passionate about photography since I was a little girl when I got my first hand-me-down antique roll camera. But my parents wanted me to pursue an MBA and I ended up working in HR at an MNC. Once I realized I wasn’t happy with my job, I decided to follow my soul and pursue photography. As a mother, I decided to specialize in photographing newborns. After all, I adore babies! After a few ‘posed’ newborn and baby sessions, I was in love!
2) What is the biggest challenge when it comes to photographing kids?
Keeping them steady without any movement… I usually follow a method of taking as many photos as I can in a short time. Some aren’t good but some are great thanks to the kids’ spontaneous expressions.
3) How would you describe your style of child photography?
I keep my photography very natural. I try to capture the immediate actions of kids which give the best shots. Not only is the child more comfortable but the sessions are more enjoyable this way.
4) What is the secret behind taking a good portrait of a child?
When choosing a location, consider how the surroundings add to the storytelling element of your photo. Pick a background color that complements the subject. Think about the color of your subject’s clothes as well. For instance, if you’re shooting against the backdrop of green trees, make your subject stand out by dressing them in a contrasting red.
5) What camera and lenses do you use the majority of the time?
Canon 5d mark 4, 50 mm lens.
6) When you are not taking photos, what do you do?
I create new setups and props. I read the news and attend workshops. I try to learn as much as I can.
Priyadarshani Bhor, Pune-India
1) Why did you decide to specialize in kids’ photography?
Before photography, I used to handle post-photographic processes. Sometimes, incidents in life can lend a different perspective. My hysterectomy at the age of 31 led me to fulfill my dream of motherhood differently. I decided to do maternity and newborn photoshoots for others and live my dream through every session. Find out more about me.
2) What is the biggest challenge when it comes to photographing kids?
You can’t do a photoshoot unless you follow the kids. You can’t force babies to pose as per your requirements, you have to go by their comfort. Patience is key whether it’s photographing newborns, babies, toddlers, or older children.
3) How would you describe your style of child photography?
My style is simple. I believe in capturing shots of babies, not props! I like to take pictures with minimum props, from a lot of creative angles and poses, and I focus on the expressions of the kids.
4) What is the secret behind taking a good portrait of a child?
To be the best at anything, one must be passionate about it. For me, this is a dream that I am fulfilling passionately. Photography is an art. A good portrait must have an artistic touch.
5) What camera and lenses do you use the majority of the time?
I use Nikon Z6 with 24-70mm f2.8 lens in all my photoshoots.
6) When you are not taking photos, what do you do?
Planning the next creative shoot, making my own props and backgrounds, and spending time with family.
Pradeep Pavithran, Pune-India
1) Why did you decide to specialize in kids’ photography?
By accident! After 18 years of a corporate job I loved, I had to take a sabbatical due to health reasons. I spent a lot of time with my newborn nephew during that time and realized how much I loved clicking pictures of babies. I generally love being with kids. They are pure and innocent. Their expressions are real and their smile touches the soul…
I love capturing their expressions and unique reactions. It doesn’t feel like work, but a privilege. It gives me a sense of overwhelming joy when parents convey their happiness with the resulting photos. By capturing beautiful moments of the baby and the family, I get to touch their lives in a small way.
2) What is the biggest challenge when it comes to photographing kids?
Each stage of photographing kids has its own challenge. With Newborns (5-15 days of birth) customs prevent many Indian parents from taking babies out of their home during the first month. At one month, it’s tough to wrap them up for newborn shots. The Sitters (between 6-10months) are the easiest. Once the babies start walking during the Toddlers (11 months to 2 years) stage, the sessions become challenging! They are curious, have a short attention span, and hate being in one place! With experience, you pick up a few tricks that make it easier! The key is patience and perseverance.
3) How would you describe your style of child photography?
I generally prefer candid natural light photography. Newborn and infant shoots are conducted indoors with natural light and studio light options. Sitters and Toddler sessions are predominantly outdoors amidst nature.
4) What is the secret behind taking a good portrait of a child?
For me, I need to connect with the child. One has to be patient with them and respect their space and preferences. I become a kid with them – talk their language, sing their rhymes, play their games… Babies have different personalities even at 6 months. Once I connect with the baby, it’s just a matter of time before they start expressing themselves. That’s when my camera comes into action.
5) What camera and lenses do you use the majority of the time?
Nikon D810 is my primary camera. I have 35mm, 50mm, 85mm prime lenses as well as the classic 24-70mm. I predominantly use the 50mm prime as it allows me to be close to the babies and interact with them while clicking.
6) When you are not taking photos, what do you do?
I love badminton, cycling, walking, and movies!
Soumya Pandya, Mumbai-India
1) Why did you decide to specialize in kids’ photography?
Ah! There is something so incredibly magical about everything kids do. Photography has always been my passion and kids make me weak in the knees. After becoming a mother, capturing moments with my son made me realize how much I love it. Capturing their innocence and creating everlasting memories for a family is bliss. The little cuddles and warm snuggles you get when you’re getting them all settled is so rewarding. Every day I look forward to letting my creative juices flow and to creating that perfect picture for generations to cherish.
2) What is the biggest challenge when it comes to photographing kids?
Children never stay still!!!
Getting the baby to sleep is important if you want to capture the serenity of those first few weeks. Once the baby is in the perfect position, capturing that perfect smile, those micro-expressions at the right moment, is the biggest challenge.
With older babies and children, creating a connection, deciding on the time of the day that suits the kid’s routine, styling, and keeping them steady are slightly tricky, but getting them to pose for photos is far more difficult. Unnatural poses and forced smiles are photo wreckers. Getting natural poses and expressions that portray the real emotions of childhood is challenging!
3) How would you describe your style of child photography?
My style varies from kid to kid and family to family. It is a mix of:
Lifestyle photography: I love this style because of its authenticity of it. Lifestyle photography can actually encompass elements of the other three styles.
Traditional or Posed: These portraits are usually taken inside a studio using backdrops and skillfully placed artificial lighting.
Artistic: My favorite style, it feels like creating a piece of art with no guidelines or rules to follow. Artful backdrops, costumes… there are no limits to the creative touches and ideas used to help the vision come to life.
4) What is the secret behind taking a good portrait of a child?
Patience, persistence, and love for children. Creating a rapport with the child by getting down to their level, engaging with them, and speaking their language will give you compelling images. You need to conceptualize your photo keeping the child in mind. No one frame or pose fits all. Last but not the least, let children be children.
5) What camera and lenses do you use the majority of the time?
Camera: Canon 5D MARK III
Lenses: Canon 50mm, Canon 24- 105mm, Canon 70-200mm
6) When you are not taking photos, what do you do?
Travelling, drawing, and cooking are what I love the most. Spending time with my family and friends is what rejuvenates me!
Are you Feeling Inspired?
We certainly are! Inspiring and being inspired – it’s what creating art is all about, isn’t it?
Children’s photography has, in recent years, become a world of art in its own right. It is amazing to discover and learn from these inspiring Indian photographers who have made their mark in the world of children’s photography.
The most important thing we have learned from these conversations is that it begins with passion and discovering your vision. Once you get your techniques right, it’s all about knowing what makes you tick as a photographer and having others see the world through your unique lens.
The world of children is filled with magic, fairy tales, laughter, and light. How much of that world inspires your shots? How much of the magic can one see through your lens? And how much of that beautiful inner child do you bring to your art?
We hope that these experts’ journeys have sparked the flame that will get you to embark upon an exciting one of your own!
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