Currently in the atrium is an amazing photography installation, titled `self-isolation’ – the work of Olivia, Josie, Yasmin, Lottie and Darcy in Year 12. Showcasing their portrait photography skills, the project captures the faces of the entire year group, smiling behind their masks, in a spirit of unity.

By Darcy C, Year 12

Olivia F, Josie L, Yasmin H, Lottie P and I have taken part in the Year 12 Photography short course led by Mr Futter and Ms Waller. It has been a very interesting way to learn about the skills required in photography, such as using equipment correctly and exposure techniques. It has also given us the opportunity to be creative outside of our A-levels. 

I wanted to undertake a project to showcase the portrait photography skills we had learnt in a way that would also allow us to professionally collaborate as a team. This project had the aim of putting our skills into practice through adjusting lighting, composition, exposure and shutter speed. I was inspired to create this project by the change in our learning environment due to Covid restrictions, which has resulted in social distancing, bubbles, lockdown learning and the mandatory wearing of masks.

On the 19th March 2021, we asked each student to dress in a school outfit that expressed their individual personality. The black background we used created a colour contrast to the students’ outfits, whilst maintaining uniformity within the set of images. 

The montage of photos depicts each student in isolation, wearing a compulsory face covering. The mask being a key symbol of separation and distancing but also of safety and protection. Each student was photographed sitting alone, thus highlighting each figure in isolation. What is striking about the images is that you cannot see the girls’ smiles, therefore it brings great focus to their eyes, allowing them to do the ‘smiling’. Although the mask hides part of our faces, it also conveys a message of respect for our friends, teachers and colleagues as we strive to keep our school community safe. 

When we came to display the project, we chose to place each individual photo in a grid layout, which we have all become so used to though ‘Google Meet’. The images were positioned closely, illustrating the importance of coming back together as a year group.

All images are temporarily fixed with Velcro, so students can freely take their own images following the Government announcement on 17th of May, which will lift the requirement to wear face masks in lessons.