"People Ask Me: 'Why Did You Decide to Photograph Children Who Deserve Pity?'"

When flipping through the photo albums of photographer Sarah Sharam, at first glance they seem like ordinary children's photos. The smiling faces peering out, the stunning settings, and the landscapes she takes the children to lend the pictures (and especially the children featured in them) a unique sweetness.

However, upon a closer look, it becomes clear that these are not just any photos; they are exceedingly special due to Sarah's project of photographing children with special needs.

"They Are Exactly the Ones Who Should Be Photographed"

"Truthfully, I owe the gratitude for this project to my younger brother," Sarah shares. "I have a seven-year-old brother with Down syndrome, and when he was born, everyone said one thing: 'He's amazing!' Hashem truly endowed him with rare beauty and charm. At that time, I was studying special education and considering working in the field, but Hashem guided me instead toward photography, which I also found appealing.

"Three years ago, I opened a professional studio and decided to combine the two areas that spoke to me so strongly, committing myself to the task of photographing children with special needs. From my interactions with parents of such children, I have observed that many mothers do not photograph their children at all, as it requires energy and investment, and they are already occupied with daily challenges and have no leisure time for such initiatives. On the contrary, it is clear that we should invest more in photographs of such children than in those of regular children, and if that means, for me as a photographer, working extra hours or exerting more effort, I am willing to do so."

Sarah emphasizes that currently, 80% of the photos she takes are of special children or their families. "I also photograph regular children, but they are the minority."

How do you manage to photograph such children; do they cooperate at all?

"It's not always simple. I am often invited to photograph *Chalakha** events, which are very complex even for regular children because these are three-year-olds who don't have much patience. When it comes to children with special needs, it's significantly more complex. To overcome this challenge, I try to bring along special props, like toys, cars, and balls. I also make it a point to always photograph the children outdoors and not in the studio, as they feel freer in nature."

"Each outing for a photo shoot is accompanied by many prayers, and usually, the sessions last twice as long as those with a regular child. But I always feel the effort is worth the outcome, and when I see the joy of the mother when the photo album is ready, and she sees her child smiling and happy—it's worth every moment of investment."

And how do people around you react when they hear about your unique focus?

"Unfortunately, to this day, even though there's more openness to accepting differences, some people still have a kind of barrier regarding this subject. When I shared my decision to photograph special children, I received comments like: 'Why do you want to photograph children who deserve pity?' and other similar remarks. It's clear to me that the photos I take are the best answer to this critique. The children in these pictures are unequivocally not ones to be pitied. They are happy and sweet children who melt every heart."

Truly Loves Them

When it comes to special children, the stories are also unique and sometimes unexpected. "There have been multiple occasions where a mother scheduled a photo shoot with me, but the night before, she called to inform me that the child was hospitalized and couldn't make it. Of course, in such cases, I don't charge any cancellation fee, but only wish for a complete recovery.

"Some mothers always caution me: 'My child won't go with the flow or cooperate,' and they tentatively suggest: 'Maybe we should do just a 15-minute session?' or 'Maybe just take one picture?' But I don't give in, I insist on a full photo session, and go with the flow of the situation. That's how it ends up, and so far, everyone has left with full sets and been very satisfied."

How do you ensure that the children always cooperate?

"I draw on my background and knowledge in special education to know how to approach them. For instance, I am aware that certain disabilities make an overload of props burdensome and difficult for the child. In such situations, I hardly bring any props for the photo shoot. There are also children for whom I know in advance I must bring sets of clothes to change into, because even if the mother brings several sets, it won't be enough due to drool or other messes. And yes, sometimes I also prepare for the possibility that the child might grab my camera or break one of the props I brought. It's no use getting upset with them because they truly aren't to blame."

"I believe special children sense who genuinely loves them, and when I communicate love to them, they always return it in abundance."

What ages are the children you photograph?

"I usually have children from the age of one coming to me. It rarely happens at a younger age because the parents are still coming to terms with the new circumstances at home, so they hardly take photos during that period. From the age of one, I photograph a lot, and I always get enchanted by the sweetness and pure innocence these children have. I think it is strikingly apparent in the photos. They are truly special souls."

Sarah pauses for a moment, then notes her dream is to bring joy to more mothers and families and perhaps have the honor of photographing these precious children at their bar and bat mitzvah celebrations, and maybe even at their weddings. "I wholeheartedly believe they can reach far, and I would be thrilled to accompany them and have the privilege of documenting their significant progress."