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Maria Reaney

@maria_reaney

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Documentary portrait photographer, UK
Committee member @luna.photobham
Arts facilitator
💗🇮🇪 ☘️

POSTS STORIES REELS

Inspired by my recent chat with Professor Carl Chin I decided to go through my archives. Reminiscing about when I documented the wholesale markets awoke a desire to revisit past work and identify themes.

The community, the smell, the noises, the people…. Real people. My work always explores our environment, our land and how people shape it.

In 2011 I spent a few weeks waking up around 4am to go and photograph the markets. I wanted to capture the legacy of the people, the unsung hero’s, who keep our city of Birmingham alive.

Unfortunately, I can’t remember this man’s name but I do remember he was hugely funny and accommodating. He was the man to go to when your pallet lifters broke - everyone knew him and had a story to tell. The sense of “togetherness” was always palpable.

#birminghamwholesalemarket #birmingham2011 #blackandwhitestreetphotography #marketportraits #mariareaney by @maria_reaney

Hello lovely Luna community!

The committee has seen some changes, with four people moving on due to persoal projects and obligations.

At the moment it's just Rachel @rachelsegalhamilton and Maria @maria_reaney co-leading.

For now, we're taking things slowly, looking at how to move Luna forward in the right direction for you all.

We'd like to send huge love and appreciation to our outgoing committee members:

Anu Gamanagari @gamanagari
Jaskirt Dhaliwal-Boora @jaskirtdhaliwalboora
Marta Kochanek @marta_kochanek
Rebecca Orleans @rebeccamorleans

Each brought immense talent, energy and passion to Luna and to Care and Defiance.

Their combined skillset helped make the exhibition and programme such a success.

If you don't already, follow these brilliant women to see what fantastic things they are doing next

Looking ahead, we hope to continue offering the Luna communuity support and connection, a platform for showcasing work and opportunities to develop.

Details ofour next November social are coming soon!

Rach and Maria x by @maria_reaney

Ming de Nasty

I have known Ming for many years but only recently have our paths begun to cross through our passion of photography. I am a great admirer of Ming’s photographic work and particularly her zest for creativity, activism and collaboration within socially engaged practice.

Ming has been integral to raising awareness around Queer issues and constantly champions and empowers the community through her imagery and connection.

@mingdenasty is a powerhouse of a woman and I am honoured to have her as a dear friend.

#mingdenasty #documentaryportrait #sociallyengagedartist #enviromentalportrait #documentaryphotographer by @maria_reaney

Bringing the joy of film back ✨🌿

Anu

This woman is a powerhouse. She is not only a photographer but a champion for all women in this space. Through many years of experience within the arts she constantly nurtures and empowers others. I am honoured to call her a dear friend.

Anu and I had been meaning to have a portrait making day with our Mamiyas for a while… finally we came together a month ago to play.

The process fills me with joy. The slowing down to compose an image, the concentration on light and how it flows through the scene, the mechanical noises and patience required to wait. Waiting to see the results. It’s the magic of photography.

Thanks for the super yummy food too @gamangari - you are a delight! 💚

#mediumformatfilm #mamiyarb67 #analoguelove #portraitinfilm #120filmphotography by @maria_reaney

Maria

I’ve known Maria for a few years now. She’s a visual artist with a deep passion for social justice, and I’ve always admired her enthusiasm, curiosity and drive.

A few weeks ago, we finally had a day together with our Mamiyas, day that had been in the calendar for ages. We broke bread, had a wander, talked, and sat for each other’s portraits.

If you fancy a home-cooked meal, an unofficial tour of Lichfield, and some time for experimentation and portrait-making, do get in touch. It’s always lovely when friends come visit me away from Birmingham.

#mediumformat #120film #shotonﬁlm #portrait by @maria_reaney

‘Broken Promises’ has been on show at @the_library_of_birmingham since 23 May and will be taken down tomorrow. I am hugely grateful for all the conversations, positive feedback and overwhelming reception of this collaborative year long exhibition with @hivecollege and @grain_projects .

While the engagement has been phenomenal the real highlight was working with the students to create artwork which showcases their abilities and personalities. By harnessing creativity I have watched each and every participant grow and become empowered by the therapeutic nature of using their own voice in the act of making and speaking out.

The year long partnership meant I created beautiful, poignant relationships with the participants and their families. Immersing myself into people’s lived experience is crucial to tell stories with authentic co-production and collaboration at the heart. While so many experiences are heartbreaking and fraught with frustration the spirit of coming together to share, create and support each other infuses the entire project with joy, resilience and purpose.

The experience of being celebrated for who you are is a powerful act and one I truly believe in.

I’m currently investigating new exhibition options so if you know of a great community area this fabulous work could be showed in please get in touch.

Thank you @nicola_shipley and @stephenpburke , from Grain Projects, for believing in my vision and for your unwavering support; the work you do within communities is outstanding and I am honoured to be a small part of it. Huge thanks to The HIVE College and Arts Council England also.

#BrokenPromises #SENDawareness #disabilityawareness #mentalhealth #photography creativehealth creativearts by @maria_reaney

Better late than never… I’m delighted to share four of my photographs were selected for the ‘Do you like love’ @shutter_hub editions book.

These beautiful books are professionally printed on silk Matt and bound with the most poetic curation. I’m so happy my photographs sit within a publication alongside such talented International photographers and thoughtful production.

Shutter Hub levels the playing field through this incredible initiative, among others, for so many photographers worldwide and I’m truly grateful to be included. Shutter Hub editions are held in many international collections including the British Library, the V&A and the Portuguese Centre of Photography. The books are on sale worldwide and in several UK stockists. 💚

Check out their latest open call for ‘The Colour Library - Yellow’ which closes at 5pm today. Link below 👇

https://shutterhub.org.uk/opportunity/the-colour-library-yellow-a-shutter-hub-editions-publication/

#photographycommunity #shutterhubeditions #documentaryportraitphotographer #photobooks #socialdocumentary by @maria_reaney

#BrokenPromises by @Maria_Reaney continues till the 20th July 2026 @the_library_of_birmingham

To create the project Maria worked with six young people from across the city and wider West Midlands region to explore the impact of the cost of living crisis, government policy and living with a disability. These collaborative stories speak of perpetual struggle in today’s inconsistent and unequal society.

“In Birmingham, a significant portion of those in poverty are either disabled or live with someone who is disabled. Data from the West Midlands Combined Authority states nearly 50% of those in poverty live with a disabled person. Additionally, the regional disparity in poverty for children with disabilities is notable, with a report showing that 40.8% of such children in the West Midlands live in poverty.”

This work is driven by the need to celebrate the uniqueness and majesty of humanity; highlighting the beauty and diversity of everyday people.

The project is supported by HIVE College and Library of Birmingham. by @maria_reaney

My son Billy is now 12 and in year 7 at secondary school. One of my main worries and concerns as a parent is gaming.

The immense time which can be swallowed up by sitting, pressing buttons, tension, irritation, frustration, laughter and shouting doesn’t sit well with me.

The loss of connection with nature, freedom and being an individual gets lost in a firm attempt by gaming and tech companies to keep children, young people and adults chasing the fast paced “buzz” of short lived dopamine hits. This is the cycle which creates addiction and play becomes an unhealthy and sometimes dangerous habbit.

Do you put limits of your child’s gaming time and does it work?

#kidsgaming #gamingtrauma #wellbeingmatters #play #documentaryphotography by @maria_reaney

🌿Collage making 🌿

Yesterday we came together at @the_library_of_birmingham, in the Wellbeing Zone, to create collage work around the therapeutic nature of art and what helps us to heal for Healing Arts Week in Birmingham.

The day was intended to celebrate those with disabilities and learning differences but due to the heatwave the 2 minibuses of students from @hivecollege were unable to make the event but we will reschedule.

We continued the day and welcomed participants visiting the city from Spain, Wales and even China. We all connected around a table and slowed our worlds down by being in the moment and chatting with one another. We covered many topics including poetry, music and how being in nature makes us feel.

Everyone who came commented on how much they’d enjoyed the experience and would definitely do more. When we make time for art we’re making time for ourselves. We’re slowing our hectic lives and embracing joy through creation in the moment. It’s scientifically proven that our naturally occurring serotonin is increased along with dopamine while viewing and making art. Your stress is reduced, your sense of achievement heightened and you internally applause yourself and others.

“Many thanks for creating spaces for tranquility. How nice to be able to stop and enjoy culture with other people. Mil gracias!”

Pilen, Spain

In partnership with @bcchealthybrum @jameelartshealthlab @who and @grain_projects

#HealingArtsBirmingham #HABrum #creativehealth #publichealthmatters #therapeuticarts by @maria_reaney

I had the pleasure of facilitating a community discussion and dissemination yesterday around disability, SEND and how creativity has a positive impact on health for Birmingham’s first Healing Arts Festival in partnership with @bcchealthybrum and @jameelartshealthlab

We discussed the photography exhibition, Broken Promises, currently on show at @the_library_of_birmingham until 25 July in collaboration with @grain_projects. I worked with @hivecollege to engage the students with photography and anthotypes (camera-less photography with organic matter) to impart photographic skills as well as the joy of creating to reclaim their own narratives.

One of the students , @zain_khan2023467, was part of the panel and discussed his experiences of being a participant in the project. He stated it improved his self confidence and how to express himself. He loved the experience and continues to be part of the wider process.

The Assistant Principal from The Hive College was also a panel member who echoed Zain’s sentiments and reinforced the huge benefits and transformative learning qualities of using creativity. She noted one student in particular had made enormous headway in her communication skills and presence. Music to my ears.

Our final panel member was Barbara Perry, a SEND educator, and creator of Inclusive Story Maps, who supports and champions children who learn creatively. She introduced her artistic way of teaching, conveying how small tweaks to include solid connection and intention within work establishes more comprehensive engagement.

The afternoon was filled with powerful and inspiring insights which I will carry forward as I delve further into this landscape of health, education and the arts. Thank you to all who attended and contributed.

@clare.reaney.dickinson 📸

#HealingArtsBirmingham #brokenpromises #HealingArts #HABrum creativehealth by @maria_reaney