24 May 2025
Local snapper Stephanie Belton is used to seeing her work in print, but never on such as scale as this huge billboard poster.
The image was a commission from St Albans High School for Girls to highlight their renewed focus on single sex education in the wake of several local establishments choosing to go co-ed, proving how they defy girls’ school stereotypes.
She said: “I’ve been working with St Albans High School For Girls for the past 10 years now, capturing images for the website and social media, prospectus, and alumni magazine. They really value authenticity in all the work we do together, capturing the girls’ spirit and individuality through genuine moments in their school life.
“When they contacted me to shoot a series of images for their new campaign I was really excited to work on such a cool brief, working with pupils of different age from the prep school in Wheathampstead to the senior school in St Albans and covering a range of sports, music, drama, science, art and even go-karting, a very popular club at the prep school.
“The purpose of the campaign (by marketing agency MCC) was to challenge misconceptions about girls’ schools and show how girls are thriving in an environment free from stereotypes and bias. I worked closely with Jo White, head of marketing, planning the shoot while making sure all the girls were fully on board with the project, especially knowing their faces would be on display in large scale!
“All the girls were brilliant and excited to be involved. Part of the process was gathering from their school friends a list of adjectives which best described them, this looks so impactful alongside each portrait.
“Fast forward 3 months and the campaign is finally live! I happened to be on my way to London, catching a train with my daughter when I came across the huge billboard under the railway bridge, it exceeded all my expectations and I must admit I felt huge pride. Mimi’s portrait in her lacrosse equipment is really striking, she has such a good connection with the camera.
“I asked my daughter to take a photo for me, she had to run over to the other platform to fit the whole billboard in as it’s so big! We nearly missed our train but it was totally worth it. The photo had a great response on social media and I have received many messages from friends who spotted the ads in St Albans and Harpenden.”
