pictures, then, they sometimes don’t emotionally relate to
the child in the photograph. What they see in their
minds’ eye is their perfect child, not necessarily the same
child who was just photographed.
Another issue is that kids, especially little ones, are eas-
ily frightened. Therefore, extra care must be taken to pro-
vide a safe, fun, working environment. The photographic
experience must, in and of itself, be enjoyable for the
child. One key is understanding that while adults can
control their environment, children cannot. According
to Stacy Bratton, a veteran children’s photographer and
somewhat of an expert on sensory input, “Children can-
not identify that the air conditioner in your studio (which
is very quiet to most people) is scaring them, they simply
start fidgeting or crying or staring into space.”8 CHILDREN’S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY HANDBOOK
ABOVE—Photographing kids of all ages is a very special skill. Pho-
tographers like Suzette Nesire have a great knack for working with
and capturing children’s innermost worlds of fun. Here she pho-
tographs two sisters with their new baby brother, a newcomer with
whom they are especially delighted.
LEFT—Suzette Nesire is like a child herself, capable of dissolving
into the event. Here, two pals are having an animated conversa-
tion while running as fast as they can, something only children
could achieve. Suzette, with the reflexes of a top sports photogra-
pher, captured them at the apex of their reverie.