Women of STEMM
Where visibility shapes possibility.
A Portrait and Storytelling Project for Women in STEMM.
Celebrating women and girls across science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.
Celebrating the Women of STEMM.
Women of STEM is beginning with a pilot portrait and storytelling series, created to explore the power of visibility, story and representation for Australian women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.
SESSION DATE: Friday July 24th
INTRODUCING
WOMEN OF STEMM
Why Women of STEMM
In 2021, I first had the idea of photographing women working in STEMM. Many medical professionals and scientists were coming into my studio, and I was consistently struck by their passion and commitment to their work. I was inspired by the depth of purpose they carried and the impact of what they were building.
At the same time, I became increasingly aware of something deeper. These women did not only want a professional portrait. They wanted to be seen in a way that reflected how they understood themselves. Capable. Thoughtful. Complex. Human. Feminine on their own terms, even within industries historically shaped by masculine norms.
What began as a portrait idea has grown into a broader vision. Women of STEMM is now conceived as a national storytelling initiative that documents lived experience alongside professional contribution.
This initial pilot project will have shape a larger project allowing more women to share their journey, story and dreams.
Visibility shapes possibility. When young girls see women across generations thriving in STEM, they see a pathway.
What’s included in the Women Of STEMM Experience
Every session is crafted to be calm, intentional and deeply personal. This is more than a portrait shoot. It is a guided portrait and storytelling experience designed to help you feel seen, supported and represented in a way that feels true to you, with your story shared in your own words.
Styling guidance to help you feel comfortable, confident and truly you
Professional makeup with hair touch ups
A fully guided portrait session with up to 3 looks.
Something that says who you are in STEMM
A look for an updated profile image
A Wild Card Look … optional and your pick
A personal Reveal session
Your selected Women of STEMM PORTRAIT
Plus, a digital headshot image or $300 voucher to upgrade to purchase additional images.
Feature in Simply Gray’s Women of STEMM Project
A dedicated social media spotlight celebrating your story
How Women of STEMM Works
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Apply to Join
If Women of STEMM is calling you, begin by completing the online application. This helps Gray understand your story and what you hope this experience will bring.
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A Conversation with Gray
You’ll then have a warm, no-pressure call to talk through your goals, comfort levels and vision. If it feels like the right fit, you’ll be invited to take part in Women of STEMM
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Secure Your Place
Once invited, you’ll confirm your session by completing your contract and payment. With places limited, this step officially reserves your spot in the Pilot Program.
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Prepare, Be Pampered, Be Seen
Before your session, you’ll complete a thoughtful questionnaire and have a planning call so everything feels clear and calm. On the day, you’ll enjoy professional makeup with hair touchups, followed by a fully guided 1 hour portrait session where Gray supports you every step of the way.
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Reveal and Celebrate
You’ll attend your personalised photo reveal, and select your Women of STEMM portrait and get to select one headshot image. Your image will be used as a basis for the WOMEN OF STEMM on going project.
Why 3 Looks for my session?
Every woman is multifaceted. In your one-hour portrait session, you may choose up to three looks to capture different sides of who you are. Your work, your presence, your personality, and the way you want to be seen. Three looks are optional, but most women appreciate the variety.
Your Women of STEMM Look
How you want to be represented in the Women of STEMM project.
This may connect to your work, your field, your research or simply the way you want to be seen. There is no one way a woman in STEMM should look.
Your Professional Look
A current, polished image for LinkedIn, websites, media, speaking opportunities, publications or professional profiles..
Your Wild Card Look
Optional and entirely yours. Something bold, personal, creative, symbolic or simply something you love. A chance to show another side of the woman behind the work.
We will guide you through the planning process so each look feels considered, authentic and true to you.
Meet the woman behind the Camera and the Vision
I’m Gray, a portrait photographer, storyteller and the creator of The 50 & Wiser Club and Wise Women projects. For more than 17 years, I have photographed women with one intention: to help them feel seen, valued and represented in a way that feels true.
Through The 50 & Wiser Club and Wise Women, I have photographed and shared the stories of more than 150 women over 40. These projects have shown me that a portrait is never just a photograph. When a woman is given space to be seen and to share her story, her image becomes part of something larger. A record of visibility, identity and legacy.
Women of STEMM is the next evolution of this work.
My role is to create a calm, supportive space where you can relax, breathe and feel genuinely yourself. I will guide you every step of the way, with no judgement and no pressure. Just honest portraiture that honours your story and helps you decide how you want to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Select book now buttons and fill out the application form. Gray will contact you with the next steps.
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Expect to spend about 2 hours with us, including makeup. We take our time to make sure you feel relaxed, confident, and completely at ease in front of the camera.
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Yes! Your Women of STEMM Pilot package includes 2 Images, one of which will be provided to you as a legacy print, and both as digital images.
If you fall in love with more images, you’ll have the option to purchase additional ones. Additional details on application page.
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Yes, of course you can.
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Of course! You're welcome to use your own makeup artist, but please note that the session price remains the same.
Our professional makeup artists are specifically trained to ensure you’re camera-ready for studio photography.
All you need to do is arrive with your hair styled, and we’ll take care of your make-uo. If you have any concerns, let’s chat—I’m happy to help!
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So many people ask me this, so I want to be transparent.
Absolutely not! You are perfect just as you are, and I know all the posing tricks to make that 5kg disappear—without you having to skip the cake. Plus, waiting might just mean you end up gaining it instead and others will miss out on your inspiring story.
What do past project members say?
“I do not like having my photo taken - especially when they are formal posed photos. However, my experience with Gray may have changed my thinking on that. She made me feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera, and has loads of handy tips for bringing out your best features and embracing your worst. And the photos ... words are not enough. I know it's me, it looks like me ... but is that me? Thank you, Gray, for helping me through this process, which was a pleasure rather than the chore it usually is."
- Kellie Nissen, 50 & Wiser Club
“Gray is super organised, professional as well as easy-going, fun, and encouraging. She makes you feel comfortable to work with and is flexible and adaptable in her space. Her talent is bringing out the best in you whilst keeping energy levels up. I highly recommend Gray for any professional photos and to apply to be a part of her Wise Women Project. The experience is a journey and no doubt a gift that will keep on giving long after your photoshoot is complete.”
- Baci Hillyer, Wise Women 2024
“I was privileged to be part of the 50 & Wiser Club. I spoke to Gray on the phone during the application process, and she quickly put my fear of being photographed at ease. She was so good at making me feel relaxed and myself during the photo session. The photos are definitely a family treasure for my family and posterity. I highly recommend Gray to photo you!”
- Sherri Dumbrell, 50 & Wiser Club
“As a rule, I avoid photos of myself, so I was worried about doing a photoshoot… But Gray helped a somewhat reluctant subject to relax into the experience & even manage to have some fun 😊 Thank you, Gray, I am delighted with the experience & the photos!”
- Sally Lean, Wise Women 2024
Do you want to be part of something to honour your
If this project is calling you, the next step is simple. Apply to be part of the pilot, have a warm conversation with Gray about your story and how you would like to be seen, and if it feels like the right fit, you will be invited to take part.