A uniform approach to depression

Lifeline has had a significant impact on photographer Ian Horncastle’s life. After losing a close friend on Christmas Day 2008, he turned to the service for help.

Because of the organisation’s support during this period, he thought it was important to say -˜thank you’ by helping raise national and local awareness as well as much-needed financial support by selling merchandise from his Men In Uniform photoshoot.

Lifeline was one of the few charities who were compassionate about my circumstances and the reasons I wanted to be involved with a charity that focused on depression and suicide, he said. They welcomed my project with open arms.

Lifeline’s suggestion was if raising money for a charity would allow me to grieve for my loss a little easier, then that’s the main objective to moving forward in life.

Founded in 1963 by the late Reverend Dr Sir Alan Walker, Lifeline has developed into a 24-hour counselling service receiving over 450,000 calls a year.

Lifeline is involved with a number of young men and women who find it hard to show their sexuality or are dealing with the issues that can arise from coming out.

The service of Lifeline is very important to our community. It’s an emotional support helpline and assists our community with depression and suicide awareness, training, and support of those in crisis situations, Horncastle said.

For an organisation that takes so many calls a year, with a call every minute of every day, this type of support is often ignored in our community and it’s obvious our community needs this service.

Starting out as a forensic photographer with the NSW Government many years ago, Horncastle decided to leave the world of blood, splatter and homicides to work as a freelance commercial photographer, working with some of Australia’s top stylists, makeup artists and models.

For the last nine years, he has been operating Affordable Moments Photography and is hoping to raise over $5000 at his charity event Men In Uniform on Tuesday 23 June.

Horncastle photographed models from Topless Events in the charity shoot at the 1815 Police Watchhouse in Balmain.

The concept of men in uniform was the first idea that came to my mind as it related to my previous career of over 14 years in law enforcement. I also hold one of NSW largest law enforcement insignia and uniform collections, which has been on display around Sydney’s museums and government buildings, he said.

The photoshoot aimed to highlight the sexiness of men in uniform through a grungy aesthetic.
Horncastle also wanted the shoot to have a traditional feel -” the way it would have looked back in the day.

I wanted to show this in my images, with a dark and fog-filled image. This will show it’s not as glamorous as one would think, Horncastle said.

My choices of models are always talked about. They all look after themselves and take pride in their look and appearance. I think gay men are going to find them really sexy.

The photos will be sold in a postcard format in bookshops around Australia and overseas.

I have worked with a number of charity projects in the past, but this project has changed my life forever. I’m proud of my first postcard collection and the way the images reflect my thoughts, Horncastle said.

However, I’m most proud of the people who have worked with me and supported me through this hard professional project.

The launch will be held at Madam De Biers in Kings Cross. The night will feature live performances by Dion and Liena.

I hope to raise awareness in the communities in respect to suicide and depression, I also hope to achieve sufficient funds to help support our communities in need and allow the public to view my current efforts to create the finest photography of male model art, Horncastle said. My target with the funds raised on the night and selling of postcards over the next 12 months is to raise close to $10,000.

All money raised from merchandise sold on the night and throughout the year will go towards supporting Lifeline in training and developing over 10,000 voluntary staff, which I hope helps save more people in crisis situations.

Horncastle is currently writing a book on how to handle jail as a young gay correctional officer and has just completed a project called The Artistic Approach, which will consist of artistic nude male art. The new work will be launched later this year.

My inspiration and efforts on this current project mean that the support of the local communities to dig in deep and support a good cause will embrace my efforts to keep producing photography work, he said.

Please dig in deep and support our communities and allow our loved ones to be protected.

info: Men In Uniform will be launched at Madam de Biers, 42 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross, Tuesday 23 June at 7.30pm. For more on Ian Horncastle’s photography and his charity work visit affordablemoments.net.au.