www.movember.com/
This year for Movember I wanted to bring men together in conversation, thoughtful dialogue around men’s health, and of course some laughs. This series includes some of my closest and oldest friends from throughout my life, they are a group of outstanding young gentleman who lead by example every day, I am proud to have captured these images of them.
A special thank you goes to Aden Camera who partnered in this project, developing and scanning all of the film photos seen on this page. They are an amazing camera shop located in Downtown Toronto’s College Park. Consistent results at the fastest speeds and the best price - Thank you to the friends at Aden Camera for helping make this project happen. This series shot on 120 & 35mm film.
The Movember campaign has been one of my favourite initiatives since I first became aware of the campaign in 2012, with my friends and I participating year after year, straggly moustache after straggly moustache. Throughout high school and university it was always easy to gather a group, raise funds and grow a mo; helping start dialogue and action around men’s mental and physical health. In that, we have always found ourselves growing closer as a group, becoming more open to conversation and better supporting each-other as friends.
1 in 9 Men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in their life. The eleven participants of this photo series are some of the many who are fighting to ensure the ratio falls in our favour. Education, awareness, and continued support are just a few pieces to the puzzle in the fight against prostate cancer, and both mental and physical health as a whole.
Resources are available:
Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566
https://need2.ca/programs/youthspace/
https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/
https://ca.movember.com/mens-health/get-support
Reach out to friends, talk to family, check yourself consistently and make note of changes with/on your body, you only get one!
Thank you to those involved: Austin Smeenk, Aaron Hamilton, Troy Lacoste, Drew Doherty, Alex Callaghan, Adam Power, Nathan Gravelle, Daniel Jelic, Ben Ramos-Salsberg, and Max Nease.
Thank you for checking out this photo series!
– Mike Cowley
One of my favourite quotes come’s from long term friend Troy LaCoste, who reminds us that action towards mental health can be taken every single day in indirect ways. Live your life as an inclusive and loving person and you will open doors for people you didn’t even see.
It was an honour to host this group of gentleman for an afternoon of thoughtful conversation and introspection. They are a shining example of the kindness and willingness that lies within the people around us.
