Princess of Wales Criticized for Taking Her Own Photos of Children, Denying Opportunities to Other Photographers

A royal photographer has expressed his disappointment with the Princess of Wales, Catherine Forty, for choosing to shoot her own photos of her children instead of giving others the chance to benefit from it.

On special occasions like birthdays, Catherine is known for capturing images of Prince George IX, Charlotte VII, and Louis IV and sharing them with the public.

However, photographer John Swannell accused the princess of denying young English photographers the opportunity to make a name for themselves.

He stated, “All the work I got with the royals really elevated my career.

Nowadays, someone like me just won't have the chance.”

Swannell, who received a fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society at a young age in 1993, was personally hired by Diana, the Princess of Wales at the time, in 1994 to take pictures of her and her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

Despite his criticism, Swannell acknowledged that Catherine taking her own photos of her children does have certain advantages.

He admitted, “In some ways, though, Catherine is probably right to do it herself.

She's not a great photographer, but she snaps away, and with kids, it's easier if you know them.”

In response to the criticism, Karen Brady, star of the show “The Apprentice,” dismissed the remarks as churlish and ridiculous.

Brady wrote to The Sun, stating, “…they seem all the happier for being photographed by their mother in natural shots rather than stage snaps taken by a stranger.

So for anyone who has issues with the fact that the Princess of Wales delights in sharing her sweet photos with the world is rather churlish, to say the least, don't you think?”

Catherine's passion for photography predates her induction into the Royal family in 2011, as she wrote her undergraduate theses at St Andrews on photographs of children.

Her official interests on the British monarchy's website include photography, with the description stating that she is an avid photographer who has shared many of her photographs with the public over the years.

Catherine has made history by becoming the first member of the Royal family to shoot the first official pictures of a Royal baby.

In 2015, she published photos of newborn Charlotte in the arms of her older brother Prince George.

She has also captured significant family milestones, such as Prince George's ninth birthday and Father's Day moments with Prince William and their children.

Award-winning photographer Bronwyn Sharp praised Catherine's ability to capture authentic and unstaged moments, emphasizing the warmth and love present in her work.

Paparazzi photographer Jamie Harris commended Catherine's use of color and her improvement since her early photos of George and Charlotte.

She stated that Catherine now experiments with different lighting by venturing outside into the garden.

Royal commentator Camilla Tomini highlighted the unique approach the Duchess of Cambridge has taken in managing the public image of her children.

By sharing their own family photos, the Cambridges have reduced the demand for paparazzi images and maintained a level of privacy for their children.

The balance between public interest and privacy will be an ongoing concern for the Cambridges as George grows up to be king.

Photography holds significant importance for the royal family, as it shapes public perception and plays a crucial role in their public engagements.

Lucy Worsley, chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces, explained that the royal family sees photography as their superpower and understands the opportunity it presents.

Worsley emphasized that every image carries a message, and the royal family was quick to recognize the potential of photography.

While some criticize Catherine for not giving opportunities to other photographers, her personal approach to capturing intimate moments of her children has been well-received by many.

Her natural and unstaged photographs have resonated with the public, showcasing the joy and authenticity of family life.

As Catherine continues to share her photographs, she balances the public's desire to see her children grow with their need for privacy.