Introduction to Hiraeth

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to view Hiraeth, a curated photographic exhibition by Welsh photographer Joann Randles. This body of work offers an intimate and atmospheric exploration of Welsh life, culture, and identity, capturing moments that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. 

Rooted in the untranslatable Welsh word of “hiraeth” a profound sense of longing, belonging and emotional connection, this collection reflects Joann’s commitment to preserving stories, traditions and landscapes that risk fading in an ever-changing world. Through images grounded in mood and memory, Hiraeth invites audiences not only to observe, but to feel, to reconnect with place, heritage and the quiet significance of what might otherwise be lost.

As a professional photojournalist and BPPA member (British Press Photographers Association), with a speciality in portraiture, a defining aspect of Joann Randles’ work is her commitment to capturing each image entirely in-camera, without digital manipulation or heavy post-production. Every photograph is the result of timing and a deep sensitivity to light, atmosphere and composition. This approach preserves the authenticity of each moment, allowing the viewer to experience the scene as it truly was – honest and emotionally grounded. In an age where digital enhancement in photography is commonplace, this dedication to purity of process gives Hiraeth a distinctive integrity, making each image not only a visual record but a genuine encounter.

Joann’s work is also deeply informed by her personal ties to Wales. Born in Carmarthen and raised on the Pembrokeshire coast in Tenby and Saundersfoot, her connection to the landscapes and communities she photographs is lived rather than observational. With family roots in Wales stretching back centuries, that sense of continuity runs through her practice. Her photography reflects an innate understanding of Welsh culture and heritage, capturing not only physical spaces but also the layers of memory, identity and belonging that sit within them.