Beth Caron's Projects

Children have a natural way about them. Whether they are innocent or not, there is an undeniable honesty and authenticity in their body language and behavior. If they are alone or with others, they are themselves. If they have had a difficult childhood it shows; their smiles are feigned or forced. If they are happy their joy is infectious and watching their every move is like seeing a beautiful butterfly for the first time. On the flip side, if a child has been disappointed or squashed that shows in every detail of their being; from sullenness to difficulty playing with others. I try to disappear inside myself when I photograph kids and become a blank slate, learning from their joy and sorrow.

I have spending time with a woman who has given her time, energy and care to babies from the time they leave their biological mother in a hospital until they are legally adopted. It's not easy being a temporary mother for a baby that has just entered the world and been taken away from first it's womb, and second it's biological mother. The images that I have taken are representative of each baby and it's foster mother's experience as I see it.

Living in NYC, I see things that make me think everyday. I see stories that are waiting to be told. Having an iPhone, has changed my life as a photographer and made almost every story I see accessible to me. I don't have to worry about anything technical, the phone camera does it all for me.

People often say to me, "why are you looking down, you are missing what's in front of your face." I started looking down and finding all sorts of interesting things to photograph, like reflections in puddles, or shiny objects.