And she's looking for at least 50 volunteers.

The project is part of Heaslip's three-month residency at Sturt, which she began on September 1.

By its conclusion at the end of November, she hopes to present the craft centre with a finished copy of the photo journal.

"I'm trying to capture ordinary people with extraordinary lives - and I have a very broad definition of extraordinary," Heaslip said.

"I'm not looking for the who's who; they get covered enough.

"I want people of all ages, occupations and addresses.

"I have no agenda."

Each entry will be a series of images accompanied by a short story, which will give readers a snapshot of the people and personalities in the Highlands.

Heaslip has completed a similar project in Western Australia on a group of elite gymnasts.

She also regularly produces "a day in the life" photo series of individual families.

But she's never taken on a whole region before.

Heaslip has been in research mode the past few weeks, talking to people and compiling a list of possible candidates.

"Everyone I've met has been so polite," she said.

"Most are very humble about their achievements but they're always happy to dob in a friend, so that's good."

She hopes to start shooting in the next couple of days, which should take about four weeks.

Then it will be a matter of compiling everything and working on a publication plan.

"Someone very intelligently asked me how I was funding this operation and I had to confess I hadn't really thought of that," Heaslip said.

"But I think I can produce something of interest and value that I can approach a publisher with."

If you know someone who should be included in Ms Healsip's 50 Faces of the Southern Highlands send their contact details to editor.highlandnews@ruralpress.com or give us a call on 4861 2333.

For more information about the photographer go to www.kateheaslip.com.au.