I am currently studying for a Professional Diploma with the British Academy of Photography, continually developing both my technical knowledge and creative approach. As I complete experimental exercises and course assignments, I will share selected work here to showcase the skills, techniques and artistic growth I’m gaining throughout my studies.

From an aesthetic point of view, I realised that a lot of my home is already decorated in neutral colours and furnished with cosy blankets, and I have always enjoyed turning on the table lamps and lighting a candle or wax melt in the evening. Furthermore, as someone who particularly struggles in the heat, I have always much preferred autumn and winter over summer and this is reflected in my wardrobe. I personally have always associated my favourite book series, Harry Potter, with these seasons, and my ideal hyyge weekend activity would be cosying up as a family with a hot chocolate (adorned with cream and marshmallows) to sit down and watch the films, Christmas tree glowing in the corner of the room. 

From a philosophical point of view, whilst conducting my research, I have reflected on how (particularly since becoming a mother) my daily life has become an ever-growing checklist of to-do's, I’m always rushing around, multitasking, trying to get everything done – chores, childcare, study, work. And amongst all of this, there has been very little time that I have dedicated to looking after myself; I have not allowed myself to recharge or enjoy the things I used to before having a baby – simple things like having a warm bath, drinking a cup of coffee when it’s actually hot, or sitting down to read a book. I’m also guilty of spending too much time on my phone in the evenings and neglecting in-person interactions (although this is often the only opportunity I have to respond to clients after spending the daytime being mum). So, hygge to me means from now on giving myself permission to slow down, indulge in a little self-care, enjoy my coffee, take a bath, start reading that book that’s been on my to-be-read pile for months, put the phone down, be more present and enjoy the little moments we have as a family - especially while my little girl is still so young. Not everything on the to-do list has to be done right that second, some things can wait until tomorrow, or the next day, or the day after - and that’s okay. 

Grade: Distinction

"Rachel, this is a highly thoughtful, personal and visually cohesive submission. You have responded to the hygge brief with considerable care, moving beyond simply photographing stereotypically cosy objects and developing a clear personal interpretation centred on slowing down, self-care, family time and finding calm in everyday life. Your research, experimentation and reflection connect effectively, and there is strong evidence that you have used the assignment process to make increasingly deliberate technical and creative decisions. The consistent visual language of candles, flowers, neutral tones, glass, wood and soft natural light gives the work a convincing identity. Your willingness to work creatively around limited natural light and confined shooting spaces also demonstrates resourcefulness and a positive experimental approach."

1: Still Life

Historically, still life photography inherited many of its conventions from 17th-century still life painting, where long exposure times required static subjects. These paintings often explored the transience of life, using symbolic objects such as decaying fruit or wilting flowers to represent mortality.

In developing my own still life, I knew I wanted to create a meaningful piece - as opposed to just a decorative flower in a vase.

I decided therefore, to flip the traditional still life theme of death, and focus mine on birth (specifically via C-section) — another powerful and transformative life event. 

This is particularly meaningful to me, having welcomed my daughter via C-section in July 2025 - an experience that has forever changed my body, mindset and future aspirations - and is particularly apt knowing that April is c-section awareness month. 

My composition was carefully constructed to symbolise a c-section. The red velvet fabric represents blood, while the surgical scissors directly reference the operation itself. The halved pomegranate acts as a symbol of fertility and birth via C-section (the additional seeds adding to the dramatic effect). 

The clean white background and overhead lighting are intended to mimic the clinical environment of an operating theatre, providing a high contrast to the red subject matter.

This piece is deeply personal, reflecting not only a physical experience but an emotional and psychological transformation. 

I'm optimistic that I have met the assessment criteria with this piece, and beyond that, I hope that it might resonate with other c-section mums in some way. 



I personally have found creating this still life to be quite therapeutic and healing for me

Grade: Distinction

"This is a well-presented assignment with some great final photographs. I think it is very good, some nice photographs and clear evidence to me that you are comfortable shooting in manual mode and understand aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Also, very good use of Harvard Referencing, very well done. Sometimes it can be difficult when doing your first assignment. Make sure you keep altering the compositions within your assignments. It is very important to have a diversity of subjects or compositions for every task you are required to complete. It is very good to always challenge yourself with every assignment and get out of your comfort zone. Good start, there is evidence of hard work and effort. Please take note of my suggestions as we move through the assignments and you will do just fine. I look forward to seeing your second assignment. Well done!"