So successful was her 2019 project to help 30 women change the way see themselves through an empowering photograph shoot while raising money for the Yacaaba Centre that Nelson Bay photographer Linda Beks is back to do it again.
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The professional photographer, who operates ME Photography, has launched the 30 Days of Love project and is now searching for 30 women in need of a confidence or self-esteem boost to join it.
"There are so many women that need encouragement to find love in themselves again, or to simple stop the time and put a bit of love in themselves. Many women care for others without ever putting themselves first," Ms Beks said.
"30 Days of Love with feature 30 different women to show their beauty through photographs. I dare them to step out of their comfort zone and participate in a beauty makeover and glamour shoot session. Everyone looks beautiful, we want to show that in any person no matter age, shape or size."
Ms Beks has collaborated with makeup artists and hairdressers from Heartspace Beauty Collective in Nelson Bay for the project.
Participants of the project undergo a mini makeover with the Heartspace team, having their hair and makeup professionally done before the shoot with Ms Beks.
"It is amazing the change of how women feel and see themselves during and after this glamour experience," Ms Beks said.
"Some people walk in a little nervous as this is often not something they have done before. Once they see the results, those big smiles always make me happy as they see themselves differently."
The total cost to participate in the 30 Days of Love project is $150. Participants will be given one print from their shoot and have the option to buy more.
Of the cost to participate, $70 will be donated to the Yacaaba Centre.
Last year's photography project, called 30 Days of Gorgeous, raised $2500 for the Nelson Bay-based service.
"We want to give back to the community and dealing with COVID-19 has been hard for many people," Ms Beks said.
"The Yacaaba centre is a non-government organisation that helps people recovering from violence and abuse suffered in their life, grief and loss, depression and relationship breakdown.
"I have chosen for the Yacaaba Centre again because their aim is also to empower others and help people get their lives back together again. They do incredible great work but rely on donations from the community."
An additional aspect to the project is that Ms Beks blogs on the ME Photography website about the experience.
A before and after image of each participant is shown on the site and is accompanied by a story "of the real person behind the image".
"It is proven that this empowers others," Ms Beks said. "You can relate to their stories, see how you can look as well, that you don't need to be a super model as we all have beauty in us but we often don't show it or are so busy in life to show it."
To register, go to mephotography.com.au/30daysoflove.