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As a mother of two very young children, I haven't slept a whole night through for a couple of years. Looking at their faces in the moonlight when getting up to comfort them in the night, I created in my mind a vision of a child's dreamland. That inspired me to create magical childhood images.

Like many mothers, I got interested in photography when my children were born. But because I was working full-time as an architect, I had only evenings and weekends to photograph the children and nights to edit the photos. So the dark nighttime, dreamy images came naturally. The visions were coming when half sleeping, half awake, I was putting my kids back to bed. Not the exact scenes but more a feeling or an atmosphere I wanted to capture.

More info: iwonapodlasinska.com | flickr.com | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube

Not only dark nights but also animated movies for children such as "Polar Express" or Pixar "La Luna" were the source of inspiration for my pictures. In the atmosphere of magic and wonder, I found my way of approaching photography.

I started creating magical images of my children's childhood eight years ago with a head full of ideas and an empty pocket. I spent all my savings to buy an affordable camera and started using analog lenses my parents used with their Zenit.

With time and a lot of hard work, I managed to upgrade my skills and equipment.

#3

My Son And His "Secret Path To The Land Of Dreams"

My Son And His "Secret Path To The Land Of Dreams"

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When creating those images the hardest thing is not the lighting or editing afterward or preparing the scene, but working with young children. To capture their beautiful emotion in facial expressions and body language, I need to be patient and quick if a perfect moment happens and have my camera always ready. Children can't be forced or talked into doing something they don't want to. My work with children doesn't start with the moment of taking the camera into my hand. It takes all the time I have to observe them, talk to them and spend time with them.

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My images are something between dreams and reality. With the use of my camera, my imagination, editing software, and help from my children, I want to transport my viewers into the world of wonder.

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After I got better with my photos I started getting requests to run workshops and mentor other photographers. So I started doing that in the afternoons and weekends. After two years, I was so tired that I decided to take a break in architecture, and that break still lasts. Now my job is to work with other photographers to teach them how to take dreamy photos. I also published an e-book called "Dreamy Childhood Photography" with ExpertPhotography.

#6

My Son Adam Waiting For The Train At A Train Station In Our Town

My Son Adam Waiting For The Train At A Train Station In Our Town

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#7

My Nieces Waiting For Santa

My Nieces Waiting For Santa

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Creating these images is a process that starts in my head just before I take a photo. I make a quick and very intuitive decision on the use of light and composition. I imminently see the scene with my imagination, not always as it looks in real life. I think of my camera's possibilities, and the possibilities photo editing gives me.

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I usually have the editing (if I want to edit) ready in my head when I take the shot. Therefore I can take a photo with a specific angle so it's easier for me to edit and not spend a lot of time in front of my computer. People find it surprising how quick and effective my process is. Of course, I can't give you the exact time because it varies between 5 minutes and 20 minutes depending on my idea and how the photo looked on my camera. I edit mainly in Lightroom, and I use Photoshop to combine images or add overlays. 

#8

My Son Adam And The Christmas Decorations

My Son Adam And The Christmas Decorations

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#9

Theo And Marlene - A Photo Taken In Stadthagen, Germany

Theo And Marlene - A Photo Taken In Stadthagen, Germany

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I get many positive comments, and people say that these photos are like a dream just before you wake up. There is something magical and mysterious that reminds them of their childhood dreams. So many people message me to say that they have never seen photos like that, which is very rewarding.

#10

My Two Sons In Their Secret Hiding Place Planning Future Adventures

My Two Sons In Their Secret Hiding Place Planning Future Adventures

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caspersmash12 avatar
Riley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This picture literally describes my nights as a kid.

#11

My Son Adam And Ready To Go To Bed

My Son Adam And Ready To Go To Bed

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#12

My Two Sons On The Night Of All Souls' Day

My Two Sons On The Night Of All Souls' Day

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#14

Kalina- My Friends Daughter

Kalina- My Friends Daughter

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#16

My Son Jaś And The Pigeons At Kraków Market Square

My Son Jaś And The Pigeons At Kraków Market Square

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#17

My Son Adam On A Winter Walk

My Son Adam On A Winter Walk

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#18

Vaughn- A Photo Taken In A Haunted (As I Was Told) Inn In The USA

Vaughn- A Photo Taken In A Haunted (As I Was Told) Inn In The USA

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#19

My Son Jaś Looking Through The Window At Old Grandma's House

My Son Jaś Looking Through The Window At Old Grandma's House

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#20

My Son Adam With Christmas Lights On The New Year's Eve Night

My Son Adam With Christmas Lights On The New Year's Eve Night

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lightningpoolowl21 avatar
Bored Fangirl
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'Will?' XD I love these, the photography is truly stunning and your family looks wonderful. :)

#21

My Son Adam In Our Car, Coming Back Home In The Evening After An Exciting Day

My Son Adam In Our Car, Coming Back Home In The Evening After An Exciting Day

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#22

My Son Jaś And Candles

My Son Jaś And Candles

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#23

My Son Adam Playing With His Trains

My Son Adam Playing With His Trains

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#24

My Son Adam Looking At The Blizzard

My Son Adam Looking At The Blizzard

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