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.

 Name:  Nicky Pearson, Nicola Eugenea Photography.

Model: Lindsey O’Meley

What inspired you to enter Shoot the Model?

When I found out that the competition was actually fundraising for a charity promoting mental illness I was definitely in. Mental illness has popped its head up in my life many many times, and having seen first-hand what it does to people I love and care about, and the stigma’s attached, if I was going to enter a fundraiser for charity, this is it.

What led to the idea/subject for the photograph?

Originally I shot this image to update my portfolio, and to show a bit of versatility – I love glamour photography, but it tends to be more socially acceptable for women to get their images done.

What story were you telling with your entry?

When I first shot this image it had a very different meaning for myself and my stepson who modelled for me. Lindsey has always been an extremely active young man and had not long shattered his ankle in a motor bike accident, and is facing the prospect he will never walk the same again.

Consequently he had to put a hold on his building apprenticeship, so was extremely down in the dumps. He is a regular at the gym and I asked him if he would be interested in helping me update my photography portfolio, and he agreed. Happy days!

Did your model influence the style/message in your photograph?

Because Lindsey was able to commit more time to sculpting his body we opted for a beach shoot. I wanted to show his hard work off in a natural environment, with the vision of creating something a little bit different.

What challenges were there in creating your photograph?

We were working with natural light, so had to work on a tight schedule. The ambient lighting I was after is only there for a short window at the end of day. I ended up having to get in the water as well (fully dressed!) to get the depth of field I was after – the wet drive was a challenge J

How much influence did the environment have on your selection of photograph and or location?

I love to work with water, especially the ocean – it creates an added depth to images, and something unique every time. I chose this particular beach because I know it has smaller waves, and because of where the sun was setting.