Student shines spotlight on women's healthcare through photography project
30 January 2025
'Burning the Pain Away II' from the series 'White Picket Fence' by Emma Bennison
Emma Bennison, a Photography BA(Hons) student, has recently gained recognition for her impactful project, 'White Picket Fence'. This photography series explores the personal and frequently overlooked challenges of living with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Emma was recently interviewed by the BBC, where she shared more about her experience of fighting for a diagnosis and the inspiration behind the project.
After years of being told that her “pain wasn’t real”, Emma wanted to use her photography practice to advocate for better awareness and understanding of these debilitating conditions. Emma explains: “The series documents my life living with endometriosis and PCOS). I wanted to highlight the failings in women’s healthcare and raise awareness of endometriosis by sharing my journey of getting a diagnosis, and the ongoing medical treatment after my surgeries.”
The project, a series of coloured images, not only depicts the physical toll of the disease but also emphasises the emotional weight of living with a chronic illness. Emma adds, “I wanted to highlight how being let down by doctors impacts lives and also document the brutality of the diseases and what women have to go through to not be in pain.”
In a bid to amplify her project, Emma reached out to BBC Spotlight, hoping her work would resonate with a broader audience. “From the beginning, I knew that I wanted more people to see this work so that women who are also suffering could relate to the images and feel validated. I contacted the BBC as I knew that endometriosis was in the news, so I hoped that they would share my work as a part of the ongoing conversations.” says Emma. The BBC feature, which is due to air on Spotlight today, includes interviews with Emma, her mother— who also has her own story with endometriosis —and a friend who shares the same condition.
About Emma’s photography
Photography has long been an interest in Emma’s life. Inspired by her dad’s passion for the medium, she began experimenting with a camera at a young age. Her journey continued through a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, before she enrolled on Falmouth’s Photography BA(Hons) degree. Asked how her time at Falmouth is going, Emma replies: “The course has everything I need to create and share my work. The lectures and tutors have always been very supportive and have been my creative guardians throughout my time here. They are always pushing me to make work that I am passionate about and proud of.”
You can see more of Emma's work over in her Instagram
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