‘We Stand With Our Sisters’ says photographer Nyla Sammons in new women’s photo exhibition pop-up offering free portraits for women in East London
Celebrate Women’s History Month Month at SPACE Ilford on 10th and 11th March with free photography portraits by local photographer, Nyla Sammons.
‘We Stand With Our Sisters’ is a free women’s photo exhibition coming to SPACE Ilford this Women’s History Month by East London photographer, Nyla Sammons. The exhibition is described by the photographer and the diverse group of women involved as a “true celebration of sisterhood” and will take place on the 10th and 11th of March in celebration of Women’s History Month. The photographer will offer free portraits for women to take home with them at a pop-up photoshoot space within the exhibition too.
The free portraits will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis on 10th March where Nyla will be on hand to meet and photograph you, with your retouched portrait emailed across to you after the shoot.
“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.” – Nyla Sammons, Photographer.
East London local and photographer, Nyla Sammons, has captured her incredible community of East London women from across the London Borough of Redbridge in this new series of intimate, empowering and ultimately joyful portraits of these diverse women and the sisterhood that unites them. The photographer’s portraits depict a number of women from The Wellbeing Hub in the London Borough of Redbridge, many who have never been photographed professionally before. Each image is accompanied by the women’s own reflections on what sisterhood and community means to them. The hub was co-founded and led by Cherrill Hutchinson of Black Woman Kindness Initiative and Raquel Cerezo Martin.
“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. Because ordinary women, when seen and supported, create extraordinary change.” – Cherrill Hutchinson of Black Woman Kindness Initiative.
On 10th March – Get a free portrait!
On 10th March, in celebration of women during Women’s History Month, Nyla Sammons is offering complimentary portrait sessions for women taking place at the exhibition. Each session will take 10 minutes and will run from 12pm–4pm. Participants are encouraged by the photographer to: “Wear what makes you feel amazing, bring your make-up and your best smile — this moment is all about you!”. Following the session, each woman will receive a beautiful portrait of themselves delivered via email.
This is an opportunity for women to step in front of the camera, wear what makes them feel confident and empowered, and enjoy a professionally guided photoshoot experience.
Find out more information and reserve your free portrait photography space here*
*Please note this is an external link, not associated with SPACE Studios.
“I’ve never been part of a photoshoot like this before and it was just a fabulous experience. Nyla made me feel boosted, fearless and special. Being photographed and focusing on yourself felt so uplifting and empowering.” – Dawney Howes from The Wellbeing Hub, London Borough of Redbridge.
Black Women Kindness Initiative
https://www.bwkindness.com/
The Black Women Kindness Initiative (BWKI) is dedicated to uplifting and empowering Black women through intentional acts of kindness, support, and community engagement. The organisation creates safe spaces where women can connect, thrive, and access resources that nurture both personal and professional growth. Through transformative workshops, educational resources and community events, BWKI addresses the diverse needs of Black women, fostering a supportive network that celebrates leadership, innovation and positive change.
The Wellbeing Hub
https://www.bwkindness.com/wellbeing-hub
The Wellbeing Hub is a community-led space that brings women together to connect, learn, and grow within a supportive and inclusive environment. Through interactive workshops, cultural conversations, and collective experiences, the Hub provides tools, knowledge, and confidence to help women navigate life’s challenges and embrace their full potential. Rooted in the belief that wellbeing should be accessible to all, The Wellbeing Hub offers a welcoming space where women are valued, heard, and empowered.
NYLA SAMMONS
nylasammons.com | @nylasammons
Nyla Sammons is an East London-based photographer specialising in portrait and commercial photography, creating imagery that captures authentic emotion, distinct character and compelling narratives. Her photography projects are driven by a passion for telling stories of strength, courage and inspiration, with a particular focus on celebrating and empowering women.
“Women’s History Month is a moment of reflection, celebration and action. For me, it’s about recognising the achievements, resilience and creativity of women across all walks of life, from friends and family to the incredible communities I get to work with through my photography. 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.” – Nyla Sammons, Photographer.
This event is supported in kind by SPACE Studios.
