Salvar História do Instagram

Join us today from 5.30 PM for the launch of #BrokenPromises by @Maria_Reaney at The Library of Birmingham

Exhibition launch - 26th May from 5.30 PM - 7 PM, all welcome

The exhibition continues until 25th July 2026

This new, intimate body of work by Birmingham-based photographer Maria Reaney brings together six participants from Birmingham and the wider West Midlands to collaborate on a series of pictures. The project explores the intersection of the cost of living crisis, the impact of government policy and living with a disability through a series of personal narratives which represent ongoing challenges, an unequal and inconsistent society and individual dignity and resilience.

The project is supported by @hivecollege, @the_library_of_birmingham, @MyBCU and @aceagrams

Join us today from 5.30 PM for the launch of #BrokenPromises by @Maria_Reaney at The Library of Birmingham

Exhibition launch - 26th May from 5.30 PM - 7 PM, all welcome

The exhibition continues until 25th July 2026

This new, intimate body of work by Birmingham-based photographer Maria Reaney brings together six participants from Birmingham and the wider West Midlands to collaborate on a series of pictures. The project explores the intersection of the cost of living crisis, the impact of government policy and living with a disability through a series of personal narratives which represent ongoing challenges, an unequal and inconsistent society and individual dignity and resilience.

The project is supported by @hivecollege, @the_library_of_birmingham, @MyBCU and @aceagrams

#BrokenPromises by @Maria_Reaney at The Library of Birmingham

Exhibition launch - 26th May from 5.30 PM - 7 PM, all welcome

The exhibition continues until 25th July 2026

This new, intimate body of work by Birmingham-based photographer Maria Reaney brings together six participants from Birmingham and the wider West Midlands to collaborate on a series of pictures. The project explores the intersection of the cost of living crisis, the impact of government policy and living with a disability through a series of personal narratives which represent ongoing challenges, an unequal and inconsistent society and individual dignity and resilience.

The project is supported by @hivecollege, @the_library_of_birmingham, @MyBCU and @aceagrams

#BrokenPromises by @Maria_Reaney at The Library of Birmingham

Exhibition launch - 26th May from 5.30 PM - 7 PM, all welcome

The exhibition continues until 25th July 2026

This new, intimate body of work by Birmingham-based photographer Maria Reaney brings together six participants from Birmingham and the wider West Midlands to collaborate on a series of pictures. The project explores the intersection of the cost of living crisis, the impact of government policy and living with a disability through a series of personal narratives which represent ongoing challenges, an unequal and inconsistent society and individual dignity and resilience.

The project is supported by @hivecollege, @the_library_of_birmingham, @MyBCU and @aceagrams

Broken Promises is now open and shows work created during my year long collaboration with @grain_projects and @hivecollege. The exhibition is displayed in the Spotlight area on the ground floor of @the_library_of_birmingham until 25 July 2026.

This new, intimate body of work by Birmingham-based photographer Maria Reaney brings together six participants from Birmingham and the wider region to collaborate on a series of pictures. The project explores the intersection of the cost of living crisis, the impact of government policy and living with a disability through a series of personal narratives which represent ongoing challenges, an unequal and inconsistent society and individual dignity and resilience.

It’s crucial to highlight honest and authentic lived experiences during an era of mass misinformation. UK citizens are experiencing a welfare crisis whilst the government, and crown, seek to further remove financial support from those who desperately need it. We don’t want broken promises we want holistic action to improve the welfare landscape of the UK.

⚡️⚡️Opening Event: Tuesday 26 May , 5:30pm-7pm⚡️⚡️

Exhibition printed by @precision.imaging

#welfarenotwarfare #brokenpromises #socialdocumentaryphotography #documentaryportrait #disabilityawareness

Broken Promises is now open and shows work created during my year long collaboration with @grain_projects and @hivecollege. The exhibition is displayed in the Spotlight area on the ground floor of @the_library_of_birmingham until 25 July 2026.

This new, intimate body of work by Birmingham-based photographer Maria Reaney brings together six participants from Birmingham and the wider region to collaborate on a series of pictures. The project explores the intersection of the cost of living crisis, the impact of government policy and living with a disability through a series of personal narratives which represent ongoing challenges, an unequal and inconsistent society and individual dignity and resilience.

It’s crucial to highlight honest and authentic lived experiences during an era of mass misinformation. UK citizens are experiencing a welfare crisis whilst the government, and crown, seek to further remove financial support from those who desperately need it. We don’t want broken promises we want holistic action to improve the welfare landscape of the UK.

⚡️⚡️Opening Event: Tuesday 26 May , 5:30pm-7pm⚡️⚡️

Exhibition printed by @precision.imaging

#welfarenotwarfare #brokenpromises #socialdocumentaryphotography #documentaryportrait #disabilityawareness

Broken Promises is now open and shows work created during my year long collaboration with @grain_projects and @hivecollege. The exhibition is displayed in the Spotlight area on the ground floor of @the_library_of_birmingham until 25 July 2026.

This new, intimate body of work by Birmingham-based photographer Maria Reaney brings together six participants from Birmingham and the wider region to collaborate on a series of pictures. The project explores the intersection of the cost of living crisis, the impact of government policy and living with a disability through a series of personal narratives which represent ongoing challenges, an unequal and inconsistent society and individual dignity and resilience.

It’s crucial to highlight honest and authentic lived experiences during an era of mass misinformation. UK citizens are experiencing a welfare crisis whilst the government, and crown, seek to further remove financial support from those who desperately need it. We don’t want broken promises we want holistic action to improve the welfare landscape of the UK.

⚡️⚡️Opening Event: Tuesday 26 May , 5:30pm-7pm⚡️⚡️

Exhibition printed by @precision.imaging

#welfarenotwarfare #brokenpromises #socialdocumentaryphotography #documentaryportrait #disabilityawareness

Broken Promises is now open and shows work created during my year long collaboration with @grain_projects and @hivecollege. The exhibition is displayed in the Spotlight area on the ground floor of @the_library_of_birmingham until 25 July 2026.

This new, intimate body of work by Birmingham-based photographer Maria Reaney brings together six participants from Birmingham and the wider region to collaborate on a series of pictures. The project explores the intersection of the cost of living crisis, the impact of government policy and living with a disability through a series of personal narratives which represent ongoing challenges, an unequal and inconsistent society and individual dignity and resilience.

It’s crucial to highlight honest and authentic lived experiences during an era of mass misinformation. UK citizens are experiencing a welfare crisis whilst the government, and crown, seek to further remove financial support from those who desperately need it. We don’t want broken promises we want holistic action to improve the welfare landscape of the UK.

⚡️⚡️Opening Event: Tuesday 26 May , 5:30pm-7pm⚡️⚡️

Exhibition printed by @precision.imaging

#welfarenotwarfare #brokenpromises #socialdocumentaryphotography #documentaryportrait #disabilityawareness

Broken Promises is now open and shows work created during my year long collaboration with @grain_projects and @hivecollege. The exhibition is displayed in the Spotlight area on the ground floor of @the_library_of_birmingham until 25 July 2026.

This new, intimate body of work by Birmingham-based photographer Maria Reaney brings together six participants from Birmingham and the wider region to collaborate on a series of pictures. The project explores the intersection of the cost of living crisis, the impact of government policy and living with a disability through a series of personal narratives which represent ongoing challenges, an unequal and inconsistent society and individual dignity and resilience.

It’s crucial to highlight honest and authentic lived experiences during an era of mass misinformation. UK citizens are experiencing a welfare crisis whilst the government, and crown, seek to further remove financial support from those who desperately need it. We don’t want broken promises we want holistic action to improve the welfare landscape of the UK.

⚡️⚡️Opening Event: Tuesday 26 May , 5:30pm-7pm⚡️⚡️

Exhibition printed by @precision.imaging

#welfarenotwarfare #brokenpromises #socialdocumentaryphotography #documentaryportrait #disabilityawareness

Broken Promises is now open and shows work created during my year long collaboration with @grain_projects and @hivecollege. The exhibition is displayed in the Spotlight area on the ground floor of @the_library_of_birmingham until 25 July 2026.

This new, intimate body of work by Birmingham-based photographer Maria Reaney brings together six participants from Birmingham and the wider region to collaborate on a series of pictures. The project explores the intersection of the cost of living crisis, the impact of government policy and living with a disability through a series of personal narratives which represent ongoing challenges, an unequal and inconsistent society and individual dignity and resilience.

It’s crucial to highlight honest and authentic lived experiences during an era of mass misinformation. UK citizens are experiencing a welfare crisis whilst the government, and crown, seek to further remove financial support from those who desperately need it. We don’t want broken promises we want holistic action to improve the welfare landscape of the UK.

⚡️⚡️Opening Event: Tuesday 26 May , 5:30pm-7pm⚡️⚡️

Exhibition printed by @precision.imaging

#welfarenotwarfare #brokenpromises #socialdocumentaryphotography #documentaryportrait #disabilityawareness

Broken Promises is now open and shows work created during my year long collaboration with @grain_projects and @hivecollege. The exhibition is displayed in the Spotlight area on the ground floor of @the_library_of_birmingham until 25 July 2026.

This new, intimate body of work by Birmingham-based photographer Maria Reaney brings together six participants from Birmingham and the wider region to collaborate on a series of pictures. The project explores the intersection of the cost of living crisis, the impact of government policy and living with a disability through a series of personal narratives which represent ongoing challenges, an unequal and inconsistent society and individual dignity and resilience.

It’s crucial to highlight honest and authentic lived experiences during an era of mass misinformation. UK citizens are experiencing a welfare crisis whilst the government, and crown, seek to further remove financial support from those who desperately need it. We don’t want broken promises we want holistic action to improve the welfare landscape of the UK.

⚡️⚡️Opening Event: Tuesday 26 May , 5:30pm-7pm⚡️⚡️

Exhibition printed by @precision.imaging

#welfarenotwarfare #brokenpromises #socialdocumentaryphotography #documentaryportrait #disabilityawareness

Broken Promises is now open and shows work created during my year long collaboration with @grain_projects and @hivecollege. The exhibition is displayed in the Spotlight area on the ground floor of @the_library_of_birmingham until 25 July 2026.

This new, intimate body of work by Birmingham-based photographer Maria Reaney brings together six participants from Birmingham and the wider region to collaborate on a series of pictures. The project explores the intersection of the cost of living crisis, the impact of government policy and living with a disability through a series of personal narratives which represent ongoing challenges, an unequal and inconsistent society and individual dignity and resilience.

It’s crucial to highlight honest and authentic lived experiences during an era of mass misinformation. UK citizens are experiencing a welfare crisis whilst the government, and crown, seek to further remove financial support from those who desperately need it. We don’t want broken promises we want holistic action to improve the welfare landscape of the UK.

⚡️⚡️Opening Event: Tuesday 26 May , 5:30pm-7pm⚡️⚡️

Exhibition printed by @precision.imaging

#welfarenotwarfare #brokenpromises #socialdocumentaryphotography #documentaryportrait #disabilityawareness

Broken Promises is now open and shows work created during my year long collaboration with @grain_projects and @hivecollege. The exhibition is displayed in the Spotlight area on the ground floor of @the_library_of_birmingham until 25 July 2026.

This new, intimate body of work by Birmingham-based photographer Maria Reaney brings together six participants from Birmingham and the wider region to collaborate on a series of pictures. The project explores the intersection of the cost of living crisis, the impact of government policy and living with a disability through a series of personal narratives which represent ongoing challenges, an unequal and inconsistent society and individual dignity and resilience.

It’s crucial to highlight honest and authentic lived experiences during an era of mass misinformation. UK citizens are experiencing a welfare crisis whilst the government, and crown, seek to further remove financial support from those who desperately need it. We don’t want broken promises we want holistic action to improve the welfare landscape of the UK.

⚡️⚡️Opening Event: Tuesday 26 May , 5:30pm-7pm⚡️⚡️

Exhibition printed by @precision.imaging

#welfarenotwarfare #brokenpromises #socialdocumentaryphotography #documentaryportrait #disabilityawareness

Broken Promises is now open and shows work created during my year long collaboration with @grain_projects and @hivecollege. The exhibition is displayed in the Spotlight area on the ground floor of @the_library_of_birmingham until 25 July 2026.

This new, intimate body of work by Birmingham-based photographer Maria Reaney brings together six participants from Birmingham and the wider region to collaborate on a series of pictures. The project explores the intersection of the cost of living crisis, the impact of government policy and living with a disability through a series of personal narratives which represent ongoing challenges, an unequal and inconsistent society and individual dignity and resilience.

It’s crucial to highlight honest and authentic lived experiences during an era of mass misinformation. UK citizens are experiencing a welfare crisis whilst the government, and crown, seek to further remove financial support from those who desperately need it. We don’t want broken promises we want holistic action to improve the welfare landscape of the UK.

⚡️⚡️Opening Event: Tuesday 26 May , 5:30pm-7pm⚡️⚡️

Exhibition printed by @precision.imaging

#welfarenotwarfare #brokenpromises #socialdocumentaryphotography #documentaryportrait #disabilityawareness

Broken Promises is now open and shows work created during my year long collaboration with @grain_projects and @hivecollege. The exhibition is displayed in the Spotlight area on the ground floor of @the_library_of_birmingham until 25 July 2026.

This new, intimate body of work by Birmingham-based photographer Maria Reaney brings together six participants from Birmingham and the wider region to collaborate on a series of pictures. The project explores the intersection of the cost of living crisis, the impact of government policy and living with a disability through a series of personal narratives which represent ongoing challenges, an unequal and inconsistent society and individual dignity and resilience.

It’s crucial to highlight honest and authentic lived experiences during an era of mass misinformation. UK citizens are experiencing a welfare crisis whilst the government, and crown, seek to further remove financial support from those who desperately need it. We don’t want broken promises we want holistic action to improve the welfare landscape of the UK.

⚡️⚡️Opening Event: Tuesday 26 May , 5:30pm-7pm⚡️⚡️

Exhibition printed by @precision.imaging

#welfarenotwarfare #brokenpromises #socialdocumentaryphotography #documentaryportrait #disabilityawareness

This time last week I had the total honour of chairing a discussion between four fantastic women for @luna.photobham's Care & Defiance panel event.

Carole Evans @fibre_and_light
Founder of @postphotocollective

Jemella Ukaegbu @jemellabw Director of UK Black Female Photographers Community @ukbftog

@nicola_shipley
Director of GRAIN @grain_projects

Safa Basharat Malik @safabmalik
Award-winning photographer and Luna Open Call exhibiting artist

As you can see from these pictures, we did have a laugh (and I may at one point have urged everyone to chuck their smartphones in the canal) but we talked about some really serious shit too - from professional confidence to who makes decisions at the top table, the myth of genius, the threat of online misogyny and the ethics of representation...

The audience was also incredible, continuing the conversation with really thoughtful comments and questions. We could have kept chatting for hours.

The exhibition Care & Defiance, presented by Luna in collaboration with Centrala, runs until 27 May at @centrala_space Digbeth, Birmingham.

📷 © Maria Reaney @maria_reaney

This time last week I had the total honour of chairing a discussion between four fantastic women for @luna.photobham's Care & Defiance panel event.

Carole Evans @fibre_and_light
Founder of @postphotocollective

Jemella Ukaegbu @jemellabw Director of UK Black Female Photographers Community @ukbftog

@nicola_shipley
Director of GRAIN @grain_projects

Safa Basharat Malik @safabmalik
Award-winning photographer and Luna Open Call exhibiting artist

As you can see from these pictures, we did have a laugh (and I may at one point have urged everyone to chuck their smartphones in the canal) but we talked about some really serious shit too - from professional confidence to who makes decisions at the top table, the myth of genius, the threat of online misogyny and the ethics of representation...

The audience was also incredible, continuing the conversation with really thoughtful comments and questions. We could have kept chatting for hours.

The exhibition Care & Defiance, presented by Luna in collaboration with Centrala, runs until 27 May at @centrala_space Digbeth, Birmingham.

📷 © Maria Reaney @maria_reaney

This time last week I had the total honour of chairing a discussion between four fantastic women for @luna.photobham's Care & Defiance panel event.

Carole Evans @fibre_and_light
Founder of @postphotocollective

Jemella Ukaegbu @jemellabw Director of UK Black Female Photographers Community @ukbftog

@nicola_shipley
Director of GRAIN @grain_projects

Safa Basharat Malik @safabmalik
Award-winning photographer and Luna Open Call exhibiting artist

As you can see from these pictures, we did have a laugh (and I may at one point have urged everyone to chuck their smartphones in the canal) but we talked about some really serious shit too - from professional confidence to who makes decisions at the top table, the myth of genius, the threat of online misogyny and the ethics of representation...

The audience was also incredible, continuing the conversation with really thoughtful comments and questions. We could have kept chatting for hours.

The exhibition Care & Defiance, presented by Luna in collaboration with Centrala, runs until 27 May at @centrala_space Digbeth, Birmingham.

📷 © Maria Reaney @maria_reaney

This time last week I had the total honour of chairing a discussion between four fantastic women for @luna.photobham's Care & Defiance panel event.

Carole Evans @fibre_and_light
Founder of @postphotocollective

Jemella Ukaegbu @jemellabw Director of UK Black Female Photographers Community @ukbftog

@nicola_shipley
Director of GRAIN @grain_projects

Safa Basharat Malik @safabmalik
Award-winning photographer and Luna Open Call exhibiting artist

As you can see from these pictures, we did have a laugh (and I may at one point have urged everyone to chuck their smartphones in the canal) but we talked about some really serious shit too - from professional confidence to who makes decisions at the top table, the myth of genius, the threat of online misogyny and the ethics of representation...

The audience was also incredible, continuing the conversation with really thoughtful comments and questions. We could have kept chatting for hours.

The exhibition Care & Defiance, presented by Luna in collaboration with Centrala, runs until 27 May at @centrala_space Digbeth, Birmingham.

📷 © Maria Reaney @maria_reaney

So crucial to see the significant work of Ten8 magazine’s legacy powerfully, and poetically, displayed @thenewartgallerywalsall by curator @pelumi.odubanjo. Ten8 afterimage explores the sociopolitical impact Ten8 magazine (1979-92) pioneered, evoking debates around representation of humanity and the canon of picture making.

First image depicts @mingdenasty and @derekbishton. The publication was the brainchild of Derek Bishton, Brian Homer and the late John Reardon and Ming de Nasty was one of the contributors.

Secondly, Merrise Crooks-Bishton is pictured holding Survival literacy magazine which was her innovation edited and published solely by herself in 1984 and all written by women working in Handsworth, Birmingham.

Thirdly, Maxine Walker, another contributing artist alongside her work.

#representation #socialdocumentaryphotography #portraiture #ten8 #westmidlands

So crucial to see the significant work of Ten8 magazine’s legacy powerfully, and poetically, displayed @thenewartgallerywalsall by curator @pelumi.odubanjo. Ten8 afterimage explores the sociopolitical impact Ten8 magazine (1979-92) pioneered, evoking debates around representation of humanity and the canon of picture making.

First image depicts @mingdenasty and @derekbishton. The publication was the brainchild of Derek Bishton, Brian Homer and the late John Reardon and Ming de Nasty was one of the contributors.

Secondly, Merrise Crooks-Bishton is pictured holding Survival literacy magazine which was her innovation edited and published solely by herself in 1984 and all written by women working in Handsworth, Birmingham.

Thirdly, Maxine Walker, another contributing artist alongside her work.

#representation #socialdocumentaryphotography #portraiture #ten8 #westmidlands

So crucial to see the significant work of Ten8 magazine’s legacy powerfully, and poetically, displayed @thenewartgallerywalsall by curator @pelumi.odubanjo. Ten8 afterimage explores the sociopolitical impact Ten8 magazine (1979-92) pioneered, evoking debates around representation of humanity and the canon of picture making.

First image depicts @mingdenasty and @derekbishton. The publication was the brainchild of Derek Bishton, Brian Homer and the late John Reardon and Ming de Nasty was one of the contributors.

Secondly, Merrise Crooks-Bishton is pictured holding Survival literacy magazine which was her innovation edited and published solely by herself in 1984 and all written by women working in Handsworth, Birmingham.

Thirdly, Maxine Walker, another contributing artist alongside her work.

#representation #socialdocumentaryphotography #portraiture #ten8 #westmidlands

So crucial to see the significant work of Ten8 magazine’s legacy powerfully, and poetically, displayed @thenewartgallerywalsall by curator @pelumi.odubanjo. Ten8 afterimage explores the sociopolitical impact Ten8 magazine (1979-92) pioneered, evoking debates around representation of humanity and the canon of picture making.

First image depicts @mingdenasty and @derekbishton. The publication was the brainchild of Derek Bishton, Brian Homer and the late John Reardon and Ming de Nasty was one of the contributors.

Secondly, Merrise Crooks-Bishton is pictured holding Survival literacy magazine which was her innovation edited and published solely by herself in 1984 and all written by women working in Handsworth, Birmingham.

Thirdly, Maxine Walker, another contributing artist alongside her work.

#representation #socialdocumentaryphotography #portraiture #ten8 #westmidlands

Luna delivered a weekend of photography and talks focused on discussing and elevating the female voice within image makingacross Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. The first print exhibition came to life on Friday 1 May as we opened our doors to the public.

The theme, Care&Defiance, echoed Bell Hooks sentiments of choosing love over fear. This point of view is critical during our current global landscape and the work selected embodies this perfectly.

We welcomed a great eclectic mix of all ages and genders celebrating the unique perspectives only a woman’s gaze can offer. The buzz and excitement of a new grassroots photography movement was palpable at the opening event and we cannot wait to start working on our next project (after a well earned rest).

@rachelsegalhamilton led the panel talk with insightful facilitation and engaged all the members with in-depth discussion around the role of women in photography.

The committee are passionately devoted to LUNA’s future and we’re looking forward to sharing it with everyone. Huge respect and appreciation for @jaskirtdhaliwalboora for being the spark which ignited this movement and continues to guide it. 💥

Thank you to everyone who attended one, or both days, you all made the LUNA photography event a great experience and success.

The exhibition is on at@centrala_space until 27 May, open Tuesday - Saturday, 12-6pm

@maria_reaney 📷

#lunaphotobham #birmingham #womenphotographerscommunity #womenphotograph #femalegaze

Upcoming Exhibition!

#BrokenPromises by @Maria_Reaney
11th May – 25th July 2026
Library of Birmingham
Launch Event – 26th May | 5.30 PM – 7.00 PM

This new, intimate body of work has been created by Birmingham based photographer, Maria Reaney. To create the project she worked with six young people from across the city and wider West Midlands region to explore the impact of the cost of living crisis, government policy and living with a disability. These collaborative stories speak of perpetual struggle in today’s inconsistent and unequal society.

This work is driven by the need to celebrate the uniqueness and majesty of humanity; highlighting the beauty and diversity of everyday people.

Image Credits:
1 - Holly
2 - Fajr
3 - Ruth
4 - Zain

The project is supported by @hivecollege., Library of Birmingham and @aceagrams

Upcoming Exhibition!

#BrokenPromises by @Maria_Reaney
11th May – 25th July 2026
Library of Birmingham
Launch Event – 26th May | 5.30 PM – 7.00 PM

This new, intimate body of work has been created by Birmingham based photographer, Maria Reaney. To create the project she worked with six young people from across the city and wider West Midlands region to explore the impact of the cost of living crisis, government policy and living with a disability. These collaborative stories speak of perpetual struggle in today’s inconsistent and unequal society.

This work is driven by the need to celebrate the uniqueness and majesty of humanity; highlighting the beauty and diversity of everyday people.

Image Credits:
1 - Holly
2 - Fajr
3 - Ruth
4 - Zain

The project is supported by @hivecollege., Library of Birmingham and @aceagrams

Upcoming Exhibition!

#BrokenPromises by @Maria_Reaney
11th May – 25th July 2026
Library of Birmingham
Launch Event – 26th May | 5.30 PM – 7.00 PM

This new, intimate body of work has been created by Birmingham based photographer, Maria Reaney. To create the project she worked with six young people from across the city and wider West Midlands region to explore the impact of the cost of living crisis, government policy and living with a disability. These collaborative stories speak of perpetual struggle in today’s inconsistent and unequal society.

This work is driven by the need to celebrate the uniqueness and majesty of humanity; highlighting the beauty and diversity of everyday people.

Image Credits:
1 - Holly
2 - Fajr
3 - Ruth
4 - Zain

The project is supported by @hivecollege., Library of Birmingham and @aceagrams

Upcoming Exhibition!

#BrokenPromises by @Maria_Reaney
11th May – 25th July 2026
Library of Birmingham
Launch Event – 26th May | 5.30 PM – 7.00 PM

This new, intimate body of work has been created by Birmingham based photographer, Maria Reaney. To create the project she worked with six young people from across the city and wider West Midlands region to explore the impact of the cost of living crisis, government policy and living with a disability. These collaborative stories speak of perpetual struggle in today’s inconsistent and unequal society.

This work is driven by the need to celebrate the uniqueness and majesty of humanity; highlighting the beauty and diversity of everyday people.

Image Credits:
1 - Holly
2 - Fajr
3 - Ruth
4 - Zain

The project is supported by @hivecollege., Library of Birmingham and @aceagrams

The racist gangs of Sutton Coldfield.

A hostel housing refugees in Sutton Coldfield had the far right stood outside intimidating them all day.

Unions and Anti-racist groups sought a peaceful counter protest showing up to show support for those fleeing violence and threat from other countries These gangs of thugs were there for one reason, to cause trouble and upset. I noted one man, in the pictures pointing at me, came dressed with his knuckle dusters! If he is there to support women and children why possess such an item.

These so called men hurled abuse and hatred at everyone. Police allowed the far right gangs to follow the peaceful protestors up the road and tension became very unsettling.

After prompting police several times back up was eventually sent. It was very lucky no harm was caused. I also have evidence of one of the local west midlands police helping to raise flags around this hostel.

Are the police serving and protecting the general public anymore? I asked one officer if he had arrested many of these men before… I could tell by his reaction he had but he was unable to say. No surprise whatsoever these men were all thugs. 🤬

#westmidlandspolice #lovenothate #antiracism #refugeeswelcome #lovewillwin

The racist gangs of Sutton Coldfield.

A hostel housing refugees in Sutton Coldfield had the far right stood outside intimidating them all day.

Unions and Anti-racist groups sought a peaceful counter protest showing up to show support for those fleeing violence and threat from other countries These gangs of thugs were there for one reason, to cause trouble and upset. I noted one man, in the pictures pointing at me, came dressed with his knuckle dusters! If he is there to support women and children why possess such an item.

These so called men hurled abuse and hatred at everyone. Police allowed the far right gangs to follow the peaceful protestors up the road and tension became very unsettling.

After prompting police several times back up was eventually sent. It was very lucky no harm was caused. I also have evidence of one of the local west midlands police helping to raise flags around this hostel.

Are the police serving and protecting the general public anymore? I asked one officer if he had arrested many of these men before… I could tell by his reaction he had but he was unable to say. No surprise whatsoever these men were all thugs. 🤬

#westmidlandspolice #lovenothate #antiracism #refugeeswelcome #lovewillwin

The racist gangs of Sutton Coldfield.

A hostel housing refugees in Sutton Coldfield had the far right stood outside intimidating them all day.

Unions and Anti-racist groups sought a peaceful counter protest showing up to show support for those fleeing violence and threat from other countries These gangs of thugs were there for one reason, to cause trouble and upset. I noted one man, in the pictures pointing at me, came dressed with his knuckle dusters! If he is there to support women and children why possess such an item.

These so called men hurled abuse and hatred at everyone. Police allowed the far right gangs to follow the peaceful protestors up the road and tension became very unsettling.

After prompting police several times back up was eventually sent. It was very lucky no harm was caused. I also have evidence of one of the local west midlands police helping to raise flags around this hostel.

Are the police serving and protecting the general public anymore? I asked one officer if he had arrested many of these men before… I could tell by his reaction he had but he was unable to say. No surprise whatsoever these men were all thugs. 🤬

#westmidlandspolice #lovenothate #antiracism #refugeeswelcome #lovewillwin

The racist gangs of Sutton Coldfield.

A hostel housing refugees in Sutton Coldfield had the far right stood outside intimidating them all day.

Unions and Anti-racist groups sought a peaceful counter protest showing up to show support for those fleeing violence and threat from other countries These gangs of thugs were there for one reason, to cause trouble and upset. I noted one man, in the pictures pointing at me, came dressed with his knuckle dusters! If he is there to support women and children why possess such an item.

These so called men hurled abuse and hatred at everyone. Police allowed the far right gangs to follow the peaceful protestors up the road and tension became very unsettling.

After prompting police several times back up was eventually sent. It was very lucky no harm was caused. I also have evidence of one of the local west midlands police helping to raise flags around this hostel.

Are the police serving and protecting the general public anymore? I asked one officer if he had arrested many of these men before… I could tell by his reaction he had but he was unable to say. No surprise whatsoever these men were all thugs. 🤬

#westmidlandspolice #lovenothate #antiracism #refugeeswelcome #lovewillwin

Throwback to when I used to style concept based fashion shoots. Getting a theme together and choosing the clothing, make up and hair… plus the creative direction and photography… was all me. I thrived off it; palpable enjoyment of experimenting and collaborating with make up artists and hair stylists.

This was 15 years ago so unfortunately I can’t recall the Mua or hair stylist.

Model @Geo Maisie McCondichie
Male model - Daniel Tighe

#fashionphotographers #blackandwhitefilmphotography #birminghamphotographer #collaborativeart #blackandwhitefashionphotography

Throwback to when I used to style concept based fashion shoots. Getting a theme together and choosing the clothing, make up and hair… plus the creative direction and photography… was all me. I thrived off it; palpable enjoyment of experimenting and collaborating with make up artists and hair stylists.

This was 15 years ago so unfortunately I can’t recall the Mua or hair stylist.

Model @Geo Maisie McCondichie
Male model - Daniel Tighe

#fashionphotographers #blackandwhitefilmphotography #birminghamphotographer #collaborativeart #blackandwhitefashionphotography

Throwback to when I used to style concept based fashion shoots. Getting a theme together and choosing the clothing, make up and hair… plus the creative direction and photography… was all me. I thrived off it; palpable enjoyment of experimenting and collaborating with make up artists and hair stylists.

This was 15 years ago so unfortunately I can’t recall the Mua or hair stylist.

Model @Geo Maisie McCondichie
Male model - Daniel Tighe

#fashionphotographers #blackandwhitefilmphotography #birminghamphotographer #collaborativeart #blackandwhitefashionphotography

Broken Promises

Holly is 26 and has been living as a carer for her mother since she was 13 years old. Holly has her own challenges in life, due to her Achondroplasia, but because of her domestic situation she’s had to battle for the support required to help her mum just to meet basic needs we take for granted.

Her mum was diagnosed with heart failure and COPD and it took a 10 year battle of struggling to receive the support she requires to live day to day. Finally she gets PIP and additional carers to assist Holly in her never ending care cycle.

This young woman is a glowing light. Against all odds she continues to throw everything at life and still works 2 days a week. If there were a prize for beyond outstanding humanity… it would be Hollys.

#disabilityawareness #pip #documentaryportrait #brokenpromises #welfarenotwarfare

Broken Promises

Holly is 26 and has been living as a carer for her mother since she was 13 years old. Holly has her own challenges in life, due to her Achondroplasia, but because of her domestic situation she’s had to battle for the support required to help her mum just to meet basic needs we take for granted.

Her mum was diagnosed with heart failure and COPD and it took a 10 year battle of struggling to receive the support she requires to live day to day. Finally she gets PIP and additional carers to assist Holly in her never ending care cycle.

This young woman is a glowing light. Against all odds she continues to throw everything at life and still works 2 days a week. If there were a prize for beyond outstanding humanity… it would be Hollys.

#disabilityawareness #pip #documentaryportrait #brokenpromises #welfarenotwarfare

Broken Promises

Holly is 26 and has been living as a carer for her mother since she was 13 years old. Holly has her own challenges in life, due to her Achondroplasia, but because of her domestic situation she’s had to battle for the support required to help her mum just to meet basic needs we take for granted.

Her mum was diagnosed with heart failure and COPD and it took a 10 year battle of struggling to receive the support she requires to live day to day. Finally she gets PIP and additional carers to assist Holly in her never ending care cycle.

This young woman is a glowing light. Against all odds she continues to throw everything at life and still works 2 days a week. If there were a prize for beyond outstanding humanity… it would be Hollys.

#disabilityawareness #pip #documentaryportrait #brokenpromises #welfarenotwarfare

Broken Promises

Holly is 26 and has been living as a carer for her mother since she was 13 years old. Holly has her own challenges in life, due to her Achondroplasia, but because of her domestic situation she’s had to battle for the support required to help her mum just to meet basic needs we take for granted.

Her mum was diagnosed with heart failure and COPD and it took a 10 year battle of struggling to receive the support she requires to live day to day. Finally she gets PIP and additional carers to assist Holly in her never ending care cycle.

This young woman is a glowing light. Against all odds she continues to throw everything at life and still works 2 days a week. If there were a prize for beyond outstanding humanity… it would be Hollys.

#disabilityawareness #pip #documentaryportrait #brokenpromises #welfarenotwarfare

Broken Promises

Holly is 26 and has been living as a carer for her mother since she was 13 years old. Holly has her own challenges in life, due to her Achondroplasia, but because of her domestic situation she’s had to battle for the support required to help her mum just to meet basic needs we take for granted.

Her mum was diagnosed with heart failure and COPD and it took a 10 year battle of struggling to receive the support she requires to live day to day. Finally she gets PIP and additional carers to assist Holly in her never ending care cycle.

This young woman is a glowing light. Against all odds she continues to throw everything at life and still works 2 days a week. If there were a prize for beyond outstanding humanity… it would be Hollys.

#disabilityawareness #pip #documentaryportrait #brokenpromises #welfarenotwarfare

My work within the disability space was initially inspired by my dear friend Ruth. 11 years ago she woke up in a hospital bed after a few days in intensive care. From that moment on her entire life would be shaped by a breathing illness brought on by black mould which was growing in her rented accommodation. The effects have been devastating and Ruth can no longer work due to her condition.

This image fuses together a recent photograph of Ruth with a picture she took on her phone only days after waking up in hospital. Over a decade later she continues to battle for the support and care she needs. Ruth is a kind and caring woman who continues to inspire me everyday with her resilience and strength.

#disabilityawareness #pip #mentalhealthawarness #mobility #brokenpromises

Broken Promises

The broken promises keep on coming. Ruth’s PIP is safe for the next 4 years but she knows she will have to exhaustingly fight tooth and nail for her continued support into the future.

She still suffers with a myriad of breathing and mobility issues which will never go. She has 35% lung function m. It will never remedy so why perpetually put her under a microscope asking questions which have already been answered.

The system is flawed. It haemorrhages money on a continual basis. Ruth had no option but to take the DWP to court when she first got ill. After being in receipt of medical notes, clearly stating she could no longer work, she received a letter advising she was entitled to nothing. It read “she wasn’t ill enough to get support but wasn’t well enough to work.”

In 2025 the administrative mistakes “office errors” and incompetence of the DWP cost the tax payer £1.2 Billion. Money is syphoned away from those who should received it through ineffective and purposely over complex frameworks with multiple layers of processes and procedures. The system needs to change.

#dwp #brokenpromises #birminghamphotographer #resistance #disabilitysupport

Broken Promises

The broken promises keep on coming. Ruth’s PIP is safe for the next 4 years but she knows she will have to exhaustingly fight tooth and nail for her continued support into the future.

She still suffers with a myriad of breathing and mobility issues which will never go. She has 35% lung function m. It will never remedy so why perpetually put her under a microscope asking questions which have already been answered.

The system is flawed. It haemorrhages money on a continual basis. Ruth had no option but to take the DWP to court when she first got ill. After being in receipt of medical notes, clearly stating she could no longer work, she received a letter advising she was entitled to nothing. It read “she wasn’t ill enough to get support but wasn’t well enough to work.”

In 2025 the administrative mistakes “office errors” and incompetence of the DWP cost the tax payer £1.2 Billion. Money is syphoned away from those who should received it through ineffective and purposely over complex frameworks with multiple layers of processes and procedures. The system needs to change.

#dwp #brokenpromises #birminghamphotographer #resistance #disabilitysupport

Broken Promises

The broken promises keep on coming. Ruth’s PIP is safe for the next 4 years but she knows she will have to exhaustingly fight tooth and nail for her continued support into the future.

She still suffers with a myriad of breathing and mobility issues which will never go. She has 35% lung function m. It will never remedy so why perpetually put her under a microscope asking questions which have already been answered.

The system is flawed. It haemorrhages money on a continual basis. Ruth had no option but to take the DWP to court when she first got ill. After being in receipt of medical notes, clearly stating she could no longer work, she received a letter advising she was entitled to nothing. It read “she wasn’t ill enough to get support but wasn’t well enough to work.”

In 2025 the administrative mistakes “office errors” and incompetence of the DWP cost the tax payer £1.2 Billion. Money is syphoned away from those who should received it through ineffective and purposely over complex frameworks with multiple layers of processes and procedures. The system needs to change.

#dwp #brokenpromises #birminghamphotographer #resistance #disabilitysupport

Broken Promises

The broken promises keep on coming. Ruth’s PIP is safe for the next 4 years but she knows she will have to exhaustingly fight tooth and nail for her continued support into the future.

She still suffers with a myriad of breathing and mobility issues which will never go. She has 35% lung function m. It will never remedy so why perpetually put her under a microscope asking questions which have already been answered.

The system is flawed. It haemorrhages money on a continual basis. Ruth had no option but to take the DWP to court when she first got ill. After being in receipt of medical notes, clearly stating she could no longer work, she received a letter advising she was entitled to nothing. It read “she wasn’t ill enough to get support but wasn’t well enough to work.”

In 2025 the administrative mistakes “office errors” and incompetence of the DWP cost the tax payer £1.2 Billion. Money is syphoned away from those who should received it through ineffective and purposely over complex frameworks with multiple layers of processes and procedures. The system needs to change.

#dwp #brokenpromises #birminghamphotographer #resistance #disabilitysupport

Broken Promises

The broken promises keep on coming. Ruth’s PIP is safe for the next 4 years but she knows she will have to exhaustingly fight tooth and nail for her continued support into the future.

She still suffers with a myriad of breathing and mobility issues which will never go. She has 35% lung function m. It will never remedy so why perpetually put her under a microscope asking questions which have already been answered.

The system is flawed. It haemorrhages money on a continual basis. Ruth had no option but to take the DWP to court when she first got ill. After being in receipt of medical notes, clearly stating she could no longer work, she received a letter advising she was entitled to nothing. It read “she wasn’t ill enough to get support but wasn’t well enough to work.”

In 2025 the administrative mistakes “office errors” and incompetence of the DWP cost the tax payer £1.2 Billion. Money is syphoned away from those who should received it through ineffective and purposely over complex frameworks with multiple layers of processes and procedures. The system needs to change.

#dwp #brokenpromises #birminghamphotographer #resistance #disabilitysupport

Broken Promises

The broken promises keep on coming. Ruth’s PIP is safe for the next 4 years but she knows she will have to exhaustingly fight tooth and nail for her continued support into the future.

She still suffers with a myriad of breathing and mobility issues which will never go. She has 35% lung function m. It will never remedy so why perpetually put her under a microscope asking questions which have already been answered.

The system is flawed. It haemorrhages money on a continual basis. Ruth had no option but to take the DWP to court when she first got ill. After being in receipt of medical notes, clearly stating she could no longer work, she received a letter advising she was entitled to nothing. It read “she wasn’t ill enough to get support but wasn’t well enough to work.”

In 2025 the administrative mistakes “office errors” and incompetence of the DWP cost the tax payer £1.2 Billion. Money is syphoned away from those who should received it through ineffective and purposely over complex frameworks with multiple layers of processes and procedures. The system needs to change.

#dwp #brokenpromises #birminghamphotographer #resistance #disabilitysupport

Broken Promises

The broken promises keep on coming. Ruth’s PIP is safe for the next 4 years but she knows she will have to exhaustingly fight tooth and nail for her continued support into the future.

She still suffers with a myriad of breathing and mobility issues which will never go. She has 35% lung function m. It will never remedy so why perpetually put her under a microscope asking questions which have already been answered.

The system is flawed. It haemorrhages money on a continual basis. Ruth had no option but to take the DWP to court when she first got ill. After being in receipt of medical notes, clearly stating she could no longer work, she received a letter advising she was entitled to nothing. It read “she wasn’t ill enough to get support but wasn’t well enough to work.”

In 2025 the administrative mistakes “office errors” and incompetence of the DWP cost the tax payer £1.2 Billion. Money is syphoned away from those who should received it through ineffective and purposely over complex frameworks with multiple layers of processes and procedures. The system needs to change.

#dwp #brokenpromises #birminghamphotographer #resistance #disabilitysupport