jamiylayla

A Photographic Series by Jamiyla Layla

I — Women | Richmond Park, London | June 2027

CASTING NOW OPEN

Coming Back to the Beginning is a photographic series centred on Black identity, nature, connection and the strength of unity.

The first chapter, I — Women, will bring together ten Black women of African and/or Caribbean descent for an outdoor photography shoot in Richmond Park, London.

At the heart of this project is something simple: coming back to ourselves, coming back to nature and coming back together.

I want to photograph Black women as they are. Different skin tones, features, body types, hair textures and individual characteristics are not things I am looking to change or hide. Freckles, moles, birthmarks, scars, glasses, broad noses, full lips and everything else that makes you recognisably you are welcome.

This isn’t about fitting into a particular beauty standard. It’s about being comfortable in your Blackness, being comfortable in nature and creating something beautiful together.

THE SHOOT

The shoot will take place in Richmond Park, London, in June 2027, with the exact date to be confirmed closer to the time.

Approximately 10 women will be selected.

We will spend around three hours moving between different areas of Richmond Park and photographing both individual and group portraits.

The shoot will be relaxed as well as creatively directed. There will be posed photographs, but I also want to capture genuine moments between everyone — walking, talking, laughing, connecting and simply existing together in nature.

Some photographs may involve sitting on the ground, leaning against trees, interacting with plants and the natural environment, walking barefoot where appropriate and safe, or sitting/climbing on suitable natural features.

Please only apply if you are genuinely comfortable outdoors. Grass, soil, trees, plants and insects are part of the environment. This is very much a shoot for women who enjoy being in nature.

WHO I’M LOOKING FOR

For this chapter, I am casting:

Black women of African and/or Caribbean descent, aged 21–35.

London-based applicants are preferred. However, you are welcome to apply from elsewhere if you are genuinely willing and able to travel to Richmond Park at your own expense.

Please consider the journey carefully before applying. I completely understand that unexpected circumstances happen, but because only ten women will be selected, I’m looking for people who are confident that they can commit to the shoot.

You do not need any previous modelling experience.

What matters to me is that you are comfortable being photographed, can take creative direction and are willing to experiment with movement and positioning.

CONNECTION & PHYSICAL CONTACT

Unity is an important part of the project.

Some group photographs will involve non-sexual, nurturing physical closeness between participants. This may include holding hands, linking arms, hugging, leaning against one another, resting a head on someone’s shoulder or standing closely together.

There will be no sexualised posing or intimate touching.

Everyone’s personal boundaries will be respected throughout the shoot. Being comfortable with collaborative posing does not remove your right to say that you are uncomfortable with a particular pose.

WARDROBE

The colour for this series is white, with a soft, natural and earthy feel.

Rather than everyone wearing exactly the same outfit, I want each woman to retain some individuality while still creating a cohesive look when we come together for the group photographs.

Think linen, cotton, crochet, lightweight woven fabrics and soft, flowing materials.

Suitable clothing may include:

  • White dresses
  • White skirts
  • Linen or loose/wide-leg trousers
  • Simple white tops
  • Relaxed white shirts or blouses
  • Crochet or lightweight pieces with suitable coverage underneath

Please avoid sportswear, tracksuits, joggers, leggings, large logos, graphics, prominent branding, heavily structured corporate clothing or heavily embellished pieces.

Your clothing does not need to be new or expensive, and you are not expected to purchase an entirely new outfit for the shoot. If you already own something suitable, that’s absolutely fine.

Barefoot Photography

The intention is for participants to be barefoot during the photographs, as being physically connected to the natural environment is part of the visual direction of Coming Back to the Beginning.

You can arrive at Richmond Park wearing whatever practical and comfortable footwear you choose. Shoes will simply be removed when we’re ready to photograph.

Please only apply if you are genuinely comfortable being barefoot outdoors and having your feet visible in photographs.

Barefoot photographs will only be taken in areas that are appropriate and safe to walk or stand on.

Outfit Approval

If you are selected, I will ask you to send me a photograph of your proposed outfit before the shoot.

This isn’t about judging what you’re wearing or expecting anyone to spend money. It’s simply so I can make sure everyone’s clothing works together visually before we arrive at Richmond Park.

If something doesn’t quite fit the direction, we can discuss alternatives beforehand rather than discovering it on the day.

White hats and simple white hair accessories such as clips or scrunchies are welcome where they complement the overall look.

HAIR, MAKEUP, NAILS & JEWELLERY

I’m going for a natural, stripped-back aesthetic.

Natural Black hair textures and styles are welcome, including Afros, curls, coils, locs, twists, braids and cornrows. Extensions or added hair are fine where they complement the natural aesthetic.

For this particular project, I am not looking for brightly dyed hair, colourful highlights or deliberately straightened/European-style hair. Naturally occurring hair colours are, of course, completely fine.

Makeup is welcome, but please keep it natural and neutral. Foundation, concealer and other everyday makeup are absolutely fine; I’m simply avoiding colourful or heavily stylised makeup for this series.

Natural nails are welcome. If your nails are done, white, French tip, clear or natural nude shades work best with the concept.

Jewellery is optional. If worn, please keep it understated: simple gold-tone pieces or minimal white jewellery/beads are welcome. Nothing oversized or heavily embellished.

Glasses are absolutely fine if you normally wear them.

THE PHOTOGRAPHS & EDITING

Each participant will be photographed individually as well as part of the group.

Selected edited photographs from the shoot will be provided to you for your own use.

The photographs will be edited by me using Adobe Lightroom. My editing style for this project will include colour treatment, grain, filters and black-and-white imagery where appropriate. Images may be produced in both portrait and landscape orientations.

I am not interested in digitally changing what you look like.

Permanent characteristics such as freckles, moles, birthmarks and other distinguishing features will not be treated as flaws that need to disappear. Any retouching will be minimal and may include temporary blemishes where appropriate.

The intention is for the finished photographs to remain recognisably and naturally you.

When sharing or publishing photographs from the project, photographer credit to Jamiylayla is required.

PAYMENT & TRAVEL

This is a voluntary, unpaid creative collaboration.

There is no modelling fee, and travel expenses will not be covered.

In return for participating, selected edited photographs from the shoot will be provided to you for your own use.

Refreshments and light snacks will be available during the shoot. Further information will be provided to selected participants closer to the date.

RESPECT, PRIVACY & THE ENVIRONMENT

I want this to be a relaxed, respectful space where everybody involved can feel comfortable.

You are absolutely welcome to talk, laugh, get to know one another and network during the shoot. However, everybody is expected to respect other participants’ boundaries and privacy.

If somebody shares something personal during the day, please treat that information with respect and don’t carry somebody else’s private business outside of the space.

Further participation, photography and image-use information will be provided to selected models before the shoot.

THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING

Coming Back to the Beginning will continue throughout summer 2027:

I — Women | June 2027
II — Men | July 2027
III — Together | August 2027

Women selected for the first shoot may be invited to return for the mixed shoot in August, bringing faces from the earlier chapters together in the final part of the series.

The wider project explores Black people in nature, our relationship with one another and the strength that exists in unity.

HOW TO APPLY

If this project speaks to you, please email:

jamiylayla@poemstellium.com

Email subject: Coming Back to the Beginning — Women Casting

Please include:

  • Your name
  • Your age
  • Your location
  • Your African and/or Caribbean heritage
  • Your social media handle
  • A recent, clear photograph of your face
  • A recent full-length photograph
  • A short introduction telling me a little about yourself and why you would like to be part of the project

Professional headshots or modelling photographs are not required. Clear, recent photographs are absolutely fine.

Casting is a slow and considered process. Due to the number of applications I may receive, I won’t be able to respond individually to everyone.

If you are shortlisted or selected, I will contact you directly. If you haven’t heard from me after casting has concluded, unfortunately you have not been selected for this particular shoot. You are welcome to check in regarding the status of your application.

Applications close 28 February 2027.

Photography & Creative Direction — Jamiyla Layla