I am really happy to announce the winners of the Beloved Session giveaway.
This giveaway was totally inspired by a young couple who I photographed but sadly I could not share the images with you, even though I know they would dearly love to share if people were more accepting of their relationship. Have a read of the blog post further below (originally posted June 29th) to understand further.
Thank you so much to all of you who emailed me submissions. As we didn’t have a Melbourne entrant I chose 3 country Vic couples. I will be in contact very soon to arrange a date with you. So very excited for you all.
Ok, so the couples are –
Carmen & Annette from Whittlesea
Damien & Cris from Shepparton
Kate & Kim from Shepparton
Kylie & Emily from Warragul
Blog posting below was posted on June 29th, 2012.
This is the only image I can share with you from this Beloved session.  I do hope that someday it will be ok share more of this session.
Some words from this couple –
“We felt that out beautiful Beloved session with Liz allowed us to just be ourselves. There was no stigma, no prejudice, no need to worry about what people may say or think. We were just us and our photos reflect just how comfortable we were. Looking back on the photos produced from this session we have realised just how precious these photographs are and how much our appreciation for these memories will be when we look back on them in years to come.”
Why can’t I share more images? Sadly, because not everyone accepts their same sex relationship.
Just recently I attended a teenage depression information session put on by Word and Mouth for the whole community. And one of the presenters there was Damien Stevens from UnitingCare Cutting Edge(based in Shepparton) as a Community Development Worker for the “Diversity Project” . His presentation brought me to tears when he showed a short film and spoke about the bullying and discrimination that same sex couples often face. He also spoke about the high percentage of suicide of those in same sex relationships.
I have photographed many same sex couples in lifestyle sessions and commitment ceremonies, and sadly I have never been able to share their images publicly.
So I would like to give away some Beloved Sessions if you contact me before 31st July, 2012. Read more below
What is a Beloved Session?
Beloved Sessions are extremely special -not a photo focused shoot but rather a celebration of your relationship. To see more about Beloved Sessions follow to this link http://www.lizarcus.com/couple-photography
THREE Beloved Sessions  including an enlargement of your choice (valued at $600) will be given away to 3 same sex couples over the age of 18
(for one country Victoria near Shepparton and one other country couple PLUS one Melbourne couple)
If you are over 18, and live in Victoria in a same sex relationship and are willing to openly share your images plus some of your own thoughts,  to be featured on Liz Arcus Photography page and website in an effort to help combat homophobia and also encourage other same sex couples to book a Beloved Session for themselves.
Please email me at liz@lizarcus.com by July 31st.
Please write and tell me the following –
Your names, ages, place where you live, email address and phone number.
How long have you been together?
What makes your heart sing?
Where is somewhere you love to be to be just to hang out and relax with each other?
Why would you like to have a Beloved Session?
For anyone that is thinking of booking a Beloved Session – a couple session, I am based in Shepparton, Victoria but please contact me no matter where you live in Australia or overseas -Â Â I also am currently booking sessions for the U.SÂ for September 2012. Email me liz@lizarcus.com
