To Be Truly Seen

desertrhubeescreation
Aug 7
3 min read

Embracing Visibility Through Photography: My Transformative Experience with Antoinette PhotographyBy Rhubee NealeDesert Rhubee’s Creation – Kaurna Land, 2025

Not long ago, I was gifted a deeply moving experience—something that touched my spirit and reminded me how powerful it is to be truly seen.

I had the honour of stepping in front of the lens for a photo shoot with the incredible Antoinette Photography, guided by the creative vision of the beautiful Mel Heatley. But this wasn’t just about capturing pretty pictures—it was a moment of reflection, strength, and storytelling through imagery.

Mel came to me with an idea. She saw beyond the surface. She wanted to help me tell my story through the camera’s eye: the story of who I am as a proud Anmatyerre and Arrernte woman, a mother, a survivor, an artist, and a storyteller who has walked through many fires and kept painting, kept singing, kept loving.

From the moment we began, Mel’s vision was clear—it was about holding space. A space for identity. A space for legacy. A space where culture meets contemporary creativity.

Together, we chose elements that echoed my journey—red desert tones, soft natural light, textured fabrics, and of course, my artwork wrapped around me like a second skin. We didn’t rush. We created slowly, gently. We played with poses that honoured stillness and movement, grounding and rising, soft and strong.

With every click of the shutter, Antoinette didn’t just see me—she felt me. Her lens was quiet and respectful, yet full of power. She captured the glint in my eye when I talk about my people, the calm in my hands when I paint, and the fire in my heart when I sing. Every frame held a truth: the resilience of Country, the wisdom of my ancestors, the path I’ve walked through breast cancer, domestic violence, and stroke—and the joy that lives inside me when I create.

There was one moment I’ll never forget. I closed my eyes, lifted my face to the sun, and let myself just be. I wasn’t thinking about how I looked—I was thinking about how I felt—grounded, proud, whole. And I knew in that moment, the image Antoinette would capture wasn’t just of me. It was a reflection of all the women who walk beside me, those who’ve come before me, and those who dream through me.

This shoot reminded me that art doesn’t only live on canvas—it lives in our bodies, our scars, our smiles, our colours, our clothes, and our courage.

This wasn’t just for me. It was for every young Aboriginal girl wondering if her voice is worth hearing, if her face is worth seeing. It’s for every woman finding her way through healing, every artist creating from truth.

To Mel—thank you for your beautiful vision, your heart, and the safe space you offered me.

To Antoinette—thank you for your artistry, your quiet strength, and for truly seeing me.

These photos, which I’ll be sharing soon, aren’t just portraits. They’re sacred stories of survival, strength, and sovereignty.

With love and gratitude,

Rhubee Neale

Desert Rhubees Creation

Contemporary Aboriginal Artist | Kaurna Land

Photo above copyright

Antoinette Hunter

AIPP Award Winning &

Nationally Accredited

Wedding & Portrait