The Portrait Project
Faces of Strength | Celebrating people living with and beyond breast cancer
A community portrait initiative by Stacey Tompkins Photography and Kimtimates
Every journey is different.
Every story matters.
This October, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Stacey Tompkins Photography and Kimtimates are coming together to celebrate the people behind the diagnosis.
The Portrait Project: Faces of Strength is a special portrait experience created to honour people living with and beyond breast cancer, and to share stories that remind our community that there is no single breast cancer journey.
Breast cancer affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. Every diagnosis, treatment experience, and path forward is unique.
Through photography and storytelling, our goal is to celebrate resilience, create connection, and bring awareness to the many different experiences of breast cancer.
We are inviting six people to share their stories.
We are looking for six individuals from our Central Alberta community who have personally experienced breast cancer to be featured in this year's Faces of Strength portrait experience.
Whether you were recently diagnosed, are currently undergoing treatment, are living with metastatic breast cancer, or are years beyond treatment, we would love to hear your story.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including different ages, stages, diagnoses, treatment experiences, and personal journeys.
You do not have to share every detail of your experience. This project is about celebrating you—your story, your strength, and who you are today.
The Portrait Experience
Selected featured individuals will join us for a complimentary portrait session at:
Gilded Grove Studio
Downtown Red Deer
Sunday, September 13
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Details
Each featured individual will receive:
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A complimentary 30-minute portrait session
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The opportunity to bring two outfits (one outfit change)
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One professionally edited portrait selected by Stacey Tompkins Photography and Kimtimates
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The option to purchase additional images through Stacey Tompkins Photography for $50 each, if you wish. There is absolutely no obligation to purchase additional images.
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Time to connect with others in our community who have shared similar experiences
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Snacks and refreshments during the session
Participants will be responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from Gilded Grove Studios.
The option to book professional makeup with Robyn Lynn Makeup Artistry for an additional fee.
Sharing Your Story
Along with your portrait, we will invite you to share a piece of your journey.
With your permission, your story and images may be shared through Stacey Tompkins Photography and Kimtimates social media channels and other promotional materials related to The Portrait Project: Faces of Strength.
All selected featured individuals will be required to sign a photo and story release prior to participating.
Your voice matters. You will have the opportunity to decide what parts of your story you are comfortable sharing.
Who We Hope to Include
Breast cancer does not look the same for everyone.
As we select our six featured individuals, we hope to create a group that reflects the diversity of breast cancer experiences, including differences in:
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Age at diagnosis
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Time since diagnosis
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Stage of diagnosis
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Types of treatment received
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Surgical experiences
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Personal backgrounds and life experiences
Our goal is not to choose the "most inspiring" stories. Every journey is meaningful.
Our goal is to create a collection of voices that reflects the many ways people experience, navigate, and live beyond breast cancer.
Important Dates
Applications open: August 11, 2026
Two spots remain! Apply by Friday, September 4th
Portrait experience: Sunday, September 13, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Application
We invite you to share a little about yourself and your journey.
Meet Your Hosts
Owner, Kimtimates
Kimberly Hamilton
Kimberly is the owner of Kimtimates and a breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed at 39, she has experienced firsthand the power of sharing her story and connecting with others through the shared experience of breast cancer.
Photographer, Stacey Tompkins Photography
Stacey Tompkins
Stacey is the photographer behind Stacey Tompkins Photography and the founder of The Portrait Project. With close family members affected by breast cancer, she has seen its impact firsthand and believes photography can honour the stories, strength and individuality of those affected.