Siân Davey – Martha
‘No matter what era you grow up in, the awkwardness of being a teenager never really changes. You’re an adult and a child in the same body, trying to make sense of who you are and your place in the world. For all the drama and self-righteousness that involves, most of us are keen to escape the cringe as soon as possible, leaving few witnesses.’ Spanning two years, the images in ‘Martha‘ capture teenage life in rural Devon, along the UK’s south coast. There are hangovers and haircuts, topless swimming and tears over the telephone. But there are also developmental shifts on either side of the camera, often reflected in Martha’s gaze. Some feel raw and innocent, some knowing and weary. And as much as they provide an intimate insight into a complex time in life, it says just as much about the relationship between step-mother and daughter.
Sian Davey is known for her deeply emotive and personal approach at photography. She explores themes of identity, family, societal norms and vulnerability. Davey takes a careful and reflective approach to observing her subjects, allowing moments to unfold naturally. she captures subtle gestures, expressions, and interactions. She also seeks to uncover the more complicated layers of her subjects lives, searching for moments that convey their inner emotions and experiences. Davey challanges societal stereotypes and conventions, especially regarding themes of disability, mental health and family dynamics.
Mood Board
Sian Davey’s Martha is a good shoot to study because it combines emotional depth, thoughtful composition, and a nuanced exploration of identity. This is what I wanted to focus on for my shoot, as I’m looking into teenage lifestyle, and see if the stereotypes fir the reality. Her shoot challenges stereotypes and encourages a deeper, more empathetic understanding of individuals who are often marginalized, making it a powerful example of how photography can tell stories that go beyond surface appearances and provoke thought about representation and human connection. Davey’s ‘Martha‘ photoshoot exemplifies the “Observe, Seek, and Challenge” approach in photography by deeply engaging with her subject, Martha, through intimate and reflective portraits that capture both vulnerability and strength. Davey observes Martha’s natural state and environment, seeking to understand her personal narrative beyond surface-level imagery. By challenging conventional beauty standards and representations of difference, Davey highlights Martha’s individuality and complexities, encouraging viewers to rethink societal norms and embrace diversity in its rawest form, showing more in to teenage life than the stereotypes. The photographs create a powerful, emotional connection, challenging viewers to engage with the subject in a more empathetic and refined way.
Image analysis
This image is called prom. The depth of field used in this image is eye catching as although it focuses on the girls doing their makeup in the background, the girl at the front is blurred, creating a sort of pictorialism feel to the image. I also feel like this image resonates with my friends because we love getting ready together and helping each other get ready. This image also gives me inspiration for my own photoshoots because although this activity is just a day to day activity, it is very intimate and requires the trust of others to alter your appearance and enhance your beauty. I also like this image as its showing exactly what i want to shoot.
Quotes and comments from Sian Davey
“She was separating from us, becoming her own person. But what I hadn’t seen was that she was worried I was losing interest in her. Her question felt like a request to be seen.”
“She allowed me into parties and gatherings in the park, she let me come along to lazy afternoon swims in the river. I’d meet them all in the early hours of the morning, spilling out of a club or a takeaway place in Plymouth or Torquay…”
I knew I had to gain their trust and I did it by taking extremely small, incremental steps,”