Fashion Photography student on spending the summer working as assistant producer for Nick Knight CBE
08 September 2026
For mature student Melissa Barradell, the task to interview a creative in the industry as part of her course led to a summer internship at SHOWstudio, a role that saw her working with Nick Knight and supporting photography for Anya Taylor Joy’s cover feature for V Magazine.
Now, Melissa is preparing to continue her work with Nick as production assistant at London Fashion Week’s H&M show later this month.
We chatted with Melissa to learn more about her experience of studying BA(Hons) Fashion Photography as a mature student, rediscovering and embracing her childhood passions and working with one of the world’s most influential photographers.
You’ve just spent your summer interning at SHOWstudio — what were the highlights and what did you find most exciting about the experience?
I interned this summer at SHOWstudio for a few weeks, which gave me the opportunity to see how the studio runs. I got to spend time with the whole team and participated in jobs ranging from transporting kit to booking accommodation and black cars for Nick and Charlotte's trip to Tokyo.
The most exciting day in the role was without a doubt supporting with Anya Taylor Joy’s shoot for V Magazine. It was incredible and I took a lot away from the experience.
Can you tell us more about your time working with Nick Knight and Anya Taylor Joy?
Working alongside Nick has been surreal. He’s a man whose art I’ve adored since I was a teenager and yet I felt very at ease with him. Nick’s a gentle soul with a great sense of humour; his confidence and passion trickles through the whole team.
It was incredibly inspiring to watch him at work on the shoot; he makes it look so effortless. I noticed similarities in the way he works with how almost every other photographer works, simple things like praising the model throughout and throwing himself on the floor in a split second to capture the shot. The only difference with that being that we don’t have someone throwing a knee pad on the floor for us! Nick’s assistant, Lara, is always one step ahead.
Working alongside Anya Taylor Joy was also fabulous. She’s the loveliest person who oozes grace. She was the perfect model to wear the couture dresses which were made of paper. I chatted with Anya’s mum for a while and it’s clear to see where Anya gets her grace and kindness from, they have a beautiful relationship. Anya gave me a hug at the end of the shoot and we had a selfie. The experience was one for the memory box!
How did the opportunity come about, and what learnings will you bring with you into your third year at Falmouth?
In our second year we were asked to interview someone within the industry. I had already connected with Nick on Instagram and asked him if he’d mind me interviewing him, to which he said yes straight away and invited me up to SHOWstudio. I travelled to London in October and felt incredibly nervous, but I was instantly made to feel welcome. I recorded an interview with Nick and asked my last question: “please may I come and intern next summer?”. He said yes! I couldn’t believe it and thought it wouldn’t happen, then I received the NDA and knew it was real.
The biggest thing I’ll be bringing into my third year is more confidence. Interning in such a high-end studio and being told I’m a “fantastic photographer” by Nick Knight himself has certainly boosted my confidence. It’s also given me the determination to experiment and be more “me” rather than trying to produce art that pleases others.
How have you found your time studying BA(Hons) Fashion Photography and what have been your favourite parts of the course?
I’ve absolutely loved studying BA(Hons) Fashion Photography at Falmouth. It’s been the making of me to be honest. As a child I always wanted to be a photographer, and I’ve always adored fashion. Being able to study the two combined is incredible. The lecturers have been great and our senior technician, Susan Conlon, is a godsend. I’ve really been made to feel welcome as a mature student too, which was definitely a concern before starting the course.
What made you decide to switch career later in life and pursue fashion photography?
I previously worked for the NHS in operating theatres and wasn’t happy in my role at all. I had a bad experience at work which led me to have time off, where I reevaluated my priorities. Having been told time and time again that I’ve got “the eye”, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream. I finally found myself in a place of support and finally had enough confidence to take the risk. So many people say you end up going back to everything you loved as a teenager and here I am!
What are your aspirations for when you finish the course?
I’m still interning at SHOWstudio, and for Liberté productions, an in-house production company for SHOWstudio, as an assistant producer. I absolutely love producing, being able to slot all the pieces together to create magic is almost as natural to me as breathing.
I’m about to work with Nick again during London Fashion Week, as he is the creative director for the H&M show, so I’m assisting on the production of that. I’ll also be working with global creative agency My Beautiful City during London Fashion Week, which will be a great opportunity. But as for after university, my aim is to work as an executive producer.
External links
See Melissa’s work for yourself on Instagram
Photo credit: Anya Taylor Joy photoshoot taken by Nick Knight, with support from Melissa. Bottom two images (Lady Gaga's piano and model) taken by Melissa Barradell.
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