Thank you for letting me be myself

Receiving my Autism and ADHD diagnosis prompted me to reflect on the key supports in my life, one of them being the people in these images. Despite often feeling isolated (a frequent neurodivergent experience), I am fortunate enough to have an incredible network of friends and family. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today.

Part love letter to my community, part reminder that we are often less alone than we think, this book celebrates friendship, neurodiversity, and reclaiming space. A central component to the work is the collages. Chosen in collaboration with friends and family, with their own thoughts and feelings written on their portraits to ensure their agency and personalities are felt. I used collage to create visual overwhelm, which speaks to the sensory overwhelm that I experience from my neurodivergence.

This book was shortlisted for the 2026 Australia & New Zealand Photobook Awards student category. The series received a Highly Commended in the 2025 Ballarat International Foto Biennale ‘GradFoto’, was chosen for the ‘Develop’ exhibition at the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh), and will be in the ‘Queer Heirlooms’ exhibition at Unassigned Gallery.

Printed by Bambra
104 pp
23 x 18cm
Cover - 300gsm Wanda Uncoated / Text - 150gsm Earl White

Thank you for letting me be myself is supported through the Australian Cultural Fund.