Meet Morris our Volunteer of the Month

Morris has been volunteering for us in various capacities since 2022. Most recently we’ve been really pleased to have him on board as a photographer.
What sort of volunteering do you do with Friends of Windmill Gardens and how long have
you been volunteering?
I take photographs! I’ve photographed events, community clubs, and even products for the
website. I’ve been doing this for a few months now.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What do you do when you are not volunteering?
When I’m not volunteering at the Windmill, I’m usually taking photos of, attending, or
listening to live music in some shape or form. You can keep up with my photography at
@morristakesphotos on Instagram or at morrisshamah.com
How did you get into volunteering with FoWG?
I initially volunteered with FoWG back in 2022, helping with some admin, when I was
between jobs. Then when I started my photography career, the Windmill put out a call on
Instagram for a volunteer photographer and I reached out!
What’s your favourite thing about volunteering?
For me, the best thing about volunteering is how you can get all the fulfilment of doing a
good job and making people happy, with none of the stress and difficulties that come from a
traditional work environment. It’s a great way to connect with the specific actions of what you
like to do, without tying it to other people’s expectations or requirements.
How have you benefited from volunteering?
Well, the photos I take with FoWG are great for my portfolio! And it’s a great way for me to
learn and experiment with new techniques that I don’t have the time or license to try out in
on other jobs.
What advice would you give someone looking to volunteer?
Don’t think about it too much. Find a place – any place – and just start volunteering. If you
don’t like it, you can always find somewhere else, but in the meantime, at least you’re
helping.
Tell us a surprising fact about Brixton Windmill (if you can)
It’s really difficult to fit the whole Windmill structure in a photograph while still maintaining a
scene or subject that at our (human) height!
If you would like to volunteer with us find out more here.