Jillian Bontempo and Kadee Ciscato work on Bundjalung Country in the Northern Rivers with no script and no formula, just an openness to where the day takes them. Jillian folds surfing, movement and creating into her routine so seamlessly it feels less like practice and more like breathing, a rhythm that is lived in and quietly powerful. Kadee drives the energy forward with fashion and modelling that are playful, sharp and unapologetic, the same way she holds herself in front of a lens. Their approaches clash and complement, sparking something raw and unexpected. Together they remind us that creativity isn’t staged perfection. It is play, it is instinct, and it is letting the raw personalities and the beautiful land sit side by side.
Jill, This shoot came together on a whim - the shorts had just arrived and you and Kadee decided to head off with a camera. What excites you about creating those unplanned, instinctive moments?
JILL: A lot of my photography comes from organic moments. I have shot a lot of pre planned or paid shoots, but my photography and enjoyment of it all originated because I just enjoyed having a camera on me to turn anything into a photograph, whether I am playing dress up with my friends, passing through a town, or just enjoying time with people around me.
Kadee, your presence in front of the lens is bold, cheeky, unapologetic. How do you step into that energy and is it different from the you we’d meet off-camera?
KADEE: If you know me well enough, you'll see that I give off a bold and cheeky energy, but I'm also a calming presence when I'm comfortable enough to be myself around the right people. Whether it's through fashion, conversation, or just vibing with others, I feel most at ease when I'm in an environment that makes me feel safe and grounded. When I'm in front of the camera, I can get into a zone where I'm fully present and confident but it really depends on feeling comfortable with the photographer, being in a space where I feel safe, and knowing that my expression is valued. That said, I like to keep my life pretty private and tend to be more reserved with people I don't know well. I really value my alone time and keeping to myself, it’s how I recharge and refocus my energy. I think this balance works for me, and it helps me navigate different situations in a way that feels right.
Jillian, surfing and pilates are both rhythm-based. How does movement shape your creativity and the way you see the world?
JILLIAN: Usually my best surfing will come when I am relaxed and excited about just being in the ocean. There is something about intuitive movement on a wave that you don’t really think about until the wave is over. And the same goes for movement in pilates. Showing up to practice, or to teach, always feels the most organic when I allow myself the time to tap out of the world and sink into movement. You stop counting the minutes until it’s over. I keep both of these types of movement in my day-to-day life, without them, I would lose a lot of light in my world.
Kadee, how do you show up for your day-to-day through a style that feels you? What textures or pieces are you currently drawn to?
KADEE: I don't really know how to pin down my style, it's honestly all over the place, but that's what I love about it. It's just like me, a bit quirky and unpredictable! I'm all about comfy and effortless looks, but then I like to throw in a dash of quirkiness when I'm feeling like expressing myself or brightening up my mood. I am drawn to soft natural tones to keep me calm and relaxed though I am a sucker for adding bold and bright colours into my outfits such as, rose red and sky blue being my favourite, red being a grounding colour and blue more of an expressive, I feel they a perfect balance and representation of myself and make me feel really happy! I love mixing and matching different things like cute boots, kitten heels, and tons of vintage jewellery. I usually just dress how I feel, and fashion's just a way for me to express myself. My style's always shifting between feminine and masculine vibes, it's just about how I'm feeling in the moment and having fun with it.
One of my favourite go-to outfit hacks is adding fun accessories to bring a cute outfit together. I love finding chunky belts, bangles, scrunchies, and ribbons from op shops or vintage shops around town, or even sweet treasures from overseas adventures that hold memories. Recently, I had a fun realisation, I’ve organically been drawn to mostly wearing Australian brands and designers throughout my life. It's always a nice feeling knowing I can support the locals around me, who support me back, and feel like I'm part of a community where I feel inspired and appreciated.
Jillian, as a photographer, you’re the observer. How does photography and your own personality compliment one another?
JILL: I think a lot of my personality escapes through my photography. I’ve always noticed that I hyper-observe the environment around me, and now I’m hired to step into spaces and notice everything and everyone. The two really mesh. I’m drawn to people whose energy feels almost opposite to mine. Photographing them is like witnessing a light you admire and capturing it without intruding on it or dimming it. In that space, my work feels most honest. Like being a little fly on the wall.
Kadee, modelling often means embodying someone else’s vision. What’s your favourite way of slipping your own personality into a shoot?
KADEE: I honestly think there is such a beauty in the whole idea of embodying and embracing someone else’s vision. To me it is normally an eye opening moment, that makes me feel inspired and motivated to create new experiences for myself or think differently about myself and others around me. I also love bringing my own personality and creative ideas to a photoshoot, whether that's through the energy and presence I bring to the shoot, helping scout locations, or shooting with natural light and being within nature - especially during the early morning or late afternoon when the soft, warm light is just magical. I also enjoy adding simple yet special touches, like cute and quirky accessories, bold expressions, and suggesting poses and concepts that bring the shoot to life.
Life online can feel like an endless highlight reel, even when reality doesn’t match. How do you each recognise when you’re creatively (or personally) burnt out, and what’s your reset button?
JILL: We are in such a digital world and everyone is constantly capturing every little detail but often we only see the good stuff, 99% of the time. I really admire creators who can authentically post the highlights and the hardships too. When I am feeling low, overstimulated, or I notice my internal monologue being (extremely) hard on myself, that’s when I know it’s time to reset. Sometimes it is difficult when shooting or creating is just a hobby of love, but also is now a consistent job, but if I can just shoot around for fun, like Kadee and I did, or create something without a due date or expectation, I remember why I love doing it. Days that I just allow myself to check into the ocean for hours, to read, or wander through op shops, or having coffee with my friends like time does not exist really allows my nervous system to chill and reset.
KADEE: For me, burnout creeps in when I've got too much on my plate and not enough rest. It's like I'm feeling overwhelmed and drained both physically and emotionally. To reset, I prioritise self care activities that help me unwind and recharge. Spending time alone, walking on the beach, practicing yoga, or simply being in quiet natural spaces does wonders for my wellbeing. These activities not only calm my mind and body but also help me gain clarity and perspective. I try to make time for them regularly, as it’s essential to my overall health and happiness.
Together - you’ve shared space creatively, as photographer and model. What’s it like to create side by side, and what do you each bring out in the other?
JILL: I love creating with Kadee. She's so effortless in front of the camera and is always keen for creative play! I think we both have a similar sense of playfulness in our personality and it really shows in her modelling and through my photography. I always love what we create and how we buzz around together shooting.
KADEE: Working with Jill feels so effortless and playful! It's not like work at all, it's more like an exciting experience that just flies by. We laugh, chat, and bounce ideas off each other, flowing seamlessly together. Everything happens naturally and with ease. Jill brings out the carefree giggles in me, and her soft voice keeps me calm. We vibe off each other creatively, making the whole process an absolute pleasure.
Sooooo cool! More of this!