When I pick up a camera for a charity project, I’m not just focused on capturing the perfect shot—I’m focused on creating a relationship. For me, photography and filmmaking are more than just tools for storytelling; they are bridges that connect me with the people whose stories I am honored to tell. My ultimate goal is for the people I photograph and film to feel safe, seen, and empowered throughout the entire process.
Building Trust Through Relationships
The heart of my work lies in the relationships I build with the people I photograph. The technical aspects—like framing, lighting, and angles— eventhough very important, are secondary to the human connection I aim to foster. It’s through trust and understanding that the most intimate and genuine moments emerge.
When someone is truly comfortable with me, their guard comes down, allowing their personality, their hopes, and their experiences to shine through in the images or film. I want the people I photograph to feel more than just subjects. I want them to feel like collaborators in the creative process, because we are telling their story, together.
Collaboration Over Direction
Photography for me is a collaborative process, and that’s where the magic happens. I don’t see myself as someone simply taking photos of another person. Instead, I see it as a partnership. I encourage the people I photograph to share their ideas and vision, and I listen closely to what they want to express. By incorporating their input, we create something far more intimate and authentic than what I could achieve alone.
Often, the people I work with suggest angles, poses, or even ideas for locations that align with their own personalities and experiences. It’s in these moments that the photos become more than just portraits—they become a reflection of their individuality, resilience, and unique journey. This approach allows me to go beyond just documenting a moment and instead, collaborate in capturing their essence.
Victoria’s Story: A Collaborative Approach in Action
A recent project with The Salvation Army is a perfect example of this approach. I had the privilege of telling Victoria’s story, and from the very beginning, it was all about building a connection. Before I even brought my camera, I spent an entire day with her—no cameras, no interviews—just time for us to get to know one another.
This was not just an opportunity for me to understand Victoria and her story, but also for her to get to know me. I believe this mutual connection is just as important as the storytelling itself. For me, building trust is a two-way street. It’s essential that the person feels comfortable, not just with the camera, but with me as a person. Through this process, we created an environment where Victoria felt safe enough to open up, but I also became a familiar face—someone she could trust to tell her story honestly and respectfully.
On our second meeting, we collaborated on taking photos together. It was a shared experience, and I made sure Victoria had input into the creative process. This wasn’t about directing her into poses—it was about working together to capture her personality in the most authentic way.
By the time we met for the third time to make the film, our connection was already established. This meant that Victoria could share her journey more openly on camera because we had built mutual trust over time. It allowed me to capture her story in a way that was deeply personal and reflective of who she is, not just her challenges.
The collaboration didn’t end there. When Bridget O’Leary of The Salvation Army asked me to ensure that Victoria had the opportunity to watch and approve the final film, it was a perfect example of why mutual respect is so critical in this kind of work. Giving Victoria a say in how her story was told ensured that she felt empowered, and the film became not just about her but a true reflection of her voice and spirit.
It’s crucial that when we tell someone’s story, they are comfortable with how it’s told.
Empowering People to Tell Their Own Stories
While I love being behind the camera, there is something even more powerful about empowering others to tell their own stories. One of the dreams I have is to host workshops where individuals, especially those helped by charities, can learn to document their own lives and express their own narratives.
One idea I’m particularly passionate about is providing disposable cameras to those in need. This simple tool would allow people to capture their day-to-day experiences—the moments they feel are important, or the small details that mean the most to them. There’s something raw and honest about photography that comes from the person’s own hand, without any artistic interference or professional influence.
Imagine curating those photos alongside their personal stories. These images would offer a unique and intimate window into their world, capturing their perspective in a way that no outside photographer could. It’s a project I would love to bring to life because it shifts the focus entirely: from being photographed to being the photographer.
Telling Stories Through Many Lenses
Charity photography and filmmaking have the power to bring untold stories to light, but they must always be grounded in respect, collaboration, and a genuine effort to honor the person in front of the lens. My job is not to create stories; it’s to help share them. And that can only happen when there is a mutual exchange of ideas and trust.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that the best photos don’t come from a perfect setup or a meticulously planned shot. They come from real, human connection. When the person feels safe, seen, and empowered, the photos will naturally capture their spirit and truth.
I look forward to growing this philosophy further—by collaborating with charities and helping them with their photography and filmmaking.
Does your charity want to create a space where people feel empowered to express themselves? Send me a message if you want your chaity to have a photographer whose aim it is to collaborate, built trust and someone wants to honor the human spirit in every frame.
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