The Hinesville Area Arts Council held a community reception for photographer Joanna Ng’s “Snapshots of Hope” photo exhibition in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Oct. 11.

Ng, who’s been a photographer since 2013, focused specifically on survivors of breast cancer and how to portray their stories. 

“Each year it just falls that I’m able to do something related to breast cancer,” she said. “I like to showcase those that have survived.”

Specifically, Ng followed the story of Jannifer Graham, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, as well as featured other survivors with their children.

“The pictures came from someone who asked if I would take photos of a friend,” Ng said. “I followed her story, and I followed her, and that’s how the idea happened.”

Graham was the subject of many photos, from the first time she shaved her head to the very end, where she remains in remission since 2017, Graham said. After her diagnosis, she said she underwent chemotherapy, then a lumpectomy, and afterwards finished with radiation. I did it a little differently than some others, she said.

“It shows that you can survive, and that you don’t go through this process alone,” Graham said. “I embraced the process. I was excited. I shared my story to help others going through the same thing. To show that you can survive something like this. It was a very special time.”

The pictures themselves needed to tell the story, Ng said. She [Graham] was always happy and bubbly when I spoke with her, she continued. 

“There is a strength that shows them coming through it,” Ng said.

The exhibit is available to view in the Hinesville Area Arts Council Gallery, 102 Commerce St., until Oct. 31.