On photographing children

Two things to me are obvious about this.  Firstly, it is a privilege. I am there as a guest, and not by right.  Secondly, it is a joy. I have often heard children described as “little treasures”, and believe this to be a very accurate description. Their precious nature is so obvious as to be self-evident.  Each one is highly significant, of immense value, and deserving of complete respect. And celebration.

Photography is a splendid tool for celebrating reality.  There’s plenty of it about, so why not?

My attitude to children is one of respect, and I remind myself of that whenever I take a photograph.  I treat each child as if they are the most important person in the world, which in a sense they are. I approach my work with gentleness and generosity. I never mock.  And I try to take pictures which are honest and positive and look good.

On a practical level, my pictures have raised a substantial amount of money for children’s institutions, and hopefully have benefitted children in that way.