Solent University student walks along River Itchen

Roxanne Bennett, a photography student at Solent University, set off on an extensive trek along the River Itchen for her final major project.

The project titled Icene gives a unique perspective on the river's pollution, through black and white film photography.

The Southampton-based aspiring photographer was inspired by award-winning photographer Yan Wang Preston's Mother River project.

Solent student spotlights environmental neglect through stark river photography (Image: Roxanne Bennett) She documented the river in its urban surroundings, asking viewers to consider the pollution while also celebrating the river's unusual beauty.

Roxanne said: "A large amount of these walks along the river, and trips back to photograph it, I was completely alone.

"I felt like I was able to really develop a connection with both the landscape and my camera, and this connection and understanding helped shape the way I composed my photographs."

Roxanne grew up in Watford before moving to Southampton to attend Solent University.

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She credited her time at Solent for helping her develop her technical skills and understanding as a photographer.

She said: "It's been an amazing experience and helped me gain technical skills, industry experience, and great connections.

"Learning to understand how each element of the camera works together to create the photograph has been incredibly helpful in me making high-quality images."

Her inspiration for the project was clear after a 2020 Rivers Trust report found no river in England or Wales was classed as being in good overall health.

She said: "Pollution is such a growing issue and it's only getting worse.

"Every river in Britain is now polluted and it means that younger generations will suffer if something isn't done about it soon."

Her photographs, taken over 12 weeks, aim to show the impact humans are having on the river.

Course leader of photography at Solent, Nina Sverdvik, praised the high quality of the work produced by graduating students.

She said: "Having exclusive access to a wide range of equipment and experts in the field of photography, they are encouraged to use their individual voices to explore the world as they see it and to be brave, curious, and creative in their approaches."