An Overview: The Mental Illness Photo Project

The primary objective of this project is to provide a true, accurate, and respectful photo documentation of mental illness in its many forms, capacities, levels of remission (or not), and so on, in the hopes to reframe perspectives and to dismantle stigma. Mental illness is a subject near and dear to my heart, and is a subject that should not be as "taboo” as it is in contemporary society.

I'm looking to make photos with people wherever and however they are most comfortable, and collect stories of their experiences, whatever they are willing to share. This entire project will be shot on 35mm and 120 (medium-format) film. The end vision is to turn this into a photo book to spread awareness and to humanize mental illness for folks who live under the shame of it, to discuss stigma using clear imagery, and to give neurotypical folks a glimpse into what we encounter and endure. You can be nude or clothed, be having a good brain day or a bad brain day, we can be inside or outside... all of it matters.

I am seeking diverse voices above anything else. Queer, POC, gender-diverse, kinky — everything under the sun. I'll also be including a section in this project of self-portraits, as well as my own struggles with mental illness, so this project genuinely is a collaborative effort. With permission, I will record any conversation so I can include important knowledge to share; you will of course have every right to tell me what is “off the record.” There will be a small amount of preliminary paperwork to go through, which would include a description of the project, why it's important, and a photo release (one release per person photographed). The entire project can take as long or as short a time as is needed; I place no time pressure on our interaction together, as I want everything to be as organic and authentic as possible.

Once everything is compiled, I will show each the finalized portion of their story to make sure it is a true and accurate reflection. As compensation, I will send you a 5x7 print of 2 of your favourite images from your session.

Thank you so much for taking the time to consider participating in this project. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.

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FAQ’s: Untitled Mental Health Photo Project