Photographer Spotlight: Faith Aylward [Issue VII]

This Issue’s photographers spotlight points its light towards Nigerian/British fashion and portrait photographer Faith Aylward. Growing up in two of the largest and most culturally diverse states in Nigeria (Abuja & Lagos) Faith was exposed to a vast number of cultures and credits this to who she views the world. Boasting a large collection of thought-provoking visuals, Faith has become, through her work, a brave voice for issues which most prefer not to touch in order to fit with social norms.

Photography by Kid Circus

Faith took up photography whilst helping with the styling at a friend’s shoot 3 years ago. Since then she has found her own distinctive style and become established in the creative scene in London. Working with both film and digital mediums, subjects of all shapes and sizes, and cleverly placed props, Faith produces bold, impactful pieces which not only convey her thoughts but provoke viewers to challenge their subconscious thoughts.

A feminist herself, Faith believes in the unlearning of patriarchal views for both men and women and rejects the things that are “expected” of both sexes. She aims to show this through her photography. She enjoys using women as her subjects for most of her shoots as it is a way for her to combat mainstream media and its perception of how women should be viewed.

Along with her strong views on women, visualised in her work. She is also an advocate of showcasing the talents and strengths of male figures she surrounds herself with. As one of the main members behind video production company ‘Video-Girl’, she creates highly graphicly influenced music video alongside a long time collaborator New World Ray.

Faith understands that ultimately everyone just wants to be happy and that although these goals that will cause eventual happiness may differ from person to person, the uniting force amongst us is the journey to this goal and the self-discovery that inevitably comes with it. This is another key message she tries to convey in her work and hopes to unite people through her images.

You can check out Faiths work on her website (insert site here) or on her Instagram page :@didudietho.