“When people go within and connect with themselves, they realise they are connected to the universe and they are connected to all living things.” - Armand Dimele
I don’t say this about many people, but Kathryn is probably the most ‘connected’ person I’ve ever met. She has this unique knack in making people feel welcomed instantly, she feels one with nature and ultimately she is connected to her inner-self. In this day and age, it is so easy to lose that inner connection and to be influenced by the daily norms of life. Kathryn is a free bird who chooses to sing, even in the midst of challenges.
On the 31st of October, she chose to have a photo session with me on her birthday as she wanted to capture those special moments of her demonstrating her strength regardless of what’s going on in life. I was personally touched by this and knew we had to work together to make this happen. Let me show you how the day went:
Outer-Self Remembers
The first 30 minutes we decided to take photographs at Juice Cafe in Epping, NSW. The cafe had streams of light that would light up anybody who would walk in. It was the perfect location to take some clear shots of Kathryn without any distractions.
During our time together, Kathryn shared stories of her father who is no longer with us. She shared stories of how he never missed her birthday and celebrate it every single year. Kathryn brought in a pen that was very close to her and her father. She gave him this pen many years ago and since then would always have it on him. So when Kathryn holds this pen, she is reminded of the joy her father would often give her. I cannot forget the unshakeable strength Kathryn demonstrated that day as she spoke of her father with such pride.
Kathryn showing me a photo of her and her father.
“ I gave this to my dad many years ago and would always have it on him.”
“It still smells the same as I remembered it to be when I gave it to my dad.”
“ I’ve only been here for 2 months and she’s been such a good friend.”
Outer-Self Remembers
Prior to our photoshoot I learnt that Kathryn is a vegan chef who lived in Napal for 7 years running her own cafe. This experience was one of many that strengthened her relationship with nature. Nature has healed her physically and strengthened her spiritually that shaped her to be who she is today. In this series we wanted to capture some photographs of her interacting with nature by being in the park and her connection with a shawl that was custom made for her (the designer specifically made it for her to reflect her spirit). So we decided to go to Boronia Park in Epping, NSW.
“When people go within and connect with themselves, they realise they are connected to the universe and they are connected to all living things.” - Armand Dimele