Westhaven

Westhaven is a non-profit disability service provider based in Dubbo, western New South Wales. It was looking to refresh its brand, with help from Sydney-based FC Marketing.

The organisation’s marketing materials were to focus on the client, capturing individuals as they really are. In terms of photography, the concept was simple yet specific: black and white studio portraits using a grey background, with subjects in black T-shirts.

I love studio photography and the opportunity it gives to tease out the inner person on a blank canvas. Using a dark background was a bit of a novelty for me – I generally use a white one – but I love the way light drops away giving the face a real glow.

Working with people with intellectual impairments is not always straight forward. But, as with any ‘people’ shoot, the key is to create the right energy and, above all, make it fun. The wonderful Westhaven staff knew what made their clients tick - and that knowledge was invaluable.