Collaborations
One facet of photography is being able to use it as a tool to share a message, raise awareness and to educate. This is what excites me about photography. I have been playing with the idea for some time about collaborating with others.
To create projects that do so much more than just make and display a picture. Images that really speak to people are the most powerful. I find being a part of the process and final outcome of such projects to be so satisfying. I love that I might be involved in something that may bring others to see the world differently.
If you are as passionate as I am and have a project in mind and happen to be searching for a photographer don't hesitate to get in touch as we might be able to work together on something fabulous!
Awareness Edge
Breast-wise Edition
The topic of breast cancer is one that is close to my heart. I had just turned 33 when I found what turned out to be 3 lumps in my breast.
I found them by accident, I wasn’t looking and sometimes I feel ill when I think, “What if I hadn’t found them when I did?” “What if I had been too late?” I feel grateful everyday to be here and I feel strongly that it is important that other young women understand that this isn’t just an older woman’s disease.
For this reason I have felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to share a simple message through a series of 'magazine covers' that promotes regular self checking.
In NZ free breast screening in the form of mammograms aren’t available to women under 45 as often breast tissue is just too dense for a mammogram to be effective. This doesn’t mean however that breast cancer in young women isn’t a thing.
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For this campaign I have photographed women who were all under 45 at their diagnosis. The youngest participant was just 27 at hers! But she is not by far the youngest person to have had breast cancer. This tells me that we need to share this information with other young women and encourage ALL women to be proactive about their own health by making self-checking their breasts part of their normal monthly routine because If you learn your own ‘normal’ then you will know if something ever appears as not your own normal. And quite frankly this gives you a better chance of survival.
This has been a collaborative project together with my very talented friend Eloise of The Bespoke Designer. With our skills combined I think we have created something honest and real and we hope it reaches and informs people all over Aotearoa and the world.
Two of our beautiful participants are no longer with us and their loss is very deep and raw and heartbreaking to so many.
Their families have given us permission to keep them in our project and we are so incredibly grateful. We dedicate this to them and their loved ones.
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'More Than Just...'
Self Published Work
Each participant within this project has a story of their own to share and regardless of the story, the message is simple - "I am more than just...".
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Photography, to me, is a powerful tool for highlighting important issues, raising awareness, and celebrating diversity. My passion for people and a sense of justice, combined with my love for photography, led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Imaging. In my final year, I’ve been given the freedom to explore a topic I am deeply passionate about, and this journey has inspired me to create a piece that celebrates unity within diversity, inviting viewers to look beyond the surface. Each participant in this project has their own unique story to tell, and regardless of their background, the message is clear: “I am more than just…” I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all the participants who shared their personal stories to bring this project to life. Your courage and vulnerability are truly inspiring. Some of your stories moved me to tears, and I hold immense respect for your bravery in sharing them. A heartfelt thank you to my wonderful husband, John, for being my constant source of encouragement and support throughout these three years of formal education. Your belief in me, and your willingness to push me when needed, have meant the world. To our young son, thank you for your patience during the countless hours I’ve spent immersed in my studies. I hope this journey has shown you the value of hard work and the rewards it brings. I am also deeply thankful to my friends and family who have cheered me on, offering their unwavering support and kind words of encouragement. Finally, I want to thank the UCOL lecturers for providing me with the knowledge and skills to create work I am truly passionate about.
For Cheryle x Best cheerleader ever
