The Movember Portrait Series returns with the Class of 2025. A big thank you goes out to those
who participated in this years series and to everyone who has donated via the team page or elsewhere.
The Class of 2025
This photo series provides an opportunity to not only strut your stache (or not) but also to share a message
while you engage in introspective and healthy dialogue around men’s mental and physical health.
Top Row, Left to Right: Adam Power, Callum McNeill, Anthony Anacleto, Bottom Row Left to Right: Hung Le, Spencer Robertson
About the series…
Developed in 2021, the Movember Portrait Series quickly became a hit instalment; raising money for the Movember Foundation, succeeding in it’s goal of bringing men together to create an open and safe space for dialogue and healthy discussion, and extending beyond that space by being shared online. Prompting discussion and self-reflection within those who come across the series portraiture and just as importantly, the messages written with them.
Each subject is asked a series of questions about their participation in the Movember campaign. They expand on how mental and physical health have played a role in their life and they share a message to anyone open to hearing it.
All portraiture is shot on Ilford XP2 400 and Kodak Portra 800 medium format film stocks.
Captured on YashicaMat 128g and Mamiyaflex C200.
Hear from the Class of 2025
Hung Le
A photographer, director and producer, Hung is a man of many skills and qualities. His dedication to his craft shows in his work and his friendship is valued by all those who enjoy it. Hung taught me to go after what I want and to learn as I go, leaning on natural ability and drive to push me through the moment.
Why do you participate in Movember?
Men’s mental health has always been an obscured thing. Movember is the opportunity to bring it to light, to not suppress our trauma and be open with ourselves and everyone around us.
How has mental and physical health played a role in your life?
It’s always played a huge role in my life. I’ve had my ups and downs and had my stints in therapy. But to be who I am and how self-aware I am of my emotions I am, I wouldn’t discount it. Mental health is equally important as my self-care approach.
What is your message to men?
Don’t ignore your mental health boys. As much weight as you can lift, it means nothing without mental fortitude. Take care of yourselves fully.
Adam Power
A thinker, a fixer, and one of my best pals; Adam is capable of solving any problem that may arise. When in doubt, call Adam Tech Support. The chaos that ensues is on you for calling Adam Tech Support, but know that things will be fixed, optimized, and it will be a fun time along the way. He is always willing to lend a hand and help those in need, even if it is to my detriment (GoTrain incident 2018). A friend to everyone he meets, the human golden retriever, here are Adam’s responses:
Why do you participate in Movember?
I participate in Movember to create a community open to discussing men’s health.
How has mental and physical health played a role in your life?
Health is health regardless if it’s mental or physical.
You cannot work on one without the other.
What is your message to men?
Grow that Mo!
Peter Widdrington
A creative spirit with more artistic vision than most I’ve met, Peter is a storyteller bringing fresh and creative ideas to the world. His ability to lead has seen him bolster an impressive career in film and media while developing an admirable catalogue of high quality personal projects. Peter taught me to be proud of being good at the little things, even if you feel above them. He once told me in secret from behind my PA van on set once “You know Mike, I’ve been doing this a while.. and I don’t PA anymore, but, I am a damn good PA.” “Don’t let that slip.” I learned to appreciate that growth makes what once was hard seem easy, and mastery comes with time, graduation is earned.
Why do you participate in Movember?
Movember has always been about community. I love how not only it’s bringing awareness, but it allows everyone to come together over a shared cause.
How has mental and physical health played a role in your life?
I’ve grown up surrounded by people who have struggled or are affected by some sort of physical or mental disability.
Although it’s difficult, it’s given me context and an understanding of what it’s like living with an invisible illness, and I feel has made me a better person.
What is your message to men?
Men, don’t be afraid to share your stories and to lean
on those around you for support.
Ben Ramos-Salsberg
With the battery of the energizer bunny, Ben is always up to something and doing what he does best, invigorating the people around him. Through his work ethic and creative passion, Ben is always advancing himself and those in his circles, developing ideas and passions into real life action. Ben has taught me that there are more hours in the day than my working brain likes to think, and that recovery can come later if the extra stretch means being there for the people you care about.
Why do you participate in Movember?
As we get older it is easy for people to lose connection with their friends. Movember allows us to continue an important conversation and connect with others. Coming together for things that don’t seem like a big deal can make a large difference to everyone.
How has mental and physical health played a role in your life?
Taking care of my mental and physical health is always a priority in my life. It always allows me to stay on top of my responsibilities and maintain strong relationships. I like having a routine and finding a way to enjoy every day keeps things fun and refreshing.
What is your message to men?
Talk to your friends. Everyone wants to listen to you and be part of the reason you’re satisfied in your own skin. It will always surprise you how much people care about other people.
Matt Levin-Gold
A master communicator, Matt takes ideas and stories and he brings them to life with his artistic vision and beautiful cinematography. Whether it’s communicating his ideas to clients or bringing a directors vision to life, Matt is able to connect and communicate with those around him to create something greater. Matt has taught me to take risks and prepare yourself for successful results. The more reps you get, the more confidence you will have that the risks will pay off and you get the goods.
Why do you participate in Movember?
It’s important to keep the dialogue of men’s mental health open and the stache is a good look.
How has mental and physical health played a role in your life?
My mental and physical health are so intertwined and they work hand in hand to make sure I’m taking care of myself.
What is your message to men?
No one should struggle by themselves and men’s mental health deserves the same recognition and care that we offer to everyone in all walks of life.
Spencer Robertson
An analytical thinker, hard working and willing to take a leap of faith, Spencer is a multi-faceted individual who cares deeply for his friends and their well-being. Spencer is an example in drive and commitment. He has shown me that sometimes you need to make sacrifices to grow. This is exemplified by his recent job change which see’s him commuting out of this city, a difficult thing to do, but good for long-term growth and happiness.
Why do you participate in Movember?
I participate in Movember to help raise awareness for men’s health in support of all the men we’ve lost too soon.
How has mental and physical health played a role in your life?
Recognizing the importance of mental and physical health and that it’s okay to have bad days.
What is your message to men?
Support your boys and let your boys support you.
Josh Scott
I have only known Josh for a short time, but in that time I
have quickly come to realize that Josh is my kind of guy.
A hard worker, thoughtful, intelligent, ready to take on whats ahead and assist those around him kind of person. Josh has taught me to reach out and take more chances, just as he did with this photo series, knowing only a few other participants.
Why do you participate in Movember?
While I haven’t done a campaign myself yet, I always try to support any friends taking part because a) I rock a moustache year-round, and b) I believe men’s mental health is an important and oft-stigmatized subject.
How has mental and physical health played a role in your life?
I’ve personally dealt with burnout and depression before and so have many key people in my life who contend with even more serious mental health struggles, including bipolar disorder. I’m also aware of how much my physical fitness informs my own mental health and self-esteem. I’ve found sharing my struggles with others helpful and try my best to ensure I keep close tabs on the people I care about and be that rock or outlet for them.
What is your message to men?
Every man faces their own challenges with mental health at some point in their life and thats okay. You’re not alone. Find people in your life who you can share those struggles with because they can lighten the load, and be one of those people for others.
Callum McNeill
The jester, the entertainer, the class clown; Callum lightens the mood wherever he goes and brings good energy and spirits to whatever room he enters. A natural magnet, Cal brings people together and strengthens the bonds of those around him. Callum has taught me to approach situations with open arms and an excited, optimistic attitude.
Why do you participate in Movember?
To de-stigmatize self-care for men… Looking after
yourself isn’t weak lads.
How has mental and physical health played a role in your life?
It has taught me to prioritize wellness and has made me more empathetic to all people who are struggling with their mental health and well being.
What is your message to men?
Be kind to everyone, including yourself.
Anthony Anacleto
Creative, driven, kind-hearted, a listener, and a supportive friend; Anthony is there for his people. My friendship with Tony has grown and developed over the years and I have learned that he cares deeply about the people around him and in their personal journey’s to success and happiness. I am excited for our future creative and entrepreneurial adventures to come. Anthony has taught me to take care of my battery and try to use times of hardship to advance ones self and grow from the hardships.
Why do you participate in Movember?
I participate in Movember to bring awareness to men’s mental health and support others who are doing so.
How has mental and physical health played a role in your life?
I’ve always struggled with my own mental health and have lost friends to suicide in my life.
What is your message to men?
You are not alone, reach out and don’t give up.
Jack Harrison
Intelligent, driven and creative, Jack is of all trades and he constantly blows my mind with his knowledge and understanding of the technology we have and why we use it. An outside the box thinker, he always see’s the opportunity in something, and he drives the needle forward when it comes to delivering quality work through an efficient process. My friendship with Jack was instant through our spunky love for vintage tech, since then he has inspired me consistently and taught me that ideas are meant to be explored. Whether its his artworks for musicians or his new video game Bounce 2, Jack has taught me to experiment, learn, and grow.
Why do you participate in Movember?
As a year-round moustache sporter, I always “Participate” by default and so I also make sure to make a donation.
How has mental and physical health played a role in your life?
They are one in the same! I’ve had my ups and downs but I typically find they strongly coincide; Good body —> Good brain.
What is your message to men?
Therapy changed my life and is a defining moment when I felt like I grew up and could finally “Be a man”.
Less anger, more deep appreciation for those around me. Plus artistic success!
Juan Morales
A worker and a bulldog, Juan has carved out an entirely new category when it comes work ethic. From University classmates to industry peers, I have watched Juan excel through every opportunity he earns to then earn the next one. He is on a perpetual upward climb and I’m excited to see how he continues to develop and strengthen the sports media landscape through his artistic vision and creativity.
Juan has taught me that investing in yourself pays off, you just need to put in the work and then put in some more.
Why do you participate in Movember?
To raise awareness for men’s health across the board - Being able to have a way to contribute to a positive environment and giving people a safe space to talk and discuss things without judgement is something I’m happy to provide and be a part of.
How has mental and physical health played a role in your life?
More than ever I’ve understood the importance of taking care if both my mental and physical - Especially when it comes to what I do in the creative field, its all dependant on the state of my mental and physical. Being creative is something that’s been integral in my life over the last few years and it’s allowed me to meet incredible people, experience amazing moments, and have put me in an incredible place when it comes to my mental health.
What is your message to men?
Someone will ALWAYS be willing to listen. Talking about what you’re going through or struggling with is the furthest thing from ‘being weak’ or ‘less of a man’. Lean on your people, speak up, and don’t worry about the outside perception - Your presence and energy is valued by your friends and family and make sure you remember that.
Alex Tulk
A man of East Coast mystery, Alex is like the warmth of a fire once you’ve spent some time with him. Always driven to pursue the next challenge, Alex is constantly pushing himself to grow and do more. He is also one fine and dandy hockey player. Alex has taught me to approach life head on and go for it.
What is your message to men?
Stay classy. Respect thy neighbour.
Coby the Dog
Man’s best friend. Coby is the dog who lives downstairs and he is a tremendous boost to me and my households mental health. A loyal guardian and a trusty mascot, the dog has long served as one of human’s greatest companions. Take care of your pets and show them the love they deserve, I already know they are showing it to you. Now take that unconditional love for your pet and let it grow. Find the joy in the little moments in life and wag your tail a little.
Russ Graham
Our tenth year as friends, Russ and I met in our first year of University, a transformative time for young men. Since that time, I have watched Russ grow into a full blown adult.. We’re talking a working professional, an outstanding partner to his fiancé, Kelly (Congrats!) And is still an amazing friend to all those he keeps close. Russ has taught me to take life one day at a time and enjoy the moments between the mundane and the formal. Enjoy some golf, have a patio beer, and watch the Leafs, we’ve earned it.
Why do you participate in Movember?
I participate in Movember because I like having a moustache but I also think it’s an easy way to start a conversation about something bigger. If doing something as simple as growing a moustache can get people talking about men’s health, it’s something worth doing.
How has mental and physical health played a role in your life?
Ever since I’ve been young I’ve been a pretty active person. Playing hockey and other sports recreationally gave me a community of people I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Being able to get out of the house to go and be active, doing something you love, with other people is a great thing for your mental health.
What is your message to men?
I would say don’t be afraid to reach out to someone if you think you should. People are there for you and they care about you.
Mike Cowley
I’d like to think I’m someone who brings people together. A connector of sorts. I’ve been told I am entertaining, perhaps that helps grow a bond within a group, or perhaps it is the shared desire to accomplish something greater than oneself. This portrait series serves as an opportunity to do just that; to host that space for conversation, laughter, and connection. I hope that in creating a platform for men to share their messages for others to see, I am opening more and more people up to the dialogue around their health and approaching life with a healthy mindset and attitude. Nobody is has it all figured out, we may as well all grow together.
Why do you participate in Movember?
I participate in Movember to serve as a reminder that we cannot be complacent around our health. Running this portrait series gives me the opportunity to get others involved and create a space for dialogue and throught.
How has mental and physical health played a role in your life?
The ups and downs of mental and physical health are a constant in life. Navigating them in a healthy way that leads to happiness is always the goal and I believe that assessment and reflection in combination with attention to your physical health is step one.
What is your message to men?
Be a pillar of support for the people in your life. Maintaining an open line of support can make the difference.
Also… Live your best life and follow the sun home <3
Thanks for taking the time to look through this years Movember Portrait Series! Take care of yourself and reach out to those around you. Learn more or donate to our team below!
Shoutout to those who could not make the shoot date, they participated in spirit and/or donation:
Aali Khan, Aaron Dutra, Aaron Hamilton, Alex Callaghan, Austin Smeenk, Daniel Jelic, Drew Doherty, Dylan Smith, Matt Collins, Matt Vocino, Max Nease, Mitch Over, Nathan Gravelle, Stan Temming, Troy Lacoste, and anyone else who may have wanted to be involved.
Also thank you to all who have donated :) Take care.
Click below to see the last Movember Portrait Series!
