On Friday 17th October, our year 11 GCSE Photography students took part in a trip to West Mersea and Beth Chatto Gardens, as part of their Natural Forms coursework project. The day provided a fantastic opportunity for students to explore and photograph a variety of natural textures, patterns and forms in two very different environments.
At West Mersea, students were encouraged to experiment with composition and perspective along the beach, capturing the rugged beauty of the coastline. The weathered driftwood, pebbles, and boats resting on the shore offered endless opportunities for creative close-up shots, with many students focusing on the interplay of light, shape and texture. The location’s natural contrasts from soft sand and seaweed to rusting metal and peeling paint provided the perfect setting to develop their technical skills and creative eye.
In the afternoon, the group visited the tranquil Beth Chatto Gardens, where students were able to capture a different side of the Natural Forms theme. The gardens’ stunning variety of plants, foliage and water features inspired thoughtful close-up photography, with students experimenting with depth of field, focus, and colour. The rich autumn tones and organic shapes throughout the gardens made for some truly beautiful compositions.
The trip was an excellent opportunity for students to gather original imagery to support their coursework, while also strengthening their observational and technical photography skills. Students were incredibly proactive throughout the day, exploring independently, seeking out unique angles and compositions, and showing real enthusiasm for developing their ideas. We’re looking forward to seeing how they develop these images further in their final projects.