As part of my graduate exhibition for the BA Photography and Visual Media class of 2026, I developed Delicate Force, a photographic project exploring the experiences of women in sport. Through a combination of portraiture and documentary photography, the work examines the relationship between strength, femininity, and physical dedication. The project brings together participants from a wide range of sporting disciplines, reflecting the diversity of women’s experiences across different athletic environments.

Rather than focusing solely on competition and achievement, the project seeks to capture the discipline, control, resilience, and quiet endurance that exist beyond the moment of performance. Challenging familiar representations of female athletes, the photographs adopt an intimate and observational approach, creating space for the young women who collaborated on the project to be seen on their own terms.

By moving away from predetermined expectations of what female athletes should be, Delicate Force offers a nuanced reflection on identity, embodiment, and the lived realities of women in sport. Through the inclusion of athletes from multiple sporting backgrounds, the project highlights both the shared and unique experiences that shape their relationship with sport, celebrating their physical strength, commitment, and individuality.