For this photoshoot, I decided to explore unity within a different context, family. I focused my images on the men in my family and captured images of them in different ways, some candid and some where I instructed their poses. The aim of this photoshoot was to portray the unity between the men and boys in my family, specifically focussing on them as their is a certain stereotype around men suggesting they are tough and almost emotionless. This is why I photographed them in an emotional environment, showing the love between them.

This photoshoot took place in one location where the subjects are most comfortable – their own home. This was so that I was able to capture photographs of them in their natural place to ensure the images were an authentic representation of themselves. I think this photoshoot turned out successful as I was able to capture a variety of images which show the narrative I was aiming for.

Some unedited images:

Egypt Sunset photos

Contact sheet -

Evaluation of this shoot -

My recent photoshoot in Egypt was a very interesting one as I explored a whole new culture outside of Jersey and had many new experiences, During this shoot I took my time to try and capture both the beautiful sunsets I was encountering daily and stunning landscapes, culture and surroundings of the country. The locations I chose to take photographs of gave off a real feel to the surroundings as I was aiming to create a sense of awe towards the natural beauty but also the differences in the culture of such a different country to where I am from. However, for me one of the challenges I had to face was working with the Egyptian sun as it was very bright and sometimes gave off to much of a glare in the lens, which is why I had to consider carefully when I was planning my shoots. The weather was unpredictable at times, but I embraced it, using the natural light to my advantage, and just worked around what was the best times for me to take photographs to get the best results.

As for the technical side of things within this photoshoot, I used a combination of natural (the sky, lamps etc) and artificial lighting (My phone flash) to create the right mood for each shot. I used my iPhone 12 pro camera for the shoot in Egypt as I wasn’t able to take my canon camera with me. Some challenges came up, like the unpredictable winds which were quite large on some days or getting the right moment while people were walking around. The results were very good and I feel I really captured a lot of the specific area in which I went in Egypt while also making sure each image was telling its own story and view of Egypt.

Contact sheet -

Photoshoot 3 was all about capturing daily moments where the sunset was peaking through and making an appearance. I didn’t have a lot of structure with this photoshoot as I took them spontaneously on different days and at different times. I made sure to always have my phone readily available to me so that I could capture these images purely in the moment and not have to plan my day around a shoot.

I feel these shoots turned out great as I ended up with a huge variety of different coloured sunsets and all had different backgrounds as I made sure to take them in a new location each time. I also feel each of the photos I took have a story of their own, whether its something as simple as the connection between two people, or purely the colours of the sky.

Beach shoot –

This was a short and very minimal photoshoot where I used my little sister as a model with a sunset in the background. These photos were taken down at St Ouens beach during sunset hours. My aim was to arrive at the beach at a time where the sun was set enough to capture silhouettes of her as she walked along the beach.

This shoot represented the theme of ‘UNION’ as it shows the union between the various blend of colours in the sunset. All the different hues and shades of yellows, oranges and blues. These colours give me a sense of peace and comfort, tranquillity filling the air, knowing in these moments I can be free and relax without any worries whatsoever.

The second way it represents ‘UNION’ is the connection between nature and mankind. My sister walking along the beach brings two things together in union as she spends her time out in the nature taking it all in and enjoying being in her surroundings.

Another connection I want to mention is how both the sunset and my sister bring me Joy, comfort and peace. spending time with my sister makes me feel at ease in the same way that being surrounded by a sunset in nature also makes me feel.

I took these images using an iPhone 12 pro camera and had my sister taking a natural walk along the beach. There was no direction involved when taking these images it was all raw and natural.

Photoshoot Plan

For this photoshoot, I wanted to create a joiner of St Aubin’s Harbour. I wanted to do this photoshoot as I thought it would link well to my previous two joiners, creating unity in my work.

Camera Settings

For this photoshoot, I used Shutter Priority with an ISO of 100 and shutter speed of 1/800.

Contact Sheet

Image Selection

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.