A student has photographed north-east cancer patients at different stages of their treatment to raise awareness of the disease.
Suzie Smith, from Newmachar, had wanted to complete the project for some time but finally built up the courage after her mother passed away from breast cancer last July.
The 20-year-old has now photographed 10 different people, who have different types of cancer, and produced four images of each.
The project is called Non omnis moriar – meaning “not all of me shall die”.
Miss Smith, who is studying commercial photography at Grays School of Art in Aberdeen, said: “For each of the people who agreed to be photographed by me, I have taken a standard portrait shot, an image of their personal belongings to reflect their personality, a picture of them as a patient, and then a final image featuring the hospital gown to represent them ‘disrobing’ the status of patient that the disease casts over them.
“I think it is important to remember that every cancer patient is a person and, although they have their own identity, at times it can seem that they are not known for who they are, but the cancer itself.”
She added: “I always had the project in my mind but I thought people might find it too depressing.
“Everyone I photographed for this project is unique in their own way and I hope that within the images I have captured the essence of the person – them as they are – but also in the guise of being a patient.”
Laura Atkinson, who features in the exhibition, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in February last year.
Now 15 months into a three-year treatment plan, she is feeling positive about the future.
She said: “When I first heard about Suzie’s inspiration for the project my heart broke into a million little pieces, for what felt like the hundredth time since I entered into the world of cancer.
“I also hoped being part of her project would help me to reflect positively on my journey so far. It was fantastic being involved, we all enjoyed selecting our most precious items to reflect who we are, but by far the most poignant part of the shoot involved the hospital gown, both wearing it (which we were all more than familiar with), and throwing it away.”
The public exhibition will take place in the main foyer at Gray’s School of Art, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, from tomorrow until Saturday.