
Photographer Glenn Marsden is behind the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign. (Photo: Supplied)
Just over a year ago, photographer Glenn Marsden set out on a mission to capture raw, powerful images of celebrities and other influential figures to help start a discussion about mental health and suicide.
And boy, has he started one.
His Imperfectly Perfect Campaign is gaining worldwide attention as he disrupts our social media feeds with the reality of mental health rather than the glossy, highlight reel we’re so used to.
To date, he’s photographed over 100 people including Prison Break star Dominic Purcell, Baywatch actor Jeremy Jackson and Aussie media personalities Grant Denyer and Heather Maltman.
We had a chat to him about his project and how he hopes to change the dialogue around mental health online.

Baywatch actor Jeremy Jackson photographed by Glenn Marsden for the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign. (Photo: Supplied)
Why did you start the Imperfectly Perfect campaign?
GM: I was inspired to show the true nature of mental health by the loss of a good friend to suicide. Nobody knew that he had been going through any emotional struggles due to a lot of his social media being filled with ‘highlight reels’ that we all too often see. So I set out to capture powerful images to raise awareness for mental ill-health and suicide prevention.
I wanted to use my photographic skills to give people the opportunity to genuinely express their emotions and connect in a world that has become so isolating. I began taking photos of high-profile people I knew who had suffered from mental health issues or were closely connected to someone who did. I then used social media as a global public gallery to display those photos and the story behind them.
Why is it so important to share these stories about mental health?
GM: Mental health has long been a sensitive and nuanced topic worldwide and with its devastating prevalence, it’s a subject that’s too close to home to ignore. While we continue to learn more about mental health every day and collectively work to dissolve the stigma that comes with it, we know the positive impact awareness can make and bring the subject to the fore-front. And by way of sharing stories and personal experiences, it draws in a connection that makes us ‘feel’ like it is ok to share our own story and seek help and there is no shame in doing so.

Media personality Heather Maltman, photographed by Glenn Marsden for the Imperfect Campaign. (Photo: Supplied)

Actress Rebecca Gibney photographed by Glenn Marsden for the Imperfectly Perfect campaign. (Photo: Supplied)
What is the impact on us when we see more of these real images in our social media feeds?
GM: The images are raw, compelling and they’re very real. Mental illness isn’t pretty and with these amazing people coming on board and showing that vulnerability, its impact is seeing and striking a chord with people on a very personal level.
10 years ago, mental health did not get the same acknowledgment or understanding it does now. Do you think we are shifting our attitudes as a society?
GM: I do believe we are. I feel more awareness campaigns and grass-root level initiatives happening amongst communities. We are seeing the conversation being normalised and gaining a lot more understanding around how we look at mental health.
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You take some incredibly raw images of celebrities looking anguished and in pain. How do you get to that point with them as a photographer?
GM: Thank you first of all. It is always hard for somebody to dig deep and share something so personal to them. In these instances, it’s been my whole job to create a safe zone so that the people on my campaign feel so secure with me that they allow themselves to essentially strip back their smiles of everyday life and expose their own story and feel open enough to share that story with myself and through the campaign.
Again, it can be very emotional at times, as shooting someone sharing something that is so authentic and raw to them and seeing the hurt that they have been through, that in itself can affect everyone involved.
It’s a moment in time do that split second when they connect with the camera. You can literally see into their soul and feel every little bit of pain they must have endured at one time or another – and that right there is what I truly believe is why it has resonated with so many people out there.

Actor Dan Ewing, photographed by Glenn Marsden for the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign. (Photo: Supplied)
Who are some of the people who have jumped on board to support your work?
GM: To date, and we are passing the 15-month mark, there are now over 180 influential public figures behind the campaign from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. Incredible people including Jeremy Jackson, Justin Guarini, Angie Everheart, Dominic Purcell, Rebecca Gibney, Grant Denyer amongst a whole lot more.
What do you hope to achieve with the campaign?
GM: The campaign has fast amassed international attention and within short succession so I truly just hope to see its growth continue to reach more people globally and keep resonating with people. It aims to normalise the conversation surrounding mental health.
For more info, you can check out:
The campaign website: www.imperfectlyperfectcampaign.org
Campaign Instagram: @imperfectlyperfectcampaign
Glenns’s Instagram: @glenn_marsden