Photography student reflects on making the Photo London Student Awards shortlist
03 June 2026
Final year BA(Hons) Photography student, Madison Hafner, has recently been nominated as one of just four shortlisted students in the Photo London Student Awards.
Having been selected by a panel that includes Fiona Shields, Head of Photography at The Guardian; Lisa Springer, Curator of Photography at the V&A; Kimberly Hoang, Picture Editor at the British Red Cross; and photographer Mimi Mollica, Madison’s recognition celebrates the imaginative and skilled work she has created during her time at Falmouth. Fresh from her nominated photograph, Domestic Fictions, being displayed at the Photo London exhibition in May, Madison has been able to showcase her work to a wide audience at the UK’s premier photography fair, positioning herself as one to watch.
We spoke with Madison to learn more about the shortlisted piece, what drew her towards the study of photography and how Falmouth has encouraged her to experiment and embrace her own authentic style.
Can you tell us what you hoped to explore within your shortlisted photo, Domestic Fictions?
With Domestic Fictions, I wanted to explore the space between the tangible and the fictional, using photography to reinterpret everyday life from an altered perspective.
This work developed organically as an initial desire to transform mundane environments into something playful and absurd. From this, I began to question the ways in which we choose to construct ideas of normality within our day-to-day lives. By creating handmade props and combining these with familiar imagery, I experimented with the theatrical potential of ordinary environments. The sets were intentionally imperfect, revealing clear signs of construction. By doing so, I intended to create imagery that is both familiar and artificial, further reflecting my interest in the space between the mundane and the surreal.
The story behind my work is grounded in a natural curiosity of the outside world. I find it important to encourage new ways of seeing, particularly when falling into monotonous routines. Through playful experimentation and subtle absurdity, I choose to see everyday reality as something transitional; something which is intangible and unrestrained.
What other images have you captured during your time at Falmouth?
Whilst this project has been developing over a large chunk of my three years spent at Falmouth University, I have also had the opportunity to experiment with other photography styles and approaches.
Heavily rooted in portraiture, I was able to develop my own visual language through practise and repetition. From studio to fashion and documentary, I gained an insight into the different styles of photography I enjoy. This interest has carried over into my more conceptual work, where I combine a love for both fine art and fashion.
What interests you most about photography? Do you remember when you first knew you wanted to pursue it as a degree?
What interests me most is its ability to transform the everyday. It can simultaneously sit between reality and invention, and it’s this very curiosity that excites me. I’ve found that I mostly enjoy it when developing a project. I like to work instinctively, allowing space for discovery and experimentation.
I grew up in a fine art setting, often drawing and painting as a child. However, I was only really introduced to photography within my school classes. From that moment, I knew that I could combine my existing passion for art with a medium which felt versatile and limitless, leading me to study BA(Hons) Photography.
How have you found your time studying at Falmouth?
I have absolutely loved my time studying on Falmouth’s BA(Hons) Photography course. Not only does it have amazing facilities, but it also has staff who are genuinely passionate and willing to help. They encourage open experimentation and ensure that we can explore all the different routes available, helping us to develop our own personal and authentic style. As a result, I feel much more prepared and confident to continue my photography practice outside of university.
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