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. Want to take part or know more?
I’ll be posting my ladies’ interviews in whole (rather than the shortened versions in the books), featuring my personalised quotes and introductions. Enjoy!
The best time to make friends is before you need them.
–Ethel Barrymore
Meals is one of my dearest Canberra ladies. We’ve had some incredible travel memories from the shores of the South Coast of NSW (where this photo was taken) to dancing to Ed Sheeran in Sydney; from the cobblestones of Ljubljana to golden hour at Lake Bled in Slovenia; from the rainy streets of Zagreb to the waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes in Croatia; from the storms of Split in Croatia to Nellie the Mellie in Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and all capped off with sunny swims in Dubrovnik, Croatia. We were lucky enough to share these memories with Emma, Gab and the second Kate in this series. Amelia, you are simply a delight to be around for you have the kindest heart. I’ll always remember meeting you in the hallway of my Melbourne apartment. The light was directly above you and with your gorgeous blonde hair, you glowed like an angel. Little did I know then how much I would need you, this gorgeous angel, in my life in the coming years. Thank you for everything so far!
If your house was burning down, what is the one non-living thing you would save?
My mum’s gold sapphire heart necklace, which she received as a gift from my dad when she was 17 and she handed it down to me. You’ll rarely see me without it on (it’s on under my jumper in the photo).
To you, what is confidence?
The ability to speak and act in accordance with your true self. Confidence is not arrogant and it does not need to be bold. A confident person should enable/make room for other people to shine too.
What is your favourite thing to do in Canberra and your hometown?
If I’m home, walk along Kingston Beach (Tasmania) with my family – I have many fond memories spending long days in the sun as a child there. If I’m in Canberra, go for a walk/run around Lake Burley Griffin or a hike at Namadgi/Tidbinbilla, followed by a Peanut Butter smoothie from Double Shot.
What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?
An around-the-world ticket!
To you, what is happiness?
A feeling of equilibrium/balance and bliss within yourself. For me, it is the feeling I get when I see my family, or am immersed in nature.
Who did you want to be when you were growing up?
When I was young I wanted to be an artist, but after studying legal studies in Year 12, I decided I wanted to be a lawyer. I like to think I am still creative as a lawyer, albeit in a different way.
What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?
To never take anything or anyone for granted. Life is a gift and every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Be open to new ideas, new places and new people – you never know who you might meet or what adventures you may have!
What’s your favourite holiday memory?
Getting lost with one of my best friends while hiking in Loch Ness, Scotland. The scenery and fun I had on that day is a memory I’ll keep with me forever.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Salmon! Anyone who knows me knows I love salmon and honey – I firmly believe I was a bear in another life.
What book did you read last and what books are on your to-read list?
The Secret River written by Kate Grenville – it should be on everyone’s to-read list! My to-read list is never ending, next up is The Power of One written by Bryce Courtenay.
What have the females in your family taught you about being a woman?
Be strong, loud and proud. Being a woman is a gift – be kind to yourself and others.
