Wallisian

This post is a little out of the ordinary. As I mentioned in a previous post I recently spent some time up in Sydney. I stayed at my Mum's house and I was more than happy to forage through all our old photos in the hope of finding some good, happy memories to bring back to Melbourne. I found a few of me and my siblings as young children. I found a few of other relatives who are dear to me. 

I also found some that I brought back with me, for no reason other than I just like the look of them. In some of these, I have no idea who the people in the photo are, but the photo just looks good.

So I thought I'd write about them; the unknown subjects and the possible stories behind them. At the same time I thought I'd educate my audience on a place in the world which is relatively unknown: Wallis Island.

My People

The above photo was taken in 1977. I love this photo but have no idea who these ladies are. I think they may have been Sisters (as in nuns) who are/were friends of my aunt, also a nun. 

These women are Wallisian, like my mother. What I like most about this photo is that it offers us a glimpse into the Wallisian culture of yesteryear. They are dressed simply in sarongs. Their hair is simple. The land behind them is virtually untouched. They walk along the shore as the tide comes in. 

This makes me think of the sea in front of my grandfather's house. At low tide, you could walk out towards the reef for miles. As children, my brother and I would spend hours exploring the shallow waters, looking for shells and strange sea creatures.

The last time I was in Wallis Island was 2010 and things have changed a lot. For a start you would not be seen dressed this way, despite the ridiculous heat! And even though the island is tiny, you're more likely to drive than walk, even if you're only going around the corner. 

I wouldn't normally give this photo another thought, but something drew me in. Members of my family (the woman in the centre is another aunt, the man with the machete is my uncle and I just realised the woman beside him in the striped top is my mum!) sitting by the sea, eating fresh food out of weaved coconut baskets and just basking in the goodness of nature and the company of family and friends. Don't you just get the loveliest sense of community when you look at this? I just love the simplicity of life depicted in this picture. There are no phones. No gadgets to keep the kids entertained. Heck, they're not even using utensils.

I chose these photos because they illustrate almost perfectly how I view Wallisian culture, or at least how it used to be. How I wish it still was. Things have changed a lot over time and maybe that's why I liked these photos so much; because they've captured the essence of a place which has changed so drastically from what it used to be - paradise! 

I hope to someday return. I want my children to know this side of their ancestry. But maybe these photos are all I'll have to show them.

Wallis Island (Uvea)

Capital: Mata Utu
Population: Approx 15,200 +
Area: 264 km ²
Languages spoken:
    Primary: Native polynesian dialect
    Secondary: French

Why I shoot the Before & After

If you've had a photo session with me you will remember that before I started your hair and makeup, I took a 'Before' shot. I am writing this post to explain why I do it. Lately I've been feeling a little guilty for some reason - like I'm invading privacy - and feel I need to explain why it's done.

I shoot women from all walks of life: uni students, travellers, waitresses, teachers, full-time mums, etc. The B&A is a visual tool for me to illustrate that you don't have to be a six foot tall, size 8 glamazon to look and feel beautiful in photos because let's face it: we're not all blessed with those sorts of looks! But that doesn't mean it's out of reach for us everyday women. The B&A shows that, indeed, it's possible. It's accessible to every woman, regardless of her age, shape, size, race, etc. etc. etc. The gallery is there to encourage women who might not feel pretty enough or skinny enough or whatever enough, that IT DOESN'T MATTER. The experience is for everyone.

If you go to the Before & After gallery on my website you will see the first image is a quote from fellow photographer Jessica Lark. The reason I included this was because I felt it perfectly summed up why I do it and why those images are there. The B&A is by NO means a 'drab to fab' gallery. I am not a magician. I don't want people to think "oh, look at these ordinary women, but look at them after they've been with Jowita!" No. I want people to think "wow, Jowita really knows how to bring out and capture the true beauty in every woman." I love what Jessica says - that we use hair, makeup, good lighting and studio space to amplify your beauty. The 'After' is who you really are on your best day. It's the real you, polished and shining for the world to see.

I've met women who think they are covered in flaws and I just wish I could make them see with my eyes. There is beauty in every one of us. People are too busy loving you for who you are to care about your thighs or your nose or your 'bingo arms'. Your photo session is a celebration of you. Kick those insecurities out the door because you will walk away with portraits of yourself that you and your family will love and treasure forever. Your kids see their mum - the most beautiful woman in the universe! Your husband sees the woman he loves. Your parents see their daughter - their pride and joy. Love yourself today.

A B&A of yours truly! Luke's photography skills have improved! I felt so pretty and witty and bright that he took us out to a fancy restaurant after. (This is the red dress I referred to in a previous post. Finally got to shoot it. :)