When the idea for a black and white photo series came to be early in 2017, I knew immediately the series would focus entirely on kids. Not just kids, but their most perfectly real emotional expressions. I wanted these images to exude joy, express strength, show shyness. I wanted these images to represent childhood. So I started the series, truth be told, because I was in a winter slump. Slow business and burned out creatively.
It started with a 5 year old, a blank wall, warm afternoon light, and a prayer.
Since beginning The Face of Childhood series, I have photographed over 50 children, ages 2-13, as a part of this black and white portrait project. Every session is unique. Every child brings their own spirit and their own personality to each image along with those classic childhood features: their crooked smiles, their doe eyes, their giggly faces, their missing teeth.
black and white children’s photography in atlanta
I hope this project will always live on. I have such lofty dreams for it. That one day these images will be shown in a gallery. That one day, you will be able to see these images in a book. I know these are pie in the sky, one in a million type dreams, but if you’re not dreaming big, what are you even doing?
Classic black and white portraits are everything, especially when we’re reminded of how good and kind and pure the world can be.
If you would like to be a part of The Face of Childhood photo series, email me @ katie@katieoblinger.com to book your session.
