Photography Campaign Flexes Its Muscles for a Weighty Cause

By Alyx Douglas Perth-based photographer Janet Craig is giving her photography skills the ultimate workout with her new photography campaign set to help raise some much needed funds for Lifeline Western Australia (WA). The photo campaign, ‘Do It For Yourself and Help Somebody Else’, urges individuals who have been positively influenced by a healthy lifestyle and fitness regime to come forward and share their stories in the hope that it will inspire others. “It’s about photographing people and showing them how beautiful they are, right at this point in their life,” said Janet. The idea and inspiration behind the campaign came from a close friend of Janet’s who, after having a benign brain tumour successfully removed, turned to fitness as a way to assist her rehabilitation and progression back into everyday life. “I saw first hand how fitness actually improved her journey and made that road to recovery so much smoother for her… Sharing those kinds of stories, it gives other people hope,” said Janet. While Janet is responsible for the behind-the-scenes running of the campaign, participants are set up with their own Everyday Hero fundraising page where, through sharing their unique photo and story, donations can be made directly to the campaign by friends, family and co-workers. One-hundred-percent of proceeds raised by participants will be donated to Lifeline WA, a charity that offers a 24 hour telephone crisis support, delivering services to prevent suicide and support people in crisis. Alani Morgan, 36, of Perth, is one of the 35 participants currently involved in the photography campaign, explaining that she chose to apply for the fundraising venture as a way to spread the word that exercise is not just for the devoted. “Exercise is more than just for being physically fit, the mental and emotional benefits often outweigh the physical ones,” said Ms Morgan. Admittedly, Ms Morgan found the photo-shoot to be nerve wracking at first, but found that easing herself into it slowly and choosing to have fun made it a lot easier. “Even though I am fit, I’m just like everyone else and have my own insecurities. If you want to push yourself out of your comfort zone a little, then go for it. It was a great experience that I’ll always remember!” she said. More information about applying for the campaign can be found at: http://www.portraitphysique.com.au/ If you or someone you know is struggling, help can be found at: https://www.lifeline.org.au/ or call 13 11 14