Anne Geddes

"Children are true believers, and some of us are lucky enough to make the transition to adulthood without losing the ability to see through young eyes."

Anne Geddes was born and raised in Queensland, Australia. She has always been interested in the strength that a photographic image could hold. In her mid-twenties she began experimenting with the family camera and developing her signature style of simple structure.
One of the world's most respected and successful professional photographers, Anne first captured the imagination and hearts of people ten years ago. Released initially in New Zealand and Australia, today her distinctive, award-winning images of babies have become classic icons celebrating life and birth. They grace greeting cards, calendars, books, stationery, photo albums, and an array of other fine products, and are currently published in more than 50 countries spanning North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South America, and Asia. Her books have sold more than 15 million copies worldwide and been translated into 16 languages.
Together, Anne and her husband, Kel Geddes, have combined Anne's creation of beautiful images with Kel's marketing, promotional and business skills to produce a growing range of products which include books, calendars, greeting cards, stationery, photo albums, plush toys, and now, baby clothing.
Now, Anne and Kel live in New Zealand with their two daughters.
She said about herself: "I photograph from the heart. I adore little babies and I think that shows. My images are really very positive, very simple, and from the heart. Babies speak a universal language."

We can see her work collected into 3 books: Down in the Garden, Until Now and PURE.
These books are quite different. The first one, it is simple, lovely and very soft.
"Until Now", this award winning book includes images celebrating birth and life, photographed by Anne between 1990 and 1997.
And "Pure", the latest one, is celebrating pregnancy and new life.
Also Anne Geddes is publishing calendars for 11 years, so from 1992. The very big part of her proceeds helps in the prevention of child abuse worldwide.
Anne and Kel Geddes formed, the Geddes Philanthropic Trust to be a reflection of the values of Anne and her work.

Ten years ago, Anne combined her creative talent with her commitment to "giving back." In 1991, she raised over $50,000 on behalf of the prevention of child abuse through sales of her premiere edition 1992 calendar. Since then, over US$2million has been distributed through the Geddes Philanthropic Trust to aid in the prevention of child abuse.
The primary activity of the Trust is its focus on the prevention of child abuse and neglect, and in particular breaking the cycle of this worldwide problem.
The Trust works with many organizations globally, in a variety of ways, ranging from cash grants to consideration of the use of Anne's images in their own prevention programs.
In May 2002, Anne and her business partner and husband, Kel, were honored with the Childhelp USA Humanitarian Award for their generous support of Childhelp USA and its programs.
Anne's work mirrors the joy and love found in the children who will form the future of the planet. She says, "To be able to capture on film the innocence, trust, and happiness that is inherent in the next generation is a very special responsibility. It's work that rewards me daily with a great deal of personal
satisfaction."
Notes related to pics:
Picture number 32: Eddie with Scott & Sean
Scott, Sean (5 weeks) 1993
Eddie has done quite a lot of modelling for me. He is also a personal trainer. I always like to use models, who are comfortable and relaxed with young babies, because if everyone is tense in a shoot, the babies will pick up on it.
Picture number 8: Toadstool Fairy
Erin (2 weeks) 1994

This toadstool was especially made to have a very wide top, which was lined with foam. I often think I'll have to set up a prop museum, as our storage area is growing larger and larger, and I am always reluctant to throw things out. The toadstool is so realistic, and is a tribute to my prop maker, Dawn McGowan. We have been working together for many years. Every shoot is a challenge to her, and she never fails to come up with something wonderful.