Women can pose for free portraits as part of a pop-up photography exhibition in Ilford.
The portraits are part of an exhibition celebrating Women’s History Month and will take place at SPACE Ilford on March 10 and 11.
Titled We Stand With Our Sisters, the exhibition features a new collection of intimate and empowering portraits by east London photographer Nyla Sammons, who will also host a pop-up photoshoot space at the event.
The exhibition centres on women from Redbridge and The Wellbeing Hub, many of whom have never been professionally photographed.
Ms Sammons said: "This portrait series celebrates strength, courage and the transformative power of community. It celebrates the enduring bond of sisterhood and the way it lifts each woman, helping them heal, thrive and overcome."
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On March 10, she will offer free, ten-minute portrait sessions to women on a first-come, first-served basis between 12pm and 4pm. Each participant will receive a retouched portrait by email.
Cherrill Hutchinson of the Black Woman Kindness Initiative, co-founder of the hub, said: "I hope people leave this exhibition feeling the quiet power and strength of sisterhood. Our stories are rooted in real, everyday experiences, and I want visitors to see reflections of themselves — to recognise their own value and possibility.
"If even one person who has felt hidden or overlooked is inspired to step out of the shadows and be seen, then this exhibition has done something truly meaningful."
The portraits are accompanied by personal reflections from each woman, describing what sisterhood and community mean to them.
Ms Sammons specialises in portrait and commercial photography and is passionate about telling stories of strength, courage, and inspiration, with a particular focus on celebrating and empowering women.
She said: "Women’s History Month is a moment of reflection, celebration, and action. A day to connect, acknowledge, and inspire, a day to honour the women who have shaped our lives, and to reflect on how we can continue to support and lift each other up, not just on one day, but every day."
Visitors can enjoy the exhibition and take part in a professionally guided photoshoot experience.
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