Jodie Harris - 6-acre studio

Behind the Lens: The Story of the Portrait That Became Stan’s Book Cover

Every great book has a heartbeat and for Stan’s story, that heartbeat begins with a single photograph. The iconic portrait featured on the front cover of Secrets of a Showbiz Dame is more than an image; it’s a moment, a connection, and a piece of art that has already made its mark on the national stage.

Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with the artist behind the photograph, Jodie Harris from 6-acre studio, a photographer of Yamatji descent living and working in the Northern Rivers on Bundjalung Country. Her work is known for its deep sensitivity to place, belonging, and human connection, a perfect match for Stan’s story.

Meeting Stan: A Connection Years in the Making

Jodie shared that she had heard about Stan long before they were formally introduced and had hoped for years to photograph him. Her photography practice focuses on the relationship between people and place, often capturing portraits in domestic settings to tell a fuller, more intimate story of her subjects.

Their paths crossed twice before this portrait came to life, first at the gym, and later at the Kyogle Film Academy, where Jodie was teaching. Stan visited for a mock interview session with the students, and it was there that Jodie began to understand him more deeply. From this growing connection, she approached Stan about creating a portrait.

The Concept Behind the Cover Image

“Stan’s image had been brewing in my mind for quite some time,” Jodie explains. “As a portrait photographer I am drawn to create images that explore themes of identity and place, often placing my sitters within their own homes among their possessions to give context to their character.”

On the day of the shoot, Jodie photographed Stan in several setups, including in full drag on the steps of an iconic building in Kyogle’s main street. While striking, that image did not capture the essence of the man behind the woman on stage.

“In the lead-up to our session, I did a lot of visual research. I knew I wanted to get beyond the character that shows up on tour, but the question was how,” she says. “My ‘how’ ended up involving, as it usually does, the home. I very carefully composed the image including items of historical significance to his personal story. I wanted it to be reminiscent of a life in the spotlight, every element in the frame is planned and controlled to direct the viewer’s eye through the image.”

Capturing the ‘In-Between’

One of the most striking aspects of the cover portrait is Stan’s appearance: full drag, partial makeup, and only a hairnet rather than a wig.

“A key element to the success of the image lies in a sense of being ‘in between’ two worlds,” Jodie explains. “It speaks to the journey. Something we can all relate to. It makes us think about what it is that makes us human. This dialogue is the most important element of my photography.”

In preparation for the shoot, Jodie spent time with Stan at cafés and in his home, explaining her intentions. “I remember telling Stan about my ‘why’ and the best way I could communicate it to him was to say, ‘Stan, it is not a glamour photo.’”

This portrait was always about authenticity, not glamour.

A Moment of Intensity

The shoot itself was technically challenging and theatrical. Jodie served as director, lighting designer, stage designer, props manager, and camerawoman all at once.

During a brief pause, she sensed Stan might have needed a break. He looked at her with intensity in his eyes, and she clicked the shutter capturing the moment that would become the cover.

“That single frame captured his essence in a way nothing else could,” she says.

A Portrait That Invites You In

When asked what detail she hopes viewers notice, Jodie responded:

“There is no one detail. The image is a whole and can’t be read any differently. Each time you look at it, you notice something new. I want it to be a journey through the frame, expressed through composition and lighting. I want viewers to see themselves as well as Stan, as we are all a part of the same story.”

From Cover to National Stage

Jodie entered the portrait into the National Photographic Portrait Prize, where she was selected as a finalist. The work was exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra from August 16th to October 10th and now tours nationally:

• Cairns Art Gallery, QLD: 6 Dec 2025 – 25 Jan 2026
• The Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre, SA: 7 Feb – 26 Apr 2026
• Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, WA: 11 Jul – 14 Sep 2026
• Horsham Regional Art Gallery, VIC: 17 Oct 2026 – 26 Jan 2027

Although she did not take home the award, Jodie is honoured to have been part of the exhibition and is considering selling the framed work if the right buyer is found.

A Perfect Cover for a Remarkable Life

To now feature this nationally recognised portrait as the cover of Secrets of a Showbiz Dame’s new book Launching January 2026, it is a beautiful culmination of story, place, and artistry. The image captures Stan’s journey, his humanity, and the life behind the Dame, a true visual introduction to a memoir full of courage, humour, and unapologetic authenticity.