"TO think that at such a young age they fell pregnant and had to deal with all that motherhood entails is very humbling," Marta Giaccone said.

The 27-year-old photographer from Italy documented the young mums she met on the high street in Newport for an intimate photo project called 'Be Still, My Heart' as part of her degree.

Now she has been recognised with two of her pictures chosen for an exhibition in Cardiff opening next month.

Ms Giaccone was born and raised in Milan, Italy but came here to study a Masters.

She said: “I didn't like living in Newport as it was too grey and rainy, but as spring came the sight of many young mothers caught my attention and I desired to know more about them. Women have kids much later in life in Italy, so it was interesting for me, and something I definitely did not know much about. 

“I approached many girls in the streets, in shops and some at a youth centre. The average age was 18-20, with some younger and some older, who'd had their children years before. Most of them turned me down on the spot. They saw me as a stranger, which I was. Others said yes at first but then would stop replying to my texts and our appointments fell through. 

“About 20 of them or so let me go to their houses, spend time with them talking, and take a photo of them with their children. I'm very grateful to them for letting me get closer to a reality that would otherwise have been impossible for me to get access to. All of their stories were truly inspiring. They're not getting the credit they deserve. I'm not saying teen pregnancies should be encouraged, but if it happens and the circumstances are favourable then they must be faced with responsibility. 

“These young women have done so, and much more. Nearly all of them live on their own or with their partners, while the others live at home with their parents. Most of them go to college and/or work during the day.”

The only direction she gave the women was not to smile, which Ms Giaccone said she preferred because it was reminiscent of scenes of the Madonna and child.

One of her photos shown here depicts Shieka, who fell pregnant at the age of 16. 

Ms Giaccone said: “She was living with her parents then and as her mother was upset, she decided to face her responsibilities so she moved out, continued college, went on to Law school and now she has a job as well. She is still together with her boyfriend of eight years.”

Another of her favourite images shows a young boy in his room. “I really like this photo of three-year-old Tom playing amid his toys”, Ms Giaconne said. “When I entered the room he was just like that so I asked him if he could stay still for a moment. He lives with his younger brother and their mother Marie (20). Their father left and moved to another country and doesn't wish to be in touch with them anymore. Marie is doing a great job raising her two boys.”

She said some of the mothers she photographed worked, some were supported by partners or family and others received benefits. Some even found time to study at college as well as working and being a mum. 

Two photographs from Be Still, My Heart will show at Made in Wales, at Cardiff Made from September 11 to September 13.

Visit martagiaccone.com to see more of her photographs.