CO – When have you started photographing children and their families?
NG – I’ve started photographing children about 2 years ago. I enjoyed photographing them even before, perhaps because I’ve always had lots of children around me.
CO – How do parents see professional photography in Romania? As a necessity or a caprice? Because some parents understand the importance of a professional photographer, to capture some unque moments in their kids life, while others think they can do that themselves.
NG – Once the camera has appeared (either the “antique” compact on film, or the modern digital), the photographer’s status (not to be generalized) has been slightly shadowed. Still, there are parents that understand what it means to be photographed by a professional. From what I noticed, those who took part at least once in a family photo session have had a great time and will certainly come back just as enthusiastic. I don’t think that we can consider photographing children as mandatory or vital, yet it is certainly not in the “luxury” category. Sure enough, children photographs have something magical, indescribable, they have messages, feelings, proving harmony and happiness in a family. Parents take photos of their children in every moment, and this is perfectly normal, because for them every “moment” is extremely important. Unfortunately, most of the times these photos have the same fate – they end up “crowded” on a CD or on the computer, and in the end you forget where you placed them. That’s why a family album is so different, because you can browse it, hug it, feel it’s smell, the smell of the past.
CO – How do you find this kind of photography? Is it difficult to work with children? Or is it easier with adults?
NG – In my opinion, it is more difficult to photograph a child or a toddler, as compared to an adult. Most of the times, it is not the photographer that sets his/her concept, and it is all in the child’s attitude. You have to be patient, to let them comply with the new situation, to be natural. And only then you can get real “quality” images. But I think it is worth the trouble, because most of the times I have a lot of fun with these little men.
CO – What do you like most about child photography? Pros and cons…
NG – Why do I like photographing children? Because they are honest, you can see their feelings, you see if they like you or not, because of their naïve nature, and the curiosity in their look. In an adult, these feelings are rare or masked. One disadvantage is that you truly need a lot of patience, but it can become a plus if you really like children.
CO – Do you plan ahead before starting a photo session with kids? Or you simply improvise?
NG – I don’t plan ahead. Only the “action” scene is agreed with the parents. This scene must be cozy and friendly, so that the family feels good there and for the photographer to be appropriate in terms of lighting, shadows, colors… Most of the times, the attitude and the family’s life style give me a starting point, inspire me. At the same time, I help them say what they think, so that they bring ideas to the photo session, so that they boldly use personal items that help get that family look.
CO – Are you after a certain “look”? Candid, for instance?
NG – I’m not looking for a certain style and I’m far from trying to capture children only in candid moments. For then, we couldn’t talk about being natural, or expressive, or my own way of “seeing” things. But when a family behaves natural and detached, I try to “dissolve” myself in that atmosphere and this is how great family portraits are born. And I dare say without any direct control from me.
CO – What is be the message you wish to send?
NG – What I really wish for is to revive this family albums habit, because family and children are the most important asset we have in life. To reborn the charm of the original photos that you can take off the shelf and take a time travel, to be able to pass them on and be proud of them. What’s in the hundreds of photos if you don’t have ONE truly precious that brings back memories?
CO – Black and white or color? Or it’s according to what you wish to communicate?…
NG – I like and I use both. Still, maybe closer to my style and personality is black and white. It is more expressive, more exiting, the lights and shadows suggest more than color, which seems more “impressive”.
CO – How long does a photo session last when working with children?
NG – It depends upon the child. Between 1 and 2 hours. Or indefinitely. Taking pictures itself is the easy part. The real hard work is becoming friends with the child, playing. Of course, there are exceptions when you meet a child that is on the same frequency with you. Actually vice versa.
CO – What should a photographer do in this kind of photography? What would you advise?
NG – Main advice: PATIENCE. Yet patience is not enough, because you have to adore children and be a child yourself. So they accept you as one of their own, trust you. And if you can’t show them all these, then you haven’t got a chance.
Norbert Gaspar – photographer
Sebastian Vaida (Camera Obscura)
I love the photographer’s keen eye for unique photo compositions! There are a lot of great idas here. I always love the insights of self-taught photographers. They’re always so sensible, honest and practical.
Thanks for sharing this interview with your readers!