Gustavo Duran is a fashion photographer, creative director, and kids casting producer, born in northern Espírito Santo, Brazil, in 1987. Specializing in kids’ and teen photography, he has been working in Brazil and internationally for over two decades. Based in São Paulo, his work today extends globally.
An enthusiast of Brazilian cultural diversity, Gustavo has built a strong presence in his home country while steadily expanding his international reach. He is known for creating conceptual and exclusive portfolios that highlight each child’s individuality—helping them build confidence, develop their image, and open doors to future opportunities.
His work stands out for its focus on natural movement and genuine expression. Instead of overly posed images, Gustavo takes a more relaxed approach—guiding children so they feel comfortable and confident, allowing their personality to come through in a real and authentic way.
Alongside photography, he also creates talent runway shows and projects where children can experience fashion in a more hands-on and meaningful way—building their portfolios, confidence, and presence. In this interview, we spoke about children’s fashion photography, working with young talent, the Brazilian kids’ fashion market, and the importance of staying true to yourself both on and off set.
Q: Gustavo, can you tell us about your journey into the world of children’s fashion? What initially inspired you to work in this niche?
A: My journey started when I was 15, working as a production assistant for a photographer. I was involved in campaigns, styling, and production from early on. Over time, I realized that working with children was what I enjoyed the most. Photographing kids and creating fashion content with them felt natural to me.
Q: Was there a turning point when you realized this was the path you wanted to follow?
A: Yes, when I started creating more original work with children and people in the industry began to notice it. That recognition helped me grow in Brazil and later brought opportunities to work internationally, especially in Moscow and Italy.
Q: How has your experience shaped the way you work today?
A: I learned everything through practice. Over time, I stopped seeing photos as just images and started thinking of them more as small stories. Today, I focus on creating something that feels real and helps children express themselves naturally.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working with children in fashion?
A: I enjoy creating different and more conceptual looks, but always in a way that feels natural for the child.
Q: Children bring a very different energy compared to adults—how do you adapt your direction for them?
A: I usually work with children I have already selected, so they naturally fit the style I’m looking for. Because of that, I don’t need to over-direct. I keep things simple and focus on their expressions and natural beauty.
Q: Your work often feels very natural and full of movement—how do you achieve that?
A: I guide the child instead of controlling them. I give direction, but I leave space for them to move and be themselves. That’s where the real moments come from.
Q: Has being a father influenced the way you work with children?
A: Not in a limiting way—quite the opposite. Being a father actually makes everything easier. It gives me more experience and a better understanding of how to connect with children and teenagers. I stay tuned in to their world—their language, what they like, the trends they follow. I have two boys, Lucas, who is 15, and Benoah, who is 2. Sometimes I even travel for work with them, which makes the whole experience even more meaningful.
Q: What challenges do you face when working with kids?
A: The biggest challenge is often with expectations from parents. Sometimes they see their child one way, and I show them something different. Managing that is always the most sensitive part.
Q: Can you tell us about your current projects?
A: In Brazil, in São Paulo, I have two main projects every year. SUPERSTAR is more glamorous, with a red carpet and a bigger production. The FASHION SHOW is more focused on fashion—it gives children the chance to walk in a real runway show and experience what happens behind the scenes.
Q: What makes your runway shows special?
A: I try to create something memorable for both the children and their families. The shows are professional, with strong visuals and music, but at the same time, they are about giving kids a real experience.
Q: What do children gain from these shows?
A: Confidence, presence, and experience. It’s not just about walking—it’s about feeling part of something and learning how to express themselves.
Q: How would you describe the kids’ fashion market in Brazil today?
A: It’s very diverse and full of energy. Because of our climate, things are usually colorful and light. The market is growing, and more people are investing in it.
Q: What makes Brazil different from other countries?
A: The lifestyle and the weather. We don’t have extreme winters, so even colder season collections are still quite vibrant.
Q: What is Brazil’s biggest strength in this industry?
A: Diversity. We have a mix of different looks and backgrounds, and that creates something very unique.
Q: How do families in Brazil usually dress their children?
A: Today, there is more influence from Europe. Parents look for comfortable clothes, but also something stylish. Still, colors and prints are always present.
Q: Do parents follow trends?
A: Yes, more and more. They are paying attention to international brands and styles.
Q: How does lifestyle influence fashion?
A: Because of the heat and beach culture, clothes need to be light and comfortable. Kids need to move freely, so that’s always a priority.
Q: How do you find new talent?
A: Mostly through Instagram or referrals. Parents reach out looking for professional work and a strong portfolio.
Q: What do you look for in a child model?
A: Looks are important, but not enough. The child needs personality, confidence, and a good attitude.
Q: How important is authenticity?
A: Very important. When a child is natural and confident, the result is always better and more unique.
Q: What advice would you give to parents?
A: Invest in good photos with a professional who understands children. And be patient—this takes time and consistency.
Q: What has been a highlight of your career so far?
A: Being an ambassador for the Russian Fashion Show in Moscow since 2019 was a big moment for me. It was my first time taking my work outside Brazil on that level.
Q: What values guide your work today?
A: Respect, humility, and having a good relationship with the families I work with.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I want to keep growing internationally and eventually create my own agency and production company.
Q: How do you see the future of kids’ fashion?
A: I think experiences will become more important. Also, there will be more focus on sustainability and conscious fashion.
Q: How would you describe your creative vision in three words?
A: Authentic, Conceptual, and Transformative
Q: What does success mean to you today?
A: Doing what I love and feeling happy with the work I create every day
Q: What do you like about Junior Style?
A: Junior Style is a benchmark when it comes to creative content for the children’s fashion market. I really like your positioning, your imagery, and your fashion shows, which are always very well directed. Being connected and partnered with Junior Style is definitely a great achievement for my career and my professional experience around the world.
