Photographer shares stunning pictures of Hove and the coast

Gessica Puglielli

When and why did you get into photography?

From early days, visual arts have been part of my daily life. As my father is a painter and an amateur photographer, one of my very early memories is of him teaching me how to use his Olympus and watching him while he’d master painting sceneries using oil on canvas.

It would only be logical that I ended up attending arts school and becoming a designer. That was just my natural path.

British seaside at its best

What do you love about taking pictures?

I have always been interested in catching the emotions that come from being exposed to the honest truthfulness of nature, wildlife and the outdoors. I am in a state of bliss when I get the chance to photograph wild animals. I love shooting in black and white as it usually fits the mood of most of my photography and removes the noise that comes with saturated colours, however there are times where use of colour better serves the purpose.

Summertime in Hove

Although I usually focus on nature, I sometimes find myself intrigued and drawn to the human form, especially when the subjects aren’t aware of the camera. I’m trying to explore different genres and go outside of my comfort zone, so I’m currently playing with street photography or just photographing emotions rather than places. I’m also trying to learn more about storytelling through photography and I recommend reading The Photography Storytelling Workshop book by Finn Beales.

Portrait of a seagull

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Where is your favourite place for taking pictures?

Photography for me means painting emotions with lights and shadows, so it’s not much about the subject or the place, but the story and what it communicates to me and to the audience. I love taking photos on the coast or wherever I travel to. Anywhere with stunning sunsets, quirky subjects and beautiful wildlife, really. So I’m lucky I live in Sussex, as you get pretty much all of that here.

Cuddly deer at Petworth

What equipment do you use?

I’m currently using a Canon 6D with a Canon EF 24-105mm lens and a Canon EF 100-400mm L IS zoom lens. I’ve used Canon for many years now, but also tried Nikon, Sony, Panasonic and Fuji in the past, but once I started with Canon it was love at first sight. I’ve owned a Canon 5D Mark IV, a Canon 1200D, and a Canon 1300D before the 6D. I don’t own a point and shoot as my iPhone 12 Pro Max suffices for my on-the-go quick shots. I am also evaluating getting a mirrorless, I think I’ll be ready for the switch soon. For action shots and under-sea videos I own a GoPro Hero 7 Black. Once I’ve taken my shots, I develop my RAW files into either Lightroom or Skylum’s Luminar AI. If needed I also use Photoshop for more complex editing.

What’s you favourite picture?

Choosing my favourite photo is really hard. it’s like asking a parent who’s their favourite child. I think the one of the deer with the birds on his back really is one of my favourites.

Gessica's favourite picture

Why did you join the club?

I love the Argus Camera Club because it gives everyone a chance to display their photos, it’s a friendly online club, and I find it very inspiring. And six of my photos made it into the Argus in the last year, so I’m really engaged with the club.

Seagulls fighting on on the Palace Pier

Any tips for others starting out?

Don’t worry too much about getting likes on social media or being popular. Learn the craft, get the right kit for the type of photography you’re interested in but mainly photograph what you love and what makes you feel good. Photography is technique, but lots of it is instinct and passion. If you don’t realise time is passing by when you’re taking photos, when you are in the moment and nothing else matters when you’re trying to get the right shot, then you’re doing it right. And also, challenge yourself to get better at it every day.