Metropolitan areas are often thought to be hubs of sustainability, eco-innovation and activism, but there are plenty of activists living in the UK’s regional areas too.

To amplify their voices in partnership with Dove, we created an uplifting photo feature showcasing the UK’s next gen of activists and how they’ve been helping their community to live more consciously before COVID-19, as well as the small actions they’ve taken to help others during this period.

The feature highlighted how one person can have an impact on their community and the planet, how their activist circles have shown solidarity despite the lockdown and how they’ve changed the way they help their communities during this time. The feature tied back to Dove’s Plastics commitment and The Dove Self-Esteem Project.

Originally we had planned to travel around the UK for a photoshoot with each of the young women, however due to the pandemic we were unable to travel. Instead, we tasked each activist with shooting themselves and worked closely with the R29 in-house designer Montse Tanús to bring their portraits to life with collages. We chose a textural style with elements of their activism represented in each collage, such as plastic netting for Amy & Elle Meek and shells to represent ears for Sophie Billinghurst.

Each of the activists were so vulnerable and brave opening up to us and it is an honour being able to share their stories. You can read the full feature here.

Credits:

Creative Direction: Amelia Bowe

Editorial Direction: Cate Sevilla

Written By: Zoe Beaty

Designed By: Montse Tanús

Produced By: Kyla Leigh