
Artsfest Photography Yr2 Gallery 2025Artsfest Photography Yr2 Gallery 2025
ARTSFEST PHOTOGRAPHY YR2
GALLERY 2025
THOMAS ASHFIELD | AMBER ASTON | INDERDEEP BASRA | ELOISE BEARD | LUI BRAHIMAJ | DANNI-JADE CRUICKSHANKS | TOBI DEGG | BONNI-JAY DUDLEY | CONNOR GRIFFITHS | LILLIE HARRIS | JORDAN HINTON | MADISON HOLLERON | ALEX HUMPAGE | MARIA LATEU-DALTON | CONNOR-JAY LAWRENCE | WANESSA LOBODZINSKA | SYDNEY MICKLEWRIGHT | BETHANY MOGG | MADISON MOUNTFORD | JULIA MULEWSKA | LIBBY-LEE MYRING | ANGEL REYNOLDS-HAILING | MASON WILD | EMILY WILLIAMS | LUCY WILLIS
Thomas Ashfield
My final project, “The Youth” explores the theme of today’s teenage culture. Inspired by Brandon Wilkins, I aimed to capture typical moments of youth having fun. The rise of social media and widespread communication has meant that young people are staying indoors more than ever and not experiencing what it’s like to be young. Instead of climbing trees, taking risks and making friends, it is now more common to play games and scroll through social media in isolation.
I hoped to motivate today’s youth to get out of their house, spend time with friends, have fun, take risks and experience what it’s like to be young. I used techniques such as fast shutter speeds and wide angles to achieve my goals to ensure that my images are not blurry and have a dramatic feel to them.






Amber Aston
‘Threads of Identity’, explores the theme of personality and individuality, expressed through clothing and physical appearance. Inspired by the works of Christopher Ward, my project aimed to capture the stories reflected in people’s eyes, telling their unique narratives through the lens.
Through these street portraits, I aimed to showcase the beauty and authenticity of every individual, hoping to inspire my audience to see the beauty within themselves. Despite the challenges of fear of rejection and lack of confidence, I had to push myself out of my comfort zone to connect to people and ensure the success of my project.
Ultimately, my hope is that ‘Threads of Identity’, encourages others to celebrate their own individuality and recognise the power and importance of self-expression.






Inderdeep Basra
My work, ‘Frames of Punjab,’ is a visual exploration of the streets of Punjab, particularly the Doaba region, where I document landscapes, people, and daily life. Through my photography, I aim to capture the essence of these spaces—their history, vibrancy, and evolving identity. From the narrow lanes of small towns to the energy of Amritsar and the serenity of the Golden Temple, my images tell stories of culture and transformation.
I was inspired by Punjab’s rich visual and cultural tapestry. Walking through these streets, I felt a deep connection to the people, the shopkeepers, the elders, and the children who define these spaces. I wanted to preserve these fleeting moments, capturing the contrast between tradition and modernity.
I use a documentary-style approach, relying on natural light and spontaneous compositions. Wide-angle shots provide context, while close-ups bring intimacy to individual subjects. Textures of crumbling walls, reflections in water, human interaction, and people driving vehicles define my visual language.
What makes my work unique is its impressive and emotional perspective. I don’t just capture aesthetics—I focus on expressions, gestures, and the energy of a place. My goal was to transport viewers into these streets, making them feel the atmosphere rather than just observe it.
I want viewers to experience a sense of connection—nostalgia, warmth, and the beauty of everyday life. My work aligns with documentary and street photography trends, emphasizing storytelling and cultural preservation.
This work speaks to contemporary photographers’ growing emphasis on storytelling, identity, and cultural documentation. In an age of fast, filtered imagery, there’s a return to slower, more intentional visual narratives—something I strive to reflect in my work.
One challenge was navigating unfamiliar environments while ensuring authenticity. Some people were hesitant to be photographed, so I built trust by engaging in conversations and patiently waiting for the right moments.
‘Frames of Punjab’ is an invitation to step into these streets through my eyes—to preserve memories, evoke emotions, and celebrate the beauty in the ordinary.






Eloise Beard
As a young photographer who discovered my passion during my early high school years, I always found myself trying to capture the best angles when taking any simple photos. This sparked the beginning of my long interest in photography.
I specialise in the genres of portraiture and still life, as I find these styles more enjoyable to photograph, resulting in better outcomes. I typically create darker images rather than brighter ones; however, I still photograph in both styles. I feel my best work has been created in a studio setting, as I like having control over my settings.
Throughout my time at college, I have participated in many exhibitions, such as an exhibition in the archives alongside second-year students’ work. Over my educational years, I have learned to perfect my images and use a range of techniques to enhance my photos.
My project is based on the theme of album covers and how music can be used as an individual’s coping mechanism. To do this, I aimed to make my initial images in the style of album covers. My photos reflect my personal style, as I typically photograph in a much darker style with a hidden message.
Through this, I aimed to convey upsetting emotions, creating a strong response in my audience by raising awareness of the issues I discuss. I faced many problems along the way through the creative process of my work, such as lacking desired items or needed skills, which were all overcome in the end. Overall, my aim in this project was to convey the different issues people face and how music can become a coping mechanism for these, highlighting the importance of being aware of these problems in people’s lives.






Lui Brahimaj
My final project, “Driven by Design,” focuses on capturing cars in everyday street environments. I’ve always been interested in how cars naturally become part of the landscape, how they sit on the street, catch the light, and add a certain vibe to their surroundings.
This project is about showing that even something we see all the time, like a parked car, can have its own style and presence. I focused on the shapes, the setting, and the way the car fits into the scene to bring out its character. For me, it’s about appreciating the everyday details and turning them into something worth noticing.






Danni-Jade Cruickshanks
My final project, titled ‘The Attachment,’ explores the theme of possession and spiritual attachment. I was inspired by the work of Kelly Jean and Fritz Lang. Using editing software to darken the images, I employed low-lighting techniques to create an eerie mood. I also used photo manipulation to fit the images more into the horror theme.
My images and horror trailer reflect my style of gothic horror, as I have a passion for the supernatural. The message I am trying to convey is how powerful spiritual attachment can be. Through this project, I aim to give other people the chance to experience this theme. Despite challenges with timelines and other obstacles, I managed to create a trailer and images that I am proud of.






Tobi Degg
Titled “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder,” my project aims to bring attention to insect conservation and extinction by showcasing taxidermied insects that people tend to fear or freak out about in an aesthetically pleasing way, hopefully shifting the narrative that they are “gross” and making people less uncomfortable.
I believe more people will kill bugs on sight than will be willing to admit it. It doesn’t take much to forget our power over such small, often harmless creatures. Very few people understand the benefits these small creatures provide to us and our planet—they are recyclers, both prey and predator alike, and they often have symbiotic relationships with other living things. All of this benefits us. However, extinction rates of insects are rising.
It is a huge problem, with massive negative impacts on humanity if nothing changes. I hope to show people that the smaller creatures on our planet are just as important as the larger ones—no one thing is greater, and we are all equally important.
My project aims to bring about a sense of care for the things that make the world go round, as without insects, I believe we would not survive.
The moths, butterflies, and beetles were pinned by myself. Insects and insect taxidermy are a long-standing interest of mine, and I’m very fortunate to have been able to incorporate that into my project.






Bonni-Jay Dudley
I have always had a connection and love for art and narrative. I’ve been greatly influenced by my dad’s love of landscape photography growing up; his skill at capturing the passion and beauty of the natural world inspired me to learn more about this genre, translating his work into my own portraiture style.
I’m passionate about documenting real-life experiences and feelings through a model’s beauty and emotion. My style often focuses on the ethereal while blending a model’s natural beauty with otherworldly aspects to ultimately exude whimsy and juxtapose the mundane.
The chance to interact and communicate with clients, however, is what most fascinates me about photography. It excites me to be able to work with others and produce a product where the client looks and feels their best.
‘δυνάμεις της φύσης’ (dynámeis tis fýsis) focuses on showcasing the relationship between humans and nature, the light and dark energies that surround these connections. Through this body of work, I hope to present the importance of a naturalistic lifestyle.
I am heavily inspired by Wiccan culture; the way they honour the elements encouraged me to embrace nature itself in this collection and showcase the juxtaposition between good and evil energies.
This project presents these aspects through the medium of fashion, showcasing looks linked to Viking culture throughout history. By doing this, I am reminding an audience of the history of fashion and showcasing a culture that is widely overlooked.






Connor Griffiths
Ungodly and Divine’ is a visual representation of the religious and societal stereotypes around good and evil, showcased through the medium of original couture fashion. Through this body of work, I wished to celebrate the femininity of the models themselves, embracing their bodies and their natural beauty.
In ‘Ungodly and Divine,’ women are portrayed as ethereal beings, showcasing the common ‘evil is sexy’ trope, juxtaposing the stereotypical innocent, youthful, and good character seen in today’s media.
My work as a whole heavily leans towards presenting fashion to my audiences. Through this body of work, I aim to showcase drag-inspired elements as seen through the models’ makeup, hair, and dresses, to highlight a more youthful approach regarding religion and fashion, showcasing how its ideals surrounding the positive and negative can harmfully affect people throughout their lives.






Lillie Harris
“The Forgotten Pantheon” explores the overlooked or forgotten women in Greek mythology. My aim is to capture their power, natural essence, and etherealness, showing how they became these all-powerful beings through their stories. I intend to spread the message of powerful women and how women are mistreated.
Through “The Forgotten Pantheon,” women are portrayed as ethereal beings, beautiful but formidable. This pairing is a celebration of growth, resilience, and empowerment, mirroring the journey that women embark upon.
Each photograph within this series is a visual narrative of each pantheon story. The pomegranate represents a symbol of inescapable fate; by consuming the seeds, she seals her fate, ensuring she’ll always be tied to the underworld. With my representation of Nyx, the starry night over her face symbolises the celestial connection Nyx, as goddess of the night, has.
I aim to create a sense of understanding of the difficulties some women must go through, which will hopefully help inspire viewers to learn from their hard and traumatic times and become stronger people.






Jordan Hinton
This project explores what it is like to be a child within the foster system and how it affects our physical and mental health. Through my photography project, I intend to spread messages of awareness and support for other children going through or those who have been through the foster process.
Through my own experience of being a child in care, as well as those I have interviewed as part of this project, I have used photography lighting techniques to show the models’ upbringing. Those who struggled within the system were photographed with harsh lighting, juxtaposing those photographed using soft lighting who had a better experience.
Each photograph within this series is a visual narrative of life within the foster system, raising awareness about the physical and mental impact it has on us as children. I aim to create a sense of realisation, informing viewers that the life of a child in foster care is not what it is made out to be.






Madison Holleron
‘Captured in Crime’ explores the intersection of society, justice, and the human experience through visual storytelling. Inspired by Arthur Fellig, I aimed to capture the raw and gritty essence of life by creating carefully crafted studio scenarios that reflect the intensity and authenticity of real-world experiences.
Using dark, eerie lighting as well as handmade props, I was able to create images that resonate with the chilling true crime theme. Throughout this project, I aim to spark thought and discussion about safety, morality, and societal structures that influence criminal behaviour.
Despite the challenges of brainstorming studio setup ideas and ensuring diversity among the images, I found inspiration in the work of other forensic photographers.






Alex Humpage
My photography journey started many years ago when I got my first camera. Over the years, as my skills grew, I shifted my focus from nature and wildlife photography to commercial photography.
My inspirations come mostly from higher-end commercial photographers like Nori Inoguchi. However, each brand has inspired me individually. My equipment and techniques are quite fluid and vary with each photo to create a unique aesthetic, which I feel is a valuable skill as I hopefully progress to working for a variety of higher-end commercial photography clients while being able to share a variety of techniques and skills with others.
Over the last few years, my photography has evolved in many ways. Improving my skills and finding my own niche has helped my work develop. My biggest achievement will be becoming a “Lessons from Auschwitz” ambassador and being able to speak and exhibit my photos in front of hundreds of people, including a Holocaust survivor.






Maria Lateu-Dalton
My Final Major Project is focused on knife crime in Wolverhampton. There has been a rise in knife crime in Wolverhampton and in a small town on the outskirts called Merry Hill. Knife crime is a major issue at the moment throughout the UK. I mainly focused on knife crime in Wolverhampton because it was rarely reported, but since halfway through last year, knife crime in Wolverhampton has become much more common, with many incidents involving gangs.
My inspiration came from Henri Cartier-Bresson, who took a lot of street photography with blurred people in motion, creating interesting photos. I am including this technique in my project, as the culprits of these crimes often have their faces covered with balaclavas or other types of face coverings, or they look down to avoid being seen on camera. The message I want to convey through my work is: “Hand in the knife if you’re thinking of carrying one, as it will save a life from death or injury.”
My work is taken in a contemporary photography style, capturing different environments and versions of street life around Wolverhampton. I take my photos in real-time, in scenes where knife crime typically occurs, such as side streets, underground passageways, or isolated parts of parks. Many knife crime victims are threatened into going to isolated places so that the perpetrator can commit their crime.
My challenges during this project included being careful about where I was taking photos and finding the right time to photograph my models. It took some time to get the statistics on knife crime because they are not readily available, and for a student to be interested, it was seen as more of a concern due to the seriousness of the crime.
To overcome these issues, I had to ensure that I was not intruding on anyone’s privacy and that I was not getting myself into trouble, especially when taking photos in underground passageways, which are mostly used by drug users and people in gangs.






Connor-Jay Lawrence
Unseen Worlds’ explores isolation through documentary photography, capturing modes of transport and portraying living conditions, fashion, and cultures while addressing loneliness, inspired by Martin Parr. I also like to reflect my ideas with architecture serving as a backdrop, mirroring the contrasts of human experience.
My skills will be showcased using the rule of thirds technique while problem-solving to capture the best possible images. Despite the challenge of shooting in crowded areas, I was able to capture solace, which relates to my personal interests and the theme. Hopefully, my project inspires people to absorb the world for what it truly is day to day.






Wanessa Lobodzinska
My name is Vanessa Lobodzinska, and I go by NessasLens_. I am a photography student deeply passionate about fashion, aiming to capture the stories and emotions behind the clothes. To me, fashion is a powerful expression of identity and culture. My work explores the interplay of style, personality, and narrative, creating visually striking and emotionally resonant images.
My goal is to show more than just trends, highlighting the human element in fashion and how it shapes us. I focus on creating a bond with my models to make them feel comfortable while keeping it professional during photoshoots, pushing creative boundaries while maintaining attention to detail. Inspired by the ever-evolving nature of fashion, I draw influences from various sources, from art to street style.
I envision myself contributing to major magazines and big brands, shaping the visual language of the fashion industry. Ultimately, I aim to create compelling, timeless images that reflect the diverse landscape of fashion, capturing today’s stories and imagining the styles of tomorrow.






Sydney Micklewright
The theme I have chosen for my final project is surrealism, using both portraiture and still life to showcase a wide range of this theme. I drew inspiration from surrealist artists like Salvador Dali to inspire individual shoots, given the large differences between ideas in each shoot. I used a variety of techniques to help my process and plan throughout this project.
One of these techniques was conducting a location recce to thoroughly evaluate the different factors I needed to consider for these shoots. I used photography techniques like multiple flash to create my images. The majority of my work focused on post-production, using tools like Liquify, Twirl, and color correction.
I feel that these images reflect my personal style due to my overall artistic background before pursuing photography. This also reflects my style because I created many of the props for these images and manipulated them to fit my vision. I want to convey the theme of surrealism by using very artistic images to reflect elements like the dream world that inspired the surrealist movement.






Bethany Mogg
For my Final Major Project (FMP), I chose to focus on my biggest interest—cars. I had a clear vision from the start, aiming to capture both the main bodywork and finer details like tyres, headlights, and rear lights. I applied techniques I’ve learned, such as the rule of thirds and leading lines, which helped enhance the overall quality of my images.
The goal of my project is to showcase different car brands and highlight how each model stands out through unique design elements. One of the main challenges I faced was dealing with concerns about car owners’ privacy. I remained professional, explaining that even with number plates visible, owners couldn’t be identified, and I also offered to blur them if requested.
This project was deeply inspired by my passion for cars, and I’m proud to say it pushed my skills and exceeded my own expectations.






Madison Mountford
“Fallen Angel” represents the themes of exclusion and diversity within adolescents. I have chosen this as my theme due to my own past, struggling to fit in within society as a child and often being outcast. This is a normal experience and happens quite often.
My project aims to allow those who feel this way to understand and conclude that being different is simply a form of individuality, and you don’t have to ‘pluck your wings’ in order to fit in. Keeping your own strands of individuality will forever help.






Julia Mulewska
This project undertakes an exploration of the Medieval era through photographic means, with the intent to evoke emotional resonance, nostalgia, and visual intrigue. My enduring fascination with the architecture, symbolism, and atmospheric qualities of this period has informed this work. Structures such as castles, cathedrals, and ruins offer rich textural elements, dramatic lighting, and profound historical significance. The inspiration for this project derives from medieval folklore, dark visual tones, and the inherent mystery associated with this era.
Technically, I employ a Canon 4000D DSLR camera equipped with both an 18–55mm and a 75–300mm lens. This configuration enables the capture of expansive architectural forms as well as detailed, intricate elements. I primarily shoot utilizing natural light, capitalizing on the golden hour and ambient illumination to enhance mood and shadow play.
Compositionally, I rely on leading lines, symmetry, and the rule of thirds to establish balance and depth within the images. Post-processing is performed using Adobe Photoshop, where tonal adjustments, subtle sharpening, and noise reduction are applied to improve clarity.
My photographic style is characterized by a moody, minimalist, and atmospheric aesthetic. I employ soft contrast, subdued color palettes, and meticulous framing to underscore the spiritual and emotional resonance of medieval spaces. Emphasis is placed on textures, stonework, and the interaction of light with architectural features such as windows, arches, and carvings. Through this approach, I seek to convey a personal connection to these sites—spaces that evoke a sense of timelessness and profound meaning.
Emotionally, my objective is to communicate reverence, mystery, and awe. I aspire for viewers to feel as though they are entering a different realm, where history, spirituality, and imagination converge. While the subject matter remains rooted in history, my methodology is influenced by contemporary photographic practices, particularly in its minimalist aesthetic and narrative-driven approach. The overarching goal is to inspire contemporary audiences to find renewed significance in ancient architecture.
A significant technical challenge involved capturing images in low-light conditions without the use of a tripod. This was addressed through the utilization of faster lenses, increased ISO settings, and meticulous handheld techniques. Additionally, securing access to certain sites necessitated careful planning and adaptability.
This project holds considerable personal significance, as it integrates my interests in history, storytelling, and visual art. It serves as a conduit between the past and present, transforming ancient architecture into emotionally compelling imagery that encourages viewers to pause, reflect, and establish a meaningful connection with enduring heritage.






Libby-Lee Myring
The concept of this project is to show the beauty standards of women. I think this is important to showcase because today’s beauty standards are so high, and it’s important to show that you don’t have to live up to them.
What inspired my theme was showing femininity in my previous project called Diversity. I thought it was important to show that women in dresses are normal and that they shouldn’t be sexualised or told “not to wear that” by a man. The techniques and processes I used in my work include a mixture of colour and monochrome.
The message I have conveyed through my work is that women can wear anything they want. My work relates to contemporary art by having an elegance to it, and all my images will flow as a collective, making people think of beauty when they see the collection in person.






Angel Reynolds-Hailing
My project is about the day-to-day life of living in care, as one of the children raised in the care system. My work closely relates to my life, as I was raised in care since the age of 5. Living in care is a different experience for everyone; it really depends on who their caregiver is.
My idea developed into a project by taking photos of people who have been or still are in care and by projecting lyrics onto people wearing white. The lyrics were written by me and Jordan. My work is different and unique because it’s about life in care and how it affects the children forced into the system.






Mason Wild
This relates to my work as I’m creating a movie and studying Film/TV at university. This will extend my knowledge by giving me experience in the industry and field of work, helping me understand the job and how I can create and produce content.
This will also enhance my creative ability, as I can apply everything I’ve learned from self-taught videos and knowledge, testing what I’ve learned and identifying areas I need to work on.


Emily Williams
I have always had a strong liking for sculptured stone buildings; they tend to draw me in to take a closer look.
For this project, I wanted to put you in my shoes and invite you to dive into my images and see them from my perspective.







Lucy Willis
The concept of my project is to compare and show the differences between rural and urban areas. I wanted to highlight these differences by including the lifestyles, wildlife, architecture, and tourism in each area. I also wanted to interview people about where they live and if they feel a connection to it.
I thought it would be important to interview people to show how the area where they live affects their mental health. Including the effect on people’s mental health based on where they live was important to me because it would show which of the two areas is the best to live in.
My project relates to landscape and documentary photography because it includes photos of rural and urban areas to showcase the differences in architecture and wildlife, and environmental portraits to tell the story of the person who was interviewed about where they live.
I have always had a strong liking for sculptured stone buildings; they tend to draw me in to take a closer look. For this project, I wanted to put you in my shoes and invite you to dive into my images and see them from my perspective.





