ABOUT THE ARTIST

Liz Sunshine is an Australian artist, documentary fashion and portrait photographer based in Melbourne. She is widely regarded as the first and most well-known photographer in Australia to capture street style both at fashion events and organically on the streets. Over the past decade, Liz’s commercial photography career has seen her continue to work with an outstanding client list, with work regularly featured in Vogue Australia.

Liz’s documentary photography acts as a form of cultural record-keeping. It shares insight into a place and time — the culture, people, lifestyle, attitudes and values — as well as the life and perspective of the documenter.

LIZ SUNSHINE// Documentary FASHION AND Portrait Photographer.

“When I first aspired to become a photographer, all I wanted was to be working. I thought to be a successful creative meant being a working creative. Now a decade into my career, having worked with a client list that I would once have only dreamt of, I’m choosing a new way forward.

I am turning my attention to being present and proactive in how I create and what I put out into the world.

From here the story continues through a process of contemplation and intent, a deep dive into the practice of photography as an art form, a means of communication and historical record keeping.

In my experience, street style can be defined by two common photographic practices; the visual portrayal of people in public spaces - a sub-culture of street photography focused on people and their personal style, and through the commercial use of the documentary aesthetic leveraged to connect with a target audience and sell a product.

Street style documentation offers a form of cultural record keeping. It provides insight into a place and time, the people, their visual lifestyle, attitudes and values from the perspective of the record keeper - the photographer.

In the technological age of rapid and saturated image sharing, I want my voice to redefine how we see street style. I want to uplift everyday people through images rendered with both individual and collective meaning. Exploring how the way we dress not only changes how we see ourselves, but the practical measures of our day, along with our confidence and mental health.

My photographs will outlive me and I’ll be working towards the pursuit of historical relevance for many years to come.”

- Liz Sunshine.