Contact Sheets

Overview:

Including rejected photos:

Visualising potential photo layouts (unedited)- My photos feature either a warm and cool tone, or both. This I will keep in mind when I am deciding on my layout, along with potentially organising the different motifs, for example motifs of time (clocks/watches), methods of communication (telephones), etc.

Selection of photos I might edit:

Contact sheet -

Analysis –

For my first sunset photoshoot, I aimed to capture union through the merging colours and silhouettes, exploring how light and shadow interact to create a sense of connection. During the shoot which I took over a weeks worth of days, I focused on capturing the different colours in the most detailed way possible, to really represent the bonding and combination of different hues, colours and how they all nicely blend together to create the full sunset shown in my images. One of my main challenges I faced was not being able to control the intensity of the sunset, some days were more vibrant and colourful than others where on some days there wasn’t a wide range of colours in the sky so I had no choice but to work with what I was given. I adapted to this by taking images no matter what the sunset looked like that day to give a realistic view of daily life showing that even though not every day has an amazing sunset there is still a very visible representation of unity in our every day lives. In reviewing my images from this first shoot, I found that I was able to capture a variety of different forms of unity even just within one weeks worth of sunsets. While I also noticed that I could perhaps have taken more for each day and should have spent a bit more time trying to really capture the sunsets to the best of my ability and not being so rushed. Moving forward for the next shoots, I plan to put more time into planning perhaps a specific location in which I want to be to capture the sunset so that I create a variety of different scenes to better convey the theme of ‘UNION’ in the most natural way.

Best 3 images from photoshoot 1 -

I took this image while on the way back from a quick one day trip I had to take to London. This image captures a plane in flight against the backdrop of a sunset, viewed from a plane window. The composition of this image naturally conveys the theme of ‘UNION’ in multiple ways. Firstly through the seamless blending of warm and cool tones in the sky which symbolize harmony and togetherness. The presence of the plane reinforces the idea of the connection between places, people and moments, as air travel physically unites distant locations. The window acts as a subtle barrier yet also serves as a framing device, which emphasizes the perspective of the viewer which was me, being both an observer and a participant within the journey. The contrast between the light colours of the sunset and the almost dark silhouette of the wing of the Plane highlights the balance between movement and stillness, again reinforcing the idea that union is not just about physical closeness but also about the relationships between elements within a shared space. I would say that this image successfully reflects the theme of ‘UNION’ capturing a fleeting yet meaningful moment where nature and human presence align effortlessly hence why I feel this is one of my strongest images from this shoot.

This image features a sunset with the front of my moped positioned in the foreground on the right side, creating a visual contrast between nature and a man-made object. The composition represents the theme of ‘UNION’ by blending the organic beauty of the sunset with the mechanical presence of my moped, which also symbolizes the connection between human movement and the natural world. The positioning of my moped almost suggests a journey, either one that has just begun or one about to begin, highlighting the relationship between travel, freedom and the passing of time. The warm hues of the sunset merging with the darker silhouette of my moped create a sense of balance, reinforcing the idea that union is not always about similarity but about coexistence and contrast. This image captures a natural yet meaningful moment where two very opposite and different elements being transportation and nature exist peacefully within the same frame.

Thirdly, this image captures an almost silhouette of me walking along the beach towards the sea, carrying my bougie board ready to catch some waves with the sunset in the background, embodying the theme of union through movement, nature and self-reflection. The composition creates a sense of connection between the individual and the vast, open horizon, symbolizing the relationship between humans and the natural world. The warm merging of colours in the sunset contrast with the darker silhouette, emphasizing the balance between light and shadow, presence and absence. The act of walking towards the water suggests a journey whether that be physically or symbolically representing the unity between past, present and future. The image also reflects the natural union as it captures a simple yet meaningful moment where an individual becomes part of the landscape, merging with the elements in a way that feels effortless and natural.

For this final photoshoot, I wanted to focus on flowers, trees and grass to expand on my images from my first photoshoot. I think this was successful as I was able to differentiate the types of images I took by instructing the model to pose and interact with nature in different ways than the first time. This was because I was able to look at the photographs from the first shoot and decide what I wanted more of, wanted to re-do or change slightly or come up with completely new image ideas. So, for this photoshoot, I went to the same location as my first one to broaden the types of images I shot. Although it was the same location, the park, I discovered different areas of trees and plants that I was able to incorporate into my images. Overall, I think this photoshoot was very successful and the images from this shoot will help my project a lot.

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.

contact sheet

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What is Symbolism?

Symbolism in photography is when a photographer uses images, objects, or elements in a photo to represent something deeper or more abstract than what is immediately visible. It’s like telling a story or conveying a feeling through visual cues rather than just showing a straightforward scene. These symbolic elements often carry emotional or cultural meanings that make the viewer think about the bigger picture or a hidden message.

For example, a photographer might take a picture of a wilted flower to symbolize loss or decay, or a bird flying in the sky to represent freedom or hope. The key to symbolism is that the object in the photo isn’t just there for decoration; it has a purpose and a deeper meaning related to the theme of the image.

Symbolism has been used throughout art history, and photographers often use it to make their work more thought-provoking and open to interpretation. A simple image can be filled with emotions or ideas, allowing the viewer to connect with it in a personal way, making the photo more than just an image, but a meaningful experience.

A Mood Board of symbolism in photography -

What are some key elements of Symbolism in photography?

Symbolism in photography is a powerful tool for conveying deeper meanings, emotions, or ideas beyond the literal subject matter. Here are some key elements of symbolism in photography:

Colour –

Colours evoke emotions and carry specific symbolic meanings. For example:

• Red can symbolize passion, love, danger, or anger.
• Blue often represents calmness, tranquility, or sadness.
• Black may symbolize mystery, death, or sophistication.
• White often signifies purity, peace, or emptiness.

Photographers use color deliberately to suggest mood or convey underlying themes.

Light and Shadow –

Light can symbolize hope, truth, or revelation, while shadow can suggest mystery, uncertainty, or the unknown.

The contrast between light and dark, or chiaroscuro, can convey themes of duality or conflict (e.g., good vs. evil, life vs. death).

Composition –

Framing and perspective can suggest various symbolic meanings. For instance:

• A subject in the center of the frame can symbolize importance or control.
• A subject in the background or on the edge can represent isolation, neglect, or insignificance.
• Leading lines might symbolize a path, journey, or transition.

Objects and Details –

Everyday objects or natural elements can carry symbolic weight. For example:

• Roses might symbolize love or beauty, but with thorns, they can indicate danger or complexity.
• Empty chairs can evoke themes of absence, loneliness, or death.
• Windows or doors may symbolize transitions, opportunities, or barriers.

Gestures and Body Language -

The posture or expression of people in a photo can symbolize a range of emotions, such as vulnerability, strength, or defiance. For example, a hand reaching out could symbolize hope or connection, while crossed arms might suggest defensiveness or closed off emotions.

Nature and Environment -

Nature often serves as a powerful symbol in photography, with elements like trees, water, and the sky representing themes of growth, change, or freedom.

Urban settings can symbolize isolation, modernity, or societal issues, depending on how they are framed and the mood conveyed.

Time and Decay -

Aging objects or signs of decay can represent the passage of time, mortality, or the fleeting nature of life. For instance, an old, rusted car or crumbling buildings can evoke nostalgia or reflect themes of societal decline.

Motion blur or time-lapse effects can symbolize change, the passage of time, or a sense of impermanence.

Symbolic Use of Space -

Empty space (negative space) in a photo can symbolize solitude, loneliness, or a sense of being lost.

Crowded or dense compositions might evoke feelings of chaos, stress, or oppression.

Metaphors -

Photographers can use visual metaphors to express abstract concepts. For example, a caged bird could symbolize freedom or imprisonment, or a road stretching into the horizon might symbolize a journey, life path, or uncertainty.

Contrast and Juxtaposition -

The juxtaposition of two opposing elements in a photograph (e.g., old vs. new, man vs. nature, light vs. dark) can create a symbolic narrative, highlighting conflicts or relationships between the elements.

By using these elements thoughtfully, photographers can infuse their images with layers of meaning, allowing viewers to interpret the symbolism in various ways.

How am I going to incorporate this into my images -

When I did my shoot on sunsets, I tried to focus on a lot of symbolism and emotion to give my photos a deeper meaning. Sunsets themselves are super powerful symbols of transitions, endings, and new beginnings, so I use them to represent things like closure or personal growth. I am going to play with the light, using the fading sun to show a metaphor for hope or transformation, especially if there’s a silhouette of a person in the frame which I will also be using to represent the strength of relationships and connections within Union. I also love making my shots look dreamlike or mystical by using soft focus or mist to give the scene an otherworldly vibe to make it seem unreal, something you wouldn’t normally see or gives off a warm feeling of how surreal it feels. Reflections in water are perfect for creating a surreal, introspective feel too. On top of that, sunsets can be really spiritual, so I focus on capturing moments of quiet reflection or meditation, with the warm light representing peace or connection to something bigger. I also think about the emotional side, like how the intense colours of the sunset can mirror feelings of joy, sadness, or nostalgia, depending on the vibe I’m going for. I might have a person standing in the light, with shadows creeping in, to show the balance of light and darkness in life. Adding natural elements like trees or birds can help make the photographs feel symbolic, like representing strength or freedom. In the end, it’s all about mixing the right lighting, composition, and mood to create something that feels not just beautiful, but meaningful which is exactly what I intend to capture within my shoots for this project.

Artists who explored Symbolism -

• Oldion Redon
• Man Ray
• Francesca Woodman
• Joel-Peter Witkin
• Sally Mann

^ See other blog posts for more in depth details on these Photographers

Family Archives

Contact sheet-

The images which are highlighted green and red are the images I have chosen to edit, because they have better quality than the other photographs. They also work better with what I am researching, which is union. The images which are highlighted red are the archives that I am going to be recreating. I have chosen these images, because I think they will be the best images to recreate to represent family and how time passes, but they are also images that I am able to recreate. Some of these images are harder to recreate, due to family members living in the UK and family members that have passed away.

Family Tree

About the Archives

These archives are images my mum and dad have collected over the years, including images of there family, who have passed, as well as themselves when they were younger. These photos also contain documents of my sisters and my life.

Some of these images are slightly lower quality due to when they were taken, or the physical images being slightly damaged over the years, but they are a good indicator of not only my past, but my families past as well.

About My Family

Dad- My dad was born in England in Burnley and his parents are Tom and Gwyneth. He also has a brother called Adam, who is 2 years older than him. His parents got divorced, so he rotated between who he lived with weekly. He lived in Burnley until he was 23 and moved to Jersey Channel Islands for a job. He is a bricklayer. He then met my mum that same year.

Mum- My mum was born in Jersey and her parents were Darren and Sarah. She has a rough childhood, so lived with her nan Roselyn. She had two younger brothers named Josh and Daniel. There dad was Paul, who lived in England, so they both lived there for a while, until they also moved in with Roselyn. My mum then met my dad when she was 18. My dad worked with her uncle Simon and that how they got introduced.

Me- After dating for three years, I was born in 2006. In 2013 my sister Emily was born. We have both lived with our mum and dad our whole lives.

Robert Doisneau

Who is Robert Doisneau?

Born in 1912, just outside of Paris, life was a bit rough for him early on-His parents died when he was still very young. He was then raised by his aunt and placed in a school where he learned the art of engraving.

Then came the discovery of photography.

In the beginning, he worked in a factory as a photographer for Renault, but he could never make it on time because he would wander around Paris photographing the lives of everyday people. After a time, he was let go, but honestly, this was one of the best things that could have happened to him.

So, he went off doing magazine work and continued-doing what he loves: shooting random moments of real life. Roussel cherished taking photographs of human beings just being: kissing, laughing, getting late for an appointment, shopping, playing-nothing about model work or posing. It was simply life.

The most flattering image from him is The Kiss by the Hôtel de Ville—a couple kissing on a sidewalk in Paris, with pedestrians walking casually past. Everybody was convinced that it captured a truly random romantic moment, but funnily enough, it was staged! He had spotted that young couple earlier and asked them to kiss again during the time he took his picture. Pretty wild, right? But, although posed, it comes off so real. This is why people cherish it.

Henri Cartier- Bresson

Who is Henri Cartier-Bresson?

Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004) was a French humanist photographer considered one of the greatest photographers of the 20th century. He is widely regarded as the father of street photography and the concept of the “decisive moment.”

Cartier-Bresson was born in Chanteloup, France, and began his career as a journalist and photographer in the 1930s. He served in the French Resistance during World War II, using his photography skills to document the war effort.

In the 1940s and 1950s, Cartier-Bresson became known for his innovative approach to photography, which emphasized capturing the essence of a moment or scene in a single frame. He believed that photography should be a way to reveal the human condition, rather than simply documenting reality. He coined the term “decisive moment” to describe this concept, which refers to the fleeting instant when all the elements of a scene come together to create a powerful and meaningful image.

Cartier-Bresson’s photographs often featured everyday people going about their daily lives, but he was also drawn to capturing the beauty and dignity of marginalized communities, such as gypsies and peasants. His work often had a strong sense of narrative and storytelling, and he was known for his ability to capture complex social and cultural dynamics in a single image.