“Cultivating Wonder magically came into our lives at exactly the right moment. A time when my son needed affirmation of his worth, beyond just what his mum could give. The consistent care taken to provide such positive and detailed feedback has enabled us to reflect and celebrate together. I have watched my son’s self-esteem and confidence grow through every photo, every word of praise. It has given hope for the future and allowed us to look forward and dream once again. Thank you for making a difference to our family.”

Anna, Scilly Isles, (15 year old son on the course)

“I just can’t express how special the Cultivating Wonder course is. It accomplishes so many positive things: inspires creativity; opens the children’s (and parents’) eyes to the beauty around us that we often just don’t see in our accelerated/tech heavy lives; it connects like-minded children; sparks the imagination; promotes kindness; inspires children to take their photography further... and above all, does exactly what it aims to do – cultivates wonder, which is the most magical emotion.”

Louisa, Portugal (13 year old son on the course)

“[Wonder] just makes everything you look at a whole lot more exciting – and it therefore makes everything more exciting and it makes life more exciting. And being on this course has inspired me to want to become a photographer! I now don't want to go anywhere without a camera!”

Sam, aged 10, Teddington, London

“Recently mum introduced me to Cultivating Wonder. I started to look at the world in more detail, noticing specks of dust in the air landing on petals, dew in the morning, frost crystals on windscreen wipers, and rays of sun peeking through the clouds. Mum and I began to take early morning walk down to the seafront and I have since grown closer to my mum and I think she understands me better also. I have also loved the positive feedback on my photos and I now know that I am not only capable of taking good pictures but look more closely at everything around me, allowing myself time to slow down and stop and looking to discover more wonder, beauty and light.”

Alex, aged 11, Devon

“I wanted to write to thank Jonathan for the most amazing opportunity he gave my son. My son is profoundly disabled and Jonathan didn’t hesitate to let him be part of Cultivating Wonder, making the course accessible to him. Each week our son has enjoyed, interacting with the films, thinking of ideas for projects and has taken some wonderful photos. Being extremely isolated in the community, it has opened up a whole new world (of Wonder!) to him and us.”

Melissa, Oxford (17 year old son on the course)

“I cannot begin to tell you what a huge blessing Cultivating Wonder has been and continues to be! It has been a catalyst to a more regular practice of the mindfulness and wonder already a part of my life and person. It also continues to bring joy and to be grounding as I walk a challenging path.”

Diane, valued member of the Cultivating Wonder Facebook community

“My daughter has shown a flair for photography for a while now and Cultivating Wonder has been a really special way for us to take this interest forward, together. Not only has she learnt to take better pictures, but we've had fun making memories together. We've also enjoyed experimenting with different styles of photography and critiqued our efforts (often with lots of laughter). The feedback has also been really encouraging.”

Lucy, Cambridgeshire (11 year old daughter on the course)

“Jonathan is so passionate about photography, but also has a skill in bringing it to life for the younger audience in an encouraging way. Both my girls absolutely loved the course and built up quite a portfolio of photos”

Helen, London (8 and 11 year old daughters on the course)

“We signed our daughter on to the course thinking we could tick another lockdown box activity for her, but ended up following the course ourselves with great anticipation every week.”

Corinna, London (11 year old daughter on the course)

“If the objective of the course was to inspire and motivate young photographers, it succeeded 100%. After doing this course, my 11 year old son is more inspired than ever with his photography.”

Louisa, Abingdon (11 year old son on the course)

“I got to spend time with my son in a different way to the usual, where I saw the world through an 8-year old’s eyes. Fun, fun, fun.”

Nicola, Oxford (8 year old son on the course)

“I loved doing the photography course for so many reasons, not least because I loved taking unusual photos a lot, especially photos with a mirror.”

Tabitha, aged 6, Plymouth