I saw the World Press Photo exhibition in Amsterdam several years ago and the quality of the work was excellent, interesting and thought provoking. The event was attended by a good mix of people from different backgrounds. I think that’s important, particularly in a small island like Guernsey; when we do get exciting work of this standard it needs to be accessible for the public as we don’t a large population and we’re not the top of everyone’s list as a cultural destination so wont have ‘passing traffic’. I think this festival will succeed as photography is something many people can appreciate at one level or another. I really like the identity too, it’s modern, clean, colourful and looks interesting. Everyone has a camera these days and if the festival inspires people to pick up them up and take a more active interest in the arts fantastic. I’ll definitely be pushing my dad to get involved as he’s got some amazing photos which tend to get hidden away under all his commercial and motorsport work.

There is something satisfying and fulfilling about taking a photo or making an image, whether it is to the level and importance of the above shots or simply ‘holiday snaps’. It should be encouraged like all forms of creativity as creativity is what makes us human.