Photographer Bryony Coles Achieves Vogue Feature with Derry Girls Star
Typically, having work published in Vogue is an achievement reserved for established industry professionals. However, for Bryony Coles, a photographer from Belfast, this aspiration became a reality.
Coles described the experience as "truly insane" upon learning that a photoshoot she organised with Saoirse-Monica Jackson, known for her role in Derry Girls, would be featured in Vogue.
The photoshoot was conducted at a property on Lawrence Hill in Londonderry and highlighted local creative talent.
"Needless to say the group chat was on fire that day," Coles said.
She expressed that working with Jackson was a long-held ambition. Coles explained the process candidly, stating,
"One of those people I have always wanted to work with was Saoirse. I'd like to say there was an official way that this came about, but in reality, I reached out to her on Instagram asking her if she would like to do a photoshoot with me."
Initially, Coles experienced "imposter syndrome," doubting Jackson would respond and expecting her message to be ignored.
"To my surprise, she said she loved my work and would really like to work with me."
The location for the shoot was identified by Coles through a house buying website, and the sellers consented to the photoshoot taking place there.
Following this, the project gained momentum when Jackson's PR team informed Coles that an interview with Vogue had been secured and that the photos would be included.
"We had no inkling that the shoot was going to be used for Vogue," Coles remarked.
Jackson’s Vogue Feature and Coles’ Dream Realised
The Vogue article includes Jackson discussing her rise to fame through Derry Girls, her varied roles across theatre, television, and film, and her collaboration with series creator Lisa McGee on the new show How to Get to Heaven From Belfast.
Coles reflected on the secrecy surrounding the project prior to publication,
"It was a hard secret to keep as we weren't able to share anything until Vogue did.
At some points we wondered if it was even going to happen, but when the article finally dropped, we all went a bit mad sharing posts.
It was my dream to work with Vogue and have my 'Devil Wears Prada' moment so to be able to now say that I am a Vogue-published photographer, truly is insane."
Coles has been a dedicated advocate for home-grown talent on the island of Ireland. With over a decade of experience in photography, she stated,
"The strongest work I have created has been right here at home."
Local Creatives Collaborate for the Photoshoot
Newry-born Caolum McCabe and Karen Hegarty, from a rural area in the Sperrin Mountains, crafted bespoke tailored pieces for Jackson to wear during the shoot.
Coles expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration,
"We were all just super stoked to be working with Saoirse as each one of us admires her and her work."
Trainee hairdresser Roisin McMenamin described the opportunity to have her work featured in Vogue alongside Jackson as a "real pinch-yourself moment."
Insights from Trainee Hairdresser Roisin McMenamin
Speaking with BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today, McMenamin, from Strabane, County Tyrone, recounted receiving an unexpected call from a cousin involved in the photoshoot.
She noted the rarity of such an opportunity for hairstylists, especially those still in training,
"Not many hairstylists, especially whenever you're still a junior hair stylist still training, would get into Vogue."
McMenamin praised Jackson's approachable nature,
"Saoirse was just so lovely, so down to earth, so that made it a lot easier - I would do the whole day again in a heartbeat."
The styling of Jackson's hair was a collaborative effort, with careful preparation to ensure the desired outcome.
"We were very well prepared and made sure everything just went right."
She emphasized the talent within the local creative community,
"The creative scene here is really talented and it is great that we are being recognised, you don't need to move away from home to be recognised by the big brands."
Makeup Artist Aoife Boyle Reflects on the Experience
Aoife Boyle, a bridal makeup artist from Ballyshannon, County Donegal, became involved in the project through social media connections.
She expressed pride in the team’s recognition,
"To see all our names credited under the photographs is a very proud moment. It's like a faraway dream - something you would never have thought would happen. It's just surreal."
Boyle described the collaborative process among the different teams to achieve the intended look.
She detailed her approach,
"You look at the clothes, the location, and the backgrounds you are working with. I also did a lot of my own research on the make-up, about how Saoirse likes to wear her make up.
When she sat down, I asked her what she disliked so I knew what to avoid, because you want her to like it, more than anything."
