Devon Woman Shines Bright in Portrait of Britain, Gaining a New Lease on Confidence

A woman from Devon who earned a Portrait of Britain accolade has expressed that the recognition has provided her with the motivation to persist in her passion.

Niamh Shergold, a former student of Falmouth University, secured the honor with her portrait of Marina and Connie as part of her concluding exhibition project titled Lost and Found.

The 21-year-old mentioned that the celebrated portrait, captured in the Cornish town, was shown on screens at various airports and train stations across the UK.

She remarked: “It’s simply empowered me to keep chasing it, and it may lead to opportunities in the future.”

The ex-photography student received word of her victory two months following her graduation in September 2024.

She was among the shortlist of 200 photographers featured in the seventh volume of the Portrait of Britain publication.

“I am now visible on digital displays throughout the entire UK, which is incredibly exciting,” she shared.

“That could be in any public transport locations, such as bus shelters, train stations, airports, and even shopping centers.”

The emphasis of her photography endeavor was to investigate “human connections”.

“It’s centered around connections, relationships,” she asserted.

“Individuals that captivated my interest, I simply approached them and inquired if they would like to be photographed.”

Ms. Shergold expressed that she has always “had an eye” for photography and pursued her interest.

“It surely required time to understand and improve at my craft,” she explained.

“Only in recent years have I felt a sense of pride in the work I’m creating.

“I’ve always had a passion for it.”