Not age-wise, although I've certainly felt like I've put on a decade in the last 2 or 3 weeks.. We're almost at the 50 sitter mark for the First Fortnight project!
I've been truly amazed at how open and giving of their time people have been, and even with the monster logistics involved, it's been so much fun. In between the chats and the biscuits (way too many biscuits...) and the tea and the camera, there have been beautiful stories of strength and survival, laughter and dark times, and friends and family. I'm so very glad I chose to do this project. I'm also delighted that people are taking the aim of it to heart, and are *talking about mental health*, both their own and their family's, and the topic in general. It's been a bit of a revelation to me how easy it's been for all involved once the stage and permissions are set. It really should be like this all the time.
I would love for us to hit the 100 portraits mark. Sitting takes 10 minutes, and I'll gladly give a digital copy of all your images as a thank you for being involved, to use as you like. Your small text piece (a few sentences) can be as personal or as general as you wish, and the project is open to anyone who feels strongly about the issue of stigma and mental health, whether you've been affected or not. If you'd like to sit, or learn more about the project or the festival in general, then please email hello@sineadmcdonald.com.