Photography graduate Niamh Shergold wins Portrait of Britain award

Your winning image, ‘Maria & Connie,’ is part of your final major project, ‘Lost & Found.’ Could you tell us more about the story behind this image and how it fits into the wider series?

‘Lost & Found’ was my project for the final year of my Photography degree. The series of portraits is an exploration of human connection and relationships of different dynamics – both platonic and romantic. I used social media to find my subjects, and I was drawn to people who were unapologetically themselves; this attitude inspired me as I find so much beauty in authenticity. I asked my sitters if I could photograph a connection or relationship which meant something to them. My aim was to capture these relationships, highlighting their positive energies, intimacy and vulnerability. 

The title ‘Lost & Found’ references the chaos in the world. It’s a very overwhelming place and I’ve felt quite lost and hopeless at times, but through my project, I’ve found beautiful connections between couples who truly understand and accept one another. I wanted the experience of viewing my photographs to feel calm and peaceful, offering others the same sense of hope that creating this project gave me. 

I photographed the entire series on my Mamiya RB67 medium format film camera. I chose to use film as I enjoy the slower process; I feel more present with my subjects, and it reminds me to be intentional with each composition as there’s a limited number. I used one roll of film on every shoot, which gave me 10 frames, and I really tried my best to make every one count. 

How did studying Photography BA(Hons) at Falmouth shape your creative journey and approach to photography? 

I really came out my shell while at university. I grew up being very shy, but university forced me out of my comfort zone and helped me to gain more confidence. It was this increase in confidence that allowed me to thrive in portraiture photography, as it not only made me more comfortable in social situations but also enabled me to put my subjects at ease. 

I began my studies in Fashion Photography, which was a fantastic course, but I soon realised that the fashion industry wasn’t something I wanted to be part of. I switched to the Photography BA(Hons) which allowed me to be more people orientated and focus on creating authentic images of real people. The switch was seamless, thanks to the incredible support I received during the process. 

I couldn’t have asked for better tutors to guide me in finding my creative voice. University was where I fell in love with film photography, discovered my preferred camera, and refined my artistic approach—something I’m incredibly grateful for. My lecturers encouraged me to experiment, explore different techniques, and embrace creativity, which ultimately helped me carve out my niche. 

And then there’s the location of Falmouth University...wow! I found so much inspiration in the Cornish landscape, and it was such a peaceful place to develop not only my practice, but my whole self, as I felt safe to express myself freely. 

What advice would you give to prospective students considering this course?

University is what you make of it. I struggled in my first year, but once I fully committed, the experience became incredibly rewarding, leading to both personal and professional growth. Approach it with the right mindset, take it one day at a time, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey!

I’d highly recommend the Photography BA course to anyone passionate about photography. I learnt so much about the industry and the importance of networking. On my lecturer’s advice, I entered the Portrait of Britain competition, never expecting to get this far. Winning and the opportunities that followed are truly thanks to their guidance, and I’m incredibly grateful for the experience. 

What’s next for you and your work?

Winning the Portrait of Britain award has strengthened my belief in my passion projects, and doing press interviews has boosted my confidence and given me the motivation to pursue my goals. 

Since I moved back home from university, I’ve been working on a project focusing on the people in my hometown. I’ve enjoyed finding inspiration in a place so ordinary to me and connecting with people who live on my doorstep. The plan is for this to be a long-term project, and the dream would be to one day have an exhibition that showcases this work. 

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