Final-year BA (Hons) Photography student, Anna Bradshaw, is celebrating being shortlisted for the Photo London 2026 Student Award recognising her conceptual series called I Don’t Know Where You Start and I End.
Through the series of images, Anna explores her relationship with her twin sister, who has epilepsy, and the impact health conditions has on them as individuals and siblings. Anna used technology such as thermal imaging to help her create her pieces, mixing art, science and health as a form of photo therapy and wellbeing practice.
She was one of only four shortlisted students for the Award out of 85 nominations from universities across the UK – an exceptional achievement.
We spoke to Anna about her journey into photography, discussed her photo series and what’s next for her.
“After studying photography for many years before university, I was looking to enhance my skillset to a professional standard. The diverse and impressive expertise of the photography team at BCU drew me to the course. Unlike most universities, BCU allows you to explore a variety of photography genres, allowing you to grow and develop into the area that best suits your creative strengths.
“Joe Miles' dedication and passion for the course stood out to me in a way that I had not experienced elsewhere. Combined with the state-of-the-art studio spaces and professional software, BCU allowed me to reach my full potential as an artist, a vital factor for conceptual photography!
“Through my final-year project I wanted to explore the paradox of being a twin as a negotiation between individuality and unity. This is something that follows you at every level from the cellular or biological through to your social identity. We strive to define ourselves as separate identities yet remain drawn to the early state that once rendered us as one. This project reflects on the evolution of twin identities and the delicate boundary between separation and connection.
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“For May (my twin sister) and I, epilepsy has complicated the way we exist as twins. What once appeared as symmetry has been disrupted by medical uncertainty; similarities now become points of uneven progression and comparison. The mirrored body is redefined through shifting perceptions of identity.
“By momentarily removing life’s external pressures, my work seeks a quieter space beneath illness and resentment. In that moment, there is simply presence; two bodies, coexisting. Through photography and acts of concealment, the project becomes a form of art therapy, exploring vulnerability and the fragile space where one identity ends and another begins.
“The process of photographing our shared trauma was challenging but healing. I cannot emphasise the importance of phototherapy enough. May and I have longed to find a way of healing the jealousy and resentment. Ethics are at the forefront of this process; it was vital to me that this was a collaborative effort that tackled the core of our trauma.
“When I found out I’d been shortlisted for the Photo London Student Award I was absolutely ecstatic! This was the most rewarding part! The BCU Photography team have encouraged me to flourish as a conceptual artist, providing me with endless opportunities and guidance, which led to this shortlist.
“Giving a platform to Epilepsy and Phototherapy is vital too. Epilepsy is often a hidden disability until it presents itself through a seizure, bringing awareness to the condition felt like a perfect conclusion to the project.
“Besides this, the opportunity to showcase my work at one of the most prestigious events in the UK was thrilling. Plus BCU Photography fellows Anderson and Low guided and supported me through the Photo London fair, which was a privilege!
“Now I’m about to graduate I’m exploring my options as a conceptual photographer and/or potentially in medical photography. I’ll also be continuing a photographic collaboration with Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”
All images: Anna Bradshaw
Instagram: @_annivarna
Website: www.annabradshawphotography.net