Course Facilitators
She grew up in Brighton UK and studied Fine Art Painting at Bath Academy of Art and then went on to study Social Policy at The University of Brighton. She later completed a Humanistic Psychotherapy training and an MA and MFA in Photography.
Sian has published 3 monographs with Trolley Books. Looking for Alice was shortlisted for Paris – Aperture Best Book Award and shortlisted for the Kraszna – Krausz Foundation Book Award. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including Arnold Newman Award for New Directions in Portraiture, Prix Virginia Woman’s Photography Award, and the Eugene Smith Fellowship.
Siân’s photographs are included in private collections including The Science Museum, the Bodleian Collection, the French National Art Collection, The Guernsey Museum, The Martin Parr Collection and The National Portrait Gallery.
Fine Art Representation – Michael Hoppen Gallery, London.
Commercial Representation – Gildon.
Trayler-Smith began taking pictures during her time at King's College London studying for a Law degree, Self taught, and with a deep love for the creative adventure; her commitment to the practice has led to over 25 years of success in the industry.
She has worked for numerous prestigious publications, NGO’s and commercial clients, revealing the ordinary, the everyday, the anguish, the humility and extraordinary courage of those on the other side of her lens. Her ability to blend artistry with advocacy has garnered her several awards, including two prizes in the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize and a World Press Photo Award.
In 2024, she published her first monograph Kiss it! with GOST books. Kiss it!, is the result of a long-term collaboration with Shannon, a young woman living with obesity. Over the course of 12-years, Trayler-Smith documented Shannon’s journey from teenager to adult. Shannon has been the central inspiration for Trayler-Smith’s long-term project, ‘The Big O’ focusing on obesity in school-age children and young adults. It is through this work, that Trayler-Smith has been able to deeply understand herself, and her own journey, from shame to self acceptance.
Trayler-Smith is also committed to teaching and mentoring, sharing her expertise and passion for visual storytelling.
Representation – Swerve.