Marzena Wasikowska

I chose this photograph which depicts my daughter’s children with their full potential ahead of them. They are at a stage of childhood innocence. How they are imaged and how the images will be presented to them will have an effect on their development.

Megan Rizzo

My friends and people I come into contact with in my life, know me as a bright, colourful, cheerfully dress person. Big accessories, lots of colour, big personality. But I find when I create my Photographic Art I go much deeper into my soul and find the hidden gems.
This image is my interpretation of the 2020 Loud & Luminous theme Equality. It is almost time. Tied down. Silenced….It is almost time. We are not quite there yet, but the clock is ticking…It IS almost time. But, is that determined by men? Are they the ones holding the clock? Only time will tell.

Megan Lewis

Over the last few years I have been documenting my father Austin’s story. Austin had several strokes a few years ago, was suffering from incontinence (the silent emotional killer) and then he had another set back when his femoral artery tore after a heart operation.

On several occasions Austin has looked certain to leave this world a very ill and depressed person, but remarkably to his credit he has battled through. Along the way he changed his attitude, his diet, had alternative treatments like acupuncture and energy healings and took up yoga at 81-years-old -- a big deal for a former Irish/Kiwi farmer. Though most impressively Austin has managed to transcend being a grumpy old man in the process.

He has had the courage to let me photograph him on this difficult journey, and in his pull-ups! This was so that other people suffering from incontinence would know they are not alone and it is not the end of the world.
There are many things that make life tough, but I think the hardest and most hurtful is when someone becomes invisible because they are no longer viewed as valuable or beautiful by individuals or society.

Austin doesn't say anything but I know it hurts him and his health.

Mel Sinclair

We are blank canvases. We can be whatever or whomever we want to be. We are only limited by the barriers imposed upon us.
This is Ben and Wilma. They’re exactly that, boldly and unashamedly themselves, no matter who they are dressed as. With several Boylesque titles under his leotard, Ben has taught the world around him acceptance, appreciation for the arts and had a laugh along the way.

Narelle Carter

‘Bronte Stargazers’

Sometimes my images call out to be combined together to make a more meaningful art statement. Together they are stronger and tell a story that they would not achieve separately. Together they say that we are all small silhouettes under the same Milky Way, here for such a short time in the millennium of life on Earth. It does not discriminate or alienate. We were made equal lets treat each other the same way, with Equality, Compassion and Kindness, regardless of gender or race.

Naomi Reiter

Two equal parts; two humans in love.
Each ripple entwines these newly-weds painted in a balance of equality, like a collection of gentle organic shapes blending and melding together in harmony.
Captured simply as their reflection, thus blending them as equals and celebrating the emotions they share.
This image is completed with two white flowers standing tall and calm. They
symbolise the strength of human equality these two people value; peaceful and
balanced, growing soundly in their own space yet together in their own right.

Natalie Grono

Passionate Ballerinas Sienna, Leilani and Amali await their class to begin.
Leilani (Centre) 9 years has Down syndrome, a genetic disorder characterised by mental and developmental impairments. Leilani loves movement and like her peers eagerly anticipates her Thursday ballet class. As well as attending the local dance school, Leilani also attends the local primary school.
Studies show children with Down syndrome benefit from inclusion in the regular classroom. Inclusion benefits children with Down syndrome through peer modelling and builds self-esteem, by reducing isolation. It also benefits children without Down syndrome by building awareness and acceptance for individual differences.

Pamela Martin

Cuttlefish are the oceans masters of camouflage, changing colour and patterns to be seen as either male or female, giving them a distinct advantage over others in order to mate.

In a predominantly male dominated profession, such as underwater photography, I have often thought how wonderful it would be to have the capabilities of a cuttlefish. Not of course for mating opportunities as women in the industry are of course valued for such pursuits already, that is if you are young, pretty and willing enough to don a tail and make a career out of being a mermaid (yes, I kid you not) or zip down your wet suit to your cleavage for underwater portrait photos (yes, I have been asked) or simply just “put out” to gain experience, sponsorship and work opportunities.
It is still expected that sexual harassment be tolerated with an awkward laugh and polite refusal instead of the much more appropriate response of WTF! that screams inside 1 in every 3 woman in Australia that has experience this in the work place.
The Me Too Movement has highlighted the magnitude of the problem and given courage to women to speak out about the lack of equality and injustice that is sexual discrimination, in all its lascivious forms. It is however clear we have a long way to go to gain the respect and equality we duly deserve as industry professionals, as skilled individuals and as fellow human beings.
When we speak out we are branded trouble makers, man haters, or just not good enough in one form or another to be excepted in to the all mighty and powerful “Boys Club” that (whether acknowledged or not) holds a high level of privilege that over time accumulates in to opportunity, experience and financial gain, accessible only to its members and on occasion to partners of members. Unfortunately, it is still highly advantageous to be connected to a man in some way.
How nice it would be to be a cuttlefish and shape shift in to an acceptable more palatable form that allowed women access to the freedoms and privilege of the male gender. If only for the portion of our working week.
Since we are not and we will never be cuttlefish I suggest we move forward with the knowledge that every man, woman and child on this planet has had to come through one of us to be here. We own and run this planet ladies and it is time to give ourselves the respect, acknowledgement, opportunities, experience and financial equality that is our birth right.
We achieve this by together fearlessly speaking out, never tolerating harassment, inequality or censorship of any kind and by supporting each other to engage fully in our individual pursuits.
Equality is the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunity. Equality does not take from others but gives to many.

Paula Broom

Julia, Judge Baird, became a barrister in 1992, went on to become senior counsel and was finally appointed a seat on the judiciary of the Federal Circuit Court in 2018. She epitomises the notion of equality. She is passionate about female recognition in the legal profession, particularly at the bar.
She has been Chair of the NSW Bar Association Women Barristers Forum; a member and Deputy Chair of the NSW Bar Association Equal Opportunity Committee and has been involved in their female barristers mentoring programme, attaining the accolade of Women Advocate of the Year (2011) from the Women Lawyers of NSW.