Welcome to the long road to healing! My name is Lee Cooper and I am a freelance photographer from Manchester (UK). I have a fervent desire to break the stifling silence surrounding sexual abuse and reduce the stigma that prevents people from speaking out. I aim to seamlessly marry artistry with advocacy in a mission that transcends pixels and lenses. Through visual storytelling, I would like to use my camera as a tool for change and understanding.

My lens acts as a bridge, connecting hearts and minds through the profound vulnerability captured in every frame. Photographs can carry a powerful narrative, a testament to the strength and resilience found in confronting one's personal demons. Driven by my own experiences of sexual abuse at the hands of a family member, I am not merely an observer but a compassionate participant in the stories I share. Having faced my battles with mental health brought on by the impacts of trauma, I bring a unique perspective that resonates with authenticity and empathy. Through my work, I endeavour to dispel stereotypes, shatter preconceptions, and foster a society that does not shun those of us who have experienced horrors beyond comprehension.

Beyond the camera, I am an advocate for change, utilizing my platform to spark conversations, raise awareness, and champion the cause of Survivors breaking the silence. I collaborate with organizations, participate in exhibitions, and engage in community programs like the Manchester Photography Collective that I co-founded. I recognise the transformative power of art in destigmatizing the shame and secrecy surrounding sexual abuse. Through my lens, I seek not only to capture the unseen but also to inspire a collective shift in perception—one photograph at a time.