Who We Are

“Who We Are” is a documentary photography series that illustrates lived experiences in the UK—our stories, emotions and connections. Through candid images of the ways people express who they are within society, the project explores how self-expression shapes personal identity.

Who We Are

Who We Are is a documentary-style photography series that explores identity, culture and self-expression in the UK through visual storytelling. Informed by perspectives from social psychology, anthropology, and cultural studies, the series examines how individuals and communities construct and communicate their sense of self. Through intimate portraits and candid moments, these images capture the complexities of identity as shaped by personal experiences, social interactions and cultural traditions (Goffman, 1959; Hall, 1997).

Identity is not static but continuously shaped by social norms, historical contexts, and lived experiences (Jenkins, 2008). Social identity theory suggests that individuals define themselves through group memberships, influencing self-perception and intergroup relations (Tajfel & Turner, 1979). This series highlights everyday expressions of selfhood, from subtle gestures in a portrait to shared rituals that reinforce communal ties. By documenting how individuals present themselves in different social settings, Who We Are underscores the fluid and performative nature of identity in contemporary UK society (Butler, 1990).

Beyond personal identity, the series considers the broader cultural and societal forces that influence how people define themselves. Heritage, migration and belonging emerge as themes in images depicting family gatherings, creative expression, activism and public celebrations. These photographs function as personal reflections and collective narratives, illustrating the dynamic relationship between individual lives and the broader social fabric (Bourdieu, 1984). As viewers engage with these images, they reflect on how identity takes shape, evolves through negotiation, and finds expression in everyday life. This process reinforces the role of visual sociology and documentary photography in deepening our understanding of cultural diversity and social belonging (Pink, 2013; Rose, 2016).

Share this project with others to celebrate the interconnected themes of place, daily life and identity in the UK.

Don’t forget to check out my other projects, Where We Live and Who We Are, for additional insights into these themes.

References

  • Bourdieu, P. (1984). Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste. Routledge.
  • Butler, J. (1990). Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge.
  • Goffman, E. (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Anchor Books.
  • Hall, S. (1997). Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. SAGE Publications.
  • Jenkins, R. (2008). Social Identity. Routledge.
  • Pink, S. (2013). Doing Visual Ethnography. SAGE Publications.
  • Rose, G. (2016). Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to Researching with Visual Materials. SAGE Publications.
  • Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1986). The Social Identity Theory of Intergroup Behavior. In S. Worchel & W. G. Austin (Eds.), Psychology of Intergroup Relations (pp. 7-24). Nelson-Hall.