IPSWICH portrait photographer Amanda Waschevski came into photography through an interest in people, to capture what happens when someone feels genuinely seen.
Much of Amanda’s work is about helping someone settle, breathe, and realise they don’t need to perform for the camera.
For years, Amanda has tried to separate her fine art practice from her professional portraits.
She thought they required different mindsets … but discovered she was wrong. The work isn’t about where the image ends up, it’s about what happens in the room.
Whether Amanda is creating a personal archive, or a professional profile, the goal is identical … to get past the awkwardness of being photographed and finding the moments that are real.
She blends fine art methodology with professional necessity. Guided by a keen observation of presence, Amanda creates unrushed client-led sessions that reveal authentic identity over performed perfection. Her practice explores human dignity through careful observation and believes portraiture is an art of revelation and the goal is not a polished mask, but a recognisable, honest reflection of the person already in front of the lens.
Amanda’s work has been recognised through the Australian Photographic Prize and the Brisbane Portrait Prize Salon de Refusés.
For over 10 years, Amanda has wanted to create a project that captures the faces behind the statistics.
She is proud to announce “People of Ipswich” supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) “Reverse Exhibition” running at the Ipswich Community Gallery from August 26 to September 6. Instead of walking in to see finished art, you can be a part of it and watch it grow.
Amanda will be photographing 200 locals, printing their portraits on-site, and adding them to the wall every single day.
And the best part? After the Opening Event, you take your portrait home.
It’s a free professional portrait that becomes part of a historic archive before becoming yours to keep.
If interested in being part of this amazing project, hurry and book as it only open for a limited number of 200 free portrait sessions.
Securing your spot is easy by booking through https://waschevski.com.au/people-of-ipswich.
You must be an Ipswich resident – let’s make something beautiful together, Ipswich.
“This is a gift to the community,” Amanda said.
“A chance to be seen, to belong, and to be part of a historic record of our city, Let’s make something beautiful.”
