Inside a Hong Kong Montessori School Classroom: A Documentary Study
As a Hong Kong kids & family photographer since 2007, I have to say the perfect environment for my type of natural family portrait photography is a Montessori school. The whole philosophy of independence and hands-off learning makes for fabulous imagery. I’ve photographed at a few Montessori schools, as well as many Hong Kong international achools, but it was at one Montessori school in Hong Kong where it really came together.
The combination of an owner who realized I was the perfect fit from the minute we met, a space with fabulous light, and the Montessori environment itself, the interplay between kids, both local and expat, the moments of individual concentration, and of course the perfect props, resulted in some of my best school photos ever.
The best part was to become friends, and the long-term family photographer, with so many. of these kids, some of whom I’ve continued to photograph in Singapore and London as well.
Montessori photography is about the 'small' moments. These are my favourite shots from a special Hong Kong school, documenting the unique spirit of independence.
Letting ‘Kids Be Kids’: Why a Montessori School Classroom is the Perfect for My Style
While I’m not an expert on educational theory, I know a great school when I see one. It’s the whole package: the kids, the parents, the space, and the staff. I always felt that teaching Montessori was more of a vocation than a job. The teachers I worked with were heavily trained in the method and many had worked all over the world.
I can bring this look to any school, but I am at my best with the younger age groups. At that age, kids are obviously at their cutest, but they are blissfully oblivious to me when I need them to be; they are still years away from being self-conscious in front of a lens. Sadly, this particular school had to close when the landlord tripled the rent; such is life in the big city.
I bring this same approach to my Hong Kong family photography: just let ‘kids be kids’ and the magic happens. And just as Montessori schools are an option away from the mainstream of education, I have always considered myself as the same when it comes to kids & family photographers.
We are kindred spirits.
The Art of the Work Cycle
A Different Choice for Your School or Family
If you’re a parent looking for natural, un-staged photos of your children, or a school director tired of the identical "staff snapshots" every other school uses, we should chat.
I spent 10 years in advertising where 'Brand Differentiation' was ‘Day One 101,’ so I'll never understand why schools mostly choose to look identical in their marketing! It wasn’t always this way.
Explore My Work:
My School Portfolio – Featuring CDNIS, CIS, HKA, HKIS, and more.
2026 Family Gallery – 20 years of Hong Kong stories. Many of these kids I met at a Montessori school 20 years ago, and I documented them all the way from Toddler to Teen.
My Rates & Info
Below are a few shots to scroll from other Montessori schools in Hong Kong and Thailand.
From HKG to SIN to LHR
"I don't just document an hour at the beach; I capture entire childhoods from toddler to teen."
I met this girl and her Mom at a Montessori school on Hong Kong Island in 2007 and have since followed her and her brothers through Singapore and London, as well as Stanley, Repulse Bay Beach, and on the Star Ferry.
Documenting these three siblings from preschool through to high school is the heart of what I do. I have another Montessori family I've been photographing for so long that the mother already has me on deck to shoot her daughter’s wedding whenever that day comes. I’m up for it.
View the Growing Up Gallery →
