'Open Eyes'

'Open Eyes' is a project that explores the lives of my seven housemates using a playful and experimental approach. Key to the work is that it is representing the complex diversity found in a student house and the coherence of their past and future. The concept looks at a multitude of characteristics within each individual, and techniques such as collage, moving image and other manipulation speak to this diversity. The final piece is a creation of constructed and deconstructed images as well as childhood archived photographs. It is an abstract composition of elements. My relationship with the subject is very personal, based on my representation of their identity. However, this subject is an ongoing and long term project that can not be ‘finished’ as our identity is always changing and developing as we age. Therefore the method used to create this piece was through the process of cutting and building as well as maintaining interaction with them, leading to a piece possessing seven peoples’ identity.

'Surface'
@55kojo

'Surface' is a project that explores the concept of tattooing. Central to this work is to explore the process of tattooing in an attempt to bring to life the personality and emotions of the people who experience it. This was achieved through a series of shoots and conversations with people who are involved in the tattoo culture, within their preferred environment and in the studio. To understand the world of tattooing, understanding the individual was essential and these photographs sought to achieve this intimacy.

'I think about me thinking about me'
@beaarkellphoto

'I think about me thinking about me' is an introspection of my unwell self, led by the practice of Photo-Therapy, that explores notions of being and performing within familiar environments. It is a confessional, self-portrait project intended to visually communicate my feelings of isolation, melancholy and absent mind. It introspectively deals with my perception of self and engages with my internal ineluctable difficulties. Photographs can offer a powerful and insightful visual to the nuances of internal mood and external habitats. The photographs are staged and sculptural, showing me in subdued, unconventional poses. I am interested in the perception of oneself, by oneself and in visually communicating the emotional. I referenced my journal’s spiel of consciousness which speaks on my ill-mind and enclosed troubles, aiding the picture making. This project is one of action and feeds from my desire to remove the cloak of secrecy. I want to take a look at myself and develop my internal manageability. My wish is to gain a better sense of self-awareness and, I hope, an improvement to my mental state.

'Child’s Play'
@francescakate24

'Child’s Play' is a project based around the idea that adults should be allowed the opportunity to relieve stress, act childishly and play on playground equipment. This project was initially inspired by the phrase "grow up"; prompting the question, why should anyone have to grow up, when the only thing we do is get older? The artist’s intention was to show the difference between night and day within the playground; During the day most children play in parks yet at night this equipment is unused. This is the time that adults should be able to use it and "play" themselves.

'The Journey'

'The Journey' is a project that takes the train journey as a subject, focussing on the mundane aspects of these everyday experiences. A journey implies there is a destination. In life, we often fail to appreciate the journey itself. The photographs explore this concept, capturing the moments that pass us by each day. Looking back on the trip, there is much you can miss. The return ticket gives you a second chance to see the Journey. A new point of view of the same life that passes us by. These photographs aim to reflect the missed moments of everyday life because we don’t pay close enough attention, not only to the finer details but also to more obvious surroundings. This was the thought process whilst travelling on the train, both as a passenger and as an observer of the scene.

'Words and other words'
@lintaphotography

'Words and other words' aims to investigate the familiar effects and consequences of migration across generations. This body of work explores my own personal experience, from the 6-year-old girl, extremely insecure about her heritage to the 23-year-old now.

I was born in Pakistan, and later moved to Italy at the age of 5. We lived in a relatively small town on the outskirts of Milano, in a predominantly white neighbourhood. I was the only Asian kid in my school, there was no one like me. I started to notice my differences from a really young age, which ultimately made me aware of every small incident that highlighted those differences. Ever since I can remember, I've tried extremely hard to fit in. I distanced myself from my culture and started to dislike everything that made me appear different, my life revolved around me proving my "Italianness" to those around me. Regardless of my active attempts at fitting into the western ideal, I was always reminded of my differences in one way or another. “Where are you from?” is one of the many questions that constantly reminded me that I could never be like everyone around me, I was always going to be different.

'FEMDOM'
@epmc_photography

'FEMDOM' is a project that aims to replace the pornographic norms with something less consumable. To give up sexual power to men is to play against female liberation. It is revisiting the connotations of men owning dominance over the female form for them to use for their own gratification. It’s almost expected that a woman is to be submissive to a man and surrender her control. For a man to give up his power is much more adverse than a woman giving up hers. The porn industry consistently reiterates this narrative, and it has become normal to expect women to take this submissive role. This project seeks to explore the reasons below the surface of this, experimenting with ways to visually shock and to switch the roles of sexual relationships. It focuses on gimps and their role in female dominated porn. This character is associated with full submission to their female counterpart and combats the viewer with feelings of discomfort. The aim is to shock to prove the divide, that looking at an image where a man is in the submissive role, challenges the ingrained stereotypes of pornography.

katchojnacka.com / @katchojnacka

This project is an exploration of the studio space and its potential for portraying various constructed ideas. The studio is a blank canvas, so the approach was to see how simple arrangements can work as a metaphor, completely changing this white space, from experimenting with the lighting techniques or props, to creating minimalist set design. The idea of the studio was expanded by taking the set-up outside or bringing it into domestic surroundings. With this area of photography often being considered a rather shallow one, the aim was to challenge that stereotype and prove that you can still use your creativity within it - especially with the blank studio space as a foundation you can build the narrative on.

'Before me, for you'
@ethan_clarke_photo

Following the daily activities of three-piece band 'Before me', the project titled 'Before me, for you' gives the viewer a brief insight into their daily activities throughout the seemingly never-ending lockdown period we currently find ourselves in.

As a result of the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19, booking practice rooms and recording studios has often been simply impossible, forcing the trio to rehearse at home. Regarding the songwriting and recording process, this lack of specialist equipment has not only had a profound effect on the band but also many other musicians. Despite the limitations of rehearsing and producing from home that the group has had to deal with and adapt for, being at home together more hasn’t only allowed the trio to become closer as a band but also with their three housemates. This can be when simply relaxing at home, going on a woodland walk or soaking up the sun in the park, often accompanied by music and football. As well as strengthening their friendships with one another, these moments of release and calm have also given them a great amount of downtime and headspace, something we have all needed in this difficult time.

@rubycphoto

'Refresh' is a body of work surrounding the reduction methods within fast fashion, particularly the celebration and appreciation of small businesses and their use of recycled and repurposed materials. Developing an understanding of the reduction of fast fashion, and conducting subject research about the huge impact large fashion brands have on the environment has informed the project. This relates to the mass production and transportation of products across the world. The work displays behind-the-scenes documentary style images highlighting the hard work and processes of these small businesses. This body of work has allowed the artist to develop a portfolio as a documentary photographer, with a particular interest in exploring issues such as sustainability.

@euandaviesphoto

'Dirty Old Town' documents the scenery of the mill towns throughout the north of England. The title relates to the song written by Ewan McColl, which is a folk ballad about the once thriving industrial city of Salford, Greater Manchester. Much like the song, the project offers an honest and romanticised perspective of northern towns. These once thriving communities, home to businesses and industry, now appear weather-worn and dilapidated. Vast buildings and impressive facades provide a reminder of the region's manufacturing prowess and its economic importance. The photographs act as a tribute to the workers and families who lived in these areas, striving to show an unsentimental, honest depiction of the region today.

My work has been heavily inspired by the New Objectivity movement of 1920s Germany, an artistic style that challenges avant-garde forms of expressionism. This project offers a modern approach that shies away from the archaic way in which industrial photographers of the 20th century documented subjects. The project sets out to offer a coherent and unfiltered view of northern towns, both in terms of its cityscapes and surrounding landscapes as they appear today. Viewed through a present-day lens, Dirty Old Town offers a new perspective on the decline of northern England and today's legacy of a once thriving industry.

'Sunflowers in her hair'

charlottedobson.com / @charlottedobson.photography

'Sunflowers in Her Hair' explores human experience through a new visual perspective. This involves re-visualising time, place and memory, and resulting emotions of nostalgia. Key to the research of memory include the place of the hippocampus, neurons, energy translated in flow and light, contextual binding theory and selective/sustained attention. Body language and flow is re-visualised in connection to emotions and the curves of nature. Time and place can never present itself in the same way again, so express the importance of also documenting the present. Misalignment and imperfections are key to documenting that moment.

Since the world has balanced opposite processes, loss/retrieval, past/present, light/dark, and open/closed are explored. Loss is re-visualised as a form of therapy to release emotions of frustration and anxiety in dying, having recently lost close family members. The number 'three' is significant to my practice as I am a triplet. Bringing nature inside is significant to explore the warm calming effects nature can have on our mental health. This work explores the sea and the mountains and the significance of place, the connection to calmness and the season of summer, understanding this may be different for each viewer, and celebrating this spectrum of diversity.

'Whatever floats your boat'

'Whatever floats your boat' is a documentary project that explores the close-knit boating community along the Leeds and Liverpool canal. The subjects have been chosen because they live outside of social norms and sometimes opt out of society altogether. Their reasons can range from money, wishing to live a life close to nature, and the freedom to roam the waters across the UK. During the course of researching and documenting these communities, it was apparent that there was an unspoken rule to help those amongst them in need. There exists an understanding and willingness to care and nurture each other both emotionally, physically and financially. There was a desire to look through the lens at intimate details which would stand out through the viewfinder - as a guest, voyeur and more obviously, as a photographer. New narratives were discovered with unexpected surprises and challenges. Whilst shifting the focus onto the adaptations needed to live on a boat, the artist repeatedly visited these subjects to capture a real narrative over a period of time which allowed familiarity to be established as well as a natural rapport. It was a true privilege to be invited into this community with open (socially distanced) arms - an experience that will live with the artist forever.

photografinn.com / @photo.grafinn

Ever since I was a kid I have been consumed by wanderlust and the seeking of discomfort. As a photographer, travelling allows me to explore different cultures and document my experiences. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, travelling has been restricted and banned in various ways, and the world has come to a stand still. As a result of this I have missed out on experiences I would otherwise have had.

I have an interest in found imagery, and have recently purchased an archive of 800 film slides capturing random peoples’ holidays around the world. After spending time looking at the images, I feel as if I know these people; as if I am there with them. In this project called ‘Second Hand Holiday’ I live vicariously through others, borrowing their experiences to temporarily fill a void in my own.

'They Call Me'
@ebonyrosephotography_

'They Call Me' is a photographic project that explores female identity and stereotypes around girls and women, more specifically sexist nicknames and labels aimed at women and how these nicknames do not define our identity. The body of work is built up from a range of performative self-portraits and images of other girls. The project explores fourteen nicknames; High Maintenance, Honey, Princess, Flower, Plastic, Drama Queen, Chick, Bunny, Sweetie, Emotional, Doll, Dreamer, Baby Girl and Angel. Each nickname was turned into a character which were then performed within the photographs. The aim was to mock these stereotypical nicknames by over-exaggerating and over-performing to a point where they looked false. By exaggerating the characters and making it obvious that they’re not real, it denies traditional expectations. This is achieved through simple things such as constructed backgrounds, unflattering shadows, dramatic costume and makeup. Performance is an important factor of the body of work as it represents the performances we put on in real life everyday to conceal and change our identity.

'PRISM'
@isobelrgphoto

'PRISM' is a project that explores the idea of colour in photography and in everyday life. It explores how colour is used, when we see it in everyday life and how different people visualise each colour. The project explores the theme through a wide range of genres and photographic approaches, making the work an eclectic visual collection. The work is informed by a range of research from scientific information to literature, to the relationship photography has with representations of colour. The project comprises a series of zines that feature interactive elements, from QR codes to stickers as well as homemade Instagram filters. The intention is to bridge the gap between creator and audience, especially after the experience of isolation and lockdown.

@hancoxphotos

This photographic project stems from an observational approach to the local area, that of Hyde Park in Leeds. The bin yards that make up part of the Victorian back to back housing, spaced out regularly in the area, are very unique, and is something that could easily be overlooked when walking past. However, as an everyday subject they hold attention because of the individual ways that people interact with them and use them for different purposes. They are a recognisable feature for those who live here, but that is only a very small portion of the UK’s population. This project seeks to highlight these oddities and to explore them photographically, to reveal the visual and real-world juxtapositions that are evident within.

'How We Live: Japan'

@francesharrisonphotography

'How We Live: Japan' is a project focusing on Japanese homes. In previous projects, an interest in domestic spaces has developed, specifically their connection to identity, whether it is cultural, professional, ethnic, national, religious or gender identity. Extensive research for this project involved making sure that sources were representatives of Japanese culture. Specific themes explored were; Flower arranging, tea ceremony, food and folk craft and art. The images created were not purely aesthetic, they also had a performative aspect. When creating the bed scene, I slept on the floor for a night. When creating the tea scene, I sat on the floor and drank the tea in the traditional Japanese way. When creating other images, I took part in folk craft practices such as flower arraigning (Ikebana). Doing this helped to embrace this culture, allowing me to understand it on a deeper level.

'Evergreen'

joshuajameshart.com / @joshuajameshart

'Evergreen' is an on-going series of photographs depicting a present day look at Great Britain’s Post War Tower Blocks and the greenery that surrounds them. This body of work explores how the communities which live in these buildings view the spaces between, whether they still serve as pockets of health and wellbeing or are merely patches of foliage. ‘Evergreen’ explores the idea of ‘The Garden City’, a method of urban planning which saw self-contained communities surrounded by green-belts on a smaller scale. These photographs highlight the building boom of the 40s to 70s and how Modernist architects such as Le Corbusier influenced their design. The project’s title refers to foliage that has remained green for multiple growing seasons, the notion being that the buildings and their greenery have lasted longer than originally intended.

'The Seven Deadly Sins'
@aehcphotography

'The Seven Deadly Sins' is one of three projects created to explore my religious upbringing. This particular project was created as an exploration and representation of my lack of knowledge of the faith I had been baptised into. Reflecting about this important part of my upbringing revealed that there were significant gaps in understanding, which led me to question this photographically. Each image depicts an interpretation of the Seven Deadly Sins, mainly focusing on how the mise-en-scene contributes to telling the story of the image.

'The Wythy Anthropology'

@_oh161 / oliverhurst@live.co.uk

'The Wythy Anthropology' is an ongoing study of the local area and connections made with the people who live in it, showing how their roots run through the community. In other words, the working class heroes. All these people, in one way or another, have shaped the area they live in and command a certain respect in the community without asking for it. This project is a magnification of people that would otherwise be unknown and lost in the crowd.

@nordfolk_

Nørdfolk Studios is a collaborative business that works with clients producing a range of visual output; from commercial fashion and still-life photography to helping brands establish their visual identity; through multiple mediums such as graphic design or help with website building. Self-initiated fine-art, still-life and fashion projects that explore themes such as balance are important to establish a photographic aesthetic. Nørdfolk transcends genre and intends to apply its stamp of visual language to whatever we work on. Our visual language at Nørdfolk is based on Scandinavian design influences such as great furniture makers focused on 20th century simplicity, minimalism and functionality; to which we have added our own playful touch to make our content as approachable and relatable as possible. One of the main concepts that Nørdfolk explores is sustainability. We involve sustainability in our client selection, as the clients we have worked with have all been of a sustainable nature.

'Terra Firma'

hennyjenkins.com / @hennyjphoto

'Terra Firma' is a landscape documentary project in collaboration with creative writer Katie Clark which observes the landscapes of Scotland, Yorkshire, Somerset and Wiltshire investigating the phenomenological impact of landscape on our psyche shot on 35mm film. This project was formed through connections with poets and psychologists, and the relationship between photography and poetry. By connecting with creative writer student Katie Clark and Graphic Designer Phoebe Parish, we collaborated together in order to refine and present a photographic identity, themes and aesthetics by creating a selection of poetry and photographic branding stamps. Terra Firma was completed with the production of three handmade photo books, displayed with a fabric covered slip case which is printed with a combination of three front cover images utilising poetic aesthetics.

'Edible Objects'

@_ckay_photography_

'Edible Objects' is a project based around recreating recognisable everyday objects completely from food. The purpose of this playful approach is to change the perspective of food and to create the illusion of another object to make the viewer question the reality of the content. The series of images explore a variety of different approaches from still life, commercial and fine art, to explore different moods, aesthetics, photographic styles, and narratives. Each object is made from a range of different foods, from vegetables, dried pasta, fruit and more. This is to question the traditional and recognisable photographic representations of food seen through advertising. The premise of the project was essentially a challenge, to create illusions of an everyday object through entirely constructed and labour-intensive processes.

weronikakordonska.com / @weronikakordonska

In this project the main subject matter is objects. The photographs consider objects from both fine art and commercial perspectives. Everyday objects are often overlooked and forgotten about. These seemingly plain objects have great potential to be explored artistically. The work questions by creating things that don't make sense to confuse the viewer. To challenge perceptions, a tool called ‘random object generator’ was utilised which simply generated random combinations of everyday objects, which became the subject for the photographs. This turned the ordinary into the extraordinary. This experimental work was complemented with commercial work for clients, using studio techniques and building a set around the object given to me rather than to construct a sculpture for the camera.

martinelund.com / @martislens

This project is a combination of visual content for different musical artists and performers. It includes a seven-song live performance video and a recap video of Karnia Harris with her band, two official music videos and a live performance of Ivan Knight and the Imaginary Friends, as well as two official music videos of EKAY. In addition to this, it also consists of a set of promotional photographs and album/single artwork for Ivan Knight and the Imaginary Friends and EKAY.

As with most visual content for the music industry, its intentions are to promote the artists and their vision, by being a visual component accompanying their music and providing a visual plane for their work. Aesthetic, visual and technical quality, combined with collaborative storytelling are elements at the forefront of this project, with an undertone of commercialism to it.

@kyyle.mabb / kylemabbott1@icloud.com

This project aims to animate our symbolic and visceral knowledge of the modern-day digital environment in abstract form. Specifically centring on the trajectory of digital contemporary life and human progress as we become bound to a digital atmosphere. As reality and fiction intertwine within the progressive digital world, it reflects on the distinguishability between this crossover as virtuality and fiction become an increasing part of reality, ultimately having this emphasis on viewing the world digitally. This digital culture is distinguished by rapid transformations through the technological methods we encounter, like algorithms and autonomy. The expressive visual outcome, combines shots of reality and existing images, with hybridised and fictitious appropriated imagery, as well as objects with emblematic value that appear as readymades portrayed through photography. As a result, the distinction between reality and fiction loses significance in this investigative terrain.

'Magpie'

@linzimckenziephoto

'Magpie' is a contemporary fashion exploration, which from its core interprets other art forms, such as film theory, to build characters and convey a storyline within the editorial fashion context. The artist has been exploring the ideology of duality within her work, which is driven from the film industry and its representation of the theory in plot lines and characters. The project is made up of a series of editorials which communicate these concepts in energetic forms, engaging the viewer by utilising a range of approaches. Using a characteristic warped and collaged style, the eccentric images incorporate creativity, colour and novel use of simple props and scenery. The model plays a key part in the compositions; however, the artist has adapted these creations with precision which take certain counterparts such as shape, colour and form to reiterate the same key ideas within the frames. In the work, a narrative is present which insinuates an insurmountable gap between the life-world and the world of fashion that exists within the imaginary prism of the photograph.

'Familiar Spaces'

mollymcninch.co.uk / @molltakesphotos

'Familiar Spaces' is a body of work that is concerned with the ordinary, mundane experiences of everyday life. Dealing with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression is at the root of this project, and it is an outlet for my own emotions, as well as being a visual photo diary. It looks closely at these moments of beauty that pass us by, often without us really appreciating them. It explores the idea of using photography as a sort of therapy and I often use making photographs as a way to work through my emotions and thought processes, as well as visually communicating them. The work pays close attention to the way that light can be distorted or leaked, and its delicacy in the way that it touches and passes through objects to create shadows.

'Rolling With the Girls'

dodgedandburnt.wixsite.com/my-site-2 / @laur.nmudge / @dodgedandburnt

The project 'Rolling With the Girls', explores the gender disparities within the skateboarding community. Within the top 50 highest paid skateboarders there is not a single woman. Therefore, the aim of this project is to showcase the many women within this scene and put the spotlight on them in an otherwise extremely male dominated area of society.

Being a member of this subculture and building a bond with the subjects enables a more intimate and less awkward experience during the photographing stage. The work is being presented in the form of a zine, which will be handed out to everyone involved as a memory of their early months of skating. The zine format is appropriate due to the nature of skateboarding itself being very much ‘do it yourself ‘and that they are easily transported in a pocket or a bag.

'Cherries'
@millsphotog

'Cherries' explores the female gaze through both my own and my friends’ eyes. It plays on the idea of an audience looking at a woman (the photographer) observing other women (models). The female gaze is a response to the male gaze; it’s considered that the female gaze has more depth than the male gaze and has become emotive. Women relate to one another through feeling - they’re not something to be looked at. This visual memoir is a collection of portraits and images taken by myself and the women, showing multiple points of view, ultimately contributing to the female gaze. The photographs express the celebration of female friendship. The project provides an ‘honest’ narrative. It reflects the realities of the young women’s lives.

'Making Peace with Nature'

jn284248.myportfolio.com / @jane_louise_nixon

The project 'Making Peace with Nature' aims to create a feeling of immersion with something outside myself, a sense of connection and a sort of communion with nature. Looking through the camera lens and falling in love with everything. Going for a walk and just seeing things being beautiful, the way the light reflects off the water, it feels so calming. Being able to photograph it is my way of being observant, a practice of mindfulness, of being aware of life and my connection to it. Inspiration for this body of work came from looking at The Pond by John Gossage and the references he made to Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden; or Life in the Woods. Walden focuses on the benefits of simple living and close contact with and observation of nature, being in the world and understanding human existence.

'Wild Waters'
@itsggabriella

Escapism is commonly defined as "the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy."

'Wild Waters' is a photographic project that explores escapism through wild swimming, also commonly known as cold water swimming. It documents the transcendent experience of wild swimming, from standing on the waters edge prepping to take the plunge, to the intense ecstasy post swim.

The project explores the benefits, both mental and physical, that can come from the ritual of immersing oneself in cold water. When swimming one must surrender all control, one must respect the rules of the water and in turn the water carries them away allowing the swimmer to escape and be free. It is an experience of the sublime, it cleanses and reconnects the body and mind, leaving the swimmer with such strong feelings of empowerment and serenity

This work explores themes of longevity, the prolongation of life and ways in which humans have adapted through natural selection. Artificial modification has also been explored as a method of changing the human structure, making it less prone to disease, breakage and old age. The project was inspired by sci-fi and fantasy movies such as A Cure for Wellness, Seksmisja and Alice in Wonderland. The intention for this work was to examine the ever changing nature of the human body, exploring this concept in different ways. Research for the project included elixirs and liquids represented in fantasy worlds such as The Elixir of Life to more human and scientific remedies such as vitamins, CRIPR and DNA modifications.

@james_picturing

This body of work focuses on the connection and interaction between portraiture and still life, and the powerful effect these two modes of image-making have on each other. In the commercial world, portraits and products go hand in hand. Both act as an anchor to each other, emphasising the interaction between people and consumer products, and their connection to the material observational world that we live in. However, this project approaches the subject matter in a much more expressionist way, pushing beyond the traditional commercial conventions. By doing this, it allows for an abstract approach to be applied to these subjects, using refined camera techniques to express the emotion and connotations of the product and the synopsis of the brand that it’s connected to. Whether this is a fleeting moment of elation or subdued admiration.

'God’s Own Country'

@ourlordandsaviourmrb

'God’s Own Country' is an ongoing documentary project that looks at leisure in the great outdoors. Inspired by text from Frédéric Gros, Liz Wells and Christopher Tilley and photographers such as Simon Roberts, Andy Sewell and Paul Gaffney, this project sets out to find out why we Brits have such a strong connection with walking and being within a landscape. These images are intended to be printed in large format to create a sense of participation within the scene.

'BigTinys'

@hannahpollitt_photo

'BigTinys' is a photographic exploration into my curiosity surrounding the marine world and the life it sustains. A lot of the time, the world's natural beauty goes unnoticed and ultimately under-appreciated, particularly at such tiny scales. 80 percent of our ocean remains unmapped, unobserved and unexplored. Within it, an estimated 9 million species of plant and animals thrive, yet only 1.2 million have been classified. This body of work captures and demonstrates the discoveries of aquatic life in both animal and plant forms, looking at it at a microscopic level. It encourages viewer observations and their admiration of the water world, which would be widely uncommon if these minuscule species were not made so large though photography.

'In Search of Fairies'
@samjpope

'In Search of Fairies' is a self directed project which investigated areas within the Yorkshire Dales which are home to centuries old Folklore and Folk Tales. Following the trail of 18th Century photographers and researchers of the Victorian founded 'Folklore Society', I hiked from Bolton Abbey to Malham passing through many areas mentioned in these traditional British tales.

These areas were then photographed from the perspective of an investigation into the rumours of what lives within these hills. Shooting in a style referencing late 18th century photography, when the notion of a 'Fairy Tale' was booming within Europe, the project aimed to capture a historical perspective on the landscape and the secrets held within.

joeporritt.com / flanellemag.com

Joe Porritt is an editorial Fashion Photographer whose focus for this project was to continue building his portfolio ready for entering the industry, post University. This meant creating work for clients such as Flanelle Magazine and FEROCE to add to previous work made at London Fashion Week and for HUNGER. These particular images were part of a series named “Ascension,” which focused on combining subdued tones, soft lighting and contemporary pose to effectively show off the work of each designer, whilst tying them together into a series. The full image set can be found using the link.

'Gentrification, displacement and a disappearing landscape'

The project 'Gentrification, displacement and a disappearing landscape' follows the construction work surrounding the East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR) and the development of the road that has taken up much of the countryside near to Leeds’ suburbs. This series explores the process of the construction and the surrounding landscape that it has cut through. The work follows an abstract and dystopian theme to convey the uncertainty and unfamiliarity felt by the locals towards this huge change that is happening on their doorstep.

'The Murder of my Mind'
@ruedile_

The project 'The Murder of my Mind' is a statement on how the isolation caused by the pandemic is harming our minds as social beings. The process of physically damaging the images represents the decay of the mind during this time. The resultant images were then laid out like a murder board with red strings connecting images together to show the small amount of connection we were allowed through the internet and walks that we were able to go on. The messy and chaotic layering of the images is an accurate representation of how people feel with the rising stress and loneliness taking over the mind.

'Wood and Birdsong'

@joesshorrt

'Wood and Birdsong' explores the emergence of hope in the present circumstances of an afflicted world. Unlike the previous project 'Portrait of a Fisherman,' which depicted loneliness, the current work depicts an emergence, a gradual return to normalcy, and the magic of Spring. As restrictions begin to lift, the outside world begins to connect with the lives of us all again. The titular character, The Fisherman, is called out of his seclusion by the birdsong, as those at sea have used seabirds to navigate towards land for generations, the birds call draws the Fisherman home, navigating him out into the open once again. With stormy seas still settling, the Fisherman’s hands are still tied to the land, he takes up his axe and begins to carve, the percussive nature of the axe strikes a harmony with the bird song. In this project, much like it’s prequel, the process that dominates the focus of this work is a means of connecting with material labour, challenging the concept of 'Immaterial Labour' as it was coined by Maurizio Lazzarato, a term that describes "labour that produces an immaterial good, such as a service, a cultural product, knowledge, or communication" (Hardt, Negri, 2000, p.200). The concept of being in control of the impact and outcomes of the work you engage in is at the heart of the processes depicted within the photographs.

'painting with light'

claudiasmithphotography.carbonmade.com / @claudiart_photo

The project 'painting with light' is a self-reflective introspection into the passage of time. Light and time intertwined. Her room, the canvas, and light the paint. Everyday existence diminished into a microcosm of a time spent quarantining in her room. Light manifesting as a visual clock capturing the exterior world that infiltrates the cocoon of her space. No longer the passive object of time, the artist regains control by manipulation, commanding the light that now disseminates through this space. Obscuring the light from a celestial body that illuminates the room, the artist transforms it into an apocalyptic-like eclipse, a photographic trace of the resulting light emanating from this human obstruction. This work is the active pursuit to document light as a vehicle to manipulate the constant flux of time. Through observing the interaction of light with the bedroom, this led to taking creative control of how the light entered the room. Dressing the room’s window with coloured acetate and card, the artist manipulated the light and controlled the aura that presented itself, herself ‘painting with light’.

jacobjtalbot.com / @scruffsart / jacobjtalbot@gmail.com

This project documents an evaluation of self through a personal journey of isolation. Exploring both the physical and metaphysical aspects of an image, whilst utilising three-dimensional processes within two-dimensional photographic constraints, Talbot uses himself as subject as a way of comprehending the ever-changing climate in which we inhabit. The differing psychological and emotional states are explored through a dynamic accumulation of conceptually driven and material based, process-led work; allowing a detached visage to become a catalyst for personal projection and interpretation. This simultaneously creates a pareidolia type complex through ‘The Uncanny’, whilst emanating emotional forms of abjection. The work as a whole, despite being ongoing, exudes liminality as a reflection of the current times we are living.

The use of man made industrial materials intertwined with organic naturalistic forms epitomises Talbot's deep rooted connection to nature and its emancipating qualities. When this project is eventually exhibited it will span a range of mediums, incorporating, but not limited to, interactive sculptures, multidimensional photographic studies as well as atmospheric sound and moving image pieces.

'Silver Screen Study'

freyatate.com / @freyatate_photo

'Silver Screen Study' is a project that explores the similarities and differences in how cinema and photography function as storytelling. The photographs are taken in a highly cinematic style and tell the loose narrative of an anonymous fugitive on the run from a detective during the 1960s. Freya’s work oscillates between two styles; one that is more sensitive, intimate and truthful, and the other - heavily staged and far from reality. Her work is concerned with people and specifically abstract psychological concepts such as love, imagination, and fear. The photographs deal with real life ideas and emotions, but depict a stylised version of reality, favouring stripped back colour palettes, stylish costumes, exciting narrative and playful settings. Inspiration often stems from stimuli outside of photography, including other mediums of art; contemporary film-makers such as David lynch and Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the staged feel of old master paintings, and the ideas/stories contained within television and mythology.

'A Second Home'

@juliettaylorphotography / www.facebook.com/Juliet-Taylor-Photography

'A Second Home' is a documentation of life at University with friends; becoming close like a second family and Leeds becoming like a second home. The project and photobook are very personal, giving an insight into my life, to show personal details of these moments that are simple pleasures. This project evolved from the idea of simple

pleasures and how people have begun to realise that during a pandemic, as a society we have learnt to appreciate the small things while our lives are on hold, whereas before people usually pass them by.

'Exoplanet: Kepler 442-b'

@phogirlrhirhi / phogirlrhirhi@hotmail.com

The project 'Exoplanet: Kepler 442-b' uses staged scenes to visualise the future, focussing on fashion and constructed environments to speculate what life could be like on a new-found Exoplanet. The concept behind this visual work is based on futuristic astrobiologists’ findings. Having recently discovered and confirmed that there is life on Exoplanet Kepler 442-b, researchers have established that the Earth-like planet is rocky with water and active volcanoes. New discoveries include finding advanced lifeforms very similar to humans. Taken through the eyes of astronauts and scientists, it documents these new findings. The work shows how the team are tasked with exploring biodiversity under camouflage, studying signs of life, environment and setting up communications with the aliens of this planet.

@shannonthompsonphoto

'Scrap Book' is a diaristic approach to the artist’s own personal struggles with body image, female beauty standards and growing up with social media. This project was heavily influenced by Feminism and the Male Gaze theory as well as feminist photographers. The artist realised that she had internalised the male gaze and performed femininity. The media and society's idea of what is beautiful and the value placed on a womens’ looks and femininity has put a lot of pressure on the artist to play up to these ideals. It has led to issues such as body dysmorphia and an addiction to spending money on beauty trends. For the artist, social media has intensified this, spending time on her phone comparing herself to celebrities and influencers. Diet culture and the fear of getting “fat” has damaged her view of herself causing self-consciousness about everything she eats. The artist uses a scrapbook aesthetic to communicate this very personal and hidden struggle using found material, magazine cut-outs, personal text and drawings.

'A19'
@charlottetilleyphoto

'A19' is a photographic series exploring the road that links my two homes. As the lockdown periods come to an end, be my passenger as we look a little longer at the visual characteristics that make up this stretch of road that serves the North. The fleeting faces make up the road just as much as the permanent structures. Inspired by the aesthetics of the road trip, and practitioners such as Ed Ruscha and Alejandro Cartagena, the work is presented as a large-scale print folded down to recreate the tactile experience of unfolding a map. My wider practice is mostly concerned with themes of home, and our relationship with our space, as it is constantly changing and evolving. The fluid nature of relationships with place has a fascinating and unlimited amount of possibilities.

'Tarot of the Zodiacs'

aliciacourtneyphotography.co.uk / @aliciacourtney_photography

'Tarot of the Zodiacs' is a project based on the recent rise of spirituality within social media. This project is inspired by how people perceive the Zodiacs, and the personality, colour and physical traits which overall construct a character based around a specific Zodiac. Furthermore, the elements themselves - earth, water, air and fire - play a large part within this project to show the different types of signs and how they link back to mother nature. The twelve Zodiacs shown within this project are constructed characters from specific traits, for example Libra being represented by "balance". These traits are being represented within the photographs using elements such as makeup, jewellery, head pieces, outfits and poses, combining fashion photography and fantasy in the work.

'Fen Freedom'

fenracing.com/book-our-photographer / @elizahyork_photography / elizahyorkphotography@gmail.com

'Fen Freedom' is a self-portraiture series exploring my place as a young woman living in The Fenlands, as I approach the next steps in my life. This body of work investigates my relationship with this area and particularly my interaction with the water that runs through it.