Snapshot of charity

By Bridget Cook
HE HAS photographed celebrities and done fashion photo shoots for Vogue, but now Barry Weller donates his time snapping local children for a good cause.
The Berwick photographer volunteers his time to the Bonnie Babes Foundation, and for the past four years has been involved with the Pride of the Nation project, an annual coffee table book featuring photographs of children of all ages.
It celebrates new life and provides a snapshot of the next generation.
Bonnie Babes Foundation is charity-based and helps save babies’ lives and counsel families with issues including miscarriages, stillbirths and infertility.
Money raised through Pride of the Nation supports the services of the foundation.
Volunteer photographers waive their sitting fee, and a $50 donation for the first child or $75 for all children from the same family goes directly to the charity upon registration.
Mr Weller said he enjoyed being involved with the project.
“You get to an age when you want to put something back into the community,” he said.
“You get to meet some great families who are donating to the charity themselves.
“Each child has a different personalty and is different to photograph.”
Mr Weller has been a professional photographer for about 45 years. He worked in London alongside acclaimed photographer Norman Parkinson where he did jobs including Princess Anne’s 21st birthday, Elizabeth Taylor’s 40th birthday and fashion shoots for Vogue.
He now runs his own wedding and family portrait photography business, Top Gun Photography.
He said he hoped to continue his involvement with Pride of the Nation for a while.
“As long as my body enables me to do it, I will,” he said.
Anyone wishing to register their child for Pride of the Nation book, which will be displayed at Parliament House, can visit www.prideofthenation.com.au