Interviewed by Arhantika Rebello
SOPHIE HOWARD
Sophie Howard is a photographer from South Wales, who’s work explores themes such as identity and heritage. Inspired by the social and political landscape of South Wales, her images seek to act as representation for those within her community as she captures friends and family through the medium of film photography.
Tell us a bit about what you do!
My work is primarily photography focused - a mixture of both documentary and styled. A lot of my images I curate into small zines or publications which expand on the photos themselves. For me the research and production behind the photography is the most important part of my work. Exploring a subject I’m passionate about and using the images as a way of presenting the story.
How did you get into photography?
I’ve always appreciated photography but it was never something I had really explored before University. It was only when I discovered analogue that I realised how much I loved it - my dad giving me his old Olympus trip and it just went from there really! I started off just taking portraits - irritating my friends - and documenting the places I went. It was only until my last year in Uni that I started to get into the technical side of things, trying out medium format and just refining my style really.
How would you describe your photographic style?
The main 3 things that I focus on in my photos is natural light, narrative and an emphasis on colour.
Tell me a bit about your choice in subjects and why you choose to shoot the things that you do?
I’ve always liked documenting things which are considered mundane or overlooked in every day life. Looking at them in a different light, honing in on small details. Similarly in my portraiture - using my subjects as a way of shining light on communities or topics which I feel are under represented or misrepresented. Documenting real people within their own environments - often my friends or family.
What’s it like being a photographer in Wales today?
Despite studying in Bristol I’ve found I always came back home to Wales for my projects, I’m definitely most inspired here. Living in the Rhondda especially there is such a rich history and strong character which makes it such an interesting place to document. There’s definitely more opportunities here now too- with creatives like Charlotte James and Clementine playing a huge part in that. I think Wales is beginning to become recognised more and more within the creative world.
What is it that drives you and your photography?
I think it’s the ability to inform people on subjects and communities they may have known little about. Like with my most recent project ‘Matriarchal Wales’ It was so cool to see people learn about Welsh history and the role of women through the project and images. I think that’s definitely what drives me, as well as learning myself along the way.
Talk to me about being shortlisted for the GFW fashion photography award!
It was crazy, was very surreal seeing my nans face all over Instagram! Having a project so personal to me be recognised and the opportunity to showcase all those amazing Welsh women was just nuts.
What piece of advice would you give other young creatives?
I think its really easy to feel under-qualified in the creative world - there’s always people with more technical knowledge or more years experience, but if you have a passion for something none of that really matters. Just keep grafting and don’t doubt your ability.