27/09/2025
"Growing up in the Caribbean, the natural environment and wildlife constantly surrounded me, but since studying in the UK, I have developed a new interest in contemporary portraits and a passion for being a creative director. "
Cheyenne Hall recently graduated BA (Hons) Photography at Birmingham City University. In creating her project 'Portraits of Pride', Cheyenne was not only the photographer but took on a number of roles to help bring it to life, from creative director to stylist.
"The most challenging part was executing all my ideas while collaborating with other students to help bring my ideas to life. Creating mood boards, writing and collecting research, planning, organising, setting up, and post-production really took a toll on me, but I couldn't be happier with the results... Animated films and my country, Barbados, definitely influence my work.
This series of self-portraits tells the story of my island's history, from the origin of its name (the Bearded Fig Tree), its food (the flying fish) and festivals (Crop Over) to the physical remnants of slavery (Windmills) and its people. Each image is paired with customised textile backdrops, drawing inspiration from 1960s makeup and fashion, as well as West African studio portraits.
Reflecting our national motto, "Pride & Industry", I wanted to symbolise our pride in our culture and growth as a country."
Cheyenne tells us more about her experience getting into photography and what she hopes to do next: https://amateurphotographer.com/latest/photo-news/the-role-of-the-photographer-is-not-just-to-take-photos/
📷 Cheyenne Hall
