"Ever since the inception of our very first calendars, our primary focus has been to raise awareness about Child Abuse Prevention," states Geddes passionately. "As an ambassador for March of Dimes, I am deeply involved in their campaigns, and my association with neonatal intensive care units drives my commitment to their cause."
"March of Dimes plays a crucial role in promoting the health of pregnant women and premature babies, making it a natural partnership for me," she adds.
In the past, discussing child abuse on television was taboo, but Geddes emphasizes how times have changed. "Nowadays, it's a different world, and the importance of believing and protecting children is front of mind worldwide. It took a lot of work to get to this point, but the progress has been worth it."
Geddes's dedication to philanthropy doesn't stop there. She also serves as a Global Ambassador for Meningococcal Disease Awareness, using her influence to advocate for various causes.
Reflecting on the pandemic's onset, Geddes shares how her daughters encouraged her to make a difference even during lockdowns. Thus, she conceived the "Joy Series," a heartwarming project featuring babies that brought joy to their families during challenging times. The project garnered responses from 89 countries and spread happiness across the globe.
However, amid the advancements in artificial intelligence and image generators like DALL-E, Geddes acknowledges the value of original creativity. She expresses concern about the copyright implications but remains hopeful that unique artistic expressions will continue to stand out.
When it comes to her work, Geddes is enthusiastic about her gear choices. Although she once used film cameras like Hasselblad and Mamiya RB67, she now favors the Fuji GFX 100 for its versatility and performance.
Her journey into photography started later in life when she was 25. Raised on a cattle station in Australia, she had limited exposure to photography.
Geddes fondly recalls her early fascination with still images and photojournalism in LIFE magazine. These experiences eventually led her to discover her passion for storytelling through imagery.
Despite her international acclaim and numerous accolades, Geddes remains humble about her success. With seven award-winning coffee table books and calendars published in over 84 countries, she continues to inspire countless people through her heartwarming baby photography.
As she plans to create a new calendar concept for 2024, Geddes's artistic journey is far from over. Her passion for children's welfare and creativity knows no bounds, leaving an indelible mark on the world of photography and philanthropy alike.
