My statement of intent -
I have always loved Sunsets and they have always captivated me, not just for their beauty and the warm joyful feelings they give from looking at them, but also for what they tend to represent like things such as connection and harmony, this is presented through the mixture of different shades and colours that all come together to create such a unique and beautiful sight. In my project, I aim to explore the theme of ‘UNION’ through the natural merging of colours within the sunsets and using the presence of silhouettes to show another representation of ‘UNION’. My work is about capturing unity in the most unique ways and showing how it exists naturally in our every day lives.
The idea of ‘UNION’ can mean many different things to different people. For me it represents the connections and relationships that exist everywhere within our lives, for example we have a relationship with our parents which in itself is its’ very own unique relationship with inbuilt love, trust and many other factors. or the relationship between humans and animals. For example a dog and its owner; you share this unconditional love with your dog that creates a union between two different species and yet this example of a union while being very similar to the relationship between children and their parents also has its own factors and morals. there are many other natural examples of Union within relationships. More examples of this are:
- Humans & Nature
- Siblings relationships
- Romantic relationships
- Animals with other Animals.
There are even the specific unions within Nature itself such as sunsets as it represents the union of a variety of different colours that come together to create a beautiful scene in which we all call a ‘sunset’. For me I personally love sunsets, they always give me such a warm fuzzy feeling, bringing me joy, comfort and peace. They almost gives me a sense of disbelief as they are so beautiful it feels surreal. In some ways sunsets bring me a more unique meaning of union as the feelings they bring to me also give me a whole different mindset on how I view life, how I think about life and overall give me a positive mindset giving me a union to my mind and my own thoughts.
The colours within a sunset blend so seamlessly, just the way people, nature and light do, interacting without force or structure. Everything is so relaxed and natural which is what I love. I want my images to express the same feelings of peace, comfort, surrealism and joy that the sunsets bring me.
My approach to this project will focus on Silhouettes as a way to emphasize connection without distraction, By removing facial and intricate details and individual features which leaves the viewer focusing on the relationships between the chosen subjects within the images. The way they interact with each other, share the same space or interact with their surrounding environment. I plan to capture this through setting up my camera and positioning it in a way that shows the delicacy of the relationship in which is being represented and making sure the sunset is the background with the silhouettes being the main focus with the sunset being just as important. Whether its two people standing side by side, a small group of people gathered together, an owner and their dog taking a walk or even objects that naturally compliment each other, I want to highlight the togetherness without words being needed to show it.
Rather than making staged images I am completely drawn to the idea of informal union which shows the connections that happen naturally, without anything being forced and no effort involved whatsoever. I will seek out the connections between many different area of life within people, animals and nature all with very different but at the same time very closely related types of relationships. I will do this by keeping the whole process very free and open. I hope to find unity in unexpected places proving that connections exist even in the smallest. simplest interactions.
This project is deeply personal to me as I am a very sentimental and emotionally connected person who loves to find connections and relationships in everything in life. I tend to have a lot of love and care especially for the little things in life and love to make sure I don’t take things for granted, treasuring every moment and every memory I create not only by myself but with the people close to me who surround me daily, those who I have special connections and relationships with. Through my images I want viewers to feel the same happiness that sunsets bring me and the feelings they give as they almost fill me with a refreshment of the mind completely changing my mindset into realising that us as humans need to enjoy every moment of life and never take anything for granted. In a world that often highlights the negative things in life and all the differences, I hope to show people that Union is always present whether that’s in the sky, in shadows or simply just within the spaces between us. I would love for this project to leave people thinking and perhaps changing their mindset giving them a new way to look at life, giving them a nudge to focus more on what we all have in common, and to appreciate the little things in life and all the amazing connections we have right beside us rather than what we don’t have. Focus on the now and what we do have.
example –
Writing a manifesto for your sunset photoshoot project surrounding the theme of “union” is a powerful way to express your artistic intent, beliefs, and vision. Here’s an approach to creating your manifesto, with key points you can expand on:
My Photography Manifesto: Union through Sunsets
Purpose of My Work: Through my lens, I seek to capture the profound beauty of sunsets, using them as a metaphor for union—whether it’s the union of day and night, self and surroundings, or humanity and nature. The sunset is a natural moment where opposites converge: light and dark, the past and the future, the seen and the unseen. My photographs are a celebration of this convergence, capturing the fleeting yet eternal beauty of these moments of balance.
The Power of Light and Darkness: A sunset symbolizes the harmonious blend of light and darkness, each holding meaning in its own right. The light represents clarity, hope, and connection, while the darkness speaks to mystery, introspection, and quietude. In my work, I aim to portray how these two forces can coexist and complement each other, just as union occurs in the melding of differing elements, whether it’s within ourselves or in our relationships with others and the world around us.
Union as a Human Experience: Union is not just about the physical coming together of things, but also the emotional and spiritual bond we form with the world. I seek to capture human connection within the sunset’s golden glow—people standing together, embracing nature, or simply sharing a quiet moment. These images represent unity, belonging, and the shared experiences that define the human condition. The sunset serves as a metaphor for the potential we have to connect with one another, despite our differences.
The Union of Time and Nature: Sunsets are a daily reminder of the passage of time, a continuous cycle that never ceases to exist. I aim to capture the union of time and nature, as the sun sets and rises again, embodying the perpetual rhythm of life. This natural cycle offers us a lesson in the inevitability of change and the beauty that comes with it. In this light, my photos seek to reflect the importance of embracing these cycles in our own lives—accepting the union of moments, transitions, and growth.
Cultural and Emotional Connections: Sunsets hold different meanings across cultures and individuals. I want my work to reflect the universal nature of sunsets—the way they evoke feelings of peace, awe, nostalgia, or even sadness. Each sunset is unique, but it speaks to something deeper inside all of us. By capturing moments of union between the physical beauty of the landscape and the emotional reactions of the individuals within it, my photos seek to create a space where the viewer can connect with both the collective human experience and their own personal journey.
The Visual Language of Union: In my compositions, I focus on the visual language of connection—whether it’s through the blending of warm colors, the intersection of natural elements, or the silhouettes of people standing together. The sunset itself serves as the perfect backdrop for this visual dialogue, where the horizon becomes the metaphor for unity, bridging the sky and earth, the past and future. By capturing these moments, I intend to show that unity doesn’t mean uniformity; it’s the beautiful combination of different elements coming together to create something harmonious.
A Call for Unity in a Divided World: In a world that often seems divided, my sunset photoshoots seek to remind us of the inherent beauty in union. Whether it’s the union of the natural world and human experience or the blending of diverse perspectives, I believe photography has the power to unify people by showing them the beauty that exists when we come together. These images are a visual plea for togetherness and understanding, asking viewers to reflect on the moments when they feel most united—with others, with themselves, and with the world.
Conclusion: In every sunset, I see the potential for union—an invitation to reflect on the connections we have with the world around us. Through my photography, I strive to capture these moments of beauty and harmony, inviting others to pause, connect, and recognize the shared experiences that define us as humans. Union is not a destination, but a journey, and my sunset photoshoots aim to honor that journey, frame by frame.
This manifesto gives a clear, personal, and philosophical statement about the artistic choices in your sunset photography, making it a powerful tool for guiding your work and engaging your audience.