Reclaiming British identity through the art of fashion photography

Ellis T. Carroll, a final-year BA (Hons) Fashion Photography and Image Production student, was named winner of the Fashion Photography Award at Graduate Fashion Week 2026, one of the most prestigious student fashion events in the world, for a project rooted in British and Irish folklore.

His winning project, COMMON FOLK, consists of eight fashion editorials, each one referencing a different folklore tale from across Britain and Ireland.

"Folklore, throughout history, has been the bread and butter of every community, both rural and urban, a way in which those who yearn for human connection are able to come together and celebrate these weird and wonderful traditions," Ellis says. "Growing up within the English countryside, folklore has always been, and will continue to be, a part of who I am."

The project is both a personal homage and a reclamation of identity. By using the visual language of contemporary fashion photography, Ellis set out to make these traditions feel relevant to new audiences.

Midway through shooting COMMON FOLK, Ellis was booked as a fitness photographer for major fashion house Kenton Kirwan, a five-day professional shoot that ran alongside his final year studies. It was the kind of opportunity, he says, that Solent helped make possible.

"Solent has incredible lecturers who are able to make sure I'm fully career ready, whether that's offering experiences to go out and photograph, shoot prep, or approaching clients. As someone who wasn't necessarily going to do a degree in the first place, I'm so glad I have."

At Graduate Fashion Week itself, Ellis made the most of the event's careers programme, including one-to-one sessions with industry professionals.

"You're able to have a 15-minute slot with someone working in whatever field you want to go into. I was able to show my work, talk about what I want to do in the future, and get real advice and support."

Looking ahead, Ellis is focused on continuing to develop his practice and build his network among industry professionals in the fashion photography scene.

Ellis was one of 13 Solent students shortlisted across 17 nominations at GFW26, with nominations spanning fashion photography, moving image, styling, marketing and inclusive design.

BA (Hons) Fashion Photography and Image Production at Solent combines creative practice with professional application, preparing students for careers across fashion, editorial, commercial and beyond. Find out more here.