More Work In Progress - On July 10 I had the privilege of photographing Jessi Ryan– a visual and poetic storyteller, dancer, writer, and custodian of queer community stories, as part of our ongoing Capturing Courage PRIDE series.

Every frame radiated strength and artful defiance.

Jessi is a force of creative nature — a writer, dancer, performer, visual artist and dedicated community archivist. Their work bridges personal vulnerability and collective memory, especially through powerful projects that honour and preserve queer community narratives (see link). https://www.midsumma.org.au/participate/qrave-the-podcast/

Jessi’s tattoos trace a personal and cultural cartography, each inked image a story, a memory, a declaration. But their magic doesn’t stop there — they’ve also been quietly curating and amplifying queer voices and stories through deeply considered community-based creative projects.

In this shoot, we leaned into the dualities Jessi embodies so effortlessly: soft strength, quiet courage, and bold visibility. Their tattoos — like their stories — speak of reclamation, beauty and of resilience. This shoot was about more than just portraits — it was a celebration of embodiment, of lived experience, and of creative courage.

It was an honour to collaborate with someone who doesn't just create art, but lives it in every breath.

Thank you Jessi, for your trust.