I love portrait photography. Striving to very quickly build a relationship of trust… Trying to convey someone’s ‘soul’ and essence.  When I took a class in Documentary Portrait photography, it all came together and I was hooked. And of course nothing is more delightful to me than being around children and young people!

“Where did the idea for your Children of the World/Boston photo series come from?” is a question I get all the time. Here's the answer!

I met immigrant families every day when I worked as a social worker with parents and families. I was based in a Boston neighborhood that was home to families from all over the world. As I had casual conversations with the families about their lives here in the US, I was blown away by the stories I heard. Their stories were moving, sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and always very informative for this white woman born and raised in Houston, Texas. I learned so much. 

I began the series by doing photo sessions, and decided the stories of the children and families needed to be included. I ask the families to talk about their identities as immigrants. ‘How do you hold on to the culture of your home country, the language and customs? What does it mean to be American?’ One 4 year-old girl replied, ‘I’m Mexican AND Bostonian!’ A 12 year-old boy said, ‘I was born in America, but my parents are from the Caribbean. I’m American by citizenship, but ‘American’ is just a label… my blood is from Dominica.’”

I continue to be amazed and delighted that families are trusting me with their stories. As of now, I've photographed children from 58 countries and the series is not finished yet. I'm interested in photographing more children, especially if they are age 7 or older (through high school age). I've had several exhibits already - at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston City Hall, Somerville City Hall, and Simmons College, and I'm hoping to have more exhibits to share these beautiful children with a wider audience. 

To learn more about  my "Children of the World/Boston" series check out my website: 

https://www.randifreundlichphotography.com/children-of-the-world

Randi Freundlich is a photographer and former social worker. She received her BFA in Photography from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Boston University. The series has been exhibited in and around Boston.