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I Got Criticized For Posting Faceless Pics Of My Kids So I Decided To Prove You Don’t Need A Face To Make It Interesting
When a year ago my friend Kapuschinsk posted a Bored Panda article I got asked if my work could be featured in one of the news services in my country. At first I was very happy about it but then it turned that the comments on the feature were devastating to me and at first it almost made me stop taking photos.
One of the comments saying that those photos were "useless because in each photo you can see the child's back" got stuck in my head. For some time I put my camera aside and took the time to think this through. I decided to keep working and prove that I won't let them destroy my passion and that you don't need a face in a photo to make it more interesting.
More info: flickr.com | Instagram | Facebook | iwonapodlasinska.com
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#1
Final score:
173points
Little letitia 8 years ago
wow that is such a powerful image. it gives off a huge sense of nostalgia, pride and and unconditional love. it's like you're saying "where did my baby boy go? it was only yesterday i had to put him to bed. Now he does it himself". Whilst also sending the message that no matter what you'll always be there to have his back should he fall or falter. honestly, stunning!
Iwona Podlasińska (Submission author) 8 years ago
Oh I still put him to bed. This was in a time he did not wabt to slerp in his room and would wonder in the evening around the house trying to find a better spot than his own bed. I'm very happy you like it. Thank you so much
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Ian Carter 8 years ago
I totally dont understand that comment that upset you , why does it matter if you cant see the face, this is a powerful and emotive shot. Great use of light and it tells a story ,i love it.
Iwona Podlasińska (Submission author) 8 years ago
oh it was just because there were so many mean ones, this one just stuck in my head :) thank you, I'm very happy you like it!
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Lilly Rose 8 years ago
Ugh, how can people not like this! This is like the best photo I have ever seen! I guess that haters are just gonna hate
Sonja Van den Broeck 8 years ago
Your photo's are beautiful and it is good to protect your children's privacy
Angela Bohanna 8 years ago
I still keep going back to this one. It makes me want to be a kid again.
Susann Campbell 8 years ago
I would ask why do you want to see what my childs face looks like, any plans I wouldn't like?
Carolyn Peters 8 years ago
All your faceless pictures are truly beautiful.I would be ecstatic to have all of them hang on my walls.
RELATED:
#2
Final score:
139points
Superluminal1 8 years ago
Your photo captures a moment of wonder and reminds me of Robert Frost's poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.
#3
Final score:
132points
Michel M. Prins 8 years ago
Really amazing, just because it's raining, doesn't mean you can't go outside to have fun :)
#6
Final score:
119points
#7
Final score:
113points
Marilyn Aruta 8 years ago
I love the photos... they seem to capture kids doing kid's things in a very candid manner. Personally I think it is best not to share "identifying features of little children on Fb, or other media for safety reasons, and I hate those ubiquitous "selffies" w/the mommies and their kids. Your work is NATURAL, and seemingly spontaneous - hope you share more of it. Kudos to a great photographer
#9
Final score:
105points
#10
Final score:
93points
#15
Final score:
54points
#16
Final score:
51points
#19
Final score:
45points
#20
Final score:
45points
Ioana Ionescu 8 years ago
This one is awesome! Where do you live? All the places where you photographed are amazing !!
#21
Final score:
36points
#22
Final score:
36points
#30
Final score:
22points
Verna Peter 8 years ago
I absolutly love every single one of your pix..keep up the amazing work.hope to see many more pix from you.
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What do you think ?
Amanda Panda 8 years ago
I honestly love that their backs are facing the camera for two reasons: 1. It adds to the intrigue of the photos 2. Since they aren't facing the camera and posed, it doesn't look staged, these look like moments captured in time and that is more genuine and beautiful to me. Great work!
Marie Rundel 8 years ago
I love each of these pictures...! Great Art full of love and abandon!
Felicity Berkleef 8 years ago
Wow people are really rude these days. Sadly there will always be haters. I'm shocked that you once considered to stop taking photos :( I love your magical photos and indeed you don't always need to see the faces of the children. I also agree with the other comments. The photos give a lot of imagination and the photos aren't staged. Never let anyone take away your dreams!
Iwona Podlasińska (Post author) 8 years ago
thank you so much dear Felicity!
Load More Replies...
Kristine Moe 8 years ago
These are actually BETTER without the faces. The photos aren't portraits. They are capturing a moment and creating a feeling. These are beyond gorgeous!
Michela Ferreira 8 years ago
Your works is absolutely AMAZING...don't let anyone tell you otherwise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Superluminal1 8 years ago
Ignore the criticism! The so-called rules were made to be broken. Wonderful photographs!
Katinka Min 8 years ago
Online many people completely abandon their manners (and often their decency, too) But in the end the only person that really needs to like your photos is YOURSELF! Your pictures will never please everybodies taste, so just continue your photographic journey the way it makes you happy.
Iwona Podlasińska (Post author) 8 years ago
I agree but needed time to trust my own vision :) thank you so much!
Load More Replies...
Annie Whitehead 8 years ago
Perfection. Every photo! I'm so glad you didn't put your camera down - your work is always so inspiring!
Phillip Haumesser 8 years ago
Your work is amazing my friend! Good job for having the right attitude of 'I'll show them' rather then 'I'm going to quite'!
Iwona Podlasińska (Post author) 8 years ago
thank you so much Phillip! I really appreciate your support :)
Load More Replies...
François 8 years ago
It's such a stupid critic of your work. And a lack of mind openness. I began to shoot photos of people from behind by accident (I had to be sitting at the back of the priest during a wedding ceremony to play the right music, and replace the guy who was supposed to do it). It gives a totally different feeling to the photos. They become anonymous, you can imagine yourself at the place of the person sometimes. Your imagination works more. There are plenty of advantages. It works perfectly with your photos too, even if it's surely not the kind of photo I would take (also because I'm not good enough ;-). But I'm very impressed by the work on them. I'm glad you didn't get demotivated by such a comment. Conventions are made to by broken sometimes. Good luck for your work !
Iwona Podlasińska (Post author) 8 years ago
thank you so much! you are a very wise person, I really appreciate your words!
Load More Replies... The Cappy 8 years ago
I was skeptical when I clicked the link. But there's an emotional power to these pictures, which I think is derived precisely because the faces are not shown. Small figures in evocative settings. The child's attention isn't on the viewer. It's on the setting, and so our attention is drawn to the setting as well. I can understand why people would criticize you, though. It's very hard to take such powerful pictures. A lot of skill and composition goes into them. The other route is so much easier: child's face mugging at a camera. Cute, so no talent required. Bravo for doing something different.
Flora Polvado 8 years ago
"Christina's World" 1948 by Andrew Wyeth. No face here. One of the most beautiful paintings in the world. Your pics are just as beautiful.
Amanda Rin 8 years ago
I think the pictures are amazing. Why do we need to see faces to appreciate a picture? Really. People need to get over themselves.
sosunlight 8 years ago
So sorry to hear people would criticize such amazing work. Your photography is magical - captures the wonder and beauty of childhood. Please don't ever stop <3
Klaudia Szarafinski 8 years ago
Don't ever give up. These people are jealous of your skills so they take it out on you!
Maci Wilcox 8 years ago
I'm so glad you kept taking photos! They're amazing and really beautiful! I wonder why anyone would criticize you for keeping your kids' faces out of the photos - you keep your kids' identities private, but still take amazing photos! Awesome job!
Allison Jennifer 8 years ago
Absolutely beautiful. I know im emotional bc im pregnant but every picture makes me cry. They are breathtaking
Alexandra Siwa 8 years ago
Photos are stunning. I'm really impressed. By the way; i was wondering what country is so beautiful and familiar and then realised that it's my Poland on those photos. I felt like i was in my childhood time. Priceless :)
Roos 8 years ago
Where do you live? I want to go there The photos are taking in beautiful nature like forest and meadows.
Iwona Podlasińska (Post author) 8 years ago
Thank you so much. I live in Poland
Load More Replies...
kapuschinsky 8 years ago
I've always loved your winter images the most; you have the ability to make the season that I dislike the most look utterly magical <3
Emily Wadkins 8 years ago
I love these pictures of the kids as they look away. One, it no longer feels like a "posed" picture. It seems like the photographer just happened upon these kids as they were playing, and she captured an authentic moment (even if that's not the case). Two, in the pictures where the kids are walking or riding away, it make sure it seem like they're headed for some big adventure. In the ones where the child is just sitting, it lends a pensiveness to the photo. Having the child or children facing away from the camera changes the entire mood of the photographs. Beautiful pictures, and a clever way to protect your children at the same time. Keep going; they are absolutly stunning photographs :)
kapuschinsky 8 years ago
You know I love your work, Iwona! So refreshingly candid, yet magical! <3
Myriam Ickx 8 years ago
That's the spirit! Keep on photographing the children as you do. Not showing their faces turn your pictures away from the anecdote to a suspenseful moment in time: it seems that each one is the image of a story, and it's left to us viewers to imagine the magical story.
Puddin Tane 8 years ago
Keeping kids' identity secret these days is more important. With the way today's society is I don't trust putting my own face on social media. Too many crazies out there.
Kemikal Lee 8 years ago
These are beautiful! My favorite portrait of my kids is one I took of all 3 of them looking through a gate out over the obx sound from the Elizabethan Gardens. No faces and it's the portrait my entire family has of them printed on Canvases. No school picture portraits for this mama!
Debb Rooken-Smith 8 years ago
I think those photos wouldn't be as good if the kids were facing the camera. I like them a lot.
endelbendel 8 years ago
Right. These are more emotional. i photograph my dogs in the same style.
Ophelia Brooks 8 years ago
These are absolutely breathtaking! Keep doing what makes you happy in your way. They're magical.<3
Pati Phillips 8 years ago
I have always loved photo's that do not show faces. Makes you feel like that was you as a child. I grew up on a farm, takes me back to those carefree days.
Bobbi Newell 8 years ago
Some people will criticize just for the hell of it. I'm glad you rose to the challenge. You didn't change the way you photograph your kids, you improved upon it! These are more than portraits; each one suggests a deeper story.
Stille20 8 years ago
Here's thing, sorry fellow Pandas, but our opinions shouldn't really matter. People look at your work for 2 minutes and have an immediate reaction and then move on without a second thought. I'm glad it inspired this series of photos. I love them, but really, remind yourself, we are just a bunch of pandas with zero attention span and the ability to facelessly express our passing thoughts.
Lilly Rose 8 years ago
I love the creativity in it because most people don't think to do faceless photos, even though the way that these are photographed are so beautiful
Apoorva Gupta 8 years ago
They are beautiful pictures. I feel in these pictures you see much more than just just a face, they feel so much deeper, they each tell a story. I take faceless pictures too, even without people at times. You are good..keep going!
Petra Christovová 8 years ago
Your photos are beautiful and absolutely prove the point you wanted :D I also like that some of your photos have darker atmosphere and I feel that there is something that can´t be seen in them, some secret or hidden message. It is true art to do something like that.
Chelle Barlett 8 years ago
These photos are great. I Love the way the are as this keeps the children safe from online predators, yet allows you to post special moments with your children
Hugo Raible 8 years ago
These photos are absolutely breathtaking, thank you very much for sharing. The composition and playing with the out-of-focus background is awesome! Can I ask you a technical question though? The night photos... I can see there is some additional light from the front/sides... are you working with additonal light or reflectors? Do you edit the pictures a lot (local lighting adjustments or even composing? Thanks a lot!
Julie Julie 8 years ago
Your photos tell a story, not seeing the faces is almost an advantage as we are free to imagine the emotions of the child. I love your work.
Weridia Na 8 years ago
Iwona, just keep doing what you're doing and in the way YOU see fit. You're amazing at it. Looking forward to seeing more of your photos!
Melina Pothier 8 years ago
I'm not sure why she would care. The Internet is full of foolish and generally ignorant commentary. A great deal of people don't quite understand photography that isn't the norm or standard of typical photography, especially if that person has no talent in the visual arts, and a lot of people don't have the eye for photography so I'm unsure why anyone would give any mind to their opinion.
Iwona Podlasińska (Post author) 8 years ago
Well but if you are like me a hobbyst you trust opinons of strangers at first. I needed time to trust my own vision. And after a time I realized how stupid those comments were. And in the end those inspired me to create this series.
Load More Replies... 
Cenk Karaferya 8 years ago
Damn weird! Why post any pics of people/kids without their consent if you or they don't want you to? Stupid...
John Ashley 8 years ago
All your photos show kids in a moments of discovery or having their attention captured by something. Extraordinary photos. Great work.
Iwona Podlasińska (Post author) 8 years ago
Thank you so much. I'm glad to hear you like my work
Load More Replies...
Sharon Hahn 8 years ago
Absolutely beautiful photos, much better with no posing and leaving to the imagination what the children are thinking. Great scenery, too! Keep up the great work! I'd buy it!
Edyta Złotucha 8 years ago
Nie daj się hejterom! Zdjęcia są piękne, dzięki temu, że nie widać twarzy rośnie możliwość indywidualnej interpretacji, to ogromny plus!
Amanda Panda 8 years ago
I honestly love that their backs are facing the camera for two reasons: 1. It adds to the intrigue of the photos 2. Since they aren't facing the camera and posed, it doesn't look staged, these look like moments captured in time and that is more genuine and beautiful to me. Great work!
Marie Rundel 8 years ago
I love each of these pictures...! Great Art full of love and abandon!
Felicity Berkleef 8 years ago
Wow people are really rude these days. Sadly there will always be haters. I'm shocked that you once considered to stop taking photos :( I love your magical photos and indeed you don't always need to see the faces of the children. I also agree with the other comments. The photos give a lot of imagination and the photos aren't staged. Never let anyone take away your dreams!
Iwona Podlasińska (Post author) 8 years ago
thank you so much dear Felicity!
Load More Replies... Kristine Moe 8 years ago
These are actually BETTER without the faces. The photos aren't portraits. They are capturing a moment and creating a feeling. These are beyond gorgeous!
Michela Ferreira 8 years ago
Your works is absolutely AMAZING...don't let anyone tell you otherwise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Superluminal1 8 years ago
Ignore the criticism! The so-called rules were made to be broken. Wonderful photographs!
Katinka Min 8 years ago
Online many people completely abandon their manners (and often their decency, too) But in the end the only person that really needs to like your photos is YOURSELF! Your pictures will never please everybodies taste, so just continue your photographic journey the way it makes you happy.
Iwona Podlasińska (Post author) 8 years ago
I agree but needed time to trust my own vision :) thank you so much!
Load More Replies... Annie Whitehead 8 years ago
Perfection. Every photo! I'm so glad you didn't put your camera down - your work is always so inspiring!
Phillip Haumesser 8 years ago
Your work is amazing my friend! Good job for having the right attitude of 'I'll show them' rather then 'I'm going to quite'!
Iwona Podlasińska (Post author) 8 years ago
thank you so much Phillip! I really appreciate your support :)
Load More Replies... François 8 years ago
It's such a stupid critic of your work. And a lack of mind openness. I began to shoot photos of people from behind by accident (I had to be sitting at the back of the priest during a wedding ceremony to play the right music, and replace the guy who was supposed to do it). It gives a totally different feeling to the photos. They become anonymous, you can imagine yourself at the place of the person sometimes. Your imagination works more. There are plenty of advantages. It works perfectly with your photos too, even if it's surely not the kind of photo I would take (also because I'm not good enough ;-). But I'm very impressed by the work on them. I'm glad you didn't get demotivated by such a comment. Conventions are made to by broken sometimes. Good luck for your work !
Iwona Podlasińska (Post author) 8 years ago
thank you so much! you are a very wise person, I really appreciate your words!
Load More Replies... The Cappy 8 years ago
I was skeptical when I clicked the link. But there's an emotional power to these pictures, which I think is derived precisely because the faces are not shown. Small figures in evocative settings. The child's attention isn't on the viewer. It's on the setting, and so our attention is drawn to the setting as well. I can understand why people would criticize you, though. It's very hard to take such powerful pictures. A lot of skill and composition goes into them. The other route is so much easier: child's face mugging at a camera. Cute, so no talent required. Bravo for doing something different.
Flora Polvado 8 years ago
"Christina's World" 1948 by Andrew Wyeth. No face here. One of the most beautiful paintings in the world. Your pics are just as beautiful.
Amanda Rin 8 years ago
I think the pictures are amazing. Why do we need to see faces to appreciate a picture? Really. People need to get over themselves.
sosunlight 8 years ago
So sorry to hear people would criticize such amazing work. Your photography is magical - captures the wonder and beauty of childhood. Please don't ever stop <3
Klaudia Szarafinski 8 years ago
Don't ever give up. These people are jealous of your skills so they take it out on you!
Maci Wilcox 8 years ago
I'm so glad you kept taking photos! They're amazing and really beautiful! I wonder why anyone would criticize you for keeping your kids' faces out of the photos - you keep your kids' identities private, but still take amazing photos! Awesome job!
Allison Jennifer 8 years ago
Absolutely beautiful. I know im emotional bc im pregnant but every picture makes me cry. They are breathtaking
Alexandra Siwa 8 years ago
Photos are stunning. I'm really impressed. By the way; i was wondering what country is so beautiful and familiar and then realised that it's my Poland on those photos. I felt like i was in my childhood time. Priceless :)
Roos 8 years ago
Where do you live? I want to go there The photos are taking in beautiful nature like forest and meadows.
Iwona Podlasińska (Post author) 8 years ago
Thank you so much. I live in Poland
Load More Replies... kapuschinsky 8 years ago
I've always loved your winter images the most; you have the ability to make the season that I dislike the most look utterly magical <3
Emily Wadkins 8 years ago
I love these pictures of the kids as they look away. One, it no longer feels like a "posed" picture. It seems like the photographer just happened upon these kids as they were playing, and she captured an authentic moment (even if that's not the case). Two, in the pictures where the kids are walking or riding away, it make sure it seem like they're headed for some big adventure. In the ones where the child is just sitting, it lends a pensiveness to the photo. Having the child or children facing away from the camera changes the entire mood of the photographs. Beautiful pictures, and a clever way to protect your children at the same time. Keep going; they are absolutly stunning photographs :)
kapuschinsky 8 years ago
You know I love your work, Iwona! So refreshingly candid, yet magical! <3
Myriam Ickx 8 years ago
That's the spirit! Keep on photographing the children as you do. Not showing their faces turn your pictures away from the anecdote to a suspenseful moment in time: it seems that each one is the image of a story, and it's left to us viewers to imagine the magical story.
Puddin Tane 8 years ago
Keeping kids' identity secret these days is more important. With the way today's society is I don't trust putting my own face on social media. Too many crazies out there.
Kemikal Lee 8 years ago
These are beautiful! My favorite portrait of my kids is one I took of all 3 of them looking through a gate out over the obx sound from the Elizabethan Gardens. No faces and it's the portrait my entire family has of them printed on Canvases. No school picture portraits for this mama!
Debb Rooken-Smith 8 years ago
I think those photos wouldn't be as good if the kids were facing the camera. I like them a lot.
endelbendel 8 years ago
Right. These are more emotional. i photograph my dogs in the same style.
Ophelia Brooks 8 years ago
These are absolutely breathtaking! Keep doing what makes you happy in your way. They're magical.<3
Pati Phillips 8 years ago
I have always loved photo's that do not show faces. Makes you feel like that was you as a child. I grew up on a farm, takes me back to those carefree days.
Bobbi Newell 8 years ago
Some people will criticize just for the hell of it. I'm glad you rose to the challenge. You didn't change the way you photograph your kids, you improved upon it! These are more than portraits; each one suggests a deeper story.
Stille20 8 years ago
Here's thing, sorry fellow Pandas, but our opinions shouldn't really matter. People look at your work for 2 minutes and have an immediate reaction and then move on without a second thought. I'm glad it inspired this series of photos. I love them, but really, remind yourself, we are just a bunch of pandas with zero attention span and the ability to facelessly express our passing thoughts.
Lilly Rose 8 years ago
I love the creativity in it because most people don't think to do faceless photos, even though the way that these are photographed are so beautiful
Apoorva Gupta 8 years ago
They are beautiful pictures. I feel in these pictures you see much more than just just a face, they feel so much deeper, they each tell a story. I take faceless pictures too, even without people at times. You are good..keep going!
Petra Christovová 8 years ago
Your photos are beautiful and absolutely prove the point you wanted :D I also like that some of your photos have darker atmosphere and I feel that there is something that can´t be seen in them, some secret or hidden message. It is true art to do something like that.
Chelle Barlett 8 years ago
These photos are great. I Love the way the are as this keeps the children safe from online predators, yet allows you to post special moments with your children
Hugo Raible 8 years ago
These photos are absolutely breathtaking, thank you very much for sharing. The composition and playing with the out-of-focus background is awesome! Can I ask you a technical question though? The night photos... I can see there is some additional light from the front/sides... are you working with additonal light or reflectors? Do you edit the pictures a lot (local lighting adjustments or even composing? Thanks a lot!
Julie Julie 8 years ago
Your photos tell a story, not seeing the faces is almost an advantage as we are free to imagine the emotions of the child. I love your work.
Weridia Na 8 years ago
Iwona, just keep doing what you're doing and in the way YOU see fit. You're amazing at it. Looking forward to seeing more of your photos!
Melina Pothier 8 years ago
I'm not sure why she would care. The Internet is full of foolish and generally ignorant commentary. A great deal of people don't quite understand photography that isn't the norm or standard of typical photography, especially if that person has no talent in the visual arts, and a lot of people don't have the eye for photography so I'm unsure why anyone would give any mind to their opinion.
Iwona Podlasińska (Post author) 8 years ago
Well but if you are like me a hobbyst you trust opinons of strangers at first. I needed time to trust my own vision. And after a time I realized how stupid those comments were. And in the end those inspired me to create this series.
Load More Replies... Cenk Karaferya 8 years ago
Damn weird! Why post any pics of people/kids without their consent if you or they don't want you to? Stupid...
John Ashley 8 years ago
All your photos show kids in a moments of discovery or having their attention captured by something. Extraordinary photos. Great work.
Iwona Podlasińska (Post author) 8 years ago
Thank you so much. I'm glad to hear you like my work
Load More Replies... Sharon Hahn 8 years ago
Absolutely beautiful photos, much better with no posing and leaving to the imagination what the children are thinking. Great scenery, too! Keep up the great work! I'd buy it!
Edyta Złotucha 8 years ago
Nie daj się hejterom! Zdjęcia są piękne, dzięki temu, że nie widać twarzy rośnie możliwość indywidualnej interpretacji, to ogromny plus!
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