Alfred with his new camera_min

"Alfred is my little mate who I hang out with sometimes. He is my friend’s kid, but he’s from a family of five children so occasionally comes to me for one-on-one time. Alf got interested in photography after seeing me with my camera, and asked for one for his birthday. I took him to this spot because I love taking photos there, and it was also at a park that I learnt how to use a camera when I was a kid. He was so excited. He was sitting on the end of the seesaw for a long time taking his own photos before I realised it would make a cool image. It represents something quite personal to me – how early my love of photography developed, and how useful this has been for me over my life. Seeing this come alive in another young person was pretty moving."

Photographer Tess Charles embraces the curiosity and excitement of documenting the world. This is her third of four instalments for the Moments page, where Tess shares glimpses into life in Whanganui.

This moment features in our Raumati Summer 2024/25 Edition. 

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