Lisa Morton
This was the second time Matthew had photographed Alex and Nina, the first time two years ago when, being a responsible mother, I gave them a can of coke prior to the session. They literally went off like a bottle of pop in the studio. I was amazed Matthew got such fabulous shots and that he didn't ask us to leave. Two years on they have (slightly) mellowed but not much. So it was a surprise that Nina, in particular, who is destined for one BAFTA award at least, decided she didn't want to go in front of the camera. Alex, who is too cool for school, wasn't impressed either. It wasn't looking good. However, within five minutes, Matthew had Alex playing air guitar and Nina dancing around the studio to 'High School Musical', which miraculously is her number one obsession. The results were absolutely not what I expected. I was stunned at the viewing. Matthew has captured what I see in the children in the quieter times when all the madness is stripped away and you feel you can see into their souls. Interestingly, out of 400 frames, the ones we chose were Matthew's favourites too. Either he's a great salesman or he saw it too. Heirlooms.