Behind the camera with Mia Davies

Following from our recent Warrior Goddess Immortal campaign, captured beautifully by photographer Mia Davies, we sit down and chat with Mia about her story of photography, her raw portrayal of people and her breast cancer awareness initiative.

How did you get into photography?

I started photography because I worked in an office, and for me sitting still is not up my street! So when I had my second child, I decided I didn’t want to go back to working in an office confined to the chair all day and decided to let my creative flair for photography grow into something. I always enjoyed taking photos and documenting moments, so I tried to make it work learning how to take photos, editing and using the equipment needed.

What did really help me was lockdown, I started doing doorstep portraits, which helped me gain more clients and getting to know them personally. I worked with Black and Sigi at the start of my career too, and that helped by opening doors to branding photography and working with small business. We had so much fun on campaigns like ‘ Calling La Sirena’ – with shoots in swimming pools/ showers and at the beach!   

What is your photography style?

I would say that my photography style is raw, open and honest. I want the story to be captured in each photo so a candid storytelling approach using natural light is my go to. From the fun, playfulness of a love story at a wedding to a more raw and emotional capture from my breast cancer campaign. I hope to encapsulate a whole feeling in one shot. 

The most satisfying part of the job is for sure the ability to share a personal story and capture a memory that can then be passed on through the years. 100% best part of the job. 

Tell us more about your campaign bringing photography art for breast cancer awareness? 

Following my cancer, I used my art as a way to accept the changes in my body and what cancer had done to me and focus my energy into my work to turn the negative thoughts that I was experiencing into positive actions that helped tell my story. It made me feel better to tell my story through photography and to help me process the mental year that I had.

So, I thought it may help others and obviously bring awareness, and from this the campaign was born! For breast cancer awareness month I asked my Breasties whether there was anyone interested in taking part, they all jumped at it! MacMillan, the local charity, then had heard about my campaign and approached me to make it an even bigger, and we opened it up to other types of cancer stories and people. 

The opening night of the exhibition was mind blowing and incredible, and so well received. I am now taking it to The Leigh Art Trail and will be exhibiting at the Metal centre in Chalkwell park, I am looking for more people to share their cancer stories through photography so please email me if you would like to be included!

This is a small extract from a Human Spotlight article in our BAS Life magazine. To read the full interview head over to the Summer magazine edition.

For Mia’s photography enquiries please visit miadaviesphotography.com

Mia’s favourite BAS jewellery are the Aphrodite Gold and Blended bangles.