Moncton photographer uses ‘shoe obsession’ to help women in need

A Moncton photographer with a passion for footwear is working on a project to help support women in her community. Karen Casey has been snapping pictures for a fundraiser photo exhibit she calls “Who the shoe are you?”

Casey says she has been obsessed with shoes since she starting taking pictures as a teenager and has spent the past 14 years capturing pictures of people’s footwear.

“You can tell a lot by a person’s pair of shoes,” Casey said. “If it’s a bright-coloured shoe you know they are a little bit more bubbly.”

Casey says she has travelled the world capturing everyday women sporting their favourite footwear.

“No matter what if you are rocking a pair of red heels you feel awesome,” Heather McDonald, one of her latest models said. “Shoes are that thing that you can always fall back on or that thing that you can be confident and show who you are.”

Casey says from a sneaker to a stiletto, shoes are somehow empowering, particularly for women.

“They will always fit you so no matter how you feel that day they will always make you feel better so I find they are a confidence booster.”

Images of shoes can also tell powerful stories, Casey says. She recalls an image of a lone sneaker, snapped in the rubble of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010. She couldn’t help but wonder whether the owner of the shoe survived.

Casey is now framing up 25 of her latest images for her Moncton photo exhibit which is set to open Sept. 22. The show will feature the shoes of women she admired in her community and the money raised will used to help other less fortunate women who may be walking a rough road.

“I want to give back to a young lady in our community who may need some financial assisstance,” Casey said.

This year she’s hoping to help a young woman who recently battled cancer.

“I think it is a really great idea to bring together something that most women love and most women are obsessed with and use it for good.” said McDonald.