The photography of youngsters today may appear, at first glance, to be something of a potential minefield - something to be steered away from at costs.

See the news, read the newspapers and follow the social media and you could be forgiven for thinking that the whole subject is illegal.

Far from it though. I am also fortunate enough to be the award-winning chief photographer and County PR Officer for Somerset Army Cadets, where the photography of, and the publicity attached to, youngsters is positively encouraged. What's more, it is welcomed by the cadet's parents, along with the cadet's schools, colleges and potential employers.

Naturally, like everyone concerned with working with children today, my work is carefully managed and controlled. I, and all my colleagues have to undergo a regular Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, formerly known as a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, before we are allowed to work with children.

The bonus is that I get to meet and photograph a huge number of brilliant young teenagers who are the future of this country. Despite what the national press might have you believe, there are a large number of teenagers who do not spend their spare time taking drugs, beating up old ladies and hanging aroung street corners looking for a fight. These are the children that join the Cubs, the Boy Scouts, The Boys Brigade, the Cadet Forces, local youth groups, political parties, Young Farmers and many more local societies that are responsible for shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

The spin off from this is that I am asked to take photographs for other organisations working for and with children. I hope that this is because they like my work, but it is also because I regularly work with children, have a current DBS check and still understand what makes youngsters tick, resulting in an empathy that I believe comes across in my shots.

If you would like to learn more, drop me a line. You can see more of my regular work here or here.

Youth Photography