Into the Light
- eb321009
- Aug 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 8
Trigger Warning - These stories include mentions of Sexual Assault,
Abusive Relationships, Bullying, Self Harm, Eating Disorders, Abortion, Drugs & Suicide
I chose to follow the Cophenhagen photography brief for this project.
I felt that it would allow me to explore a range of interesting ideas and give me the opportunity to experiment with photography in a new way.
BRAINSTORMING
I found that the ideas I was mostly drawn to focused on the idea of mental health issues and personal development so I continued to develop these further. I decided to start looking into portrait photography.
STARTING TO MAP MY PROJECT
I knew that my project was going to touch some sensitive subjects so I started putting together a simple overview of my idea to send to people to see if they would be happy to work with me on this outcome.
I had about two weeks to plan getting everyone’s photographs so had to organise a lot of socialising in a short time!
FINDING MY MODELS
I asked everyone I knew I could see within the week – I was aware some people wouldn’t be comfortable being involved.
Out of the 14 people I asked only 8 people were happy be involved.
I felt it was only right to include myself – if I was asking my friends to be so insanely vulnerable with me I thought it only fair I offered the same level of vulnerability.
So I had 9 portraits to create.
ALEX (HE/HIM)
I went with Alex to a Pride Market – Alex is a trans man – with the current political issues surrounding trans rights we have been going to a few events to show our support for the trans community.
I knew this would be an important setting for Alex – a space he felt safe and confident in. I was able to get a few photos of him this day.
The day was about him – I didn’t want to turn into a photoshoot – this is when I decided that I wanted to follow a more candid feel to this project. I realised I could never let everyone’s personalities shine in a set up shoot.
I spoke to Alex about these photos – his favourite was the middle one – I agreed.
TEXT
“When you look back on your life are you able to identify a negative situation that you feel has shaped who you are now?”
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PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
After deciding to focus on getting candid images of people I realised I would need a different way to unify them to create a cohesive body of work. I decided to edit them in the same way.
I felt that black and white would be the best way – strip back any distractions and let the portraits speak for themselves. I also added a ‘film’ border based off my Research in Jody Evans.
I also started playing with the idea of incorporating childhood photos. I liked the idea of showing both the physical and emotional growth of my models.
CHARLOTTE (SHE/HER)
Introducing my Mummy Dearest, my favourite person in the world. I know its cliche but she is my best friend - there isn't much else to say - we have been through everything together and Iam glad to have the opportunity to celebrate this through this project.
TEXT
“When you look back on your life are you able to identify a negative situation that you feel has shaped who you are now?”
REBECCA (SHE/HER)
We already had a night out for Rebeccas graduation planned so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to get her photograph!
It felt specifically symbolic as it was a celebration of her achievements.
I decided to crop these to cut out the surrounding people and got this amazing composition that perfectly encapsulates her personality.
TEXT
“When you look back on your life are you able to identify a negative situation that you feel has shaped who you are now?”
TILDA (SHE/HER)
Little photoshoot at the Kebab shop – Tilda is the least serious person I know so this setting was absolutely perfect – rare photo of her actually looking at the camera!
I decided to go with one that was slightly further away to add a bit of variety to my collection of images. After taking this photo I started taking other portraits a bit further away to continue this variety within the body of work.
TEXT
“When you look back on your life are you able to identify a negative situation that you feel has shaped who you are now?”
NICK (HE/HIM)
Nick is a builder - well he organises other builders - this is the first time I have seen him pick up a tool - bit performative but a cracking photograph all the same!
TEXT
“When you look back on your life are you able to identify a negative situation that you feel has shaped who you are now?”
SADIE (SHE/HER)
I shouted "say cheese". I got this iconic photo - it is a perfect photo to show what it is like growing up in a small village. Having to treck 4 miles to the pub and finding any form of entertainment on the way.
I've known Sadie since I was 11 - we hated each other all through school - now I can't think of anyone else I would rather have as a friend.
TEXT
“When you look back on your life are you able to identify a negative situation that you feel has shaped who you are now?”
LUCY (SHE/HER)
I took these photographs in the local pub – I took them in this specific part of the pub garden to link to the childhood photo Lucy had sent me.
It was taken in the exact same place.
I absolutely love this link – plus it celebrates our love for the pub – but these pictures just didn’t feel right. They felt too posed.
We ended going out again (pray for my liver) and I got this amazing photo – it was the only photo I got but it was absolutely perfect – it is a much better representation of her personality.
This photo was slightly more difficult to edit as it was taken in the dark, I was worried it wouldn’t fit with the other images but I stuck with it and it worked out well.
TEXT
“When you look back on your life are you able to identify a negative situation that you feel has shaped who you are now?”
TOBY (HE/HIM)
This one of the hardest photos for me to get - Toby hates have his picture taken - I have known him for nearly three years and can count on my fingers how many photographs I have of him - I managed to get one singular image for this project.
It is far from the perfect picture but it is a brilliant snapshot into who Toby is.
TEXT
“When you look back on your life are you able to identify a negative situation that you feel has shaped who you are now?”
ELLA SHE/HER)
I left this one til last for obvious reasons - it was hard to write but also insanely fulfilling - it really helped me realise how far I have come, a few years ago I wouldn't have been able to put all that into words.
TEXT
“When you look back on your life are you able to identify a negative situation that you feel has shaped who you are now?”
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