Introducing our Creative Showcase 2025 Readers' Choice – Stephanie Pedersen with her work The Female Gaze.

During the finalist selection process, Pedersen's work was universally loved by our judges for its flow, presence and unique vision; and was selected as one of the 20 shortlisted finalists. It was unanimously voted by our readers as their most loved submission.

Below, Pedersen shared the story behind her work, where she draws her inspiration and why its so important to platform human creativity in today's world.

What inspired your editorial?

I was inspired by Laura Mulvey’s idea of how women are often portrayed on screen. I wanted to bring this concept into a visual context and explore its inversion, highlighting the strength and nuance of the female gaze.

There is a distinct energy when women photograph women. The images become rooted in intimacy and comfort, allowing subjects to be more vulnerable and let their guard down. This environment encourages freedom rather than staging, creating work that feels raw & honest. It’s a feeling like no other - magical, present, and open.

The Female Gaze is my personal exploration of this shared synergy between myself and the talent. It’s a personal experience built on trust in order to produce this body of work.

Where do you find your best inspiration for your creative projects?

My inspiration comes in many different forms and facets of life, sometimes when I least expect it. It can emerge from the places I visit, the images I see, the conversations I have with people or through pieces of art in galleries. I can also appreciate the beauty of the simple and mundane tasks in life and sometimes draw on those to light a spark.

Having a background in art has allowed me to see the world in a different way and shape how I perceive society. I’m quite a curious person and love to ask questions at any chance I get, so I make sure to capitalise on those opportunities when I can. I think these qualities have allowed me to remain open-minded and really drive the creative process. I also believe it to be incredibly important not to force anything and let creativity occur naturally, as I’ve been burnt out in the past trying too hard to search for it.

What role do images play in shaping culture and community?

Images are how we see history and culture; I believe they bring community together and preserve memories.

Culture drives creativity, influencing how we think, what we notice, and the intuitive decisions we make when creating and expressing ideas. It holds our beliefs and values, moulding a sense of belonging and fostering collaboration, innovation, and powerful image-making. An image can document history, transport us emotionally, and shape how we perceive the world in the past, present and future. They can also create connection within the community and bring people together.

Being born in the Philippines myself with a mixed heritage background, I returned this year to rediscover my roots. I documented my journey, creating a series of photographs that reflected the beautiful culture, history, and traditions of the Philippines. This experience reminded me of the essential role images play in our world today, being able to document a time and place that we as humans can reflect upon.

Do you think it’s important to champion human creativity in today’s context? And what does that mean practically?

As an emerging artist myself, I believe in exercising and nurturing the muscles of creativity. I feel as though we need to push further for a stronger creative scene here in Australia, as we don’t always have access to the same opportunities as overseas markets. I also believe that human creativity was essential for me growing up. It gave me a sense of belonging and cultural understanding of the world.

While AI is advancing, it will never replace human intuition, emotion, or imagination. This is why cultivating creativity and community is so important. Community events, talks and gallery openings help keep us inspired and connected, and they’re especially valuable in Sydney. RUSSH is a great example of this!

Funding, grants and competitions also play a vital role by motivating creatives to share their work and generate cultural value. Mentorship and openness in supporting one another can help build a more inclusive environment, and championing female artists contributes to a more balanced creative landscape. Offering discounted studio rates for personal projects and providing international opportunities or residencies linked to the Australian market give emerging creatives the space and access they need.

There are so many talented individuals in Australia who simply need the right opportunities to nurture their craft and artistic ambitions.

Do you have any photographers or creative works you always come back to?

Yes, absolutely. Growing up I’ve always been drawn to fine art from the Renaissance and Dutch periods. I love how those paintings feel, the way they record history, the colours they use to drive their stories. I’m always fascinated by the practicality of their processes, the way they painted, and who they were as people. Some of my favourite artists from this time are Titian, Rembrandt, and Monet.

In photography, I’m a big fan of Peter Lindbergh and his intuitive approach. I love the way in which he strips everything back and focuses entirely on the subject, reminding us that the subject is always the most important. I also admire Wolfgang Tillmans for his ability to notice the mundane, and Lee Miller for her courage and tenacity as an artist. When I was in LA, I bought a Herb Ritts book and that really opened me up to using shape and form more intentionally in my work.

I’ve been able to draw inspiration from many artists over the years. It’s not only their creative practice that inspires me, but also the way they carry themselves as people and their belief in their craft and visual literacy.

The Female Gaze by Stephanie Pedersen

Our Readers' Choice receives a spread in the March 2026 issue of RUSSH Magazine and a Fujifilm Camera Kit courtesy of Camera House and Fujifilm.

The RUSSH Creative Showcase 2025 is proudly supported by our partners Omoda and Camera House.

Both Omoda and Camera House share RUSSH’s commitment to creativity, innovation and self-expression, representing a passion for pushing boundaries and seeing the world through a fresh lens. The RUSSH Creative Showcase is a celebration of imagination, craft and the creative spirit that drives our community forward. Their partnerships have helped bring this initiative to life in 2025.

Photographer: Steph Pedersen.co @stephpedersen.co
Creative Director: Candice Lewin @thecandicefiles
Model: Abigail Garrett @abbygarrett__
Stylist: Georgie Kar @geogiekar
Stylist Assistant: Kimberley jonjiin @Kimberleyjonjiin
Makeup: Jaque Dicondio @Jaque Di Condio
Hair: Adam Reece Hopins @arh_koda
Photo Assistants:
Digi: Brock McFadzean @brock.au
1st Assistant: Sophia Doak @sophiadoak_
Studio: @__lighthousestudio