The With Grace Project exhibition is now open – celebrating the strength, individuality and stories of children living with disability, chronic illness and additional needs.
What began as a personal photography project has grown into something much bigger: a community built around visibility, acceptance and the belief that every child deserves to be seen for exactly who they are.
The With Grace Project
Created by Niamh Fitzsimons Photography, the With Grace Project was inspired by my daughter Grace and our own family journey with disability.
The project provides free photography sessions for children living with disability, chronic illness, genetic conditions and additional needs, creating beautiful portraits that celebrate who they are beyond a diagnosis.
For many families, disability can mean endless appointments, therapies, assessments and conversations about what a child cannot do.
With Grace is about changing that narrative.
It is about seeing the child first.
It is about celebrating their personality, their smiles, their strength, their individuality and the people who love them most.
The With Grace Exhibition
The first With Grace Project exhibition is currently being held in Newcastle, NSW, bringing together portraits and stories from some of the incredible children who have taken part in the project.
The exhibition gives families the opportunity to see their children represented in a gallery setting while helping raise awareness of the many different disabilities, conditions and journeys that families experience.
From cerebral palsy and spina bifida to rare genetic conditions, developmental delays and complex medical needs, every child’s story is different.
And that is exactly why representation matters.
Some disabilities are visible. Others are not.
Some children may use mobility aids or medical equipment, while others have disabilities that you might not immediately recognise.
The With Grace Project aims to help start conversations and encourage greater understanding of the diverse experiences of children and families living with disability.
The exhibition is open Thursday to Sunday, 12pm–5pm, until August 23 at The Creator Incubator.
If you are in the Newcastle and Hunter region, I would love for you to come along, view the exhibition and support these incredible children and their families.
We Are Looking for More With Grace Participants
While the exhibition celebrates the children who have already taken part, the With Grace Project is far from finished.
I am currently looking for more families who would like their child to become part of the project.
If your child has a disability, chronic illness, genetic condition, developmental delay, complex medical needs or another additional need, I would love to hear from you.
You do not need to have a particular diagnosis to apply.
You do not need to have a child who fits a certain image of disability.
Every child has a story worth telling.
The project is about creating a safe, relaxed and positive photography experience where your child can simply be themselves.
Whether they are cheeky, shy, energetic, serious, cuddly, curious or completely camera-shy — I want to capture the person behind the diagnosis.
Why Representation Matters
Children with disabilities deserve to see themselves reflected in photographs, artwork, media and their communities.
Parents deserve photographs that celebrate their child rather than focusing solely on their medical journey.
And society needs greater opportunities to learn about the realities of disability from the families living it every day.
Photography can help create that visibility.
A portrait may seem simple, but it can become a lasting reminder of a child’s personality and individuality — while also helping other families feel less alone.
Could Your Child Be Part of With Grace?
Applications are now open for future With Grace Project participants.
If you have been thinking about applying but weren’t sure whether your child’s condition or circumstances were “significant enough”, please get in touch.
There is no hierarchy of disability. Every story matters.
I would love to hear about your child, their personality and what you would like their participation in the With Grace Project to represent.
The ultimate goal is to continue growing this project and, eventually, create a With Grace book featuring portraits and stories from the children and families involved.
Be Part of the Story
The With Grace Project is more than a photography project.
It is about visibility, representation, connection and celebrating children exactly as they are.
If you would like your child to be considered for the With Grace Project, please get in touch with Niamh Fitzsimons Photography to express your interest or click here to apply online.
You can also share this post with a family who you think may benefit from being part of the project.
Let’s continue creating a world where every child is seen.
With Grace.
