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The Ladies: Alice

June 20, 2019

The Ladies collection is driven by the desire to give each of my ladies a chance to empower herself by stepping in front of my lens and by recording her written thoughts in the interviews about kindness, confidence and giant hamsters. The Ladies series can never truly be complete for there will be always be an endless list of ladies that I’d be honoured to capture in a frame.

I’ll be posting their interviews in whole, including their chosen quotes and introductions by me. Enjoy and let me know if you would like to be a part of the series!

Here if you need.
–Infamous netball line

Alice is my netball gal. That’s how we met when I first moved to Canberra and we’ve had an epic high of winning a season! Our prize was the choice of Netball ACT socks or towels – we took towels. Alice is so enjoyable to talk to and I always look forward to seeing her gorgeous smile on a Thursday (or a Tuesday when we play against each other) because she is always so bubbly. Her answer about ‘sorry’ is so valid and quite a few ladies in the project echo this. But Alice, you should never apologise for being an absolute kickass human who I love being in the presence of.

To you, what is the best part about being a woman?
The meaningful relationships it allows me to cultivate with other women.

If your house was burning down, what is the one non-living thing you would save?
My granny’s necklace. It is only costume jewellery but when she gave it to me as a child she explained that a ‘fancy man’ she had been seeing in the 50’s had given it to her. I like the idea that she had fun and got around a bit before settling down.

What is your favourite thing to do in Canberra?
Make myself do the Mount Ainslie walk. You always feel like you’ve achieved something and the light changes the view each time.

What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?
A wolfhound (and a huge house with a garden to keep it in).

What would you tell 13-year-old you?
Relax, it’ll all come together in the end. There are so many beautiful people out there you haven’t met yet.

What are your three most overused words?
Sorry, sorry and sorry.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?
Is there any appropriate answer other than chocolate?

Who did you want to be when you were growing up?
At various points a ‘McDonalds worker’, an ‘ironing lady’ and a dentist. I’ve ended up at some middle ground as a lawyer.

How do you define success?
Being able to look after yourself and the people you love without causing detriment to others.

What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?
That things can and will change. You have to get up in the morning and keep trying. Eventually you will feel okay again.

What is the first concert you attended?
Robbie Williams, 2006.

What’s your favourite holiday memory?
Summer in England in 2002. So far as I can remember every day was visiting family, frolicking in the sunshine and eating ice cream.

What, to you, is the most pressing issue women face?
Being understood outside of stereotypes and tropes about how women are or should be. Being understood as individuals and fully rounded human beings with a plethora of values, hopes and motivations unique to that person. It is only from this understanding that respectful and equal treatment, in all areas of life and society, can flow.

What brings you happiness?
Basking in sunshine, friends, messing around at the beach or in a stream and being just a little bit tipsy (probably not the safest as a combination).

The Ladies: Alex

May 8, 2019

I’ll be posting their interviews in whole, including their chosen quotes and introductions by me. Enjoy and let me know if you would like to be a part of the series!

There are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them.
–JK Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

For Alex and I, it was our university publishing and editing course that bonded us for life as the Fireballs along with Jacquie. We all have our people that no matter the time of day that we can message and know they have your back. Alex is that for me and I hope I can live up to that for her. Her portrait is one of my absolute favourites — taken by pool light, perusing the 52 Ladies book. She allowed me to take her photo if she could pretend it wasn’t happening so this was a perfect summer evening, cooling off and chatting. I love how the light hits just one eye and how absolutely beautiful she looks. Alex is a fierce hardworker who will do anything for those she loves but especially for Henry, her adorable pup. I want every dream of hers to come true for she means so much to me!

What book did you read last? And what books are on your to-read list?
I’m reading Agatha Christie’s Poirot books for the first time and I’m enthralled! I’ve nearly finished Poirot Investigates and I’ll read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd next. I can’t wait as it was voted Best Crime Novel ever in 2013. Also in my to-read list for 2019 are 15 classics that I haven’t read before – A Tale of Two Cities, The Catcher in the Rye and Frankenstein!

What would you choose as your Little Miss character to describe your personality?
I don’t get to choose, I have been told I am Little Miss Bossy and I can’t really argue with that! I’m a big sister and the oldest of a lot of extended family. I was born bossy!

What TV show/movie are you ashamed to admit you love?
I have a secret love for Lifestyle shows, and the one I can’t get enough of is Dance Moms. Abbey Lee Miller is one of the most awful personalities on TV, the drama is highly scripted (mostly) and the ‘Moms’ set a terrible example for their daughters. However, the girls are sweet and amazingly talented. I can’t get enough!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I was working with a psychologist on stress management and she said something that I try to keep in mind every day: ‘When you are anxious it is because you are living in the future. When you are depressed it is because you are living in the past’. The original quote has been misattributed for years, but I think it is an excellent reminder to stay focused on what we are doing and stop dwelling on the things that are out of our control.

What is your signature dish?
I made a pepper beef ragu that is a big favourite at home. I make it with plenty of pepper because my Dad has always been a big fan of black pepper, and I’ve grown to love it that way. The dish slow cooks for as long as possible until the beef is falling apart, and the tomato, wine and stock sauce sticks to the pasta.

Who inspires you?
I’m going to be a cliché but my parents have inspired me. My Mum managed to earn her way into a fulfilling and meaningful career, while doing most of the housework, and cooking delicious dinners every night. My Dad is one of the smartest and most likeable people I know, he’s dependable, thoughtful and a big softie. They have an amazing partnership, and have always supported each other to raise their family. I want to be just like them when I grow up.

What would you tell 13-year-old you?
Focus on what you want and who you want to be. Don’t try too hard to be cool – it isn’t worth it. The best friends of your life are coming and they’ll love you for every quirk and flaw.

Bonus Harry Potter questions: What would your patronus be?
I think my patronus would be a puppy, something small and yappy, with a lot more bark than bite. I definitely think I’m tougher than I am.

If presented with Amortentia, what would you smell?
I would smell the scents associated with baking, lots of vanilla, sugar, caramel, chocolate and cinnamon. I think baking smells soothe the soul.

Which Deathly Hallow would you choose and why?
I’ve read the books, I know I’m meant to want the invisibility cloak! I think I do really want the cloak, it would be nice to leave everything behind for a little while and hide under the cloak. I would like to ask the rules of the wand though, would it give me magic? I’m accepted my Hogwarts letter is never coming and I’m probably a muggle, but I’d choose the wand if it bestowed magic on me!

The Ladies: Alex

April 29, 2019

Black and white portrait of a smiling woman in front of a hedge

I’ll be posting their interviews in whole, including their chosen quotes and introductions by me.

Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be.
–Clementine Paddleford

One of the best side effects of this project is getting to know your friends’ friends. Alex is one of a few very special ladies that I met through one of the Sarah’s and I am honoured to have Alex for it is a treat to have met such a spunky woman!

If your house was burning down, what is the one non-living thing you would save?
My computer and my Cintiq. Everything else is just paperwork and money to replace.
What are three words that you’d like to define yourself with?
Motivated, resilient and savage.
What is your personal mantra right now?
‘You signed up for this’ – through my life, the authority figures have had a general attitude that life has happened to them. Like they were simply cast adrift in society and the experiences, good and bad, were out of their control.
I roundly reject this sentiment. By reminding myself that the majority (but not all) of the circumstances in my life are things I agreed to, I feel like I can be braver in my choices and feel more empowered to change things that I am not satisfied with.
What did you want to be when growing up?
I always wanted to moonlight as an artist, but my day jobs cycled between a marine biologist, librarian, games designer, lawyer and doctor.
What gets you up in the mornings and what motivates you?
My morning coffee, it’s an integral part of my routine and the idea of spending a couple of minutes enjoying the warmth and flavour really helps motivate me to get out of a comfy bed. I don’t know if it motivates me in all aspects of my life, but the first step out of bed is a good start.
What are your guilty pleasures that you shouldn’t feel guilty about?
I like to play video games and watch trashy daytime TV like Dr Phil and Jeremy Kyle on my second monitor. Like all guilty pleasures it’s harmless, but it’s also so ridiculous I don’t think anyone would ever know how to respond if it came up in conversation.
When was a moment that defined you that set you on your path to now?
When I was working as a consultant, I was very excited to be offered the opportunity to do some work in the behavioural economics section of the company. My then director dismissed the idea, telling me ‘do something I get paid for’. That conversation was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I handed in my letter of resignation a week later, did honours and got a job that took me to Canberra. Thanks bro, your bad attitude set me free to do better things in life.
If you were an animal, what would you be?
A cuttlefish. I too am reclusive, and might change colour if sufficiently alarmed.
The International Women’s Day theme was Be Bold for Change – what change would you like to see in your life? And to you, what is being bold?
The biggest change I would like to see in my lifetime is a shift away from the attitudes and mind-sets that change can only be made one thing at a time.
Everyone has heard someone say some variant of ‘why worry about X when Y is an issue!’ As if both aren’t real and having tangible consequences for someone out there. A move away from this attitude I think will reframe the issue around using resources to solve the economic, social end environments problems of the world in a way that minimises the ineffective mindset of ‘us vs. them’. For me, being bold is having the courage to stand up for what you believe in, but also being willing to reflect on your own values and attitudes and change as more information is presented.
What brings you happiness?
I think there isn’t one thing that makes me happiest. It’s definitely a balance of doing what activity that meets an emotional, physical or mental need. Finishing a long hike on a nice day addresses all those criteria though.
What is your signature dish?
I am known for making a killer ice cream. I’ve done chocolate and hazelnut, vanilla, passion fruit, and chocolate and raspberry since I’ve come to Canberra. Next on the list is strawberry.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
That, particularly if you are in a bad relationship, home life, etc. – it’s okay to have the feelings you do. You may have mixed feelings for awful people in your life for a variety of reasons and that’s valid. They may seem counterintuitive to the situation or not be good for you, but the first step to getting to a better place is to address all those emotions rather than demanding they be silent, or feeling guilt.

The Ladies: Adrienne

April 18, 2019

***The Ladies collection is now 123 ladies strong and is continuing to grow!***

I’ll be posting their interviews in whole, including their chosen quotes and introductions by me!

We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.
–Jawaharlal Nehru

Sometimes you meet someone and you know instantly that you just have to get to know them better. The first time Addy and I properly met was cross-country skiing in the wilderness and I knew she was someone special. She has a spark for life that is unquenchable — just look at those stunning eyes! Those are the eyes of a lady who knows how to build a good life full of friends, travels, family and food. Those sparkling eyes are even literally the epitome of her favourite quote below. In case you can’t tell, my favourite aspect of this portrait is her eyes for they even inspired my chosen quote above. They say eyes are the windows to the soul after all and this lady has one incredible soul.

If your house was burning down, what is the one non-living thing you would save?
I am quite a sentimental person however the one thing I would save above all else would be photo albums and photographs,
in this day and age that’s also the SD cards!
Those moments and memories captured in time will never be recreated and being able to look back on snapshots in time of family, friends and loved ones is something you simply can’t replace.

What is your favourite thing to do in Canberra?
I grew up in Canberra, and while I’ve lived in a few other places in the world, Canberra has always been home. One thing I love to do in Canberra is walk. The beautiful mountains and the greenbelts bordering almost every suburb, make nature very accessible in the city. Within a few minutes, suburbia fades away and you feel as if you’re in the middle of the bush.

What are your three most overused phrases?
This is an easy one, it has to be ‘no worries’, ‘awesome’ and ‘you’ll be right’.

What is the most important thing you have learnt in the last five years?
Not to hold on to the little things, in the grand scheme of things, they don’t matter. No matter what happens, the world keeps
spinning, the sun keeps shining and birds keep on singing.

What is on your bucket list?
There are a few things on my bucket list but the number one thing I would like to achieve is to step foot on every continent to
see the beautiful landscapes, amazing animals and meet the incredible people. I only have two left to go – Africa and Antarctica, I can’t wait!

What is your favourite quote?
‘At the end of each day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling’ – Shanti.

What would you choose as your Little Miss character to describe your personality?
Little Miss Chatterbox for sure! I get told regularly that I can hold a conversation with a brick wall…

What brings you happiness?
Plenty of things, life is full of little pleasures. One simple thing that I love doing is pumping the music in my car and singing along at the top of my lungs. If you’re lucky enough to pull up next to me at a traffic lights, you’re in for a treat as I also dance along.

What could you eat for the rest of your life?
It would have to be cheese, it’s just so gouda!

What motivates you and gets you out of bed every day?
I try to find something to look forward to every day, whether it is an event, catching up with friends and family, or something
as simple as a delicious snack or having a shower at the end of a big day. There is so much to appreciate in the everyday and
sometimes we’re just so busy we miss it.

#52Ladies: Carly

November 26, 2017

Inspired by International Women’s Day, I want to photograph 52 ladies, one for each week, from my life and recommended to me. To me, the most inspiring women in my life are my friends and family.

They are the ones who push me to go further and pick me up when I’m down. I couldn’t do anything without my girl gang. I want to empower my ladies to see themselves how I see them. Follow along on Instagram for inspiring quotes and shoutouts to other amazing women kicking butt.

Carly and I met during an incredible monumental period in our lives – right after the end of our long term relationships while on a yoga retreat in Sri Lanka. Being able to go through that life-changing experience with someone who was going through something similar was incredibly powerful. Upon our return to Australia, it was the best being able to swap break up meme after meme and commiserate the different “break-up” milestones. Trust me, there are definitely turning points in recovery. I knew when I started this project I wanted to include Carly because of our shared love of empowering ourselves. Carly has taken the most active participant in this project of any other ladies included so far because not only did she know exactly what kind of photo she wanted (she requested an image of her conquering life from on top of a rock), but she also answered the most questions. We came up with the idea of going up Mount Ainslie so she could metaphorically conquer Canberra!!! You can just spot the Telstra Tower in the distance. I couldn’t bare to cut any of her answers so here they are in all their glory.

Thanks Carly for coming into my life when I needed it most. I admire you so much!

Which three guests would you like to invite to a dinner party (dead or alive, fictional or real)?

Michael Jackson, Obama and Amelia Earhart

What would be your signature dish you’d make them?

Lasagne! Even my mum wants me to make my lasagne when I visit

What would be the title of your autobiography?

Hmm… “She thought she could”?

What would you choose as your Mr. Men/Little Miss character to describe your personality?

I was given the ‘Mr Forgetful’ book as a gift, in Facebook quizzes I get ‘Little Miss Busy’, but I more relate to ‘Little Miss Stubborn’ or ‘Little Miss Tidy’. If I could make one up it would be ‘Little Miss Trying’, or perhaps you can tell that I am ‘Little Miss Indecisive!’.

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?

Toothbrush, cello, and my medication haha

If you were to write a self-help book, what would the topic be?

Resilience!

If you were an animal what would you be?

I love cats, and the idea of lazing about in the sun and getting head scratches sounds delightful, although I think I would get bored and probably kill a lot of native wildlife for a challenge, so best I stay human 😊

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?

Emma Stone please!

If you could be anyone from any time period who would it be and why?

This is a tough question, I think women today have it much better than they did so I wouldn’t want to back in time. I try not to wish to be anyone other than the best version of me. Wishing to be someone else is tied to jealousy, unhappiness and possibly ingratitude, it also assumes that others have everything you want, when in reality I’m sure they don’t.

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

Perhaps the falling of the Berlin Wall, and although it’s not yet history, I would like to see gays marry in Australia. (Carly actually answered this question well before the postal vote so we are getting closer!!!)

How do you define success?

I used to think success was about the big things: a top job, large salary, big house etc. Then I realised it has a lot to do with the greater things, like happiness, health, and a sense of belonging. Personally, I feel successful when I achieve the things I said I would – especially despite setbacks – but I’m starting to realise now that success is keeping yourself healthy and happy and staying true to yourself, and that might mean knowing when to quit (I’m still figuring this out!)

What are your three most overused words/phrases?

I don’t think I verbally articulate myself very well, so I say “do you know what I mean?” a lot!

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Steak, chips and red wine.. Or anything my Baba and Dedo make.

What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?

I have realised that sometimes it doesn’t matter that you do the right things and do them well, sometimes things don’t work regardless; sometimes hard work doesn’t meet luck or opportunity (or meet the right team player). But from this I have learned to be kind to myself and enjoy the process regardless of the outcome – there is always a lesson to be learned.

What is the one thing you cannot resist?

Singing to a good song. And I’m a terrible singer!

[Read more…]

#52Ladies – Shannon

November 22, 2017

Inspired by International Women’s Day, I want to photograph 52 ladies, one for each week, from my life and recommended to me. To me, the most inspiring women in my life are my friends and family.

Shannon was the best work wife I could ever ask for. We worked together for 8 months, side-by-side every single day. That girl made me laugh hysterically. I still miss working with her now, 8 months later. Our little ‘Shake It Off’ team with our fearless leader, Kaz, bonded early on over milkshakes and discovering Canberra together. These ladies always knew how to make me smile as we went through some really tough times together. We couldn’t help but be bonded for life. Shan is one of my role models. She is so generous in her love for her friends and her work ethic is inspiring. While her decision skills are not much better than mine, she was the best partner-in-crime – always up for anything from building my bed to music festivals to Harry Potter trivia to puzzles to free food.

I can never thank her enough on the day she picked up the pieces of my heart and helped me clean my room. This lady would do anything for her friends and I will always have her back.

I cannot wait to see her become a mumma to a beautiful baby girl. I really wanted to capture Shan for this project just like this because she is embarking on the next stage of her womanhood and is going to raise such a fearless little lady, I know it. To my fellow ‘shiny’ sister, I’m so proud of you 😘

To you, what is the best part about being a woman?

Being pregnant certainly makes me feel really privileged to be a woman. While there are certainly times that are difficult, it is incredible to think that I am growing another human inside of me. The female body is so strong and I think sometimes we underestimate ourselves and forget just what we are capable of.

What is your favourite thing to do in your hometown?

I live in Newcastle and am proud to call it my home. It’s a great place with lovely people and really beautiful landscapes. I love going for a walk around the beach/lake or catching up with friends at one of our many great restaurants and cafes. We’re lucky to have a thriving food culture!

Which three guests would you like to invite to a dinner party (dead or alive, fictional or real)?

I never knew my grandfather and two of my uncles so it would be great to be able to spend just one night with them. I’d also love to meet Beyonce as she is one of the most powerful women in the world and JK Rowling, because she must have one incredible imagination to think up something as magical as Harry Potter!

What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?

An Acai bowl, because they cost like $14 and I don’t get to indulge in them too often. But seriously, I think about this often. I’d pay off all our debts first then buy a new house, then give money to family and friends. Then I’d buy a round the world ticket and you probably wouldn’t see us for a while!

What would you tell 13-year old you?

Don’t worry too much about the little things and just enjoy life. Also, don’t worry if you haven’t got your life figured out. I’m 30 and still don’t really know what I want to do with my life, but that’s OK because I’ve come to realise that we are always changing and growing, so what you want when you are 13 might be completely different to what you want when you’re 30. Just be prepared for change and don’t stress if life doesn’t always go to plan or when you stray down a different path. Everything happens for a reason!

If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?

I’ve always thought it would be interesting to see what it’s like to be a man for a day and try and figure out what goes on inside their heads. Otherwise maybe trade places with an astronaut and go out into space for a day.

To you, what is happiness?

Happiness is the little things that we often take for granted; enjoying a good coffee in the morning, snuggling up on the couch with Aaron and the dogs, laughing uncontrollably with friends, spending time with family, travelling and being able to see different parts of world or feeling your baby kick inside you!

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?

Swimmers, iPod and one of those never-ending packets of Tim Tams.

How do you define success?

It’s funny because I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. I used to think success was having a really good career and earning the big bucks, but when you die no one cares about those things, they care about the kind of person you were. So to me, success is being known as a kind, selfless, thoughtful and loving person.

What is on your bucket list?

Most of my bucket list is travel related. I’m lucky enough to have travelled to about 24 countries already but there’s still so much of the world I want to see; Japan, South America, Canada, Egypt, Scandinavia and Africa are at the top of the list. I’d also love to join a band and go on The Block!

What is your personal mantra right now?

Tojust go with the flow and be happy with what I’ve got. I often wish we had more money or a bigger house and stress about what I am going to do for work when I’m ready to go back, but then I remind myself how grateful I am to even have a roof over my head in the first place, to be happy and healthy and to be surrounded by great people. Everything else will sort itself out eventually.

What’s your favourite holiday memory?

I can’t really pick a favourite because all my travels have been wonderful in their own way, but I can probably pick a few more memorable moments. One would be the first time I saw the Eiffel Tower. When you think about Europe, you often associate it with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. Growing up it was one of the things I always wanted to see so I actually cried when I saw it lol. It was more the anticipation and finally seeing something in the flesh that I had dreamed about for so long. Other than that Paris was actually a bit overrated for me, but I’ll always remember the feeling I had when I saw the tower sparkling at night. Another very memorable time would be the opening ceremony of the Running of the Bulls Festival with my friend Bridz. We met a group of Aussies and a few Spanish people and just had the best time throwing sangria everywhere.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Stop saying sorry! I think women say sorry too much, especially in the workplace. I know I need to be more assertive and believe in myself and my capabilities. One quote that has always resonated with me is “It’s better to beg for forgiveness than to ask permission.” Trust yourself, believe in your ideas and if it doesn’t work out it’s not the end of the world. Pick yourself up and try again!

What book did you read last? And what books are on your to-read list?

To be honest, right now my coffee table is covered in “how to” baby books. Other than that I’m about one chapter off finishing Elizabeth Gilbert’s (Eat, Pray, Love) latest book, Big Magic. It’s about living creatively and finding your passion (whether it’s what you want to do for a living or just a hobby). I have a tendency of getting half way through books and then not finishing them, so I have to start them again to remember what they were about. It’s a habit I’d like to fix!

#52Ladies: Janet

November 7, 2017

Inspired by International Women’s Day, I want to photograph 52 ladies, one for each week, from my life and recommended to me. To me, the most inspiring women in my life are my friends and family.

Janet and my friendship is the result of a Canberra happenstance because we’d met before but Canberra led us to love each other so much more. We met each other 4 years ago playing soccer for the same club and then played futsal together. Janet is the queen of puns, as demonstrated with the name of our futsal team – Goal Fish! I knew I liked her instantly and I so wanted to be her friend from the moment we met but alas, it wasn’t our time yet. Three years later, we crossed paths in Canberra and it was there that our friendship really blossomed. Upon arriving in Canberra, we had so many mutual friends already but it was the fact that we were both going through some really tough times at the same time that gave us a chance to bond. She was one of my greatest cheerleaders last year and I can never thank her enough for this. We had a chance to help each other through some really tough times and now we are reaping the rewards of this beautiful friendship. One of the bedrocks of our mutual adoration is Harry Potter so I had to sneak in an extra question. She truly is a gem and I feel so honoured to call her my friend.

When are you happiest?
When I’m walking somewhere on a breezy spring day and listening to a pretty sweet tune 🙂

What is your guilty pleasure?
It’s definitely a cheeky afternoon nap. There’s something ridiculously decadent about wriggling your toes in the sheets and knowing there’s nowhere you need to be.

What is your personal mantra right now?
You are the sum of your actions, not your intentions.

To you, what is happiness?
Happiness doesn’t have to wait for the culmination of major life events nor the fulfilment of complex aspirations. It can be as simple as a perfect sunny day, a cuppa with a close friend, rereading Harry Potter, car-eoke sessions at 2am or just the combination of campfire and stars.

Bonus Harry Potter question: If presented with Amortentia, what would you smell?
Coffee, jonquils, rain and Louis Theroux.

#52Ladies: Daniela

October 31, 2017

Inspired by International Women’s Day, I want to photograph 52 ladies, one for each week, from my life and recommended to me. To me, the most inspiring women in my life are my friends and family.

Daniela and I met 13 years ago at high school in Bangkok, Thailand. My early memories of her include International Day at school where she hung out with the Aussies (she’s Lebanese/Australian and fluent in french) and we taught her Aussie slang, her endless love of chocolate, the millions of photos we took in her bedroom on her 15th birthday and the best hugs ever. We’ve gotten slack in the last few years but when she first moved to Australia after school, we caught up so much and made it to each other’s 21sts and even made speeches. Although, I say slack but we have briefly caught up this year twice – once even in a city we both don’t live in 😂 Niela is one of the bubbliest people I know and is such a bright ray of sunshine. I feel so lucky to call her one of my friends still to this day. I’m so proud of you following your research dream of getting your PhD. This photo was taken in fact when she was in town to present at a massage conference. You’re smashing it! You’reight and brilliant that stars wish they could sparkle like you do haha! Or the lights in this photo at the Hamlet! Love you gorgeous lady and thanks for being part of my project.

What is your personal mantra now?
“Carpe Diem”

What brings you happiness?
I find travelling exhilarating. I just came back from an amazing six-week trip where I was able to meet new people, old high-school friends and family.

How would you like the men in your life to empower you?
I have been fortunate that the men in my life have always supported me, respected my wishes and pushed me to be a better version of myself.

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My initial thought was chocolate? but that’s not a meal right…or could it be?

What would you choose as your Mr. Men/Little Miss character to describe your personality?
Little Miss Giggles!!!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The world is your oyster – you can do whatever you want and go wherever you want. Let nothing stop you.

#52Ladies Project: Steph

October 26, 2017

Inspired by International Women’s Day, I want to photograph 52 ladies, one for each week, from my life and recommended to me. To me, the most inspiring women in my life are my friends and family.

Steph and I formed a close bond being the only designers in our corporate workplace. I loved bouncing ideas with her and she was always quick to lend a creative hand when I was stuck. She is such a creative soul and is destined for great things. Age really knows no boundary in our friendship and despite the totally different paths that lend us to design, we made a really great support system for each other at our former workplace. We have both moved on now and I am eagerly watching her path to success. Steph, I can’t wait for our next Pho date 😉

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
An endless supply of hummus, a jalapeño plant, and my notepad

If you were to write a self-help book, what would the topic be?
The importance of life balance when seeking happiness

If you were an animal what would you be?
Well that’s an easy one.. A French bulldog!

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?
Gigi Hadid

What are your three most overused words/phrases?

She’ll be right
2. Bloody hell
3. Life’s too short

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pho 😉

What places have you lived in?
Canberra, Aix-en-Provence, and Townsville

What is your favourite thing to do in Canberra?
Definitely eat!

You’re happiest when?
I’m with friends, I’m eating, I’m drinking wine.. the list goes on

Which one would you want most – flying cars, robot housekeepers, or moon cities?
Flying cars!

Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster?
Tiny elephant

What did you want to be when growing up?
A dentist! Glad that one fell through haha

What is on your bucket list?
Going to Cuba, learning guitar, living overseas

What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?
A holiday!

What one food do you wish had zero calories?
Doughnuts

What TV show/movie are you ashamed to admit you love?
Australia’s Cheapest Weddings.. I literally have the worst taste in crappy TV!

What book did you read last?
Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari

Nellie the Mellie

October 20, 2017

I ran away to Europe for two months and it was a photographic odyssey. I’m finally starting to sort through a few of them and this is my favourite series I’ve found so far. While driving through Croatia on our way to Bosnia and Herzegovina (from Split to Mostar), we drove past so many roadside fruit stalls that we suddenly decided we had to stop! So all four girls yelled at Dan to pull over straight away. Gab ran across the road because she spotted the world’s best watermelon and I saw that as my opportunity to take as many photos as possible of the tasty treats for the Cactus Banana collection.

The real treasure that was found on this stop, however, was Nellie the Mellie. She was the tastiest watermelon one could ever have and she lives on in our memories!