Monique has exhibited at Head On Festival, Bondi Beach and Queensland State Library as a semi-finalist and finalist (2024).
Monique has been shortlisted for Capture Awards (2025, 2024), Australasian Top Emerging Photographers Award (2024, 2023), Photographer of the Year (2023) in portraiture, documentary, landscape, experimental and more. She has been nominated for 10 awards since 2023.
Time spent with people leads to new mutual understandings, a commitment to tell their story, photograph them, and later ~ further exploration of self through memoir. Monique explores the world and finds those on a similar journey.
She is a writer and reached 15 million souls a year on social, according to social media analytics, back in the day. She is an Encouragement Leader, (Rise Regardless namesake) and had taught at the world leading retreat centre in Greece according to UK papers.
Monique writes mystical style prose and poetry, and studies illumination. Monique has been ill on and off since surgery at 22, and able to work part-time and on a project basis.
Monique was selected for mentorship with the acclaimed Australian Centre for Photography in 2021. Her mentor was Rachel Knepfer, who was the Director of Photography of Rolling Stones for twenty years. This large scale photos series documents Brisbane ladies and Monique’s journey of moving to Brisbane and living through the pandemic.
Bill Green was her first mentor, who was the official photographer for Sony Music and Aria Awards.
Prior to this Monique worked as a journalist for film journals Metro, Screen Education. She also wrote for Inside Film, Filmink, The Big Issue and street magazines (50,000 words), and worked as a Juror for the Australian Film Institute awards (AFI). She acted in feature films, TV ads and modelled for women’s magazines.
Monique set up the new media department at NSW Film and TV office and assessed feature film scripts. She worked in film production as an assistant editor, script editor and assistant producer. She ran Australian wide conferences for Women in Film and TV Australia (WIFT).
As soon as Monique holds a camera in her hand she becomes creative. Her mind shifts into that of an artist and sees the world differently. She credits her mother who was an award winning painter.
Aust. Centre for Photography. BSc (Hon) UNSW/Leeds Uni, Grad Dip Comm UTS, CELTA Cambridge Uni.
Speaking
Monique has been interviewed for radio, podcasts and publications such as Women of Rubies (Nigeria), Girl Talk HQ Magazine, Artist Strong, Good Radio Network USA, Perth Radio, Lagos Radio, Chris Brock podcasts, and The Naked Talk (Nigeria).
For Lagos Radio in Nigeria the host’s line got cut and Monique ended up running the show. She was a mentor for three years for International Women’s Day in Nigeria, in association with The American Embassy.
Interesting bits and pieces …
Monique has received thousands of messages to personally thank her for her help via Rise Regardless material. Words come from her heart and wisdom.
Monique wrote about The World Press Award winner, New York Times Photographer Matthew Abbott for Photo Review Magazine.
I can’t thank Rachel Knepfer enough for the experience. It was very informative and an incredible experience to create Tropical Belles during the pandemic. I’m looking for a book deal for this one and the next with a publisher. 🙂
I am interested in collaborating on projects with people who are able to create a great experience.
Please go to X for wisdom, Instagram for photography.
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Endorsements
“I have been a follower of Monique’s Twitter account for some years. It has always been filled with positive and thought provoking ideas. Listening to her recent radio interview, I was amazed at how many challenges she had to go through so far in life. Her determination and willingness to overcome each circumstance is not only amazing; but also proof that she walks the talk and rises regardless of what she encounters. A great listening experience, and a lesson in looking at life with positive energy and empowering focus.” Andre Dorian, Montreal, Canada.
“A very inspirational candid interview. Very relatable. Life changing.” Philip R. Smith Los Angeles, CA.
“Monique is very inspirational who has successfully developed her strength by never giving up to trials, adversities, difficulties, or afflictions, and I appreciate her great approach in handling any situation that life throws our way, she reminds me of a Bible passage at Philippians 4: 13 “For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.” I have never given up because of her.” Anthony Ghinelli, Brooklyn, New York.
“I was so inspired and challenged by her testimony to never give up and to face every challenge head on. She has transformed my life. Thanks Monique for sharing your journey.” Aretha McDowell Best, North Carolina, USA.
