The cover of The Melbourne Portraits Project: A Photographic Ode holds special significance, as it was shaped with the input of friends, family, and the broader creative community that has been part of this journey. It features a mosaic made from all the photos included in the book, a visual celebration of the diversity, creativity, and collaboration that lie at the heart of this project. To make the final decision, we shared multiple mosaic images on social media, each spotlighting a different photograph from the book. The response was overwhelming, with over 100 votes casted from all corners of the globe. Australia, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam, and beyond.
The portrait that ultimately received the most votes, and now graces the cover, is of Tia Fijałkowski, a Melbourne-based model represented by Giant Management. Tia’s presence, confidence, and openness as a model made her an incredible collaborator. She’s also vitiligo proud, embracing her unique skin as a beautiful expression of identity. Her individuality shines through in every shot we took, making her portrait a powerful symbol of self-expression and beauty.
The photo was captured through a dirty window in the historic Manchester Unity Building, located at the intersection of Collins Street and Swanston Street in Melbourne. The texture of the glass adds a layer of abstraction and depth, which, combined with Tia’s striking features, created an image that resonates on many levels. This portrait, with its subtle play of light and shadow, felt like the perfect focal point for a cover that seeks to highlight both the beauty and complexity of human stories.
Choosing to feature a mosaic on the cover wasn’t just about presenting a collection of images. It was a deliberate decision to reflect the collaborative spirit that defines this book. Each individual portrait represents a unique collaboration, a moment shared between photographer and subject. Yet, when brought together as part of the mosaic, these faces and stories become something larger. A unified narrative about creativity, resilience, and connection. It symbolizes how each of us, through our own journeys, contributes to the larger creative fabric of our communities.
The mosaic itself is composed of hundreds of tiny images, each a piece of the story I set out to tell during my time in Melbourne. It’s not just a design choice, but a metaphor for the project as a whole: individual voices coming together to create something powerful and cohesive. Every person in the book brought their own perspective, energy, and artistry to the portraits we created together. This mosaic is a tribute to them. A way to honor the diversity of talent and expression that made this project possible.
To everyone who participated in the voting process, thank you. Your feedback helped shape this cover, and I couldn’t be more grateful. The final result feels like a true reflection of the journey. A journey that celebrates not just the photographs, but the relationships, stories, and moments that brought them to life.
If you’re as excited as we are about this book and are looking to collaborate on your next creative endeavor, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in a photoshoot collaboration or need runway coverage for an upcoming fashion event, Kisau Photography is here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together.
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