Photos put focus on mental health

Mental health will get a close-up this weekend in a photography exhibition aimed to spread the message about depression and anxiety.

To raise awareness in the community, Mullewa-based photographer Pene Stevens will present her picture series "Tutu for Blue" this weekend.

The images are inspired by the idea that tutus make everything better and the series will boast portraits of men and women wearing tutus.

Though not all of the subjects being photographed have been touched by depression, Stevens said her personal battle with mental illness and the simple idea that "life would be better if we all wore more tutus" were inspiration enough.

"People just don't talk about depression and suicide — it can affect anyone and you can’t tell by looking at someone," Stevens said.

"I find it really hard to talk about it — even with my husband who is the most wonderful man.

"I think it needs to be out in the open and discussed to help it lose the stigma behind it, maybe then people won't suffer in silence."

She said after working on the photographs for the past few weeks, nerves had finally started setting in.

"I'm happy with how the exhibition has come out, considering the concept just continued to grow," she said.

Stevens' exhibition is a collection of colourful characters from across the Mid West, all wearing tutus in carefully staged environments including abandoned buildings, shearing sheds and courtyards.

A stand-out photo in the series shows a station owner photographed face down, in a tutu, amid the ruins of a shearing shed one year after the suicide of her husband.

The exhibition will launch on November 1 at KM Photography Gallery at 7pm, and will show until November 14.

Half of all funds raised from the sale of coffee table books, calendars and prints will go to beyondblue to help prevent suicide.

If you or anyone you know is struggling visit beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 224 636 or call Lifeline's 24-hour chat line on 13 11 14.