Lead interview: Skye’s Shutters UK-based fashion photographer originating from the Isle of Wight

SKYE’S SHUTTERS

A Photographic Portfolio

Skye is a UK-based fashion photographer originating from the Isle of Wight. We first heard about her through her lecturer, Gary Wallis, who was blown away by the powerful imagery in her final project. Armed with a Canon R5 as her camera, using fellow students as models and locations that include West Wight’s Military Road, Skye has assembled a stunning selection of images that uniquely express her take on life and modern society. She has since graduated with a First Class Honours in Fashion Photography and continues to stay as an artist in residence at Southampton’s Solent University. Now, we’re thrilled to be able to reproduce a curated collection of Skye’s work here, as she, in her own words, talks us through her final project: ‘Being Alive is Weird’.

I grew up on the Isle of Wight, a very artsy kid, which gave me a sense of purpose from a young age. I was very driven by that, especially at school. I always did the arty subjects, including photography when that became an option and I realised it was an art form. Then, when it came to choosing a uni, I saw there were fashion photography courses; I had no idea they existed and after seeing amazing fashion photos myself I found it really inspiring. My final project is called ‘Being Alive is Weird’. To me, this project is a personal expression using the language of fashion and photography to create art and tell stories. It came about because it’s a transformational time for me; I’m coming into my womanhood. It’s a creative outlet, inspired by life experience, the whole thing just organically arising to process my experience and emotions. Nobody seems to be talking about how weird human experience is, or questioning why we’re alive; everyone just carries on like it’s normal. With this project, I’m expressing my experience of this through mediums that resonate with me. It embraces vulnerability,

individuality, confidence, and authenticity, whilst simultaneously critiquing social norms and preconceived societal labels. My favourite photo from the project is called ‘Searching for Stillness’. The process behind creating that image was very long; it was a very cold day and there were a lot of emotions behind that photo. I took my self-portrait in the middle of the project. At the time I was relying on a lot of other people, many were cancelling, so I went into the studio to set some time aside for myself. Originally, I was trying to run around half-naked, I wanted a vulnerable shot, but it wasn’t working. So, I set up a one-light studio, sat on a stool holding a trigger, and took about 200 photos trying to get to an image where I’m comfortable capturing myself. I know it wouldn’t have come out like that if there had been loads of people there. I painted on top of it to give it that punky look and truly show how

I see myself. I love to hear people’s interpretations of it because it’s something I can’t control. When I shoot fashion photography, I’m always involved in the fashion choices. I often work with a stylist, but I like to have a lot of control over the colour palette. Sometimes I find the garments, usually sustainable clothing, vintage pieces, items from student designers or people that re-work clothing. It’s important to me as fast fashion is a big contributor to climate change and modern-day slavery. I’m always looking for locations too. Most of the time I come up with a concept first, I can envision it, then I need to find the settings and situations to reproduce that vision. Finally, when I edit my photos, I never retouch skin or bodies as I want to capture humanness. I moved away from the Island three years ago to do my degree. There are so many positives about the place, how you can get anywhere quickly, how nature is all around you, it’s great for creatives and so grounding. The energy is quite potent; I’m not sure if it’s just something I notice because I grew up there. The Island has huge potential for people to be creative and immersed in nature. I grew up just a two-minute walk from the beach, which I really took for granted. It’s only when you move to the city that you realise how much you need the slow pace. I graduated last summer and right now I’m continuing my project, building on what I’ve started to create, as well as meeting new people and travelling. I am also open to commercial work and trying to widen my connections in the creative industries. Doing an artist’s residency at uni has allowed me to do more work, use their space for the next year and speak to students who are so excited about what they’re doing. Hopefully, by this summer, I’ll have double the work, be able to exhibit somewhere and just have something I’m really proud of.