Thirteen finalists are in the running to win the Highlights on Mental Health Shoot the Model competition. Professional, amateur and student photographers have teamed up with models and stylists to compete in this creative, fun event. All finalists will be featured in the Illawarra Mercury and the winner announced at the Highlights Ball and Awards Night on October 17.
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Name of Photograph: Ready to Roll
Photographer's Name: Ainslee Burke Photography
Model: Bridgette Abood
Make up artist: Steph Pase from The Lipstick Bandit
What inspired you to enter Shoot the Model?
I was inspired to enter Shoot the Model as it's a great initiative to promote mental health (an issue being faced by many in our community everyday) and also my love for fashion photography. I just love how I can share my passion for photography and be a part of such a great campaign for mental health awareness.
What led to the idea/subject for the photograph?
We wanted to represent the idea of pulling up your socks and "keep on rolling" through life and tackling your demons your own way. Entering a competition where mental illness is the cause surrounding it really made us think about what people go through daily.
So many of the people in the community struggle to push on through challenges they face and really have a hard time dealing with the thoughts in their head.
What story were you telling with your entry?
With our photo we wanted to show the community and whoever is suffering from mental illness that all you need is a little motivation to make a change in your life and that it is OK to ask for help if things get too hard to deal with. You just have to keep "rolling" on.
Did your model influence the style/message in your photograph?
Not so much my model, but we have both started to notice a lot of suicides in the local community from anywhere between 15-22 years old. We haven't known them personally, but it is gut-wrenching to think that the things people are facing are that horrible they may be too scared or not know how to ask for help.
What challenges were there in creating your photograph?
Two of the challenges with this shoot were finding the outfit we were envisioning and looking for the perfect place to shoot. We were very lucky and were able to shoot in a hotel in Kiama that just complemented the theme beautifully!
Do you think promoting mental health through a photographic competition will help remove stigma associated with mental health?
Yes, I think the more we promote mental health in the community the better. There are so many individuals in the community that are faced with various mental health issues daily and are too afraid to speak up about the challenges they are facing. I think with more public initiatives like these, the stigma attached to mental health will start to diminish. Photographic competitions are effective because it is something visual and bold for readers to look at and associate with mental health awareness.
Did you feel as if the photographic competition complemented Illawarra's Top Model competition, which was run in conjunction as part of this year's fundraising campaign?
Yes, I think it is a great competition and it really allows both models and photographers to express their passions and get creative. There are so many budding photographers and models around the local area and it is a great chance to showcase everyone's talents, as well as raise money and awareness for a great cause.
How much influence did the environment have on your selection of photograph and or location?
We liked the colour in the background, the strong horizontal lining on the wall worked well with the knee-high socks. The blue sky was bright and colourful like the jumpsuit. We wanted to create boldness and striking colours to influence what we hope people would find it cheerful and fun. We want the community to look at our image and feel more at ease and happy. We chose a sunny day to lighten the mood, as it would have changed the whole theme of the photo if it were an overcast, cloudy day.
Technical specs of photo:
- Canon 60D
- 50 mm 1.8
- Natural light
- Photoshop CS6