Get involved in our workshops

Through photography, our stories will be heard.

           ‘Darling Darling is a sex worker-led creative project inviting sex workers, former workers, and clients to share their stories through art. Explore Storytelling, Photography and Sculpture, to transform lived experience into creative works that humanise sex work, challenge stigma, and foster connection. No creative experience is needed — everyone’s voice matters.’

Photography Workshops

A photograph, or a portrait, can change the way we see ourselves. A photograph that captures someone’s essence is such an empowering object. To see ourselves reflected back at us - shapes the way we understand and value ourselves, both professionally and personally.

How do we capture and communicate sex workers professional identities in ways that transcend the traditional male-centered experience? 

How do we revolutionize the pornographic, sexualized body while retaining beauty, eroticism and desirability? This is the assignment we are setting ourselves. Working closely with workers to capture our essence with dignity, shedding light on our inherent beauty and value. Images will not be explicit, and select photographs will be chosen for exhibition with permission of the participants

As sex workers, we may have a portfolio of photographs of ourselves. Some will have been taken professionally, others will be selfies taken in the bathroom mirror. This chapter of Darling Darling is about revealing character and bringing dignity as well as eros to the professional photo shoot.

Boudoir photographer Lee Illfield will be behind the camera, capturing workers in one of two photoshoot styles: The boudoir portfolio shoot, or the photodocumentary style shoot. 

A compilation of photographs will be gifted to each sex worker participant for their your own use - whether that be professional or personal. And a selection of shots will be printed on high quality eco-solvent paper and framed in a collection of curated mis-matched frames for our upcoming exhibition. 

Each participant will be in control of which (if any) photos will be kept and exhibited as part of the Darling Darling project.

Register Your Interest Here

Photography Sessions — FAQ

  • The intention of the Darling Darling project is to shed light on the humanity of sex workers, and destigmatise our role and belonging in society.

    Photodocumentary style photographs aim to capture you living your everyday life, in your kitchen, at the school gates, at the gym, or wherever it is that symbolises you and the everydayness of your life!

    This series hope to capture face-out workers who are comfortable being identified in the photos, although being face-out is not an essential requirement to participating. 

  • Portfolio shoots can happen in your workplace if appropriate (secure, good lighting) or in a pre-booked venue such as a large residential air-bnb with multiple different shoot locations. 

    Portfolio shoots may also occur in a private studio environment. 

    Photodocumentary style shoots will occur where each participant feels most human! At home, at work, out in the wild, at the park etc. 

    While we will try to take your preferences on board, The final location decision will be made by the photographer Taking in to consideration, lighting, scene diversity, accessibility and booking availability.

    If you submit a story online in your preferred language, we will also seek translation so that your voice may be heard across multiple languages. 

  • Ultimately no.

    You do not have to grant permission to Darling Darling to use any of your photos. You have full control over what happens to the photos that are captured of you. 

    However, photoshoot opportunities will be preferenced toward those who have been involved in our story telling workshops and those who would consider sharing these photos for the Darling Darling exhibition.

    Our in-person workshops will guide you on how best to de-identify yourself and your stories.
    The online workbook also shares tips and tools for de-identifying characters/ locations etc in your stories.

  • Absolutely yes!


    When the shoot occurs, please let Lee know your preferences for levels of identification (face out, face in, tattoos in/ out etc).

    You will be in control over how recognisable you are in your photos. 

    We will keep these photos on a secure, password protected server. For more information on our media release consent procedures, please see our Media Release Consent Form.

  • Possibly!

    We have limited positions for each available, you can notify us of your preferences when you sign up for the shoots (ie. If you prefer):

    • Photodocumentary style

    • Portfolio style

    • Both

    • No preference

  • Exhibition

    For the photos that you consent for Darling Darling use, the photos will be used in a mixed media exhibition, showcasing the humanity and intricacy of sex workers.
    This exhibition is designed in direct consultation with sex worker participants. 


    Darling Darling Promotion

    With your consent, some of the images may be used for marketing and advertising of the project and exhibition and feature on our social media, website, flyers and posters. Again - this will only occur with your consent.

    Media
    Images may also feature in media packs provided to magazines, newspapers and other editorials who are publishing and sharing the Darling Darling project. 

    For Commercial Sale
    Post cards, zines and other fund-raising items may be created with photographs, with profits being split between the Darling Darling project, and the participant featured. Commercial products will only be created using your images with your prior written consent and official contractual agreement.

  • Absolutely! 

    The photographer is the creative director but will work collaboratively with you.

    We ran an in-person workshop here in Newcastle at the end of 2025, gathering preliminary ideas from workers for the style, feel and intent of these photoshoots. We are still developing the overall brief, when you sign up to the photoshoots you can also provide your photography brief to us! You can access the photography brief prompts here (link to brief doc), and fill and return to us prior or along with your photography EOI. 

    We won’t be able to bring everyone’s ideas to life - but we can certainly try our best! 

    Your styling and props are in your hands and you have license over how you present yourself. 

  • No.

    Current and former sex workers of all flavours are welcome to participate! Including: private sex workers (escorts), brothel workers, street workers, those who work for goods instead of cash and those who offer 1:1 services to clients online are welcome to participate.