Photoshoot plan

For my first photoshoot, I plan to shoot at Gronez SSI, taking advantage of its rugged coastal setting and interesting, historic arch way to create a dramatic series of images. I want to shoot underneath cloudy skies, ideally in the late afternoon, so the soft light and textured clouds enhance the moody tone of the shoot. The concept will focus on themes of isolation and resilience, and it will strongly relate to the theme origin I will capture a mix of wide shots showing the scale of the landscape and the archway, mid-shots that mix both the finer details and the landscape and then close-ups that highlight textures like the rocks or the steps. Overall, the goal is to create a cinematic, slightly mysterious visual story that highlights Jerseys history and SSIs.

Contact sheet

Selection process

My best RAW images

Basic editing

#1

Here I started by adding some basic edits.

I then added the ‘Storm clouds’ pre set to added the dramatic effect to the sky.

#2

#3

I then repeated a similar editing style for the rest of my chosen photos.

My best edited photos

Black and white

Further editing and masking

#1

#2

#3

#4

By adding linear gradients to these photo and lowering the exposure, it stops the sky from being completely blown out and it prevents the negative space from taking over the image.

Cropping experiments

#1

I added the linear gradient to the cropped photo to prevent the sky from being all bleached out.

#2

#3

Pairing experiments

#1

I think these two work well as a pair because they are very similar, they where just take from different angles.

#2

These two images work well as a comparison due to them both being of fine details at the SSI.

#3

These two images compare really well because the steps show what is this side of the wall and act as leading lines over the wall to the tower on the other side of the wall in the right photo.

Comparison to Emile Guiton

Theses two images are both of rocky features along the coast line, taken in black and white, neither images contain people and they both just focus on the environment. The rule of thirds are also very similar in these images, with the bottom three being the foreground, the middle three being the subject and the top three being the sky and background. Both mine and Emile Guiton’s image use soft, natural lighting on a cloudy day. However, these images definitely have their difference, In the left image, the subject is a man-made arch way that is further away with more negative space than the right image. Moreover, my image as a flatter, moodier sky, whereas, the right image as visible clouds and clear sky, creating a happier, more upbeat tone.

Evaluation

Overall, I’m really happy with how my photos turned out because I think they met the goal I had in mind and followed the original photoshoot plan closely. The pictures show a solid grasp of composition, lighting, and where to place the subjects, which helped make the results visually appealing and cohesive. I especially believe that the focus on detail and the careful choice of angles and framing added to the overall impact of the shots. Moreover, the consistency throughout the series strengthens the theme I wanted to express, making the final result feel well-planned and intentional. Even though there might be a few small areas to improve, I feel that the photographs clearly achieve the goals I set and effectively convey the message I wanted to share with the audience.

Art steps

For my exam project I have decided to focus on Geology and Sites of Special Interest around Jersey, theses sites are natural, preserved areas with evidence of ancient life, this is the reason why I believe it relates to the theme ‘Origins’ really well. I will approach this by producing at least 1 new photoshoot each week, each one will be at a different Site of Special Interest for each photoshoot. I plan to create between 100-200 images at each one, moreover I would like to take the photos during golden hour, either early morning or late evening

For my project I have studied two important photographers, Marli Miller and Steve Arcone, they were both experienced and influential geology photographers.

Emile Guiton

Who is he ?

Emile Guiton was born in Jersey in 1879.  He was a very active member of the Société Jersiaise – curator of the Museum, on the Executive Committee, joint honorary secretary, and editor of the Annual Bulletin. Guiton was a keen amateur photographer and practised throughout his long life.  He experimented with colour at the beginning of the twentieth century in “Autochromes”.  His subjects include the recording of archaeological excavations, and he was one of the few people in Jersey permitted to take photographs during the German Occupation of 1940 – 1945. Emile Guiton recognised the importance of collecting photographs early on, both as a valuable social historic resource and as interesting artefacts – examples of developments in science and technology.  He donated many images to the Société Jersiaise.  He died in 1972.

Examples of his work

Why did I decide to study him ?

I decided to study Emile Guiton because his work represents a significant and valuable part of Jersey’s cultural and historical heritage. His photography provides a deep visual record of the island’s past, capturing everyday life, landscapes, and social changes in a way not many other people have. Through his images, we are able to better understand how Jersey has evolved over time, making his work an essential resource for anyone interested in the island’s history.

Furthermore, studying a photographer from Jersey is particularly important for my work because it allows me to engage more deeply with local SSis. By focusing on Guiton’s work, I can explore how photography is used to document and interpret a specific place and then replicate that through my work. This not only strengthens my understanding of photographic practice but also helps me develop a more meaningful connection to these sites.

How am I going to replicate his work ?

I will replicate his work by going to a different SSI for each photoshoot and take photos in the style of Emile Guiton.

Image analysis

Technical – The lighting in this image is natural, likely with no extra artificial lighting. When Emile took this photo his aperture was most likely around f/8 or slightly higher, this is apparent because everything in focus so this suggests the smaller aperture, moreover it is not under exposed, so it is unlikely to be much higher than this. Furthermore, his shutter speed was most likely around 1/300, this is because there is no motion blur, so its unlikely to be much slower and everything is properly exposed so its probably not much faster. Finally, his ISO was probably around 200-300, this is because there is little grain in the image so it can be much higher and its properly exposed under a cloudy sky, so its unlikely to be lower.

Visual – This image has some strong visual features, first, there is a large tonal range as there is a few very dark parts, almost black, on the rocks, all the way to very bright parts, like the clouds. There is also different many different shades between, this makes for an image with a very strong tonal range. Next, this image strongly follows the rule of thirds, the foreground is the rocky beach in the bottom three, the subject, which is the cliff, is in the middle three and the sky is in the top three, this is a perfect example of rule of thirds. The rocky surface provides a very strong texture in the image, this prevents it from looking too ‘flat’ and gives the viewer a sense of connection to the image. I really like the composition in this image and the presence of negative space on the left of the cliff, this negative space of on the left and top of the cliff frame the cliff really well within the image. Finally, the hill in the background on the left acts very well as a leading line to the main subject, this draws the viewers eye inwards to the cliff itself.

Contextual/Conceptual – ‘La Cotte de Saint-Brelade. Emile Guiton, 1912‘

Steve Arcone

Who is he ?

Steve Arcone is a photographer, scientist and artist. He is known well for his macro and nature photography, he using his photography and blends it with science and geology. Some of his images include geology, ice formations and ‘abstract nature’, which often reveal patterns that and structures that are not obvious to the naked eye.

Steve Arcone grew up in Greenwich Village in New York City and went on to pursue a further education in engineering and geophysics. He has a degree from Cronell University and a PhD in Geophysical exploration from Dartmouth Collage. Before becoming a photographer, Steve Arcone worked as part of the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory studying ice and permafrost for 42 years, he then retired from this position in 2016 and and applied his scientific experience to photography.

Examples of his work

Why did I decide to study him ?

I decided to study Steve Arone because I like his scientific approach to photography and I think his style of photography will had good value to my final piece of work that I create.

How am I going to replicate his work ?

I will copy his work by taking landscapes in his style, I will use the beaches on the north coast as they are rocky and I can use that to effectively reproduce his work. I can also use Sites of Special Interest around Jersey as they have ancient buildings and rock formations that will be really effective for my photography.

Sites of Special Interest (SSIs)

SSIs are places that are considered to be of public importance because of their special zoological, ecological, botanical or geological interest, or a combination of these and other special qualities.

Image analysis

Technical – This images holds some very technical aspects. First, the type of lighting used for this would have been natural, day light, likely during mid day time. Steve Arcone camera settings would have been important to capturing this image properly, he would have used a small f/stop, likely f/8 or upwards, this is most probable due to everything being in focus and a very deep depth of field, furthermore it was mostly likely take on a standard lens at about 24~ mm focal length. Next, his shutter speed will have most likely been a fast one, something like 1/300-1/400, I know this because its not lower because there is no motion blur, he also mentioned he was flying when he took this photo so it defiantly can’t be lower, and it cant be much higher because the image is properly exposed. Finally Steve Arcone would have used an ISO of 100-200, this is the most likely setting because it does not need to be any higher as its a bright, sunny day. I can also tell there is very little grain in the image, meaning that it cant have been set high.

Visual – This image has a lot of interesting visual aspects. First off, there is a very good tonal and colour range within the image, there is blue in the sea, orange and brown in the mountains and white bits of snow, this wide range of colours makes it a very eye catching image for the viewer, there is also plenty of dark, under exposed parts, properly exposed parts and almost bleached out, over exposed areas. Next, the mountains in this image create a very good sense or texture and really makes the image seem 3D, this further contributes to how bold the photograph is. Finally the composition of this image is a very important factor of the image, this image clearly follows the rule of thirds, this is apparent because the valley and foreground are in the bottom to middle three of the image, the canyon then acts as a leading line which draws the viewers eye up the to the top three squares where the background and horizon are, containing the distant mountains, sea and sky.

Contextual/ Conceptual – “Abandoned Glacier Valley in Greenland: I took this photo along Greenland’s east coast while flying. Much sediment has been filling the valley.”

Marli Miller

Who is she ?

Marli Miller is an American photographer who specialises in geological photography, she has extensive experience in rock formations and landscapes, her images focus in on geological structures and their processes over time. Miller’s photos are widely available on the internes for free and are mostly used for educational purposes.

She studied at Colorado collage and earned her bachelor’s degree here in 1982, Miller then went on to complete an M.S. and Ph.D. at the University of Washington for structural geology in 1987 and 1992. Nowadays, she is a senior instructor and professor for Earth Sciences and the University of Oregon.

Marli Miller has authored and co-authored many influential geology books like ‘Roadside Geology of Oregon’ and ‘Roadside Geology of Washington’.

Examples of her work

Why did I decide to study her ?

I decided to study Marli Miller because her photos are really interesting and they are something I would like to try and copy. Furthermore I think that she would fit really well with my theme of Geology.

How am I going to replicate her work ?

I will attempt to replicate her landscape and geology work by going to different costal areas around Jersey to take some similar photos.

Some ideas around Jersey

Image analysis

Technical – This image has clearly been taken with natural light and has a good mix of under and properly exposed areas. This image will have likely been shot on a small aperture, something like f/8 or upwards, this is evident because everything is sharp and in focus. Moreover the shutter speed will have likely been something like 1/200 or 1/300, this is most likely because there is no motion blur in the image but there is also plenty of light in the image so it can’t have been much higher. There is no apparent grain in this image, so the ISO will have likely been 100-400.

Visual – This image depicts sand dunes in a desert environment. There is no vegetation or signs of human life, this shows a fully geological landscape, furthermore this image was most likely shot during golden hour (early morning or late evening). This is apparent because of the vibrant, warm colour, the shadow size and the grazing light. Because of how low the sun is in the sky, there is a very high contrast between the light and dark in this image, this image, however, is properly exposed and has a great dynamic range. This image mostly follows the rule of thirds as the sky and crest of the hill is in the top third, the main subject of the hill is in the middle third and the foreground is in the bottom third. Furthermore The vertical and diagonal hill crests act as leading lines that draw the views eye to the top of the hill.

Contextual/ Conceptual – This photo was taken for educational use on the formation of sand dunes at the University of Oregon.

The word Origin means the position or place where something or someone comes from, it can also refer to someone’s ethnicity or background.

I would like to explore Jersey’s archaeological and geological side.

Ideas

Nature and life beginnings

• Seed to plant
• Seeds planted in soil at different stages (seed → sprout → plant).
• Macro photos of germinating seeds.
• A hand planting seeds in soil.
• Concept: Life starting small and developing over time.
• New life in animals
• Baby animals like chicks, lambs, or ducklings.
• Birds building nests or eggs in nests.
• Insects emerging from cocoons.
• Concept: Birth and early development in nature.
• Spring season as beginning
• Budding flowers and blossoms.
• Fresh green leaves on trees.
• Bees pollinating flowers.
• Concept: Nature restarting after winter.
• Water as the source of life
• Rain droplets on leaves.
• Streams or rivers where plants grow.
• Puddles reflecting sunlight and plants.
  • Concept: Life beginning and surviving through water.
• Roots and foundations
• Exposed tree roots.
• Plants growing through cracks in pavement.
• Soil textures with small plants emerging.
• Concept: Strong foundations supporting growth.
• Cycles of life
• Flower blooming then wilting.
• Leaves growing then falling.
• Mushrooms growing from decaying wood.
• Concept: Life cycle.
• Light and growth
• Light shining through leaves.
• Plants growing toward a window.
• Silhouettes of plants against sunrise.
• Concept: Photosynthesis.

Human origins

• Evolution of humans
• Create a staged sequence of a person moving from a crouched “primitive” pose to upright modern posture.
• Photograph bones, skull shapes, or skeleton models.
• Silhouettes showing the evolution progression.
• Concept: Theory of Evolution.
• Birth and early life
• Babies or young children (with permission).
• Hands of a parent holding a baby’s hand.
• Close-ups of footprints or tiny shoes.
• Concept: The beginning of an individual human journey.
• Generations
• Portraits of grandparents, parents, and children together.
• Close-ups comparing hands of different ages.
• Family heirlooms representing heritage.
• Concept: Human origin through family lineage.
• Human connection to nature
• People walking barefoot on natural ground.
• Hands touching soil or plants.
• Silhouettes of people in natural landscapes.
• Concept: Humans originating from and evolving with the natural world.
• Cultural Origins
• Cultural clothing or traditional practices.
• Food preparation passed through generations.
• Portraits showing heritage and identity.
• Concept: Origins of human culture and identity.
• Ancient Human Origins
• Photograph caves, rocks, or ancient-looking landscapes.
• Create staged images inspired by early human life.
• Use body paint or shadows to create primitive imagery.
• Concept: Homo sapiens.

Cultural origins

• Traditional Clothing
• Portraits of people wearing traditional outfits.
• Close-ups of fabric patterns, embroidery, or jewellery.
• Compare traditional clothing with modern fashion.
• Concept: How culture is preserved or adapted over time.
• Food and Cultural Identity
• Traditional meals being prepared.
• Hands cooking family recipes.
• Ingredients arranged in a still-life composition.
• Concept: Food showing where cultures come from and how traditions continue.
• Generations and Heritage
• Portraits of grandparents, parents, and children.
• Family heirlooms or objects with cultural meaning.
• Old photographs next to new portraits.
• Concept: Cultural knowledge being passed down over time.
• Religious Origins
• Places of worship (churches, temples, mosques).
• Religious objects or symbols.
• Light entering through stained glass.
• Concept: How religion shapes cultural beginnings.
• Cultural Festivals
• Decorations, costumes, or celebrations.
• People gathering for events.
• Cultural dance or music.
• Concept: Celebrating cultural identity and history.
• Language and Symbols
• Signs or handwritten scripts.
• Books or historical texts.
• Street art or cultural symbols.
• Concept: Language as the foundation of culture.
• Architecture and Cultural Identity
• Traditional houses or historical buildings.
• Cultural design patterns in architecture.
• Old structures next to modern ones.
• Concept: Architecture showing how cultures developed over time.

Human evolution

• Evolution of the human body
• Portrait series showing different ages (child → adult → elderly).
• Close-ups of hands, wrinkles, scars, muscles to show physical change.
• Athletes vs sedentary lifestyles to show modern adaptation.
• Concept: Show the physical timeline of human life.
• Technology and human evolution
• People interacting with phones, laptops, VR, gaming.
• Contrast primitive tools vs modern technology.
• A sequence showing a person evolving from book reading → smartphone dependence.
• Concept: Humans evolving with machines.
• Primitive to modern
• Caveman-style imagery vs modern humans in cities.
• Primitive survival actions (fire, hunting tools) contrasted with modern convenience.
• Evolution sequence: crouched figure → upright → modern posture with phone.
• Concept: Theory of Evolution.
• Cultural evolution
• Clothing styles across generations.
• Hairstyles or makeup trends.
• Cultural identity and diversity.
• Concept: Humans evolving socially and culturally.
• Urban evolution
• Old buildings next to modern architecture.
• Crowded public transport vs empty natural landscapes.
• Humans appearing small in large urban environments.
• Concept: Humans adapting to modern environments.
• Human vs nature
• People surrounded by concrete vs people in forests.
• Hands touching plants vs hands holding phones.
• Pollution or environmental impact.
• Concept: Evolution causing separation from nature.
• Digital evolution
• Portraits lit by screens.
• Glitch edits to make people look “digital”.
• Reflections of faces in devices.
• Concept: Humans evolving into a technology-dependent species.
• Future human evolution
• Cyborg or robotic themes.
• Humans merged with machines.
• AI and augmented humans.
• Concept: Where human evolution might lead.

Creative symbolism of origins

• Seeds as the origin of life
• A seed sprouting in soil (macro photography).
• Seeds in a hand to symbolize human control over nature.
• A plant growing through cracked concrete.
• Concept: Small beginnings that lead to growth.
• Light emerging from darkness
• A person emerging from shadow into light.
• Light rays through a window in a dark room.
• Light shining through hands or objects.
• Concept: The origin of knowledge, life, or hope.
• Water as the beginning
• Ripples forming in still water.
• Water droplets creating circles.
• Reflections symbolizing new perspectives.
• Concept: Life beginning from a single drop or ripple.
• Roots
• Tree roots exposed in soil.
• Roots breaking through the ground.
• Hands placed in soil to mimic roots.
• Concept: Where everything begins beneath the surface.
• Eggs/ birth
• Cracked egg shells.
• Eggs arranged in patterns.
• Light shining through eggshell fragments.
• Concept: The moment before life begins.
• Life cycles
• Circular objects (rings, clocks, spirals).
• A path or road that loops.
• Natural spirals like shells.
• Concept: Origins as part of a continuous cycle.
• Hands as creation
• Hands shaping clay.
• Hands holding soil or water.
• Hands releasing something (seeds, sand).
• Humans as creators and originators.
• Broken objects becoming something new
• Broken pottery being repaired.
• Melted wax forming new shapes.
• Burned paper revealing something underneath.
• Concept: Endings can create new beginnings.

Scientific

• Origin of life
• Macro photography of cells, bacteria cultures, or mould growth.
• Water droplets containing tiny life (pond water).
• Petri-dish style experiments with colours and textures.
• Concept: origin of life from non living matter.
• Evolution and adaptation
• Different animal or plant species showing variation.
• Close-ups of leaves, insects, shells, or bones.
• Fossil-like textures or stones resembling ancient life.
• Concept: Life evolving from simple to complex forms.
• Cosmic origins
• Night sky photography with stars and long exposures.
• Light painting to imitate galaxies or nebulae.
• Ink or paint swirling in water to resemble cosmic formations.
• Concept: Big Bang.
• Chemical reactions
• Oil and water experiments forming shapes.
• Crystals forming in liquids.
• Chemical colour reactions.
• Concept: The origin of complex structures from simple chemicals.
• Patterns in nature
• Spiral shells
• Leaf veins
• Snowflake or frost patterns
• Concept: Natural patterns showing the mathematical origins of structure.
• Growth and development
• Plant growing from seed.
• Mold or fungus growing on food.
• Ice melting and reforming.
• Concept: Science explaining how life develops step by step.
• Microscopic worlds
• Extreme close-ups of fabric fibres, sand grains, or skin.
• Water droplets magnifying surfaces.
• Macro shots revealing tiny textures.
• Concept: Origins happening at microscopic levels invisible to the naked eye.

Moodboard