A PROFESSIONAL photographer has decided to put his skills to good use to raise money for two charities close to his heart.

Simon Ward, of Simon Ward Photography, has been taking "doorstep snaps" to allow families to capture a memory of life during lockdown while raising funds for Salisbury District Hospital's Stars Appeal and Julia's House.

He was inspired by London-based photographer Jenny Smith who has raised more than £9,000 for domestic violence charity Refuge by carrying out a similar activity across the capital.

Simon, 41, said: "I thought it was common courtesy to email her and ask if she was okay with me replicating this in Salisbury and she said 'no problem, maybe just change the name' so I put my thinking cap on and came up with Doorstep Snaps.

"I'd love to raise £9,000 but it's quite challenging so I set a modest target of £250 per charity."

Salisbury Journal: Photographer Simon Ward Photographer Simon Ward

All people have to do to get involved is visit Simon's website to make a donation via JustGiving to either charities or both. Arrangements to have their picture taken will then be made via email.

So far, the Amesbury freelance photographer, who has been working as a temporary Tesco driver, has visited five households, always keeping a two-metre distance, on his way to and from work or during his daily exercise.

As of today, he has only been able to visit families in SP1, SP2 and SP4 postcodes, however, the easing of lockdown rules could mean he might be able to travel further.

"People say it's a great idea and although it's not my idea, photographers are starting to do it in their own way up and down the country.

"Those charities are important to me and they're important to the local area so that's my local twist."

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