Embrace the fear of being the focus
“Kelly has a way in her manner, that just instantly makes you feel valued, honoured and ready to be the focal point”
If there is one thing I understand, it’s the fear of being the focus of any public moment. As women, we so often push down our achievements. Now is the time to show women in a position of power, and I want to do this through the portraits and stories of you—the rural woman.
This project is not about placing value solely on the role of motherhood, but about shining a light on the passion you have for your community and its future.
I am deeply grateful to each of you who have taken the time to sit with me, share raw and honest conversations, and allow me to capture a piece of your story. Your openness and generosity of spirit are what make Bring a Plate truly meaningful.
Kelly x
Through her extensive career at Kelly Jordan Photography, Kelly has empowered countless women in front of her lens, with many discovering unexpected strength and beauty in their own moments of vulnerability.
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Kelly grew up in Ararat, attending school and spending her early life in town, before leaving the region to study Visual Arts at La Trobe University in Bendigo. She went on to begin her photography career and establish a portrait studio in Melbourne.
In 2023, Kelly returned to Ararat with her family, leaving behind inner-city life for a new chapter in the country. The transition has been remarkable, met with warmth and generosity from the local community.
Since returning, Kelly has observed a wave of growth, change, and innovation in the region—much of it driven by women who have identified gaps in their communities and stepped forward to create meaningful opportunities.
While in Melbourne, Kelly regularly volunteered with women’s services supporting those escaping violence and homelessness. The resilience of these women—rising above trauma to rebuild empowered lives for themselves and their children—left a lasting impression on her, serving as both inspiration and a reminder of her own privilege and responsibility to contribute where she can.
Through her work, Kelly now seeks to shine a bright spotlight on the powerful women who are redefining the traditional view of rural women.