Blair Montague-Drake described A Blue Flag can be a Red Flag: with blue as the metaphor for depression as a book about the symptoms of depression and an art book as well.

"I wanted art to be the door that opens discussions," the Frazers Creek resident said.

A photograph of a spider's web, for example, mirrors a narrative about feeling trapped and an image of rose petals fallen from a vase appears alongside a story of a disintegrating marriage.

The author interviewed more than 80 people who had depression or were affected by depression during his research.

Mr Montague-Drake said he felt compelled as an art photographer to translate each story into imagery that at the very least provoked further comment.

He believes if mental illness is represented in an art form it allows for discussion on another level.

Mr Montague-Drake hopes the book will lead to a greater awareness and understanding of depression.

"If we can somehow find a way to be aware of the early stages, maybe we can help people," he said.

"Maybe we can point them in the right direction and maybe we can save a life."

Mr Montague-Drake applauded the work of clinical psychologists.

The book project brought together design, editing and proofing at a local level.

Mr Montague-Drake was born in the UK, started his career in the London Daily Express photographic department and went on to be involved with a range of projects from part-managing the world's first teen hotel to serving as the tourism manager on the Mid-North Coast.

Photographic projects with community benefits have been his focus of late.

More information about the book is available at the Earth Images Publishing website.

What else is making news, sport?

Thank you for valuing local journalism with your subscription. While you're with us, you can also receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.