A series of portraits captured by Tilligerry photographer John Head will go on show in Raymond Terrace this week.
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Mr Head, a Vietnam veteran from Tanilba Bay living with diabetes, undertook the portrait series to highlight the strength and fallibility of people and the divergence of paths taken through life.
His portraits, of which there are more than 30, also explore the concept of community. The images will be available to see in Raymond Terrace Library's art space between April 5 and May 2.
"This collaborative photographic portrait series is about two people going down different roads in their lives who have come together for an instant in time and been captured by the camera to portray these varying paths," Mr Head said.
"I have tried to bring to the public a series of photographs that highlight the range in people and their interests. I worked on the principle that I photographed people that I liked, who were damn hard workers, have done great work for the community, were fighting health problems, or just tourists.
"I also wanted to portray issues which have affected my life - military post traumatic stress disorder from service in Vietnam War and diabetes."
Mr Head, who moved from Sydney to Tanilba Bay in 1995, began the portrait series in 2018.
The project was boosted when his application for a Port Stephens Council arts grant was approved.
The photographer himself is one of the two people snapped in each photo. In each of the images, Mr Head is wearing black on his leg to represent his battle with diabetes and his Infantry Combat Badge.
The second subject of each portrait were asked to bring something meaningful to their lives to be photographed with.
"What they brought is most interesting and they all had a story to tell," Mr Head said.
The photographer added that the works were an expression of community.
"The works look at the importance of people within a community and the qualities of people as being an inherent part of what makes a community," Mr Head explained. "I also focus inward, drawing my own connection to the community."
The portrait series will launch at Raymond Terrace Library on Friday, April 5.
The public is invited to attend the exhibition opening and hear Mr Head talk about the series from 4pm. The launch will wrap up about 5.30pm. The photos will be available to view during the library's opening hours.
Mr Head has previously exhibited his photographs at Tilligerry Art Gallery. He thanked the people who sat for photos, and the Tilligerry Community Association for its support.
