There are days that change everything.

For me, Thursday, October 17th, 2025 was one of those days.

But if you’d seen me that morning, you’d never have guessed it.

The day before I had woken up with stomach cramps, feeling sick and utterly defeated. The day before my first ever exhibition. The culmination of months of work, emotion, and vision and I could barely stand. I spent most of the day in the bathroom, with a million things to get sorted and organised, wondering how I’d possibly find the strength to get up the next day, get dressed, and stand in front of forty-five people who had come to celebrate their stories through UNMASKED.

It was supposed to be my moment but it started as my lowest.

The Show Must Go On

I hadn’t eaten in twenty-four hours, had maybe three hours of sleep, and was running on sheer willpower (and my husband’s calm, unwavering support). Together, we loaded up the car and drove to Birmingham, my head spinning, my heart racing and trying to have a nap in the car.

By 2pm, it was go time.

The moment I walked into The Actress and Bishop and started prepping for everyone’s arrival, something shifted. The room started to fill, familiar faces, new faces, nervous laughter, the sound of heels on wooden floors and glasses clinking.

My UNMASKERS had arrived.

And just like that, the exhaustion started to fade. Their energy lifted me. Their excitement became mine. The atmosphere buzzed with something powerful. Anticipation, truth, connection. It felt sacred.

The Moment of Truth

I stood on stage for the first time in my career, heart pounding, palms sweating, and told my story. My fears. My insecurities. The moments that shaped the UNMASKED movement.

For years, I’ve helped others step into visibility. But this time, it was me standing in the light, unfiltered, vulnerable, exposed.

As I spoke, I felt the room soften. People listened. They felt it.
Because this wasn’t just about photographs it was about the stories behind them. The courage it takes to show up as yourself. The beauty that lives in imperfection.

When I finished my closing words, I didn’t even hear the applause. I just found my husband, hugged him, and let it all out, tears, laughter, relief.

We’d done it.

The Energy of the Room

There was something electric about that space.

Every conversation, every smile, every tear it was all real. People weren’t just looking at images; they were connecting with the souls behind them.

The exhibition became a mirror not just for those who had been photographed, but for everyone in the room. A reflection of who we are when we stop hiding.

Celebrating Our Voices

UNMASKED wouldn’t have been complete without the incredible speakers who shared the stage with me. Each one brought their truth, energy, and courage, creating moments that will stay with everyone who attended:

My incredible speakers Janine Coney, Sarah Heron, Gina Trick, Ria Jackson, and Nina De Sausmarez took to the stage and shared their hearts, their lessons, their truth. The audience listened, laughed, cried, and nodded along in recognition.

This wasn’t just a celebration of images; it was a celebration of storytelling, courage, and connection.

The Aftermath

The next day, I sat in the park with my old dog Alfie, the autumn air cool against my skin, and I finally exhaled.

My body was exhausted, but my heart was full.
Full of gratitude.
Full of pride.
Full of love for the people who had trusted me to hold their stories.

I realised that UNMASKED wasn’t a one-night event. It was the beginning of something far bigger, a movement of visibility, courage, and truth.

It was about giving people permission to be seen. Not as the world expects them to be, but as they are.

The Beginning of What’s Next

UNMASKED has changed me. It’s shown me that even in our most fragile moments, we can still rise. That showing up messy, emotional, imperfect. This is where the real magic happens.

The masks are off now. The truth is out. And I know this is just the beginning.

To everyone who came, spoke, listened, hugged, and unmasked themselves thank you. You’ve helped me create something that goes far beyond photography.

It’s community.
It’s connection.
It’s courage.

Here’s to being seen.
Here’s to being unmasked.

Joanna x

#UNMASKED #VisibilityRevolution #TheReveal #EditorialTruth

Learn more about Unmasked

Exhausted. Emotional. Unmasked