An exploration of the expectations placed on children and the impossible stillness we ask of them, captured in the fleeting expression of a boy while taking his portrait.
When they are babies, we are thrilled by every small movement and every new word they encounter. The world is a vast, exciting place, and their joy is contagious, fueled by an endless sense of wonder. But as they grow older, society subtly shifts its expectations. The exuberance that once came so naturally is slowly tempered by the pressures to conform, to be more composed, more reserved. What was once celebrated as curiosity and unbridled excitement is gradually overshadowed by the quiet demands of social norms, as they’re expected to outgrow their boundless enthusiasm in favor of calm restraint.
A series of photographs showing the portrait making process, sitting still.