In July 2007 at the age of 30, I left my full-time job as a photography teacher and set out to develop a career as a freelance photographer, working on diverse national and international projects ever since. Both aspects now intertwine, as I seek to combine commitment to charitable projects in developing countries with my passion for social documentary photography. I also teach photography to vulnerable adults. I find photography a valuable vehicle for communication for those who struggle to find their voice, find themselves. My approach to photography is gentle, relaxed and empathic: adapting to people, cultures and environments with an open mind, listening ear and sensitive lens. As a photographer working amongst diverse groups and cultures, I’m constantly startled by how vividly photography helps make visible the past and present stories of our lives. They are our visual footprints, marking the emotional, spiritual and physical journeys of the past and glimpses of the untold future. When travelling my camera becomes my guide. Sometimes I secretly plan my moment to shoot, or sometimes it unfolds before me, it’s as if the world around me has stopped turning, so I can take my poise and release the shutter. I take pleasure in photographing discarded objects, treating the object and the surrounding area as if a crime scene has taken place, I don’t like to touch anything. The only thing I manipulate is the shutter speed. I also like to return at different times of the day and or night to help emphasise the narrative behind my chosen subject.