New portrait project launched to celebrate women behind breast cancer diagnosis

Laura [Lumiere Photographic] and Joanne [Tinker Gallery]

Women from across Ilkley and beyond are invited to become part of 'Still Me', a moving portrait project, celebrating the strength, resilience and individuality of women who have experienced breast cancer.

The project is being created by Ilkley photographer Laura Slater, and will form part of a collaborative exhibition at the Tinker Gallery in Ilkley this October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, bringing together artists working across a range of creative disciplines to encourage conversation and raise awareness in a positive and uplifting way.

'Still Me' aims to tell the stories behind the diagnosis through a collection of portraits and personal interviews. Each participant will feature in a beautifully designed printed booklet, with a dedicated double-page spread combining their portrait with their own words.

Women are invited to take part regardless of where they are in their journey, whether newly diagnosed, currently receiving treatment, living with metastatic breast cancer or years beyond their diagnosis.

Laura of Lumiere Photographic said: "Over the years I've had the privilege of photographing a number of women before, during and after breast cancer treatment. Those sessions have stayed with me long after they finished.

"I realised that every woman had a story that deserved to be heard, not because of the diagnosis itself, but because of the person behind it.

"Still Me is about celebrating that woman. It's about creating something honest, beautiful and lasting that I hope helps others feel seen, understood and perhaps a little less alone."

Participants can either use a portrait from a previous session with Laura or take part in a complimentary portrait session created especially for the project. Portraits can be as understated or as creative as participants wish, and women can choose whether or not they would like to show their face.

The completed portraits and stories will be exhibited alongside work from other artists at Tinker Gallery and published in a commemorative exhibition booklet.

Laura is the owner of Lumiere Photographic and specialises in female empowerment photography, welcoming women of all ages and backgrounds into her Ilkley studio. Alongside photographing hundreds of clients, she also teaches other photographers across the UK and has spoken about empowerment photography through national media, including appearances on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour. Her work has also featured in national press, including interviews with The Guardian.

Women interested in taking part in Still Me are encouraged to contact Laura directly via social media or through Lumiere Photographic.