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The Body Project


Created by Martine Payne in 2024 ·

Three consecutive years · Exhibited in Sydney · Photography + workshops + community

A photographic project exploring bodies, identity, vulnerability and the beauty of being human.


The Body Project is an ongoing photographic and creative project by Sydney photographer Martine Payne, created in 2024 as a way of exploring our complicated, ever-changing relationships with our bodies.

Each year, women are invited to step in front of Martine's camera and be photographed in a space designed to feel safe, honest and free from expectation.

The resulting portraits are raw, intimate and unapologetically human — celebrating bodies in all their diversity, and the stories, experiences and lives they carry.

What began as a photography project has grown into something much larger: an evolving body of work incorporating portraiture, personal writing, workshops, exhibitions, collaborative experiences and community participation.


Now in its third consecutive year, The Body Project has become an important part of Martine's creative practice — and a project that continues to evolve each year.

THE BODY PROJECT

An ongoing photographic project exploring bodies, identity, vulnerability and the experience of being seen.

Created by Sydney photographer Martine Payne in 2024, The Body Project began as a personal photographic exploration of the human body and our often complicated relationship with it. Through intimate, honest portraiture, the project explores individuality, vulnerability and the reality of our bodies beyond the polished images we are so used to seeing. Now in its third year, The Body Project has grown into an evolving creative project involving photography, personal writing, collaboration and community.


THREE YEARS OF THE BODY PROJECT

What began as a photographic series in 2024 has continued to evolve each year. The project has grown from individual portrait sessions into a broader creative platform, with each iteration introducing new ideas, collaborators and ways for people to engage with the work. Across 2024, 2025 and 2026, the photographs have become part of an ongoing conversation about bodies, identity and the way we see ourselves and each other.


Registrations for exressions of interest are now open for 2027

→ Find out about the 2027 experience

Close-up portrait of a woman's bare shoulder and neckline against a light gray background.
Black and white artistic nude torso photograph with motion blur effect, arms raised above head.
Nude plus-size woman with dark hair wearing a gold necklace, shown from neck to thighs against a white background.
Two nude figures stand back to back, hands clasped, one with a tattoo on their arm, in black and white.
Black and white fine art nude photograph of a woman with long dark hair, arms raised, shot from the side.
Two women with tattoos embracing from behind in a body positive fine art photography studio shoot.
Blurred black and white artistic nude photograph of a woman with dark hair posing gracefully against a light background.
A woman with purple hair tilts her head back with eyes closed in a dreamy, blurred artistic portrait.
A plus-size woman with purple hair poses nude from behind in an artistic boudoir photography session.
Black and white photo of a person sitting on sand, showcasing bare legs and hands in an artistic pose.
Artistic double exposure nude figure with arms raised against white background, featuring delicate body art tattoos.
Black and white artistic photo of a person lying down with long dark hair spread out, eyes closed, shirtless.
Black and white fine art nude photograph of a woman seated in a graceful pose against a neutral background.
Blurred motion art photo of a woman with purple hair against a light gray background.
Black and white fine art nude photograph of a woman seen from behind, seated gracefully with hair clip.
Blurred artistic nude figure with dark purple hair against a light gray background.
Rear view of a mature woman with gray hair raising her arms gracefully against a neutral background.
Black and white artistic nude photography of a woman seen from behind, embracing herself with a tattoo on her back.
A blurred artistic portrait of a woman with long dark hair and a tattoo, shot against a soft neutral background.
A nude figure rests on a light surface, captured in a soft, minimalist fine art photography style.

THE annual experience

Twelve women are invited to take part in an immersive day centred around photography, creativity, reflection and connection. Each participant has the opportunity to be photographed in a private and respectful environment, alongside group discussions and art therapy activities facilitated by Arts Psychotherapist Lana Sussman.


In 2027, the day expands to include a live life-drawing class and creative activities led by artist Jessica Davina, with everyone invited to take part in a collaborative group portrait at the end of the day.


The Body Project is designed to be an empowering experience filled with vulnerability, reflection, stories and creativity — offering an opportunity to step outside the usual expectations of how we see and photograph our bodies, and to view yourself through a different lens.


Register your interest to take part in 2027

What an honor it was to be involved in this life changing experience. Hard to believe that my biggest fear could transform into the greatest gift. I felt humbled to be involved in this beautiful project which celebrates the diversity of the female form, reveres change, and encourages empowerment and embodiment. The whole journey was inspiring and empowering.

PARTICIPANT
Artist sketching a nude figure model lying on a white surface, with reference photos visible in the foreground.
Photographer capturing a nude model posing in a bright, spacious photography studio with large windows.
Two people in a white studio, one in black tank top and jeans guiding another with arms raised overhead.

FROM PHOTOGRAPHS TO EXHIBITION

The Body Project has been presented through public exhibitions, bringing together intimate portraits with personal written pieces from each participant. The 2026 exhibition at Muses Space in Bondi expanded the project further, incorporating creative workshops, collaborative experiences and interactive elements including a postcard corner where visitors could anonymously write to one another. The project has included collaborations with artists and practitioners across photography, movement, psychotherapy, art and body image.


THE BODY PROJECT 2026

Muses Space, Bondi · 21–23 August 2026

The 2026 exhibition brought together three years of the project while introducing new elements and creative collaborations.

Beyond the photography, the exhibition included:

  • A personal written piece from by its participant
  • An anonymous postcard corner
  • Art workshops all based around the female body and appreciation of beauty in diversity
  • A collaborative communal painted artwork visitors could contribute to
Two women collaborating on a large green abstract painting on an easel in a bright art studio.
Three women viewing framed artwork on white gallery walls during an evening art exhibition.
Index cards with handwritten notes clipped to string garland above a small table with candle, vase, and guest book.
Artist sketching a nude model draped in green and orange fabric in a white gallery with framed artwork on the wall.

THE PROJECT CONTINUES

The Body Project is an ongoing body of work rather than a one-off project. Each year provides an opportunity to explore new ideas, collaborate with different creatives and find new ways to photograph, present and experience the work. What began as a personal photographic project has become an important part of Martine's creative practice — with future exhibitions, collaborations and new iterations still to come.



Please get in touch with Martine at hello@martinepayne.com if you would like to chat further about being involved.