Sunshine photographer Lucia Hou is not used to being on the other side of the lens, but she may have to get used to it.
Ms Hou recently won the people’s choice award at the Mrs Globe Australia pageant.
The Mrs Globe pageant is the largest charity event for the Women In Need (WIN) Foundation, and celebrates its 20th year this year.
The pageant is open to women aged 25 and above and, for the past four years, the WIN Foundation has partnered with the Bully Zero Australia Foundation, which is how Ms Hou became involved.
“I do photography at all of their (Bully Zero) events, and they asked me to apply for Mrs Globe,” Ms Hou said. “I actually resisted it three times.
“I don’t wear make-up 90 per cent of the time, so I’d be the last person to apply for something like this.
“But this pageant is more about inner beauty, so I guess it was a better fit.”
From 25 contestants, Ms Hou won the Mrs Coral Sea title, as well as the peoples’ choice award, putting her in the limelight for the international title in Hainan, China.
“It was a real eye-opener to be on the other side of the camera, and now it’s a real thrill to go to my father’s homeland for the first time for the international competition.”
Ms Hou said she is especially proud to represent Australia on her first visit to China.
“It’s a beautiful thing for me to represent Australia as a bit of an Asian-Australian fusion at this event,” Ms Hou said.
“The best thing about Australia is we’re so multicultural, we’re the most liveable country in the world, with the best cafes and the best people, so I’m quite proud to represent all of that.”
The winner of the Mrs Globe international contest will be announced on December 11.
