Marta Giaccone

Marta Giaccone was born in Italy in 1988. She is now a documentary photographer based out of Wales. In 2014 she graduated with a MFA in photography from the University of South Wales in Newport, UK. Today we share her on-going series titled, “Be Still, My Heart.”

“Briony, 19, Lucas, 2. Monmouth, UK, 2014″

“Bedroom. Monmouth, UK, 2014″

Be Still, My Heart

Be Still, My Heart is a documentary project about teenage mothers in the South of Wales, UK. Britain has one of Europe’s highest rates of teenage pregnancies and in the eyes of society this is still looked down upon.

“Jess, 19, Scarlett, 2. Cardiff, UK, 2014″

“Christina, 18. Newport, UK, 2014″

“Jaynie, 20, Maddie and Clara, 3. Cardiff, UK, 2014″

I was interested to meet young girls and help them tell their stories through photos and interviews. From as early as 16 years old they are already very brave mothers, who fight to defend their dignity with a humbling maturity. Meeting them has given me a very positive insight into this “issue”, seemingly perceived as such by everyone save the girls themselves.

“Lucie, 22, Logan, 5, Millie and Tulisa, 2. Newport, UK, 2014″

“Kitchen. Newport, UK, 2014″

“Sophie, 20, Ethan, 4, Lucas, 3. Cardiff, UK, 2014″

They are all proud mothers who have generally experienced domestic hardships but nonetheless decided to go through with their pregnancies, even though nearly always advised not to, and who now consider their children their saving grace.

“Ethan. Cardiff, UK, 2014″