Wellington-based photographer Bev Short has spent more than two years travelling the length and breadth of New Zealand capturing images of women who inspire her. From a Carmelite nun to Olympic sportswoman Barbara Kendall ironing in her curlers – the result is a collection of original and intimate portraits capturing the essence of Kiwi women. “The women I met really opened up to me about their lives which I was so grateful to them for,” Short says. “It gives the results more depth and produced images which I hope will in turn inspire those looking at them. “The chains of gender have been a challenge for many of the women I met. But rather than work in jobs that were practical, safe and steady, they opted for things which stirred their imaginations,” Short explains. “I really admired their spirit and energy. I wanted to celebrate that, but also to share their stories and images with a wider public.”
An exhibition toured by the New Zealand Portrait Gallery.

Header image: Bev Short, Tanja & Te Kaahurangi (Kirsten) Maioha. Copyright © 2015 AAG. All Rights Reserved.