Hi I'm Mandi. I am a past winner of NZ Creative Photographer of the Year.
But what I really am is a visual ruckus maker. I use my art, and the charity our studio founded, to help youth and families to feel happy in their own bodies and make art that changes the world.
I teach courses that help you and your kids make the world a better place with your art.
A talk about making art that opens up discussions around body shame, when it starts, and what we can do about it.
OUr Social Enterprise that is starting a mojolution
- Photography as a tool to shed shame and embrace self-compassion
- You end up with photographs that help you to recover your Mojo.
- Our profits support our community work with Every Body is a Treasure Trust.
If you struggle to take good photos it is because of your mask...the fear face that pops up when ever you sense a camera aimed at you. I help you shed the fear and drop the mask...which is why my photos of you look so beautiful.
I spent 2017-2019 shooting a documentary called The Ghost Nets of Venus about a body compassion workshop series that took place around New Zealand. It is currently in post-production so watch this space to find out more. And keep reading to find out how you can become part of the Luscious Order of Golden Shield Maidens.
Every Good Artist Needs a Passion Project
I help people to release their inner beauty. That can be photographically or helping them to do their best work creatively. But in both cases that is cut off at the base if there is no respect for their own body. Our body is our tool given to us to help us make our best work. If we are at war with it...well then energy is taken away from our creations.
So I have started at the beginning. And have focused all of my spare time and energy on developing a cheeky form of artivism. (it is where art and activism have a cute little golden baby)
The goal is to help the 95% of women not featured in mainstream media to be seen, honoured, and celebrated. And to create more compassionate communities.
P.S. If you follow this link you will probably see boobs. If boobs tend to blind you with their radiant awesomeness...best not to click.
Savita
"I had a wonderful day playing dress-ups with Mandi. It is rare that I take time to do something just for me, and Mandi made me feel at ease. She has an amazing talent for capturing images that make you feel like your best self rather than worrying about your perceived flaws. The hardest part of the day was narrowing down my favourites! Thank you ?"
Kelsea
"I felt so comfortable and welcomed with Mandi. We had so much fun during the shoot - laughing the whole day. I'd never done anything like it but finished the day feeling so confident, beautiful and inspired. I can't wait to get my prints! Mandi is such a warm person, and an absolute genius behind the camera. Her vision, talent and creativity with her photography is magical. Thank you Mandi and Craig for an incredible day"
My belly hurt from the laughter…
Thank you for providing such a fun and powerful experience for myself and my two girls. Becoming a Golden maiden was overwhelming but a game changer for me. My belly hurt from the laughter, and my heart is still bursting with pride for myself and just awe of the of the incredible women i was surrounded by. Xx
