Nicola Sturgeon Instagram – Recently, I photographed Nicola Sturgeon @nicolasturgeon 🩷
The Sunday Times calls her the most successful female politician after Thatcher. In person, what I saw was different: vivid, powerful, human.
We collaboratively captured some of that on camera; a rare glimpse into a world of women who navigate the incredible personal brand challenges in the world of politics.
Typically, when I photograph women politicians, every smile, every outfit, every pose is negotiated like it’s a national security threat.
Advisers tell them to play it safe – neutral colours, careful poses, a tightly controlled image. It’s meant to protect them from criticism that could be a distration to their political goals. But it also hides what makes them relatable.
Meanwhile, celebrities can fall out of nightclubs at 3am and people trust them to perform a brain surgery on their baby. We’ll use their healthcare and beauty products because they wouldn’t lie to us, would they?
This is an interesting parradox. We need women in power. We need people to think that a woman in charge of the decisions that affect her life is the coolest thing a woman can do. It’s hard to do that without showing personaility.
Politics is an old brand colliding with a modern reality. Authenticity is becoming the dominant currency in society. Does the future of leadership belong to those who dare to be seen in full?
📷 @saneseven
Picture editor @russocphoto
Stylist @kate_barbour
MUAH @emmasleon
Interview @decca_aitkenhead
#nicolasturgeon #sundaytimes | Posted on 17/Aug/2025 19:10:44
