Asli Bachpan: Candid Childhood Photography
Kids don't need instructions to be themselves. I don't ask for fake smiles or rigid poses—I just wait for the real, messy, beautiful chaos of being a child.
A candid shot of a young child in a Krishna costume, looking up with wonder. This is the essence of genuine childhood photography, capturing their natural curiosity during a festival celebration.
A child dressed as little Krishna, clapping and dancing. I focus on these moments of uninhibited joy, letting the child's personality shine through in a relaxed environment.
A quiet moment where the child, dressed for Janmashtami, curiously examines a flower. These small, unscripted interactions make for the most memorable and authentic kids' portraits.
A happy toddler sharing a moment with his grandmother over a phone. This candid photo captures a slice of modern life and the simple, joyful connections between generations.
A black and white portrait of a child peeking from behind a phone. This series explores how technology is a part of modern childhood, captured in a timeless monochrome style.
The child's expression of curiosity while looking at the phone screen. Black and white photography helps to focus on the emotion and the story in the child's eyes.
A young child completely absorbed in the world of a smartphone. This candid shot is an honest look at contemporary childhood, captured without any staging.
About this collection
For my sessions, we don't do studios or bright, distracting flashes. I come to your home or a local park where your child already feels safe. If they want to run or climb, we run and climb. If they are cranky or quiet, we capture that too. There is zero pressure to perform, just a documentary of their curiosity and joy.
Parents often worry if their kids will cooperate, but in my 'Asli Bachpan' sessions, the goal isn't cooperation—it's observation. We do not do standard poses. My job is to blend into the background while your child explores their world.
Whether it is the focus in their eyes when they look at a screen or the wild energy of a festival celebration, I am looking for the 'choti choti baatein' (small things) that make childhood what it is. I bring my camera and a lot of patience to these shoots, typically spending 2 to 3 hours with you. This isn't about getting one perfect shot where everyone looks at the lens. It is about getting twenty shots that feel like your life.
If you are in Delhi NCR, we can head to your favourite park or keep it at home where they have their toys and comfort. I provide high-resolution images that are colour-corrected for a natural, authentic feel—no heavy filters or dramatic editing that changes the reality of the moment. If you want to document your child's growing years without the pretence of a staged studio portrait, let’s talk.
Manya Upadhyay
I’m Manya. My camera is my third eye, and I love kids because they are the only ones who truly don't know how to pretend. I don't bring heavy equipment to your space—I just bring myself to capture your little ones exactly as they are.
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