The ad in the local photographer’s group said,
“Photo journalist / documentary street photographer or videographer collaboration (not paid) to document CANCER journey
Hi, I am a young mum of 1 in Sydney who was diagnosed with breast cancer recently. Throughout my journey I have noticed there isn’t a lot of genuine real raw documentation of what this is like and I would love to get more of the journey in the public eye to help others. I thought I’d post here and see if there was anyone passionate about this space who I could develop a trusting relationship with who might want to collaborate and document this journey, from chemo appointments to surgery etc. I am hoping that by sharing my vulnerability during this journey you too might benefit from the experience .If anyone is interested please drop a message in the comments with a place I could see your work and I will reach out to anyone I’m drawn to. Essentially just very passionate to get the realness of cancer in front of others.”
I want to add here, that I was not going to use the word ‘journey’ as it is for some people living with cancer, a difficult word. But Rhiannon used it liberally in her initial post, so I figured I should.
Rhi found a lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer just before Christmas in 2023, aged 32, with a young son. That post looking for a photographer was made in March 2024, after treatment had begun and she had already started recording Instagram stories of the steps she was taking – honest, raw and informative. I answered her ad and we got on a call for a chat, and even though we lived on opposite sides of the city, I felt like I wanted to take on this project, and see what I could do as a photojournalist, while learning a bit more about something that affects so many people.
But April came, and after a series of stop/starts in chemo treatment, due to her blood count being too low, I got this message “Hey Jacqui, I’ve been meaning to message you but wanted to get my thoughts clear first. Yesterday I unexpectedly found out the chemo I have had hasn’t worked and my tumor has grown significantly. They’re going to move me to surgery in two ish weeks. There’s lots of decisions to be made during that time and it’s a lot to comprehend at the moment. I value the time you’ve spent on the project so far and your dedication has been impressive but I don’t think I can manage the decisions of surgery and also progress with the project and get approvals from the hospital in such a short period. I thought we had 5 months to get to this point. Sorry for any time you might feel had been wasted”. It looked like our project, to document this story, was going to be over before it really began.
But after thinking it over for a few days, Rhi came back to me still passionate about the project and passionate about sharing information about what it’s like to have breast cancer as a young person. We got all the approvals for filming in private practices and public places that we needed, and went ahead with trying to line up me photographing as many different sides to her treatment as I could, around my paid jobs and commitments.
Here’s some of that story…
Rhiannon kept updating her Instagram stories the whole time. Initially just for her friends and family, but now she has created an extensive resource of honest information for everyone who is either going through breast cancer treatment, or who knows someone who is.
A double mastectomy and reconstruction
And then a return to chemotherapy.
Many appointments.
Life-saving medication.
And radiation to finish.
“Hi, I am a young mum of 1 in Sydney who was diagnosed with breast cancer recently. Throughout my journey I have noticed there isn’t a lot of genuine real raw documentation of what this is like and I would love to get more of the journey in the public eye to help others.”
Congratulations, Rhi. You certainly achieved that!
To challenge what we know of cancer. That breast cancer is not just about pink ribbons. That treatment isn’t just about hair loss. That is doesn’t only happen to older people. That was our goal.
Giving me and my camera access to her world, her vulnerable space, has meant that these images can now assist in raising awareness about breast cancer, helping to spread the word about breast health and checking your breasts, and giving insight into one person’s experience of the treatment process. Last February there was an exhibition of these images at Vandal gallery in Sydney, titled Unsaid, and opening night had a fantastic turnout that raised funds for the Kinghorn Cancer Centre in Sydney. Rhiannon continues to have speaking engagements, and press pieces telling her story. She tirelessly advocates for early detection, as well as giving the right support for those with a diagnosis. It is an ongoing conversation.
October is breast cancer awareness month. Check your boobs.
I’m Jacqui and I have worked as a documentary photographer for many years under my brand Running Under the Sprinkler with family, wedding, and birth clients, I’m passionate about other’s experience, but I had never had the opportunity to tell the long story. Honestly, and this has been unsaid by me until now, what if things didn’t work out? I wasn’t sure if I was emotionally equipped to handle all potential outcomes, but after meeting Rhiannon and knowing her reasons for wanting to document her story, I knew I had to do it. Rhi seemed small and vulnerable, young enough to be a child of mine, but at the same time so mighty and powerful. While I struggled to walk the line between empath and journalist, she was creating those reels with so much raw and honest information, keeping timelines of what I can shoot, and organising access for me, and liaising with medical professionals to ensure my cameras could be present, all while going through treatment and the emotional struggles of a cancer diagnosis.
There is a lot more to Rhiannon’s story, but that is for her to tell. This photo essay is just the perspective from my side of the lens.
Documentary photographer, Sydney.
Leave a reply