Real Kids - Real Pics
Because Childhood Doesn’t PosePortraits of children as they are — a little wild, a little messy, always full of wonder.
Honest Images That Last. Natural. Personal. Timeless.
With years of experience in international portrait and fashion photography, I’ve learned that the best images happen when people — and especially children — forget the camera. My approach is simple: I go where they go. I’ll climb, crawl, or wait quietly — whatever it takes to get close enough for something real to unfold.
The same sensitivity I brought to photographing artists and actors such as Alicia Keys, Monica Bellucci, and Michael Fassbender now shapes how I work with children. There’s no posing, no performance — just trust, presence, and patience. Because the most beautiful moments are the honest ones, and they only happen once.
Whether at home, outdoors, or in the studio, I work with natural light and calm, unobtrusive setups that let your child’s personality lead the way. The result: portraits that aren’t just pretty, but true — images that feel alive and stay that way.
These are the moments that define childhood — fleeting, unpredictable, full of wonder. My goal is to make sure the pictures are just as special.
From planning and location ideas to timing and editing — I take care of the process with calm, care, and attention to detail, so you can just enjoy the moment.
Hi, I’m Bernd — and here’s a little about me and my work.
After early academic detours into physics, mathematics, and psychology, I eventually gave in to my lifelong passion and committed fully to photography in the 1990s. I studied photo design, earned a scholarship to New York, and began assisting on international photo and film productions. From there, my freelance career took me through London, Los Angeles, Paris, Stockholm, Cape Town, Mumbai, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Iceland, Kenya and a few more places – photographing for magazines, fashion, and beauty campaigns.
Portraiture has always been at the heart of what I do. I’ve published the book All The People (Kerber Verlag) and the Berlin project NoShowBerlin, and have worked on projects and editorials across continents.
Since 2015, Berlin has been my home. And now, with Bambini by Bernd, I bring that experience back to where I live – Berlin – for the little stars of my city.
My children’s portraits are guided by the same principles that define all my work: authenticity, sensitivity, and respect. They’re not about staging perfection, but about finding personality — the honest spark that makes each child unique.
What else?
for an overview of my broader work, you’re welcome to visit my main page.
What we offer
(Every child is different. My process adapts to theirs.)
Natural & On-Location Sessions
Let kids be kids – in spaces where they feel at ease.
Whether at home, in the park, or at a favorite spot, I work with natural light – soft window light, golden hour, or gentle overcast skies – to capture genuine, emotionally rich moments.
If needed, I bring portable lighting for a natural indoor atmosphere.
Studio Sessions (Optional)
For families seeking a more polished or editorial look, I offer studio portraits with wardrobe and styling guidance — always age-appropriate, always relaxed.
The focus remains the same: personality over perfection.
The Process
Every session begins with a conversation — about your child, your ideas, and what kind of images you love.
Sessions are never rushed; there’s time for warm-up, play, and quiet moments.
I guide gently when needed but mostly follow your child’s rhythm – that’s where authenticity lives.
Online Galleries & Fine Prints
After the session, you’ll receive a private online gallery to view and select your favorite images – securely, at your own pace.
All chosen images are delivered as high-resolution files.
If you’d like fine-art prints or albums, I’ll personally coordinate production with trusted print partners to ensure museum-quality results, ready for framing or gifting.
Before We Start
If you’d like to tell me a bit about your child – their character, interests, or what you have in mind for the session and the date – it helps me prepare and tailor the shoot to them.
Every child is different, and the more I know, the more naturally the portraits can unfold.
What parents say
“As a mom, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience with Bernd Ott. From the very first moment, they made me feel completely at ease — like my baby and I were in the best hands. The whole process was so gentle, respectful, and joyful, with such a natural flow that my little one stayed happy and relaxed the entire time. I could feel how much care and attention went into every detail, and that really meant a lot to me. When I saw the final photos, I was honestly speechless — they were stunning, beautifully natural, and captured my baby’s spirit in a way I’ll treasure forever. It’s a gift to have these moments preserved so perfectly, and I’m so grateful for the love and professionalism that made it possible.”
Alba Gutierrez
“I wanted some nice high quality photos to share with family and friends, but I didn‘t want something too cheesy or staged. Bernd understood the brief perfectly! He really captured my child in an intimate, candid, ‘real‘ way, that also somehow looks stunning.
Bernd took a really sensitive approach, not rushed in any way, tailored to the needs and moods of our baby. The experience itself was special, let alone the results. Totally different from the generic pictures I had feared.
Great value for money, memorable experience, gorgeous portraits! Highly recommended!”
Rose Longhurst
I can perhaps attribute his success to his patience and willingness to spend time with us. He was gentle and attentive throughout, creating an environment where our boy could simply be himself. That care and attention – as well as his clear understanding of his craft – shows in every frame of the series he shot.
Looking at these photographs as a parent there’s a very real sense of recognition. I see not just what my son looks like, but who he is – it’s hard to think of a better compliment to give a portrait photographer but Bernd has earned it.
Thank you. We’ll treasure these photographs for years to come.”
Guy Dale
“Bernd is a really kind and personable photographer. He takes plenty of time, is very patient, and interacts beautifully with the children. The photos turned out great, and we’re absolutely happy with the results!”
Claudia Rühle
What really impressed us was how Bernd adapted to our child’s energy and temperament throughout the session. When she was shy, he gave her space. When she was playful, he went with it. He seemed to genuinely understand how to work with young children rather than trying to force poses or fake smiles.
The photos themselves are absolutely lovely. They feel like *our* daughter – her personality, her quirks, the little expressions we see every day. These aren’t generic baby photos that could be anyone; they’re authentic images that really capture who she is at this age. That’s something we’ll treasure.
Bernd was thoroughly professional throughout – responsive when we were booking, punctual, and delivered the photos exactly when promised. His pricing is also very fair for the quality of work and the time he takes with each family.
We’ll definitely be returning for more photos as she grows. Highly recommend Bernd if you’re looking for a photographer who makes the experience enjoyable and delivers photos with real heart.”