Hong Kong Montessori & Me | A Perfect Fit
As a school photographer since 2005, 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, but it was at one 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, the moments of individual concentration, and of course the perfect props — resulted in some of my favorite 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.
Letting ‘Kids Be Kids’: Why Montessori 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, 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 family photographers.
We are kindred spirits.
The Art of the Work Cycle
Montessori photography is about the 'small' moments. These are my favourite shots from a special Hong Kong school, documenting the spirit of independence.
A Different Choice for Your School or Family
If you are a parent looking for truly natural photos of your kids, or a school needing updated imagery for educational marketing that will separate you from the iPhone and staff-shot snapshots most schools rely on these days, feel free to drop me a line.
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!
To see my portfolio of school photography from CDNIS, CIS, HKA, HKIS and more, click here. For more info on how I work, here is a link. And here is my gallery from my nearly 20 years as a Hong Kong family photographer.
Below are a few shots to scroll from other Montessori schools in Hong Kong and Thailand.
