08/08/2026
Every year, I tell myself that I'll keep my emotions separate from my camera.
Every year, I fail.
The first Different is Cool Fashion Show I photographed was in 2016. Since then, I've had the incredible privilege of documenting almost every show that has been held. What started as volunteering my photography became something so much more.
Daniel and Friends became family.
And over the years, my own son became part of that family too.
Every Fashion Show, I walk into the venue knowing I'll photograph beautiful smiles, colourful outfits (Thank you TFG) and children having fun.
But what I really photograph...
..is courage.
I've watched children grow from tiny little models into confident young people. I've seen personalities blossom, milestones celebrated, fears overcome and parents quietly cheering from the sidelines. Every year there are familiar faces that feel like old friends, and every year there are new faces beginning their own journey.
This year, one little girl reminded me exactly why this event matters so much.
Her name is Megan.
Standing behind my camera, I watched her gather every ounce of courage she had to take those first steps onto the runway. Most people saw a child walking a fashion show.
I saw bravery.
I saw sensory overwhelm.
I saw uncertainty.
And then... I saw triumph.
Afterwards, I hoped to photograph her again, but she'd given everything she had. The excitement, the emotions, the new experience—it had all become too much.
And that's okay.
Because courage isn't measured by how long you stay on the runway.
Sometimes courage is simply taking the first step.
That moment will stay with me forever.
It is my moment of the 2026 Different is Cool Fashion Show.
But it wasn't the only one.
This album is filled with moments just like that—new faces discovering confidence, familiar faces I've watched blossom over the years, proud parents wiping away tears, and children reminding all of us that success looks different for everyone.
Thank you to every family who trusted me to capture these memories.
Thank you to Daniel and Friends for continuing to create a space where every child is celebrated exactly as they are.
I've shared a small sneak peek here, but this is only a fraction of the incredible weekend.
The full gallery will be available on the Daniel and Friends page, where you can celebrate every child who took to the runway.
Different isn't something to fix.
It's something to celebrate.
💙
