Tony Benn

On 5th December last year I had the privilege of leading a portrait shoot of one of my political heroes. Tony Benn has been a staunch supporter of the trades union movement and I'd met him at previous events like the Tolpuddle Festival but such huge events don't facilitate the opportunity for a quiet chat over a cup of tea. In December we had the opportunity to put the world to rights and take photos at the same time, exchanging thoughts with a room full of people I respect immensely - it doesn't get much better than this for me. So who were "us" exactly?

My old friend and social justice photographer Hugh Hill came along and brought his nephew Jordan Gallagher with him. Jordan ended up assisting at the shoot. I had to keep reminding myself that he was 10 years old. He assisted, doing the tasks that are normally incumbent on adults. I'm not sure if this qualifies as child labour or not though. He certainly seemed to enjoy the shoot and the company of our hosts. The shoot was set up by Tony's only daughter Melissa.

Here she is taking control over the Canon 1DS with her dad flanked by her two daughters Sarah & Hannah. Jordan (bottom left of shot) looks on after moving one of the tungsten modelling lights with his Uncle Hugh.

Tony Benn and Hugh Hill

All proceeds from the shoot were donated by Tony and Melissa to the Fire Brigades Union Hardship fund and the 2010 project respectively. One canvas image from this shoot was latterly signed by Tony and sold at a fund raising auction for the FBU, raising another £165 for the hardship fund.

At the time of writing this, there's just a month left until the closing date for the 2010 project entries - any photographers (professional or enthusiast) please have a go at entering an image. You know you want to.