Julianne had already achieved the New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 5)  through SIT’s distance learning faculty, SIT2LRN, and was convinced by a fellow student to continue with the level 6 qualification. “ ... the moment I saw the exhibition paper, paper 608, I said, I’m in.” requires students to hold either a digital or actual exhibition. While some students find this daunting, Julianne says it had the opposite effect on her; she couldn’t wait to do it. “I’ve been living for this exhibition, I’ve been so excited about it... It’s the highlight of the programme.”

Julianne discovered her passion for portraiture during the level 5 programme where the final portfolio required 25 images to be digitally exhibited. For this, she worked with a small group of young local models and photographed them, transformed into a variety of mythical characters. ”While doing this it occurred to me, wouldn’t it be lovely to open this up to women of all ages?”

Julianne, who’s originally from the UK, has always been creative. “I love portraiture, I’ll photograph anything with eyes. I’ve got so much enthusiasm and energy for it... If I’m passionate about something I’ll do it with bells on.”

The 44 women in ‘empowher’ inhabit an array of characters in striking costumes and make-up; mythical Egyptian and Greek goddesses rub shoulders with real-life roles, from Steampunk enthusiasts to historical figures, such as Scottish queens. 

Most women didn’t know what type of character they wanted to appear as, so after they booked online, Julianne would find out about more about them, conduct online research, and present options to them.  “Most wanted me to pick something for them. My process was to work with them,” she explained. Julianne also made many of the womens’ costumes herself. A team of three make-up artists, including her daughter Ellie, helped to transform the women into their character.

Julianne emphasises the portraits are “not so much about the beauty, it’s the empowerment we’ve gone for. My fully inclusive message is to accept yourself, but you have to admit they do all look stunning.”

She totally empathised with women and ideas surrounding beauty. “Don’t compare yourself to others, just compare yourself to yourself – often we’re our own worst critics,” she said, adding “Don’t ever be fooled by the physically beautiful; anybody can have confidence issues. Any age and stage needs to be given the chance to feel pretty and feel good about themselves.” 

The concept of the black background and low-key lighting in the portraits was deliberate Julianne says.  “These women are stepping out of the shadows to be seen”; in many instances this is a new experience for them. On the opening night, the vast majority of the ladies hadn’t seen their portrait prior, and expressly told Julianne they “felt seen for the first time”.

Describing the exhibition opening as “as one of the best days of my life”, Julianne had her whole family there. “People I cared about were there. The comments we’ve had have been amazing and that’s like fodder for your soul. It has been very uplifting.”

Julianne was particularly grateful to Whare Taupua Gallery for providing her the space. “... they have been very supportive, and gave their gallery space for free.”  

Now on the home straight with her diploma – a final paper - Julianne says it’s an amazing feeling to be “nearly there”. Alongside a part-time role as Southland’s Outreach Co-ordinator for Autism New Zealand, a role she loves, Julianne wants to spend time building up her photography business, About-Face.

“I have a small studio at home, I intend to grow the business. I want to carry on doing portraits... doing this – making women feel amazing.” Ultimately, she wants to be known as an empathetic, understanding and caring photographer who’s able to draw the best out of people. “We all want to look and feel our best. Embrace who you are; being able to see yourself and how attractive you are at any age is such an important part of being a woman.” 

‘Empowher’ exhibition is on at Ware Taupua Gallery, 34 Forth Street, Invercargill, until Saturday 21^st September.

Gallery Hours: Tues – Fri 10:00am – 5:30pm, Sat 10:00am – 3:00pm