In her element

By Chelsea Cucinotta

Since receiving her first camera at eight years old, Joanne Manariti has been passionate about photography.

Even after studying science and working in the pharmaceutical industry for 18 years, Joanne has maintained photography as a creative outlet.

Studying photography has always been in the back of Joanne’s mind, and driving past Photography Studies College (PSC) always reminded her of that opportunity.

Now, Joanne has graduated with an Advanced Diploma of Photography from PSC, with a major in commercial photography.

“As time went on, I realised that I could use this as a career change and thought why not give it a go,” she said.

This decision to study at PSC was life changing for Joanne, who said: “It opened up a whole new world.”

“It was exciting to see all the possibilities within photography. I was able to learn both the craft and develop myself conceptually and creatively,” she said.

Joanne said her time at PSC gave her all the skills and knowledge to work in a studio setting.

“I have really discovered my love of the studio here. Creating a set and looking for the various elements to bring together to create it drives a lot of my work,” she said.

Joanne’s latest exhibition The Elements does exactly that, and draws on the process of collaboration. The series, which presents the four elements of earth, air, fire and water, has seen Joanne work alongside the Flower Establishment and Melbourne Flower School, makeup artist Alex Reid, and on-set stylist Taylor Cardillo.

“You can have an idea and do it by yourself, but if you join forces with other people you can create so much more,” she said.

Joanne has had the concept for the series in mind for the last three years, with women as her main source of inspiration.

“The photographs have the women representing the four elements, but also the four elements representing the women.”

The Elements is currently exhibiting alongside other PSC graduate works at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale as part of the PSC Alumni Exhibition. Joanne’s work has received numerous silver awards at the Institute of Professional Photography APPA awards, and her portfolio highly commended in Capture Magazine’s Australia’s Top Emerging Photographers 2017.  

Joanne’s advice for those interested in pursuing a career in photography is to just go for it.

“Just follow your passion. Don’t think not now or maybe later. If you’re really interested, just start. Give it a go and just do it!”

To see Joanne’s work on display, visit ballaratfoto.org