When I was approached by Health Monitor Living, I was told the assignment would involve photographing someone in recovery. I felt deeply grateful for the opportunity and for the trust implied in that invitation. It mattered to me that the publication approached the project with care, wanting nothing short of a high-end, respectful experience for Beth.

The production was thoughtfully considered from the start. Professional hair and makeup, specific set design, and space for Beth to incorporate elements of her own life, jewellery, clothing, and locations, all chosen for their personal significance. Her story was not something to be styled over, but something to be carried into the photographs.

When Beth arrived, she was a light. I was struck by her openness, her honesty, and her commitment to sharing her experience with such a wide audience. She was engaged throughout the entire process, generous in collaboration, and fully present in front of the camera. It was her story, and we approached it together.

We photographed in locations connected to the most difficult periods of her addiction. Watching her stand there, grounded, proud, and unwavering, was profoundly moving. Her steadiness in spaces that marked by struggle was a powerful thing to see.

Sessions like this remind me why I continue to photograph people, and how one person’s story can create a beautiful ripple. The work is not just about images, but about creating space for individuals to share parts of themselves with dignity. It is a responsibility I carry seriously, and one I am grateful to be entrusted with.

CREDITS
PHOTOGRAPHY: Stephanie Trattner
HAIR AND MAKEUP: Alyssa Courtney
PUBLICATION: Health Monitor Living