My name is Ayla Mung'au, I was born in the north of England in 2001, and I am half Kenyan and half British.

Despite only getting into photography and film specifically at the age of 15, I have always been a very visual person, always preferring comic books over plain written novels, and always being drawn to anything in school that allowed me to play with my imagination such as art and creative writing. Outside of school, I've always presenting myself in my own way with my alternative style often projecting itself into my work.

When it comes to my work, I juggle my passions for both film and photography, most of my subjects being people who could be seen as "outsiders"; mostly both. My reasoning for this is because it's what I most relate to. Growing up as the only mixed race girl for miles and also one of the only people who enjoyed dressing differently has inspired to me go out and search for other people who may feel the same way and get their face out there not only for their gain but also to show others that they're not the only person who feels different; something that I didn't really have as I was growing up. Due to this, most of my recurring models are either LGBT+, part of an alternative fashion community, or have something about them that makes them stand out. This isn't to say I only photograph/film people who clearly stand out, truly I find all people interesting even if they don't.
When it comes to my inspiration, it can come from just about anywhere. I'm someone who will subconsciously take things in without fully acknowledging it, however, a few artists that have really helped me along my journey would be Quintin Tarantino for his expert storytelling, Cindy Sherman for her self portrait style, and Baz Lurman for his use of colour in film, everything else is completely my own. My own personal style involves working with bright colours, framing my subjects as their own main characters and representing those who lack representation.

Currently I am based in Devon, where I continue to photograph those around me. My end goal is to break the tradition of filmmakers, being a female, mixed race LGBT+ creator, and maybe even one day bring back an oscar... Okay, that last one was a little far fetched, but a girl can dream.