A Southport photographer is earning national acclaim as he takes stunning pictures of families during the coronavirus lockdown.
Gareth Jones, who earned a multitude of awards during his time as a photographer with the Southport Visiter and Liverpool ECHO, appeared on Good Morning Britain, Granada Reports and Radio Merseyside after he featured on Stand Up For Southport last week.
The dad-of-three says he has been overwhelmed by the ‘incredible response’ to his idea of photographing families on their doorsteps, while respecting strict social distancing rules.
In return, all money raised – over £700 so far and growing – will be split between Queenscourt Hospice in Southport and NHS charities.
Gareth said: “The response has been incredible. People seem so happy to see me and from what I’m told, it has made their day. I just wanted to give something back.
Southport photographer Gareth Jones is taking stunning pictures of families during the coronavirus lockdown in return for donations to Queenscourt Hospice and NHS charities
“Being a photographer all of my normal work I do has been cancelled. It’s great making people smile still while also making it safe for them and myself.”
Gareth started taking the pictures last Friday, after posting on his Gareth Jones Photographer Facebook page asking if anyone would be interested in the idea. He has since been inundated with requests.
He said: “I am going to organise another day, plus an evening too. I have had lots of requests.
“I will be home-schooling my own children while my wife, Christine, is a key worker as she works in a pharmacy in Southport, so when I am free I will do more.
Southport photographer Gareth Jones is taking stunning pictures of families during the coronavirus lockdown in return for donations to Queenscourt Hospice and NHS charities
“It has been unbelievable reading all the kind words. It is fantastic to know that what I am doing is making a difference to someone’s day. Thank you for all the donations so far!
“I was on Radio Merseyside yesterday and on Granada Reports this evening. I am far more comfortable behind the camera!”
Gareth is usually busy driving around the country shooting corporate events, weddings, and covering freelance editorial work. He is much in demand after winning the O2 Photographer of the Year awards in 2009 and 2014. But like many freelance workers in the UK, the coronavirus lockdown has seen his work dry up.
Southport photographer Gareth Jones is taking stunning pictures of families during the coronavirus lockdown in return for donations to Queenscourt Hospice and NHS charities
He said: “I have been at home with my children for the past four weeks and I haven’t picked up my camera in that time.
“It got me thinking. We miss seeing our family and friends. My children miss seeing their grandparents. Everyone else must feel the same.
“So if you private message me, I will arrange to come to your garden gate and photograph your little family at your front door or I can photograph your grandparents at their front door.
“I will share those images digitally with you so you can then share them with your loved ones.
“You can if you wish donate something if anything to Queenscourt Hospice or the NHS via my JustGiving page.
Southport photographer Gareth Jones is taking stunning pictures of families during the coronavirus lockdown in return for donations to Queenscourt Hospice and NHS charities
“Please be aware due to social distancing rules all pictures must be taken from a minimum of two metres away. This will keep me safe plus your family as well.
“The idea was all about making people smile whilst social distancing and if I can raise some money for charity as well then even better and it appears I am doing just that!
“I will respond to all the requests and aim to arrange more days or evenings to go out again in the coming week or so. “
For more details please visit the Gareth Jones Photographer page on Facebook or donate via Gareth’s JustGiving page at:
https://www.justgiving.com/…/gareth-jones-355lockdownfrontd…
