Cate Cameron (Changent/Photographer)

I am forever curious and restless, and my life as a photographer allows me to explore the human experience in many ways.

In 2006 after watching a documentary on photojournalists, I had an overwhelming emotional reaction.

As a mother of 5 I couldn’t simply run off and become a war photographer, but, it led me to seek out what this reaction meant. The answer came quickly, as it often does if we are on the right track.

I wanted to photograph and work with meaning on subjects that had some urgency, to use my skills to make a difference.

I have always wanted to give voice and strength in some way to people and situations that needed support, so working in the area of humanitarian aid and development was an opportunity that came within days of seeing the documentary, and I began volunteering for a local NGO.

Within 2 years I was on my way to Africa and India to photograph the lives of some of the poorest people in the world in relation to their access to water.

I had yet another strong reaction while working in field that first time for 8 weeks, and that was a similar powerful feeling that I was in fact doing what I was meant to be doing.

Since then I have been able to travel to Haiti, and more recently to Kenya.  My work has widened to include other human rights issues that include HIV/AIDs, FGM and Child Marriage.  I have been able to straddle many different worlds and this has helped me to understand myself even better and how I fit into these worlds.

Related links:
Cate Cameron on Changents
@catecameron