Heart of Collingwood

• Prize
• Photographer
  Ashleigh Lauren Bradley , Australia
• Studio
  Ashleigh Lauren
• Website
  http://www.ashleighlauren.com

The Wellington is a drop in centre in the 'Heart of Collingwood'
offering its clients free or heavily subsidised access to meals and a
range of health services including chiropractic, acupuncture and
yoga. Its clients are either homeless or live locally in community
housing.

Michael - "I grew in West Sunshine to Maltese parents. At the age
of 50 I discovered I am dyslexic and cannot read or write. School
was difficult and I have always had trouble getting a job but when i
do - I SHINE! I have always enjoyed working with my hands..."

Brad - "I am a 31 year old local, rehabilitated mental health
patient. I have been in the government system for 14 years and
am currently trying to recover from a drug habit."

Anita - "In 2011 I had brain surgery to remove a tumor. After the
operation I was unable to control my limbs and was on the waiting
list for a guide dog as I had no periphery vision. I do exercises
every day to improve my vision and I no longer need the dog. My
self esteem has returned as I have grown to realise I will not be an
invalid." The movement Anita is pictured doing is the exercise she
developed herself and consequently regained her sight.

Toni - "I am a very privileged and fortunate 70 year old urban
bushie... I am happily involved in numerous communities to
further my many passions including the recent additions of mental
health and gender issues."

Kadija - "I came to Australia in 1999 from Nairobi. All my family
have died except for one sister. I want to bring my brothers
children to Australia except no one know where they are. I feel
sick and am very unhappy."

Having grown up with a strong background in creative arts, photography has become another means of artistic expression for me. I have since consolidated my skills, completing a Certificate IV at Photography Studies College, Melbourne and an Advanced Diploma in Photo Imaging â?? Creative Product Development at Tasmanian Polytechnic, Hobart.

In 2009, I held my first solo exhibition, â??The Islandâ?? at ONBA, Hobart. This has since become a permanent and ever changing display of my photographic work. I also exhibit and sell photographs in a number of different galleries and restaurants throughout Tasmania. Commercially, I have photographed for a number of prominent Tasmanian brands including â??Stormy Australiaâ?? and â??Fist Handwearâ??.

Since focussing on portraiture, I have received a number of awards including â??First Placeâ?? in the Digital Camera Warehouse â??Click 11â?? Photography Prize and four Bronze Merit awards in the professional category of the â??International Loupe Awardsâ??.

When photographing people, my style is to document rather than control. I prefer to use natural light to achieve a raw and uninhibited image. In these situations, I feel that my relaxed approach enables me to capture natural and intimate images that best portray the ambience of that unique moment in time.

Awards Winner of the Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize 2012

Winner of the Click 11 Photography Prize

Honourable Mention - Grand Prix de la Photographie Paris / PX3 2012

Honourable Mention - 8th Black and White Spider Awards

Jury Award of Merit - Grand Prix de la Decouverte

Merit Award and Finalist - Picture This Photography Prize

Finalist - Realise Your Dream Award, British Council Australia 2013

4 x Bronze Merit Awards - International Loupe Awards