Someone Close: the intimacy between photographers and subjects

Photography collective Oculi's first group project gives a glimpse into the lives of 12 members and the people they share their lives with

Conor Ashleigh - photographer

Mazie Turner was more than just my creative mentor; she was a friend, an aunty, a collaborator and above all one of my greatest inspirations. Since passing away in 2014, Mazie has never been far away.

This January I made the most of a summer in Australia and headed north on a road trip. I visited Mazie's two eldest granddaughters Mali and Lily, both of whom I had often photographed a decade ago as part of my project Baby in a Chapel. I was amazed to see how Mali and Lily had grown and flourished in the seven years since I saw them last. Mali was entering her final year of high school, and she had become a talented and articulate young woman.