'Welsh, fat and working-class is my superpower'

Megan Winstone, a talented photographer and model from Wales, has made a name for herself in the fashion world despite facing many challenges growing up. Hailing from the small town of Abercynon in the south Wales valleys, Megan was often told by her teachers that she would not amount to much. With little to no GCSEs, autism, and a speech and language disorder, she struggled in school. However, Megan found her passion in photography, which became a powerful means of self-expression. She received her first Polaroid camera at the age of seven or eight and immediately began capturing images of her friends, family, and neighbors. Rather than focusing on landscapes or nature, she was determined to photograph the vibrant and diverse people in her community. 'I want authentic people in my work. people who usually don't get a voice,' she stated. Over the years, Megan has built an impressive portfolio that reflects her upbringing in the valleys and her punk culture influences. Her acceptance into Arts University Bournemouth based solely on her portfolio was a significant milestone in her career. Despite the change in scenery, her work continued to draw inspiration from her roots in Abercynon. She describes her hometown as a close-knit community where everyone knows each other's stories, making it easy to connect with people. 'You can just walk into people's houses, doors are unlocked most of the time. there's no initial barrier to conversation,' she explained. In 2019, Megan collaborated with other Welsh creatives, including fashion stylist Charlotte Wilcock and writer Gina Tonic, to create the Lily of the Valley project. This project was a heartfelt tribute to the valleys, showcasing the beauty and strength of working-class individuals. They shot in various locations, including her grandmother's bedroom and local chip shops, capturing the essence of their community. The project was well-received, with two images being purchased by the National Museum Wales. Megan's career took off when she received a call from Vogue in 2020, a publication known for its high-profile fashion photography. She has since photographed notable figures such as journalist Amelia Dimoldenberg and actress Dua Saleh. One of her proudest moments was photographing the American rock band Sleater-Kinney for the cover of Kerrang! magazine, fulfilling a lifelong dream. 'Being a little goth emo, Kerrang! ruled my world from age 10 onwards,' she shared. Megan believes that the fashion industry is slowly improving in terms of diversity and representation, and she credits her success to being in the right place at the right time. 'It's incredible to outlive my teacher's expectations of 'you won't amount to much' - I've now been in rooms with rock stars,' she said. As she continues to climb the ladder of success, Megan remains humble and grateful for the opportunities that have come her way.